Lesson 21 - The Means of Grace
Essential Question: What is a sacrament?
After you have watched this video together, discuss the essential question for this lesson:
What is a Sacrament?
Discussion questions for AFTER confirmation class:
In class your child learned what a Sacrament is and what it must hold up to.
Ask your child to describe what a Sacrament is.
A Sacrament is instituted by God, forgives our sins, and has a visible element.
If you are familiar with Sacraments in other denominations, discuss why we do NOT consider those Sacraments in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Marriage and confirmation were discussed in class. Other examples could be reconciliation (confession and Absolution) and ordination. Baptism is the Sacrament we will be learning about over the next few lessons.
Discuss with your child to recall how we know that Baptism is a Sacrament using the three things it must hold up to.
Where does Baptism come from? (Acts 2:38)
Baptism comes from the Holy Spirit, God Himself.
Does Baptism forgive sins?
“For the forgiveness of your sins.” Yes, Baptism forgives sins.
Does Baptism have a visible element?
Baptism uses the visible element of water.
Lesson 22 - Baptism, Parts 1 & 2
Essential Question: What is baptism and what does it do?
After you have watched this video together, discuss the essential question for this lesson:
What is Baptism and what does it do?
Discussion questions for AFTER confirmation class:
Recite together from the catechism:
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.
Which is that word of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
What benefits does Baptism give?
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.
Which are these words and promises of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16
In class we learned about God's commanding Baptism FOR YOU, and talked about who your child was baptized by and who is really doing the baptizing. Talk about when, where, and who baptized the members of your family. Discuss how Baptism is a Gift of God through the Holy Spirit’s work through water and the Word.
Talk with your child about who is meant by “all nations” when God commands Baptism in Matthew 28:19.
All nations includes everyone - including infants.
Lesson 23 - Baptism, Parts 3 & 4
Essential Question: How do you live as a baptized child of God?
After you have watched this video together, discuss the essential question for this lesson:
How do you live as a baptized child of God?
Discussion questions for AFTER confirmation class:
Recite together from the catechism:
How can water do such great things?
Certainly not just plain water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” Titus 3:5-8
What does baptizing with such water indicate?
It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?
St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4
In class, we talked about many places in Scripture where God works through water. Recall with your child some of these and how He works through water.
Luther names our outer, old nature “Old Adam.” He named the inner, new creation “New Adam.” Ask your child to describe what the Old and New Adam are and why does this make daily forgiveness of sins so important?
Discuss with your child things you can do to remember your own Baptism.
We discussed in class about living as a baptized child of God, and therefore living to the benefit of your neighbor, and do good works for them, not because you have to, but because your neighbor might need it. Discuss with your child ways that your family does, or can help your neighbor (not necessarily a person who lives nearby) and how to live as a baptized child of God.
Lesson 24 - The Rite of Baptism and Remembering Yours
Essential Question: How is the rite of baptism a gift?
After you have watched this video together, discuss the essential question for this lesson:
How is the rite of baptism a gift?
Discussion questions for AFTER confirmation class:
In class, we looked in our hymnal to answer the question What does Baptism look like? (LSB p.268). We talked about which objects are used in the baptismal rite to teach. Ask your child if they can recall what some of those objects are:
Why do we receive the white garment?
Christ Himself says that those who stay in the faith will be clothed in white garments. The white garment shows that we are washed clean through Christ and symbolizes the inheritance that we will receive on the Last Day.
How is receiving the burning candle comforting?
Christ is the Light of the world. The burning candle gives us comfort by reminding us that God will keep us in His light always.
You may choose to share with your child these objects from their Baptism, as well as those of other family members.
As we learned about the parts of the Rite of Baptism, we also talked about who sponsors are. Share with your child who your sponsors are, and talk about their sponsors as well. If you have pictures from family Baptisms, you may choose to sit down with your child and look back at these pictures and this important day in each person’s life.
In going through the Rite of Baptism, we see the candidate [or their sponsors] renounce the devil, his works and his ways. Discuss with your child if this is something we can do on our own.
There will be no class on April 9th or April 16th.
FIRST
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.
Which is that word of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 28:19)
SECOND
What benefits does Baptism give?
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.
Which are these words and promises of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)
THIRD
How can water do such great things?
Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” (Titus 3:5–8)
FOURTH
What does such baptizing with water indicate?
It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?
St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Rom. 6:4)