New Apostolic Church
International

… May these words accompany us through the days ahead!  Let us examine this “togetherness” a little more closely. …

… In the divine service, Jesus grants us His word, His grace, His body, and His blood. …

… No matter what the coming months may hold in store for us, in faith we focus on the day of the Lord!  We firmly believe that the Lord will come in order to take  us   to Himself. …

… As he later related, the word of God touched his heart deeply. On 23 June 1991 he was sealed, and ten months later he was ordained to the Priest ministry. …

… And no matter where you look, the experiences from the months of the corona pandemic speak a clear language. The District Apostles reported in detail on congregational life in their countries. …

… They were not only created with one another but also for one another, and have the same commission to have ‘dominion’ over the earth, in other words, to shape and protect it. …

… “In New York we have had some rough months,” said District Apostle Helper John Fendt with sadness. …

… In Darmstadt itself, a small congregation was permitted to assemble this Sunday for the first time in months—amounting to 44 participants in the large church. …

… We too are called to proclaim the praises of God, to profess our faith in Christ, and to allow others to discover the love of God for them through our words and deeds,” appealed the Chief Apostle. …

… The sermon takes on a high priority in divine services of the New Apostolic Church: "There we hear God's word and will, and there people can clearly see what New Apostolic Christians believe, how we are …

… In other words, what fits with the New Apostolic Church? …

… Stronger presence in social media For some months now, Björn Renz—formerly the creative director of an international communications and advertising agency—has been occupying himself with the question of …

… Announcements and Profile Under "Current" actual announcements appear as well as the Word of the Month and, for example, posters from the European showcase series. …

… What was a rainy and dull day quickly was all forgotten when the gathered district of Kitchener experienced the warmth and love showered to all from the Chief Apostle words of hope and blessing during …

… In his own words, Chief Apostle Leber expressed from the outcome of the divine service how he felt very connected to the congregation – after all he lived in this exact area while attending University …

… Friday, April 12, 2013: Months of planning and anticipation culminated with the visit of Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber to Kitchener to conduct a special divine service on the occasion of the retirement …

… The exact wording of the statement by Chief Apostle Leber is as follows: “It is with respect that I received today’s announcement of the Pope’s intent to relinquish his pontificate at the end of the month …

… Chief Apostle Leber, who also brought these thoughts to expression in January’s Word of the month , directed the following appeal to all New Apostolic congregations around the world: “Let us profess that …

… He emphasised at the same time that the perceived restriction in the Bible text from Apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians—namely the words: “especially to those who are of the household of faith”—was …

… Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber also shares his thoughts on the topic of “Doing good works” in his Word of the month for January 2011.   …

… Proclaiming the gospel through word and deed The divine service in Berlin-Lichtenberg was characterised by the Chief Apostle’s interpretation of the Bible text recorded in Luke 9: 60: “[…] but you go …

… Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber’s New Year’s message can also be found in the Word for the month of January , which is entitled “Perseverance”.  …

… "All has its time, and all projects has its hour" - starting with these words chief apostle Wilhelm Leber sends an information letter to the world-wide district apostles concerning the retirement of district …

… District apostle helper Henri Higelin celebrated his 65th birthday a few months ago. …

… The brethren of the New Apostolic Church of Switzerland had already been informed months ahead of time about what was to transpire on this momentous Sunday morning: their hitherto District Apostle Armin …

… During the festive divine service in Zurich-Hottingen, Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber thanked the retiring District Apostle with emotional words. …

… The first Sunday of Advent 2007 will be a special date in the New Apostolic Church: this will be the first time that the new format of the “Word of life” will be used for the divine service. …

… In January 1989 the then Chief Apostle Richard Fehr introduced a revised monthly circular known as the “Word of Life”. It had a smaller layout and contained significantly less text. …

… The current revision will be known as the “Divine Service Guide—A monthly for the ministers of the New Apostolic Church.” …

… A detailed explanation on this subject will appear in both the Church magazine “Our Family” and the monthly “Word of life” circular for ministers. We will publish a brief summary here. …

… A detailed explanation on this subject will appear in both the Church magazine “Our Family” and the monthly “Word of life” circular for ministers. We will publish a brief summary here. Zurich. …

… Around 320,000 readers visit the site every month (with about 1 millon page impressions). There are also peak times. …

… The "Word of the month", an article taken from a divine service by the incumbent Chief Apostle, is also very popular. In this area alone there are approximately 10,000 hits. …

… In other words, we have to do much more than we have in the past. [...] …

… The international publication appears once each month. The edition of 5 April 2006 will publish a comprehensive interview with Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber. …

… In his serving from the altar, Chief Apostle Richard Fehr mentioned the fact that the word "repentance" is not very popular with all people, but that it is imperative and signifies a return to divine order …

… The chief apostle - who began his 17th year of office this Pentecost - chose a word of greeting from 2 Peter 3: 9, which he addressed to all New Apostolic Christians throughout the world: "The Lord is …

… Already on the Saturday prior to the Pentecost service there was a workshop on the subject of the "Word of Life" 1 , during which the apostles were made aware of generally applicable rules for drafting …

… The New Apostolic Church recognizes that its task is to impress God's word and commandments upon all people, to administer the sacraments of Holy Baptism, Holy Sealing, and Holy Communion, and to conduct …

… The Holy Scripture, together with the timely word inspired by the Spirit, comprises the basis of its teaching, whose aim is to declare God's plan of redemption and to prepare believing souls for the promised …

… Within a period of three months the party concerned can bring counter-arguments against such decision on which the board of directors — in a quorum of three members — will decide after the party concerned …

… … Himself to mankind. His revelation is a declaration of divine nature, divine truth, and divine will, and is to … into His nature. God thereby makes Himself known as the Creator of heaven and earth, the Deliverer of Israel, … but also an encounter which God grants human beings in word and sacrament. …

… The self-revelation of God in the visible creation is accessible to all human beings. Since the beginning of time, man has observed the grandeur of nature and … self-revelation throughout history, that is through His word addressed to human beings, that the nature and will of … …

… 1.2.1 Content and structure of Holy Scripture …

… 1.2.2.1 The origin of the Old Testament canon …

… For the early Christian congregation, today's Old Testament comprised the actual Bible. In addition, the recorded "words of the Lord" (logia) soon came to be accorded special … …

… 1.2.5.1 Interpretation of Holy Scripture through the Holy Spirit …

… … has revealed Himself in all time periods and in a variety of ways (see … the revelations that allow mankind to recognise God are the works of creation (Romans 1: 18-20). For example, believers praise … God reveals Himself to human beings through His word and intervenes powerfully in their lives. For example, … …

… The old covenant already had its own confessional statements. Professing Yahweh as the God of Israel was linked to His historical act of salvation for … O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! ... And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You … …

… The Apostles' Creed originated in the early post-apostolic period. Some of its essential statements are based upon the sermon preached by Apostle Peter in the house of Cornelius (Acts 10: 37-43). The basic tenets of the … …

… 2.4.1 The First Article of Faith …

… 3.1 The nature of God …

… The trinity of God is a mystery. The Trinitarian formula, "In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," does not … singular: "the name". The one God is the triune God. In His words to the Apostles, Jesus allowed them to recognise the … …

… The first reference to the activity of the triune God is recorded in the first account of creation (Genesis 1: 1-31; 2: 1-4). There it states: "And … …

… "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1: 1). This statement from the first verse of Holy Scripture expresses a basic truth which we profess … of the gospel according to John: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He … …

… … to say realms, occurrences, conditions, and beings outside the material world. It was created by God and is called the … in human terms, since these are based on the human sphere of experience (that which is visible). Nevertheless, Holy … the immortal soul of man (see … …

… The term "angel" is the translation of the Hebrew word malak … …

… 3.4.1 The only begotten Son of God …

… 3.4.11.1 The significance of Jesus Christ's resurrection for salvation …

… All three terms mean the same: "Messiah" is derived from the Hebrew maschiach, … In translation this means "the Anointed One". In some of the Psalms, the kings of Israel are described as "the anointed" [of God] (Psalm … …

… When the angel of the Lord announced the birth of Jesus to the … to the power of an earthly ruler. Pilate responded to the words of Jesus as follows: "Are you a king then?" He thereby … …

… 3.4.8.1 The conception and birth of Jesus …

… The Lord had gathered together with the twelve Apostles for the feast of the Passover. As they were seated at the table, the Son … of sins'" (Matthew 26: 26-28). Thereby His earlier words, which had caused many of His disciples to turn their … …

… From the beginning, God has revealed Himself to mankind (see … God speaks and acts as a person. Personhood is part of God's nature (see … (Romans 8: 16), and that He intercedes before God on behalf of those who pray (Romans 8: 26). The activity of the Holy … activity of the Apostles, in the sacraments, in the word of preaching, particularly in keeping alive the promise … …

… The Creed of Nicaea-Constantinople (see … emanates from the Father and the Son. According to the words of Jesus, the Father and Son are senders of the Holy … and the Spirit of the Son. This is also expressed in Jesus' words: "He [the Holy Spirit] will glorify Me, for He will … …

