Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 6:15b–16

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1 Timothy 6:15b–16

From the Confessions: Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 13

VIII. Many ancient synods were called and held, in which the bishop of Rome did not preside, such as Nicea and most others. This also demonstrates that the Church did not acknowledge the primacy or superiority of the bishop of Rome at that time.

Pulling It Together: Who ruled the Church in the time of the apostles? Peter? James? Paul? You would be hard-pressed to decide by reading the Scriptures. That is for good reason; none of them was superior to the other. That would have been a contradiction of the Lord’s teaching. Ministers of the gospel are called to serve. There must not be dominion of one over another in the Church (Matt 20:12). If it looks like someone is on a throne, matters have gone very wrong. Christ alone is our Sovereign; to him belongs all honor and dominion, all primacy and power.

Prayer: You are my only Sovereign, Lord. Amen.

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By What Authority is a book that confronts churches who no longer believe their own message. It is about the end of traditional Christianity as practiced in modern times—not a futuristic end, but an end already accomplished, or partially accomplished, in a majority of countries, cities, and churches. Strange as it seems, many Christians haven't noticed. But others were so concerned they've gathered in these pages the wisdom of alert pastors, theologians, laity, young seminarians, and evangelicals. They all have a story to tell you in their own voices. and it's a story so urgent and timely it opens your eyes in ways few might imagine. 


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