Lesson from August 30th, 2009

Download Lesson: pdf / doc

The English Parliament called for the Westminster Assembly in 1643 for the purpose restricting the church in response to the Puritan movement.  Puritanism was initially the distinctly English version of the Protestant Reformation which began in the 16th Century.  The name itself, Puritan, refers to the purifying work this movement sought in the Church of England, but also in the individual soul and in society at large.  Many in movement became frustrated with the Church of England and some of these emigrated to the United States helping to found the colonies. 

Parenting Class

Today many are finding the task of parenting and doing so well, more and more challenging.  The reasons for this include ever greater stresses from financial stress, to scheduling stress, to a surrounding culture that makes the task more difficult.

Lesson from August 23rd, 2009

Luthers Question Quiz: pdf / doc
Luthers Questions: pdf / doc
Luthers Small Catechism: pdf / doc

The word catechism comes from the Greek verb katecheo which means to instruct.  In their Christian form they date back to the early church and typically involve the use of question and answer.  The usual pattern was for a convert to the faith to learn the catechism prior to their baptism.  We find versions of catechisms throughout church history, with a particularly high number having been produced during the Reformation period of the 16th century.

Make Riverside’s Discovery Hour a priority for the faith development of your family!  This is an especially important time for your children.  Every Sunday at 9AM, Riverside offers intentional faith development for all ages.  We dedicate a great deal of time and resources in making this the best part of your children’s week.  Don’t let them miss out.   

Lesson from August 16th, 2009

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The Reformation began in 1517 when Luther posted his list of 95 theses protesting abuses by the Catholic Church and leadership, principally concerning the use of indulgences. An indulgence is the means by which the temporal punishment for sin is satisfied. That is, only God through Christ can satisfy the eternal consequences and punishment for sin, but the person must also satisfy the temporal punishment. This can be done through good works or time in purgatory or by the use of the good works of another. The payment of an indulgence is just such a work and it may be given on behalf of another. Luther’s position resulted in a series of debates and trails and he was excommunicated from the church in 1521 when 41 of his statements were deemed to be heretical. Luther was saved in part by the Duke who controlled the area of Wittenberg as he allowed him to stay in a castle there.