… "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters" (Genesis 1: … …

… Jesus Christ is the Helper and Advocate of His own (Matthew 28: 20; 1 John … discourses before His capture and crucifixion, the Son of God promised yet another Comforter, namely the … …

… Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost it is … and all those who were with them. Thereby the church of Christ (see … of the Apostles, and which is also to emerge in the words and deeds of every believer (Romans 8: 14). By … …

… Professions of the New Testament …

… 1.1.2 God reveals Himself in the history of Israel …

… Over the course of many centuries, human experiences of God's … new covenants. The term "Bible" is derived from the Greek word biblia, meaning "books, scrolls". The Bible is a … …

… The Old Testament contains accounts of the creation, … and prayers, as well as books that bear witness of the words and activities of the prophets of God. …

… 1.2.2.2 The books of the Old Testament …

… 1.2.4.2 The books of the New Testament …

… According to Christian understanding, the principal aim of the Old Testament is to prepare the way … Concerning this He made the statement: "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that … …

… With the incarnation of God, the Son, the Old Testament promises … The faith that is now required also entails keeping the word of Jesus Christ (John 8: 51; 14: 23). In the old … …

… 2.2 The origin of the early church creeds …

… In the year 325 Emperor Constantine convened the Council of … the distinguishing features of the church.Following is the wording of the Creed of Nicaea-Constantinople:"We believe in … …

… I believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was … …

… Belief in God as the One God is one of the fundamental professions of both … worshipping other gods. In Isaiah 45: 21-22, we find the words of God: "And there is no other God besides Me, a just … …

… … Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thus God can be recognised as the triune God. This self-revelation of God constitutes the basis for the doctrine of the Trinity. God's actions in history and creation are … …

… Although the New Testament does not contain a fully formulated doctrine of the Trinity, it nevertheless records events and … They can be found in the praises of God as well as in the wording of certain blessings. Accordingly, 1 Corinthians 12: … …

… 3.3.1.1.2 The significance of the invisible realm for the life of human beings …

… Holy Scripture attests that God created the visible world in six "days of creation". These are not to be understood as specific … is the Creator of all discernable reality. It was at His word that heaven and earth, light, the shape of the earth, … …

… Of all creatures, God conferred on human beings a special … according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the … image. God has always spoken from eternity. Through the Word He created everything and called man by name. It is by … …

… When Mary Magdalene and other women came to the grave at the break of day, they saw that the stone had been rolled away and … commission to tend the lambs and sheep of Christ, in other words, the church (John 21: 15-17). The Risen Lord showed … …

… 3.4.2 The incarnate Word …

… In the Old Testament, the designation "Lord" is mostly used when speaking of the God of Israel. In the New Testament, this majestic title is also … …

… The foremost tasks of the priests in the old covenant included bringing sacrifices … The high priest's task was to bring his own sins, the sins of the priests, and the sins of the people before God. For … …

… … sin. Nonetheless, He allowed Himself to be baptised by John the Baptist and to be counted among the sinners (2 Corinthians 5: 21). This act of baptism–which was an expression of repentance–makes it clear that Jesus Christ abased … …

… After the Last Supper, Jesus and the Apostles went to the Garden of Gethsemane. The human nature of the Son of God became evident in His dread of the … …

… A central event in the history of salvation is the incarnation of God in Jesus … Apostle Peter taught in the house of Cornelius: "... that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout Judea, and … …

… 3.5.2 The Holy Spirit as a power–the gift of the Holy Spirit …

… 3.5.3.2 The activity of the Holy Spirit in the prophets of the Old Testament …

… 3.5.4.2 The Spirit of truth …

… The salvific power inherent in the sacraments is based on … God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–leads the baptised out of their state of remoteness from God (see … Holy Spirit is active in this act. Thus, by way of human words, the power of the Holy Spirit creates divine reality. … …

… The term "Catechism" has its origin in the Greek language … and was originally used in reference to the instruction of those who were being prepared for baptism with water. The content of the Christian faith and how it is to affect one's … …

… God's incarnation in Jesus Christ is the historical self-revelation of God that surpasses everything before it (John 1: 14; 1 … looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life ...–that which we have seen and heard we … …

… 1.2.3 The later writings of the Old Testament …

… 1.2.5.3 Personal use of the Holy Scriptures …

… Fundamental evidence that the Holy Spirit would, after Jesus' return to His Father, … but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He … take of what is mine and declare it to you." With these words, Jesus Christ promised His Apostles that they would … …

… The Holy Spirit's activity is already attested in the Old … Spirit (Psalm 51: 11; Ezekiel 11: 5). According to the words of the Lord, the Holy Spirit's activity in the New Testament … …

… The doctrine of the New Apostolic Church is based on Holy Scripture. The early church creeds express the fundamentals of the Christian faith as attested in the Old and New … …

… I believe in the Holy Spirit, the one, holy, universal, and apostolic church, the community of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of … for example in the sacraments and in the spoken word of God, that is in all the signs of divine salvation … …

… In the Old Testament God is repeatedly described as "the Holy … 50: 29; Habakkuk 1: 12). The holiness which is part of God's nature, being, and rule, refers to the fact that He … Almighty, who was and is and is to come" (Isaiah 6: 3). His word and His will are equally holy. The nearness of God, … …

… The recognition of God's triune nature and its doctrinal … as well as "substance", were used. Formulating the doctrine of the Trinity served, on one hand, to put into words the understanding gained through faith, and on the … …

… God reveals Himself as the Father in unsurpassed fashion through the incarnation of God, the Son: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His … …

… … with Him. Through His commandment that they should not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, He identified … remains a slave to sin throughout his life. In other words he is never free and is bound by sin. However, even … …

… 3.4.11.3 The resurrection body of Jesus Christ …

… The teaching that Jesus Christ is true Man and true God–the doctrine of Hypostatic Union–was enshrined at the Council of … Son of God by saying: "Hear Him!" (Matthew 17: 5). The words of Jesus–"No one can come to Me unless the Father … …

… 3.4.6.3 Son of Man …

… The promise which God made to Moses was fulfilled in Jesus … prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I … speaks to mankind. According to Mark 1: 15, the Son of God began His activity with the words: "The time is … …

… After His baptism in the Jordan, Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the … the temptation and rejected the Devil. This event is of significance for the history of salvation: Adam succumbed to temptation and fell into … …

… The high council pronounced Jesus guilty of blasphemy and … it into the temple, went away, and hanged himself. From his words it can be concluded that Judas did not want Christ to … …

… 3.5.3 Evidence of the Holy Spirit's activity in the time of the Old Testament …

… Before His ascension into heaven, the risen Lord promised His Apostles: "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but you tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high" … …

… 3.5.5.3 The activity of the Holy Spirit in the Apostle ministry …

… The Catechism of the New Apostolic Church starts off with some remarks on the self-revelation of God and Holy Scripture (Chapter 1). This is followed by … …

… With the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem on Pentecost, … of God in history–that is to say through His word addressed to mankind–that the nature and will of God … …

… The New Testament contains the records of the mission and activity of Jesus and His Apostles handed down in the gospels and the … …

… Faith is one of the basic realities of human life. It does not refer primarily to a particular … rather to a more or less well-founded conviction, in other words, something held to be true as contrasted with … …

… … faith in Him and His gospel is brought about by accepting the word of His ambassadors, His Apostles: "As You sent Me into the … …

… It is the task of the apostolate to interpret Holy Scripture and … that is authoritative for our faith. An important result of this is the New Apostolic Creed. In it the faith and … …

… 2.4.4 The Fourth Article of Faith …

… The profession in the First Article of Faith–"I believe in … also clearly shown to mankind in His creation, for by His word alone everything came into being from nothing (Hebrews … …

… 3.2.4 The unity of the three divine persons …

… 3.3.4 Man as an entity consisting of body, soul, and spirit …

… Professing Jesus Christ as the Son of God is one of the fundamentals of Christian … of God, our Lord"–expresses this belief in a few brief words. The Creed of Nicaea-Constantinople (see … …

… The Old Testament already provides references to the coming … find the first reference to a coming Redeemer in the curse of the serpent immediately following the fall into sin (Genesis 3: 15). The author of the epistle to the Hebrews sees a reference to Jesus … …

… 3.4.6.4 Immanuel–Servant of God–Son of David …

… The focus of Jesus' preaching was on the kingdom of God–the rule of God which was to manifest … …

… The Jews led Jesus to the residence of Pontius Pilate, the … before Pilate, Jesus made it clear that His kingdom was not of this world and that He did not pursue any worldly claims … …

… Before His return to the Father, Jesus Christ announced to His Apostles the coming of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter and the "Spirit of truth". He also promised the Holy Spirit as a divine … …

… The Catechism of the New Apostolic Church takes into account earlier portrayals of the New Apostolic faith, but goes beyond previous … …

… Holy Scripture is the foundation for the doctrine of the New Apostolic Church. Accordingly, the proclamation of the word in the divine services is also based on Holy Scripture. … …

… 2.4.5 The Fifth Article of Faith …

… God, "the Eternal", has neither beginning nor end. Temporal … You are God" (Psalm 90: 2). God is the Creator and Lord of time. Unlike the material world, which is subject to … grants time and can also take it away. The eternal nature of God transcends the horizon of human experience. It is … …

… The name "Jesus" means "The Lord saves". When the angel of … transcendent divine Word (logos), which was with God in the beginning, now … in Jesus. It "became flesh" (John 1: 14)–the eternal Word became true Man. The transcendent glory of the Father … …

… … four gospels handed down to us in writing give account of the miraculous deeds of Jesus as real events that attested … the creatorship of the Son of God, who, as the eternal Word of the Father, existed before all creation (John 1: … …

… On the way to Golgotha, a great multitude followed Jesus. To the women who wept over Him the Lord said: "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children" (Luke 23: 28). With these words He was referring to the impending destruction of … …

… Holy Scripture provides abundant testimony of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God. It testifies that … "I believe in the Holy Spirit." This corresponds to the wording of the Apostolicum (see … …

… The epistles of the New Testament express that the Holy Spirit was present … Helper and Comforter. The church is described as the "house of God", "dwelling place of God", or "temple of the living … …

… 2.4.6 The Sixth Article of Faith …

… In the old as well as in the new covenant, God reveals Himself as the Loving One. Out of love He elected the people of Israel and freed them from Egyptian captivity. However, … …

… 3.4.6 Majestic titles of Jesus …

… … used many parables and in so doing employed a wide range of imagery from the daily lives of His listeners. In Matthew 13: 34-35 we … heart is necessary in order to properly absorb the word of God (Luke 8: 15). The parable of the unmerciful … …

… Isaiah 53 describes the suffering servant of God who is abased. This refers to … pierced His side with a spear, thereby fulfilling the words of Zechariah 12: 10: "... then they will look on Me … …

… I believe that Holy Communion was instituted by the Lord Himself in memory of the once brought, fully valid sacrifice, and bitter … elements of bread and wine through the pronouncement of the words of institution. In this context, "dispensing" refers … …

… God is the Gracious One. His grace is part of His righteousness. He … righteous, sinners receive forgiveness, and those in need of salvation are granted salvation, that is … …

… 3.4.7 The ministries of Christ–King, Priest, and Prophet …

… The Mosaic Law was the highest authority for Israel. Its … 5-7), Jesus took position on the law in the presence of His disciples and the people. In the so-called antitheses … heard that it was said "but I say to you ...")–by way of which He clarified the law and led His listeners to the … …

… The gospels tell us how the Lord announced His suffering and … Peter's confession to Jesus: "[You are] the Christ of God", the Lord revealed to His disciples: "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the … …

… … those baptised with water must, through an Apostle, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to attain the childhood in God and … to be prepared for the return of Jesus Christ through word and sacrament. …

… … no improvement, change, or any further development. He is the Unchangeable One and is free from all conditions and … Himself: "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3: 14). The perfection of God is closely linked to His goodness: everything that … is no lie, deception, or uncertainty. "The entirety of Your word is truth" (Psalm 119: 160). The divine word is … …

… 3.4.8 New Testament references to the person and activity of Jesus Christ …

… In order to spread the gospel, Jesus selected twelve Apostles from the ranks of His disciples (Luke 6: 12-16; Mark 3: 14). They were His … them and for those who would come to believe through their word (John 17). He sanctified Himself for them so that they … …

… 3.4.9.8 References to Jesus' sacrificial death in the letters of the Apostles …

… 2.4.9 The Ninth Article of Faith …

… The last days before Jesus' sacrificial death are described … the Lord rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the prophecy of Zechariah 9: 9 was fulfilled. With the cleansing of the … plotted to take His life (Luke 20). According to His own words, when Jesus was anointed with costly oil of spikenard, … …

… The core of the gospel is Jesus Christ who, through His … His resurrection, created eternal salvation. Thus the cross of Christ became the epitome of God's reconciliatory actions toward sinful mankind. The words of Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1: 18 demonstrate a … …

… I believe that I am obliged to obey the worldly authorities provided no godly laws are thereby transgressed. The Tenth Article of Faith is fundamentally distinct from the preceding nine: … take into account that the state is to serve God, in other words that the divine will–as clearly expressed in the Ten … …

… 3.4.10 Jesus Christ's activity in the realm of the dead …

… The resurrection of Jesus Christ is an act of the triune God, which occurred in a manner that had never … from the dead (Acts 5: 30-32). On the other hand, the words of God, the Son, were fulfilled: "I have power to lay … …

… … after His resurrection, Jesus Christ ascended from among the circle of His Apostles into heaven, to God, His Father. His last … thereby dissolved permanently into divine glory. Thus the words were fulfilled: "I came forth from the Father and have … …

… 3.4.13 Jesus Christ as the head of the church …

… 3.4.14 Jesus Christ as the head of the creation …

… The promise of Jesus Christ's return is a central element of New Testament proclamation. Terms such as the "day of the Lord", the "day of Christ", the "future of … …

… 1 The revelations of God …

… A creed summarises the essential content of a doctrine of faith. Those who profess a creed fulfil one of the … …

… The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit comprise the one God. That … is triune from eternity is attested by the self-revelations of God within the history of salvation, which makes clear that the Father, the Son, … …

… 4 Mankind in need of redemption …

… … mankind commandments in which He proclaims His will for their benefit. …

… 6 The church of Jesus Christ …

… … or official position which is assigned to a specific area of responsibility. In the broader sense, "ministry" is an authority that has been … lead, and provide order to a community. The exercise of a ministry [1] incorporates both administrative and … …

… Sacraments are fundamental acts of God's grace. They are holy acts that are performed upon a … in order to allow him to attain salvation, be adopted into the fellowship of life with God, and be preserved in it. … term "sacrament" is not recorded in the New Testament. The word mysterion which is rendered in some Old Latin Bible … …

… … after death can be found in Holy Scripture. Beyond that, the doctrine of the afterlife is based on revelations of the Holy Spirit. …

… 10 The doctrine of future things …

… 11 From the history of Christianity …

… 12 Divine service, acts of blessing, and pastoral care …

… 13 New Apostolic Christians and their life of faith …

… The origin of evil within the order of creation cannot be rationally grasped or explained. Paul … become clear. Only God is absolutely good. In God's words, both the invisible and the visible creation was "very … …

… The doctrine of sin and mankind's need for redemption is based on Holy Scripture's account of the fall into sin (see also … …

… The Bible uses the terms "sin" and "guilt" interchangeably … between these two concepts is clearly shown in the words of the Son of God when He defended His disciples who, by the … …

… 4.4 God's plan of salvation …

… … human beings or groups for a purpose determined by Him, thereby making them accountable to Him. …

… … God's saving and healing activity upon both mankind and the creation. Its antithesis is curse, which occurs when God … existence is dependent on God's blessing points to an image of mankind that derives from belief in God as the almighty Creator and Sustainer of all creation. On their own, human beings are not capable … …

… 4.7 The functions of the law …

… Strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and the study of its content were of central … is the "message of the cross" (1 Corinthians 1: 18), the "word of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5: 19). …

… Belief in God has a decisive effect on the life of an individual as a whole. Believers strive to live up to the will of God through their thoughts and actions. They recognise in … …

… 5.2 God's commandments–an expression of His love …

… The Ten Commandments comprise the core of the Mosaic Law, the five books of Moses (Torah). They bring to expression the kind of … …

… The word "church" is derived from the Greek kyriake … the term ekklesia ("those who have been called out"). The word ekklesia can be translated as "assembly", … meanings. On the one hand it can mean a Christian house of God as a place of assembly for the believers. On the … …

… On the one hand, the purpose of the church of Jesus Christ is to make … …

… … that church is and will ever be is founded upon the word, work, and nature of Jesus. Jesus Christ is true God and true Man, and thus … …

… Salvation is accessible in the church of Jesus Christ, which has been established by … that church is and ever will be is rooted in Jesus' word, work, and nature. … …

… In its historical manifestation, the church of Jesus Christ will not completely live up to … and the dead, as well as the proper proclamation of the word are present. It is there that the Lord's work of … …

… … and sanctification issued through ordination for service in the church of Christ. It is exercised in the power of the Holy … 9). Just as the Apostles bear witness of the gospel through word and conduct, reborn Christians do the same in … …

… 7.2 Source of ministry in the church …

… Holy Scripture does not have a uniform definition for the word "ministry", nor does it expound upon any doctrine concerning ministry. It nevertheless makes a number of different statements about the content and nature of the … …

… The word "Apostle" derives from the Greek apóstolos which … ministry is mandated to prepare believers for the return of Jesus Christ. The Fourth Article of Faith describes the significance of the Apostle ministry … …

… 7.5 The development of the ministries from the Apostle ministry …

… From its beginnings, the New Apostolic Church has understood itself as a church of ministry. It is a church that is led by the apostolate. All other ministries come forth out of the Apostle ministry. Concerning this, the Fifth Article … …

… Authority, blessing, and sanctification issue forth from the Apostle ministry in order to equip ministers for their … spiritual ministry is performed by the Apostle in the name of the triune God through laying on of hands and prayer (see … and serves as a model for the proclamation of God's word by the other ministries. …

… 7.8 The exercise of a ministry …

… Apostle Paul writes: "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but … The minister is an example for the congregation. To him the words apply: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition … …

… Holy Baptism with water is the first and fundamental act of grace of the triune God bestowed on a human being who believes in … …

… The Seventh Article of the New Apostolic Creed states: "I believe that Holy Communion was instituted by the Lord Himself in memory of the once brought, fully valid sacrifice, and bitter … …

… Holy Sealing is the sacrament through which the believer, through the laying on of hands and the prayer of an Apostle, receives the gift of the Holy Spirit and … …

… 9.1 The immortality of the soul …

… Holy Scripture provides various interpretations of the term "death". First of all, the term describes a person's physical death, the … …

… 9.3 The afterlife of the soul …

… The term "beyond" generally refers to all realms, events, and conditions that exist outside of the material world. In a narrower sense this term refers to the realm of the dead (Hebrew: Sheol, Greek: Hades), and will, in the … …

… The condition of souls in the beyond is a direct expression … they are in peace." The dead in Christ have access to the word of God. Through this word as well as through Holy Communion administered to them … …

… … Christ brought His sacrifice, it has been possible for the condition of the souls in the beyond to change for the better. Thus … …

… 10.1 The return of Jesus Christ …

… The marriage of the Lamb follows directly after the bride has been caught up to heaven. The image of the eschatological marriage feast is found in Revelation … …

… For as long as the Lord's work of salvation is on this earth, the earthly creation remains under the special protection of God (Revelation 7: 3). After the return of Christ, a time … …

… 10.4 The coming of the Lord with power and great glory …

… The only place in Holy Scripture where the expression "first … is those who will be caught up to God at the return of Christ, and the martyrs from the great tribulation–are … Paul makes reference to the "order" in the resurrection of the dead: "But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has … …

… After the conclusion of the first resurrection, Christ will … God will replace the old creation with a new one, and the words will be fulfilled: "He [God] will dwell with them, and … …

… According to the great commission given by Jesus Christ, it is the task of the Apostles to go into all the world in order to … 11: 19). Even in their new surroundings they proclaimed the word of the Lord, like Philip did in the capital of … …

… 11.2 Christianity after the death of the early Apostles …

… 11.3 The reoccupation of the Apostle ministry in the Catholic Apostolic Church …

… Divine service is the activity of God upon human beings and a work of human beings for God. …

… 12.2 Acts of blessing …

… The death of a loved one causes pain and grief for the … provide comfort and strength for the bereaved. However, the word proclaimed is also directed at the immortal soul of the … is characterised by the activity of the Holy Spirit. The word awakened by the Spirit conveys divine comfort for both … …

… The accounts of Jesus' conduct allow us to understand the … want to lose any of them (John 17: 12). Jesus Christ's words and deeds are the perfect model for pastoral care. … This also relates to practical help in life. Here the words apply: "... for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I … …

… … holy days refer to particular events in God's plan of salvation. These events are commemorated with reverence and gratitude. The New Apostolic Church celebrates the following holy days, the importance of which is emphasised by a special divine service. Regional … …

… In many religions, prayers are an expression of devotion to a higher being. Praying is generally … for human beings to enter into contact with Him. In prayer, the believer experiences: God is present, God hears, and God … this reason, prayer is always mankind's response to God's word. The figurative image of prayer as the "breathing of … …

… 13.2 Willingness to offer and sacrifice …

… Marriage is the lifelong union between a man and woman desired by God, … It is based upon a free and voluntary public expression of fidelity by both partners. Mutual love and fidelity are indispensable factors in the success of a marriage. God's blessing is an important and valuable … …

… The religious, social, and professional conditions in which … beings find themselves result in various necessary modes of conduct. For Christians, the basis for fulfilling these … creates, establishes, and maintains order. The imposition of obligations and the demand for compliance with them are … …

… 13.5 The New Apostolic Church as part of society …

… Evil is a power that stems from the desire for independence from God and the desire to be … human beings become sinners. Throughout the history of man, the power of evil has manifested itself again and again. For example, … …

… … as a power, but also as a person. Holy Scripture refers to the personification of evil as "the Devil" (Matthew 4: 1), "Satan", or "unclean … 1: 13, 23). The accounts in 2 Peter 2: 4 and Jude 6 speak of angels who have sinned. These spiritual beings fell prey … …

… 4.2.1 The consequences of the fall into sin for mankind …

… 4.2.2 The consequences of the fall into sin for the creation …

… … from God. To restore a close relationship with Him, the sin must be forgiven (see … Old nor the New Testament offers a self-contained "doctrine of sin" or a systematic and exhaustive "catalogue of … man to inquire into God's will and to act accordingly. All words, deeds, and deliberate thoughts that are contrary to … …

… … misconduct against an individual who has committed a sin. The magnitude of guilt incurred can only be measured by God. The extent of such guilt may vary: the knowledge and motivation of the … …

… In the old covenant, the hope of salvation revolved mainly … affliction and captivity. In this respect, the people of Israel experienced God's salvation through their … …

… In Galatians 4: 4-5 we read that the entire history of salvation in the old covenant was … their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5: 17-19). No human … …

… Through fellowship with Jesus Christ in word and sacrament, believers today experience salvation by being prepared for the return of Christ, which will enable them to share in the glory of … …

… Already in the creation we see a reference to divine election, which is linked to a responsibility resulting from it. Out of all His creatures, God elected man and gave him the task of making the earth subject to him. The special position man … …

… Jesus elected the Apostles from among His disciples and sent them to all … (Matthew 28: 19-20; Luke 6: 13). The Lord elects the people of the new covenant from among both Jews and Gentiles. Those … of the new covenant are obliged to bear witness–in both word and conduct–of the favours they have received from … …

… Election is a gift of God that is either accepted in faith or rejected in … cannot be explained by reason. Divine election is a mystery of God that can only be grasped in faith. God grants … are not forced to accept or secure God's election. It is the individual's own decision whether or not to believe and … …

… During the creation God blessed all creatures and laid the law of increase into the life He had created. He entrusted the … shall not cease" (Genesis 8: 22). Although the blessing of God which originally covered the creation was hampered in … …

… The promise of blessing given to Israel was part of the covenant God made with His chosen people. This blessing … …

… Starting in the new covenant, divine blessing was imparted through Jesus Christ. The Lord blessed through His word, through His miracles, and through His conduct. He placed His hands of blessing upon children. He forgave sinners. His ultimate … …

… The term "law" refers, first and foremost, to the written Mosaic Law, that is the five Books of Moses (the Torah). Essential elements of the Mosaic Law include the Ten Commandments and the … …

… The function of the law given by God is to instruct mankind … in life, which provides human beings with concrete rules of conduct. Thus the law leads man to do good works and … your God?" (Micah 6: 8). To act in accordance with "God's word"–that is the law–means above all to remain faithful … …

… The correct understanding of the law given by God is revealed in the light of the gospel. Apostle Paul wrote in his epistle to the … …

… 4.8.1 The law of Christ–grace …

… … beings are justified through faith in Jesus Christ. Thus the works they perform do nothing to contribute to their … that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law" (Romans 3: 28). Nevertheless, faith and works … be separated from one another: good works are an expression of a living faith. Where they are lacking, faith is dead. … …

… … love for God and his neighbour is rooted in God. Love is the nature of the Creator and therefore eternal: divine love has … all created things and will never end. All things are of Him, through Him, and to Him (Romans 11: 36). Out of … …

… … love your neighbour as yourself" (Leviticus 19: 16-18). The Mosaic Law primarily defines neighbours as members of the people of Israel. It was only within this framework … love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22: 39)–these words of Jesus give human beings the right to think of their … …

… … for one's neighbour should be especially manifest in the congregation: "Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, leading to … reason for complaint, we strive to forgive according to the words: "... even as Christ forgave you, so you also must … …

… The designation "Ten Commandments" or "Decalogue" is derived from the biblical formulation "ten words" (deka logoi) in Exodus … …

… 5.3.2 The First Commandment …

… You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him … …

… Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. The Third Commandment is an exhortation to set aside one day of the week in order to worship God, gratefully remember His deeds of salvation, and occupy oneself with His word. …

… … father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. The provisions of the Ten Commandments that apply to interpersonal … Commandment. The Commandment does not contain any kind of prohibition, but rather demonstrates the mode of conduct … …

… 5.3.6 The Fifth Commandment …

… 5.3.7 The Sixth Commandment …

… 5.3.8 The Seventh Commandment …

… 5.3.9 The Eighth Commandment …

… After the fall into sin, human beings could not remain in direct … God wishes to redeem human beings from this condition of deterioration into death, grant them salvation, and allow … of the divine will points to the preaching of the word of God, the priestly sacrificial service points to Holy … …

… 6.2.2 The beginning of the church of Christ …

… 6.2.3 Images for the church of Jesus Christ in the New Testament …

… 6.4.1 Distinguishing features of the church …

… 6.4.2 The manifestation of the church of Christ in history …

… 6.4.3 The church of Jesus Christ and ministry …

… 6.4.4 The church of Jesus Christ and the sacraments …

… 6.4.5 The church of Jesus Christ and the future …

… An appointment is the assignment of a firmly defined task. It is not to be … funerals, performing acts of blessing, proclaiming God's word, and providing pastoral care to the members of the … …

… From the perspective of the New Testament, the ministry–in the … however, there are already references to the ministry of the New Testament in the old covenant: in the king, in … …

… 7.3.2 Foundation of the ministry in the New Testament …

… Jesus Christ equipped the Apostle ministry with extensive powers. The Apostle is an ambassador of Jesus Christ and acts in His name. The characteristics … 51; Colossians 1: 26-28). The ministry of the word In the prologue of the gospel of John, the Son of … …

… … 6: 13-16). Holy Scripture relates two occasions on which the Apostles were sent: On the first occasion, the Lord sent His Apostles to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" and expressly forbade them to go to the … …

… In the presence of the other Apostles, the Lord granted Simon … was designated as the "rock" and was given the authority of the keys: "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and … …

… 7.4.4 New Testament references to the activity of the Apostles …

… 7.5.1 Continuity of the Apostle ministry …

… 7.5.2 Interruption in the activity of the Apostles …

… 7.5.3 The reoccupation of the Apostle ministry …

… The apostolate is defined by the ministries of Chief … other Apostles–he remained the first among equals–his word had special weight in the Apostles' College.The … …

… The most important references to the work of the Apostles can be derived from the words and deeds of Jesus: Christ gave the Apostles the … …

… 7.6.3 The self-conception of the Apostles …

… 7.6.4 The authority of the Apostle ministry …

… The objective of the Apostles' work is to edify the Lord's work of redemption and lead it to its completion. The fellowship … of Christ, salvation is imparted through the Apostles in word and sacrament, that is to say through the preaching of … …

… Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the head of His church. In this Church, … to discharge the office of Peter in accordance with the words of Jesus: "And I also say to you that you are Peter, … …

… Beyond the tasks incumbent on each Apostle, the District Apostle … (District Apostle district). Moreover he defines the points of emphasis in church work, decides on the ordination of ministers, and seeks to preserve the oneness in the … …

… The ministries from the Bishop to the Priest are summarised … dispense Holy Baptism with water, proclaim the forgiveness of sins, and consecrate and dispense Holy Communion.The high … performing acts of blessing and funerals, proclaiming God's word, and providing pastoral care to the members of the … …

… The diaconal ministry is discharged by Deacons and Sub-deacons. The word "Deacon" has its source in the Greek and signifies … …

… The term "baptism" is a translation of the Greek word baptizein = "to immerse". In early Christian … …

… The ritual washings referenced in various passages of the … to baptism with water. They led to a ritual cleansing of persons who, due to their physical conditions, were … …

… 8.1.3 The necessity of Holy Baptism with water for salvation …

… 8.1.4 The proper dispensation of Holy Baptism with water …

… Anyone can receive Holy Baptism with water. In the New Apostolic Church it is administered by an Apostle or … and adults. The prerequisite is the believer's profession of faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel. When children are … elements of Holy Baptism with water are the water and the word in the Trinitarian formula. The water is consecrated in … …

… 8.1.6 The effects of Holy Baptism with water …

… … other sacraments, Holy Baptism with water is dispensed on the basis of faith. Sacrament and faith belong together: "He who … receiving the sacrament as well as his response to this act of God. The unbelief into which a baptised person may fall … …

… … are interdependent, they are two distinct sacraments. The book of Acts relates that Holy Baptism with water and baptism … 2: 38-39; 8: 12-17, 10: 44-48; 19: 5-6). The rebirth out of water and the Spirit occurs when a person receives both … …

… During Holy Baptism with water, the believer vows to earnestly endeavour to avoid sin and to lead a life of following Christ. The kind of following to which the baptised are called consists of … …

… There are various designations for the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, which emphasise different aspects of the … …

… The Old Testament not only makes frequent references to the Son of God, His suffering, and His sacrifice, but also relates … bread and wine (verse 18). "Bread and wine" are reminiscent of the elements of Holy Communion. This relationship becomes … …

… The gospels attest that Jesus Christ ate and drank with … also relate that He provided food for them. His miracles of feeding–for example, the feeding of the five thousand … reference to salvation in Christ. This becomes clear in the words of the Lord when He linked the feeding of the five … …

… At the Lord's command, the Israelites celebrated their first … the lamb, the Israelites ate unleavened bread. The blood of the lamb, which was painted on the doorposts, was the … from the tenth plague to come upon Egypt, namely the death of the firstborn (Exodus 12). God commanded that the … …

… … before Jesus Christ established Holy Communion in the presence of His Apostles, He said: "... unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in … …

… In 1 Corinthians 11: 17-32 we find evidence of the celebration of Holy Communion and of Jesus' words of institution which He spoke in the process. This … …

… The elements of bread and wine which constitute the sacrament belong to the domain of sustenance, of celebration, and of Israelite divine … evidence of the celebration of Holy Communion and the words of institution which Jesus spoke at that time can be … …

… 8.2.8 Holy Communion as a meal of remembrance …

… Holy Communion is a meal of profession, as is clear from the words: "You proclaim the Lord's death ..." (1 Corinthians 11: 26). The profession of the death, resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ is … …

… The term "sealing" refers to the use of a seal. Important … it assures protection and integrity. These aspects of the word's meaning are also reflected in the designation for the … …

… In the time of the old covenant, the Holy Spirit was active in individual … to their divine authority and instruction. The Spirit of God awakened in them the thoughts on which their … …

… Like the two other sacraments, Holy Sealing also has its foundation in the life and activity of Jesus Christ. Concerning Him–the Son of Man–John 6: … of Jesus is also underlined in Acts 10: 37-38: "The word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, … …

… 8.3.4 The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost …

… According to the testimony of Scripture, Holy Sealing is bound to the … who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when … …

… 8.3.6 The proper dispensation of Holy Sealing …

… Holy Sealing requires the recipient to believe in the triune God and the Apostles … his faith and vow to follow Christ. In the Lord's work of redemption, he will then be prepared for the imminent return of Christ. Holy Sealing is dispensed to both adults and … …

… 8.3.8 Holy Sealing as an act of God …

… Through the sacrament of Holy Sealing, the baptised believer is … Holy Sealing, the Spirit of God makes His permanent abode in a human being–God … but also through the word proclaimed in the divine service. At Holy Sealing the … …

… Already at the time of the old covenant, there is evidence of the belief that it is possible to perform good deeds for … …

… 9.6.2 The participation of the dead in Christ …

… According to 1 Peter 3: 18-20, those who died in the flood received special love and care from Jesus Christ: … death, He proclaimed the gospel to them in the realm of the dead. The fact that the departed need the … Salvation is offered through the proclamation of the word, the forgiveness of sins, and the sacraments. All of … …

… 10.1.1 The promise of the return of Jesus Christ …

… The events at the return of Christ are described in various … Thessalonians 4: 15-17 "For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the … …

… The commission of the Apostles is to prepare the church of Christ for the reunion with Jesus Christ at His return, … they lead a life in accordance with the gospel in both word and deed ("in their mouth was found no deceit", … …

… In the year AD 313, the Roman Emperor Constantine (ca. AD 270/288, died 337) proclaimed freedom of religion for the Christians. In the years AD 380/381, the Christian religion became the state religion of the Roman Empire. Before this time, many Christians had … …

… In AD 380/381, Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire and forbade all pagan … in Europe grew stronger and spread to many areas of the then known world. Starting in the seventh century, … …

… 11.2.3 Aspects of Christianity in medieval Europe …

… The search for the original form of the gospel and for … associated with Martin Luther (1483-1546). Criticism of the Roman Church's secularisation, as well as the … …

… The Reformation led to a counter movement (the … strove for spiritual renewal and reinforced the power of the papacy. The Popes endeavoured to regain Protestant territories for Catholicism. In the course of these conflicts, the Thirty Years' War broke out in … …

… 11.2.6 Christianity at the beginning of the nineteenth century …

… 11.3.1 The development of a church led by Apostles …

… 11.3.2 The calling of additional Apostles …

… The English Apostles were successful in their resistance of … He was the first Chief Apostle in the current sense of the word. The more the Apostle ministry, with its … …

… In the divine service the congregation gathers to hear God's word and receive blessing through the sacrament. Human … an encounter between God and man. In the worshipful serving of the believers and in the perceptible presence of the … …

… The divine service of the Old Testament is based upon encounters between God and mankind. The various forms of divine service developed over a long period of time. … His help to man. In the Garden of Eden, God addressed His word to the first human beings. After the fall into sin, He … …

… The incarnation of Jesus Christ marked the beginning of a … which would later come to define Christian divine service: word and sacrament. Jesus' actions, which are thus the … activity of Christ and preserve His gospel: "... and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent … …

… 12.1.4 Further development of Christian divine service …

… The four elements of divine service present in the early … present when the congregation experiences the mystery of an encounter between God and man at the altar, which is … the risk of losing their longing for the sacrament and the word effected by the Spirit. Beyond that, the powers of Holy … …

… 12.1.6 Proclamation of the word …

… The Lord's Prayer is a valuable legacy which Jesus gave to those who believe in Him. With it the Son of God gave an example of how we are to pray to the Father in heaven. This prayer … …

… The fact that forgiveness of sins is possible is solely thanks to the grace of God. His love for sinful mankind is demonstrated in the … …

… 12.1.9 Dispensation of the sacraments in the divine service …

… Pregnancy and the birth of a child are experienced as a special phase of life by the parents. During this period of time they … …

… … confirmatio = "reinforcement", "affirmation") is that act of blessing in which young New Apostolic Christians take upon themselves the obligations which their parents undertook on their … From then on, these Christians, who have reached the age of spiritual majority, bear full responsibility before God … …

… Marriage is the lifelong union of two people of opposite genders, as desired by God. It is based on an … …

… A newly constructed church building is dedicated during the first divine service held there. Aside from the act of dedication–in most cases conducted by the District … as a place where the Holy Spirit reveals Himself. Here the word of God will henceforth be proclaimed, and here the … …

… 12.4.1 Instruction of children …

… … for our young brothers and sisters is a special focus in the work of our Church. …

… … offered personal pastoral care. This care is modelled on the example given by Jesus. For example, He often visited … and Lazarus in Bethany. From this a special relationship of trust developed between them: "Now Jesus loved Martha and … 19: 9). Today we derive the significance and purpose of pastoral care visits from what has been handed down to us … …

… In religious language, "confession" refers to the acknowledgement of sins or the admission of one's guilt in the presence of a clergyman. This is … …

… Physical death, the end of earthly life, produces anxiety. Death causes pain and suffering for the dying as well as for those close to them. Both the dying … …

… Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and thus refers to one of the central events in the history of salvation: Jesus … …

… Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Passion Week. This festive day reminds us of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on the occasion of the Jewish … …

… On Good Friday, we commemorate the crucifixion and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Since His sacrifice, suffering, and death are of central importance to the history of salvation, several … …

… This feast is a commemoration of the fact that Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus Christ took place on the first day of the week, on … …

… Jesus Christ referred to His return to the Father in various ways (John 3: 13; 16: 28; 20: 17). On the fortieth day after Easter, He, together with His … Then "He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight." From two angels the Apostles received the … …

… On Pentecost we commemorate the day on which the Holy Spirit was poured out. We also speak of Pentecost as the day when the Holy Spirit was revealed and as the "birthday of the church of Christ". The sending of the Holy … …

… Thanksgiving Day commemorates the creatorship of God. On one Sunday of the year–Thanksgiving Sunday–a divine service is held … …

… The liturgy of the divine services on the above-mentioned religious holidays corresponds to that of regular divine services that include the celebration of … event in salvation history. The proclamation of the word makes reference to the events of salvation history … …

… The first biblical references to prayer can be found in Genesis 4: 26: "Then men began to call on the name of the Lord." This demonstrates a fundamental characteristic … 95: 6 admonishes: "Oh come, let us worship". Examples of worship of God can be found in many hymns and psalms of … …

… The relationship between man and God changed fundamentally through Jesus Christ. On the basis of this new relationship with God, the Lord taught a kind of prayer that was previously unknown: on the one hand it is … …

… The gospel of Luke relates that Jesus prayed especially … the Father transfigured Him in the presence of the witnesses from here and the beyond (Luke 9: … but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one" (John 17: … …

… 13.1.4 The prayer of the early Christians …

… … significant function is assigned to collective prayer in the divine service: the Trinitarian invocation of God is followed by the opening prayer, in which worship, … God has performed, and still performs, upon mankind through word, grace, and sacrament. Beyond that, gratitude is … …

… Conscientious prayer opens a human being's heart to the knowledge: I am dependent upon God in my entire being! The attitude of the supplicant is characterised by childlike trust, … 28). SUMMARY Prayer is man's response to the word issued by God. In prayer believers experience: God is … …

… … service played an important role in practically all the religions of ancient civilisations–as also in Israel. Sacrifice was … sacrifice mentioned in the Bible was brought by the sons of Adam and Eve: Cain offered of the fruit of the ground, … …

… 13.2.2 Jesus Christ–the model of willingness to sacrifice …

… 13.2.3 Willingness to offer and sacrifice based on faith, gratitude, and love …

… It pleases God when we bring Him our offerings with the proper attitude, and He also associates His blessing … one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is … for every good work" (2 Corinthians 9: 6-8). From these words we can derive that our offerings will not always … …

… … is not in accordance with Christian teaching and values. The fact that God has explicitly anchored the protection of marriage within the Ten Commandments underscores the importance and value of marriage as a divine institution (see … …

… The legal norms for marriage ceremonies, marital status, and … to country. They are subject to change as a reflection of constant shifts in society. The New Apostolic Church is a … have a common agreement in matters of faith. Grasping God's word and grace, praying together, and making experiences of … …

… Marriage also serves to perpetuate the human race: "Then God blessed them [the first human … bond within a marriage and contribute to the wellbeing of both spouses. Family planning is at the discretion of both partners. Nevertheless, the Church opposes … …

… Because children are a gift of God, parents not only have a high degree of … in general, but also toward God. Mother and father bear the main responsibility for the upbringing of their … the fear of God. This includes acquainting them with God's word and will (Deuteronomy 6: 6-7), praying with them, … …

… 13.3.5 Responsibilities of the children …

… The New Apostolic Church attaches importance to open and … is politically neutral. Its activity conforms to the laws of each respective country, in accordance with Romans 13: 1: … tasks, and even grossly mishandle them. Even the power of the state must be measured against divine … …

… The New Apostolic Church and its members respect the religious practices of other people, and refrain from making derogatory remarks concerning those of different faiths, different religions, and different … …

… The New Apostolic Church is committed to the gospel and the imperatives of Christian ethics. Thus it understands its duty to include charitable activity which benefits people irrespective of gender, age, colour, nationality, or religion. Within the … …

… Mankind sought to rise above the Creator. Thereby the untroubled relationship between God … the human race to this day. Adam represents the archetype of all sinners, as it were. This is true as regards his motivation to sin, his conduct while in the state of sinfulness, as well as his hopelessness after the fall … …

… … from that time on have to reap what they had sown: "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6: 23). Despite their disobedience … to care for them and attend to them. Illustrations of this divine care include the fact that God made tunics of … …

… … mankind has received from God[6]. In reference to this the Old Testament often uses the term "heart", in which the voice of God can be heard. Thus we read in Deuteronomy 30: 14: "But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that … …

… Reason is a gift of God that distinguishes human beings–as the image of God–from all other creatures. It is of … of the gospel, and to perceive and understand words and images in Holy Scripture. We also need it to … …

… The word "faith" is not mentioned in the Hebrew texts of the … All of these meanings are implicit in the single word "faith". In Hebrews 11: 1 we read: "Now faith is the … …

… 5.3.10 The Ninth and Tenth Commandments …

… The Bible firmly establishes the count of the commandments … but does not number them. This has led to differing ways of counting them. The counting method in use in the New … …

… The Ten Commandments are assigned outstanding significance … and only these commandments were written into stone tablets of the law (Exodus 34: 28). The proclamation of the Ten Commandments is part of the covenant that God … …

… In the New Testament the Ten Commandments are reinforced and given deeper meaning by the Son of God. In the statements He makes, Jesus Christ shows … and indeed over the entire law (Matthew 12: 8). His words to the rich young man make it clear that eternal life … …

… 5.3.1.4 The wording …

… "I am the Lord your God." This statement stands as an introduction … over all. Unrestricted sovereignty is due Him, the Creator of all things. He establishes the law through His word. He is to be obeyed. The Old Testament attests of … …

… 5.3.2.2 God leads out of bondage …

… Only God the Lord is worthy of worship. Only He is to be served. The forms of worshipping God in the old covenant are various. The … in the endeavour to keep the commandments, in other words, to avoid sin. …

… "You shall have no other gods before me." With these words, God makes it clear that He is the only One to whom worship and reverence as God are due. The veneration or worship of anything else that human beings might consider … …

… … natural phenomena, statues, animal figurines, stones, and the like, as gods or their manifestations. The Israelites … for example, the golden calf (Exodus 32). The biblical wording of the First Commandment forbids the fabrication of any … …

… The veneration and worship of statues, idols, or amulets, as … as mountains, trees, and natural phenomena, are violations of the First Commandment. Further violations of the First … that God is due unrestricted sovereignty. Through His word He makes laws that are to be obeyed. … …

… When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, He stated His name (Exodus 3: 14). This … identical to Himself, unchangeable, and eternal. Out of reverence, Jews avoid speaking the name of Yahweh. To this day, whenever this name of God appears in … …

… 5.3.3.2 Forms of taking the name of God in vain …

… 5.3.3.3 The threat of punishment …

… 5.3.3.4 Hallowing God's name–prayer and conduct of life …

… The question of whether it is permissible to take an oath by invoking–or to make a vow using–God's name is linked to the Second Commandment. While this was permitted in Israel … against swearing was not regarded as a general standard of conduct. Accordingly, Christian tradition applies Jesus … …

… The Sabbath is to be kept holy as part of the order of creation because God rested on the seventh day of … …

… Even before issuing the law on Mount Sinai, God had set apart the Sabbath … He gave the Sabbath as a gift, as a day on which the people of Israel were to rest from work and turn to God without distraction. Thus the Sabbath was a day of rest and, at the same time, a holy day. It was … …

… Jesus' position on the Sabbath differed fundamentally from that of the law-abiding Jews. The conduct of the Son of God makes it clear that the law and the gospel … …

… "For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12: 8)–these words of Jesus, which document His divine authority over the … …

… Above all, believers sanctify the Sunday by worshipping God in divine service, believingly accepting His word, receiving forgiveness of sins in a repentant attitude, and worthily partaking of … …

… … on a Sunday should seek to connect themselves to God and the congregation through prayer. …

… 5.3.4.7 The structure of the Sunday …

… 5.3.5.1 The Fourth Commandment according to the understanding of the Old Testament …

… … extended is demonstrated by His conduct on Golgotha: on the cross He honoured Mary by commending her to the care of Apostle John (John 19: 27). In His conversation with the rich young man the Son of God mentioned the Fourth Commandment as being important … …

… 5.3.5.3 The Fourth Commandment in the letters of Apostle Paul …

… Over the course of time, the Fourth Commandment developed a broader meaning. While the wording of the commandment only speaks of honouring one's … …

… Regardless of their age, children have the unaltered task of honouring their parents. If their relationship with one … …

… The literal translation of this commandment from the original Hebrew text is: "You shall not murder!" In its … Commandment forbade the unauthorised, unlawful shedding of innocent blood which was damaging to the community. It … …

… Jesus' interpretation of the Fifth Commandment went far beyond the original meaning: "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be … …

… 5.3.6.3 The significance of the Fifth Commandment today …

… All specific questions are to be answered with a view to the basic principle that God is the source of all life. He is the authority in whose hands the beginning and end of human life lies. No human being is entitled to violate … …

… Marriage is the lifelong union between a man and a woman as desired by God. It is based on an act of free will which is expressed in a public vow of fidelity (Matthew 19: 4-5). The Bible describes various … …

… … with a married person, commits adultery. According to the words of Jesus: "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to … …

… In the New Testament, divorce is assessed as sin: "Therefore … exception in which divorce was permissible was in the case of adultery committed by one's spouse (Matthew 19: 9). The gospel of Mark describes the remarriage of a divorced person as … …

… Marriage should be honoured and the matrimonial bed kept "undefiled" (Hebrews 13: 4). The insight that the body of a reborn individual is the dwelling place of God, and also the property of the Most High, results in … …

… … take that which belongs to another person. This prohibition of theft, which has its source in God, is one of the basic principles of human legal systems and serves to … …

… Originally the prohibition against stealing was intended, above all, to outlaw kidnapping. The purpose of this was to protect free men from being kidnapped, sold, … therefore an offence that was punishable by the most severe of all possible penalties. Beyond that, it was also a … …

… In His conversation with the rich young man (Matthew 19: 16-23) Jesus quoted the Seventh Commandment. In Mark 7: 20-23, the Lord described theft as a sin, which has its root in the hearts of men and defiles them. In these passages, the Seventh … …

… 5.3.8.4 Various forms of theft …

… At first, the Eighth Commandment pertained to false statements made in court. For the Israelites, the "neighbour" (see … …

… 5.3.9.2 Examples of false witness in the time of the Old Testament …

… 5.3.9.3 Examples of false witness in the time of the New Testament …

… All false witness is a lie. In a broader sense, the Eighth Commandment can be understood as a prohibition … Paul advises: "Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour'" (Ephesians 4: 25). … Even the Eighth Commandment is subordinate to the principle of loving one's neighbour. Great care should therefore be … …

… 5.3.9.5 Further violations of the Eighth Commandment …

… The triune God is the epitome of truth (John 17: 17; 14: 6; 16: 13), whereas the Devil is the father of lies (John 8: 44). The true witness of the Holy Spirit … …

… 6.2.3.1 The body of Christ …

… 6.2.3.2 The people of God …

… In the image of the city of God, the church is shown as the place where God … …

… 6.2.3.4 The kingdom of God …

… 6.2.3.5 The flock of God …

… The New Testament contains other figurative descriptions that underline the above-mentioned hallmarks of church and illustrate its additional characteristics. These include: God's field, God's building, the house of God, the dwelling place of God, the temple of God, the … …

… The profession of the one church arises from the belief in the one God. The … who sent the Son, through Jesus Christ who–as the head of the body–is enduringly united with the congregation, … …

… The church of Christ is holy on account of the sanctifying activity of God in Christ's sacrifice and through the activity of the Holy Spirit in word and sacrament. This sanctifying activity takes its … …

… … ("catholic") means that there are no boundaries for the preaching of the gospel. This comes to expression in the commission … 1: 8). Jesus Christ and His church are there for the people of all nations, for both the living and the dead (Romans 14: … …

… The church of Christ is apostolic in two respects: in it the apostolic doctrine is proclaimed and in it the apostolic … apostolic doctrine is the unadulterated message of the death, resurrection, and return of Christ, according … …

… 6.4.2.1 The church of Jesus Christ at the time of the early Apostles …

… The situation changed with the death of the first Apostles. … into the body of Christ. In the proclamation of the word, the expectation of the imminent return of Christ … …

… With the renewed occupation of the Apostle ministry in the year … was also restored. In addition, the proclamation of the word was given a more binding character through the … with it, as well as the proper proclamation of the word, were once more fully present as essential elements of … …

… In Matthew 28: 18-20, the Risen One gives His Apostles the commission to baptise. The administration of the sacraments is inseparably linked to the Apostle ministry. While Holy Sealing–according to the testimony of the Scriptures–was only dispensed by Apostles, there … …

… As with the other sacraments, references to Holy Baptism with water can be found in the Old Testament. The deliverance of Noah and his family in the ark is regarded in 1 Peter 3: 20-21 as an "antitype of baptism" and a reference to future salvation. In … …

… In the New Testament "baptism" is often understood as having … interdependent. Jesus Christ submitted to the baptism of John the Baptist in order to demonstrate how … can be attained (Matthew 3: 15). So it was that the baptism of repentance, as practised by John, led to Holy Baptism … …

… 8.1.3.1 Holy Baptism with water as an act of God …

… "Original sin"[14]refers to man's state of separation from God, in other words, the remoteness from God that has come into being through the … …

… 8.2.10 Holy Communion as a meal of fellowship …

… … because it is closely linked to the marriage supper in heaven. In Jesus Christ the kingdom of God has drawn near. In accordance with His statement: "I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes" … …

… The elements of bread and wine are not transformed in their substance through the consecration and pronouncement of the words of institution. Rather, the substance of Christ's body … of Christ are truly present (real presence). Through the words of consecration spoken by an Apostle or a priestly … …

… In Holy Communion, it is not only the body and blood of Christ, but also His sacrifice itself, … substance through the consecration or the speaking of the words of institution. Rather the substance of the body and … …

… The forgiveness of sins and Holy Communion are closely related to one another. Both the forgiveness of sins and Holy Communion have their foundation in Christ's … of sins" (Matthew 26: 28). At the same time, these words of the Lord make it clear that He brought His … …

… Jesus Christ instituted Holy Communion in the circle of His Apostles and entrusted it to them. He … consecration, this occurs by the commission and authority of Jesus Christ. Here it is the Holy Spirit who effects the … …

… 8.2.16 The words of consecration in Holy Communion …

… The sacrament of Holy Communion is administered by dispensing the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the consecrated wafer with the words: … …

… The fundamental prerequisites for partaking worthily of Holy … Unbelief in receiving the sacrament can be related to the words in 1 Corinthians 11: 29: "For he who eats and drinks … …

… Holy Communion is received both by the ministers and the congregation in both forms, namely bread and wine. As of 1917, the New Apostolic Church has dispensed both elements of Holy Communion together in the form of a communion wafer … …

… 8.2.20 The effects of Holy Communion …

… All those who have been baptised, adopted, or sealed in the New Apostolic Church are entitled to regularly partake in Holy Communion. These individuals profess the content of the New Apostolic Creed (see … can partake of Holy Communion as guests. It should be made clear to them … …

… 8.2.22 Communion celebrations of the churches …

… At the end of the divine service, the blessing of the triune God is dispensed upon all those present. … This blessing is pronounced over the congregation with the words recorded in 2 Corinthians 13: 13: "The grace of the … …

… 12.1.11 Acts of blessing in the sequence of the divine service …

… Ordination is the investiture of a spiritual ministry. It is, without … of the triune God is dispensed upon all present with the words taken from 2 Corinthians 13: 13. … …

… Divine services for the departed take place three times a year, on the first Sunday of March, July, and November respectively. With this in … the living (Romans 14: 9). Already in the congregation of Corinth, the living were baptised on behalf of the dead … …

… The purpose of music in the divine service is to praise and … soul, prepare the congregation for the proclamation of the word, and underscore the word of God. Singing–be it by the congregation or the … …

… Already Jesus, who is described as the "Apostle ... of our confession" in Hebrews 3: 1, said: … Jesus Christ's doctrine to the congregations. The word of the sermon effected by the Holy Spirit serves to … …

… 12.1.5.2 Breaking of bread …

… … divine service, believers can experience, again and again, the fulfilment of Jesus Christ's promise: "For where two or three are … Jesus Christ. He is in the midst of the congregation in His word, and truly present in His body and blood. Beyond that, … …

… … is inseparably associated with prayer. Already before the divine service, the faithful seek the nearness of God through personal prayer. During the prayers in the … The defining elements of Christian divine service–namely word and sacrament–have their source in Jesus' word and … …

… The term "sermon" can be traced back to the Latin word … by a minister, which is inspired and permeated by the power of the Holy Spirit and addressed to the congregation. The … …

… 12.1.6.2 The proclamation of the word in the New Testament …

… 12.1.6.3 The proclamation of the word today …

… In the liturgy of the divine service, the text from the gospel … believers bring to God together in accordance with a fixed wording. It is also a prayer of repentance, spoken before … …

… The invocation of God is followed by three pleas that refer … and Your will. This is followed by four pleas which, at the same time, can also be intercessions: our daily bread, … deliver us. The prayer concludes by praising the majesty of God. …

… It is the triune God who erases our sins. Human beings are incapable of doing this by their own power (Matthew 16: 26; Luke 5: … Romans 4: 8). Even though the eternally valid sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the foundation for the forgiveness of … …

… God commanded the Old Testament's sacrificial service (Leviticus 19: 22). … merely had a postponing effect until the sacrificial death of Jesus. Up until then, the sinful human beings of the old covenant were covered by God's patience (Romans … …

… 12.1.8.3 The sacrifice of Christ–foundation for the forgiveness of sins …

… 12.1.8.4 Prerequisites for obtaining forgiveness of sins …

… Repentance results from recognition of one's own shortcomings or misconduct. It incorporates remorse–the feeling of suffering caused by wrongs committed in deed or … …

… There is a sin that is not forgiven: blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Concerning this the Son of God said: "But He who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit … or misleading force for hostile and base motives are guilty of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. …

… Forgiveness of sins must be proclaimed. Jesus pronounced forgiveness of sins upon individuals (Luke 7: 48 et al). Forgiveness of sins occurs through the absolution, which is proclaimed in the name of Jesus … …

… The absolution proclaimed in authority and in the name of … from sinful conduct remain unaffected by the forgiveness of sins. Believers whose sins have been forgiven are also … …

… 12.2.2.1 Age of confirmation and prerequisites …

… Confirmation is celebrated in the context of a divine service. First, the confirmands … endeavour to keep their vow to profess Jesus Christ in word and deed. …

… The church wedding generally takes place in the context of a … faithfulness under all circumstances and pursue their path of life together in love, under God's blessing. Both promise … …

… At the request of a married couple, a blessing is dispensed for the following wedding anniversaries: silver wedding … blessing (75 years) Again God's blessing is placed upon the marriage, and the married couple is commended to God's … …

… Engagement represents a serious promise of marriage. If desired, the engagement blessing can be dispensed during a divine … manner pleasing to God. Upon this they receive the blessing of God. SUMMARY Special blessings are … …

… … and adolescents in leading their lives in awareness of their responsibility before God. The cultivation of fellowship and the feeling of belonging is an important … …

… 12.4.2.1 The situation of young people …

… 12.4.2.2 Goal of youth care …

… 12.4.2.3 Offers in youth care …

… Many people suppress the thought of dying and death and therefore avoid any … ill. This can have various reasons, for example fear of the questions the dying person may ask, or the knowledge … …

… Grieving must be allowed, and the bereaved must also be offered support by the minister. … with them. It is frequently difficult to reach the heart of a mourner at all. Ultimately, this will not succeed … family member. Often there is a fear of saying the wrong words to the bereaved and thereby reopen wounds. It is … …

… Support for the bereaved and coping with grief belong together. Support … minister openly about their sadness, fear, anger, feelings of resentment toward God, and feelings of guilt. At such moments in particular, it is the … …

… The last two of the Ten Commandments are closely linked to one another in terms of content. They are often counted together as the Tenth … …

… The core of the Ninth and Tenth Commandments is the … not covet ..." It does not prohibit each and every form of human desire, only the sinful lust after the wife or … will be transformed into a deed. This becomes clear in the words of the Son of God: "For out of the heart proceed evil … …

… 5.3.10.3 Coveting the spouse of one's neighbour …

… 5.3.10.4 Coveting the property of one's neighbour …

… … sinful desire manifests itself in sinful conduct, in "works of the flesh", which are then described in dramatic fashion. … To "walk in the Spirit" means to bring forth the fruit of the Holy Spirit, namely "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, … …

… Aaronic blessing "Aaronic"–derived from the name of the first high priest, Aaron Three-part blessing … pronounced. The term "Eucharist" is derived from the Greek word eucharistein, which means "to give thanks". … …

… … of the … of … of the … of … of … of … of the … of the early … of the … of … of … plan of … of the … of … of … of … of … on of … of … of … of … of … of … of the … of the … of … of … of … …

… Index of Bible references …

… "I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe … His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered … …

… The Creed of Nicaea-Constantinople …

… The Creeds …

… The Lord’s Prayer …

… The First Article of Faith: I believe in God, the Father, the Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth. The Second Article of Faith: I … …

… The First Commandment I am the Lord, your God. You shall have no other gods before Me. The Second Commandment You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him … …

… 12.1.6.3.1 Main content of the proclamation of the word …

… 12.1.6.3.2 The objective of the proclamation of the word …

… 12.1.6.3.3 Levels within the proclamation of the word …

… The form of address "Our Father" identifies this prayer as a … prayer in which those praying profess to be children of God. In this fellowship, Jesus Christ is the "firstborn among many brethren" (Romans 8: 29). Whenever … …

… The triune God is holy. Believers speak of Him with deep … and enables us together to hallow the name of God through words, while bowing down in humbleness and the fear of God … …

… The kingdom of God has already dawned in Christ and is … more perceptible in the congregation. Beyond that, these words allude to the revelation of the future kingdom of God, which will begin with the … …

… … is omnipotent. His will stands above everything. In heaven, the domain where God rules, His will reigns supreme. God wishes to deliver fallen mankind from the consequences of sin and grant them salvation (1 Timothy 2: 4). To make … Jesus Christ came and sacrificed Himself, wherein the will of the Father was revealed (Hebrews 10: 9-10). The wish … …

… In the broadest sense, this plea is directed at the preservation of the creation. These words also express the petition that … life. The figurative meaning of the plea is for the word of God as "food" for our immortal souls (Jeremiah 15: … …

… … human beings burden themselves with guilt as a consequence of their sins. With the plea: "And forgive us our debts", the faithful confess … clear that the Lord's Prayer also incorporates the aspect of repentance. Believers receive the grace of forgiveness of … …

… With the plea not to be led into temptation, believers beseech … all their strength. Furthermore, they ask that the trials of faith may not be too severe and that they may be protected from many of the temptations of Satan. However, God will permit … …

… The plea "But deliver us from the evil one" expresses the … the evil from which we ask God to deliver us consists of everything that emanates from Satan. Ultimately this is a … His sacrifice, Christ made redemption possible. In the Son of God we have "redemption ..., the forgiveness of sins" … …

… These pleas are followed by an expression of praise to God (doxology)[15], wherein the Most High is given the honour and glory He is due. He, the Lord of His kingdom, assists the believers with His power, so … …

… … School is conducted for pre-school age children in the congregations, either before, during, or after Sunday divine service. It has the stated objective of instructing children about God and His activity at their … tell Him anything. I can trust Him." The prime objective of Pre-Sunday School is not to impart knowledge. Rather, it … …

… … class is also conducted either before, during, or after the Sunday divine service. The objectives of Sunday School are: to awaken and strengthen joy in … and in the divine service, to impart understanding of God's activities through Bible stories, to reinforce … …

… … Sunday School. It imparts knowledge about biblical history, the emergence and spread of Christianity in general, and the New Apostolic Church in … It reinforces the children's awareness that they are part of God's work of redemption, thereby promoting a willingness … …

… The content of Confirmation Instruction focuses primarily upon the Creed and the Ten Commandments. Adolescents are thereby … day divine service, when they will give their vow of faithfulness to God before the congregation and take upon … …

… The word "Amen", which stems from Hebrew, translates as: "So … With the Lord's Prayer Jesus gave an example of how one is to pray to God. … the prayer, every plea and statement is reinforced with the word "Amen", which means "So be it!" … …

… 01. The revelations of God …

… 02. The Creed …

… 03. The triune God …

… 04. Man in need of redemption …

… 06. The church of Jesus Christ …

… 08. The sacraments …