B IBLE

T EACHINGS
(Simplified Catechism)
By Sandra Greenfield
and Ardis Koeller
B IBLE T EACHINGS
(Simplified Catechism)

By Sandra Greenfield
and Ardis Koeller
 Multi-Language Publications
Bringing the Written Word to the World

Prepared by the Special Education Committee of the WELS

Committee on Special Ministries.

The Simplified Catechism © 1987 Northwestern Publishing

House, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Translated by WELS Multi-Language Publications Committee

with the permission of NPH.

Copyright © 2004 WELS-BWM

Published in 2004
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

The Ten Commandments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

The Apostles’ Creed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

The First Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
The Second Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
The Third Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

The Lord’s Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

The Sacraments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Baptism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
The Lord’s Supper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Confession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
INTRODUCTION 1

1. What is the Bible?

The Bible is God’s Word.

2. Who wrote the Bible?

All the words in the Bible are God’s words.
Men wrote down the words that God told them.

3. What does the Bible tell us about sin?

The Bible says that all people are sinners.
We sin when we do not do what God says.
God gave us ten rules to tell us what he wants
us to do and what he does not want us to do.
The rules are called the Ten Commandments.
We all sin against God, and the payment for
sin is death.

4. What good news does the Bible tell us?

The Bible tells us God loved us so much that he
sent Jesus to pay for our sins.
Jesus kept God’s commandments for us.
Jesus paid for our sins when he died on the
cross.
Those who believe in Jesus will go to heaven.
2 THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

What does God say about the commandments?

God says that we all sin.
No one keeps all the commandments.
God promises to bless people who love him
and keep his commandments.
This Means
God wants us to know that he hates sin.
The Ten Commandments show us our sin.
All people sin.
We all need Jesus to save us from sin.
People who do not believe in Jesus will go to hell.
God forgives and blesses people who believe.
He does this because Jesus paid for our sins.
God promises to help us love and obey him.
The Ten Commandments tell us what God wants
us to do and what God does not want us to do.

God’s Word
Romans 3:23. All have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God.
Romans 6:23. The wages of sin is death.
John 3:16. God so loved the world that he gave his
one and only Son, that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT 3

Love God most of all.

This Means
Have no other gods.
God wants us to love him more than anyone or
anything.
God’s Word
1 John 4:19. We love [God] because he first
loved us.
1 John 5:3. This is love for God: to obey his
commands.
God’s Story
Daniel 6:1-23. Daniel loves God most of all.
4 THE SECOND COMMANDMENT

Do not use God’s name in a bad

way.
This Means
Do not use God’s name to curse, swear or lie.
God wants us to use his name to:
- pray to him
- praise him
- thank him
- tell other people about him
God’s Word
Psalm 50:15. Call upon [God] in the day of
trouble.
Psalm 118:1. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is
good.
God’s Story
Luke 17:11-19. Only one man says thank you to
Jesus.
THE THIRD COMMANDMENT 5

Worship God.
This Means
Hear and learn God’s Word.
God wants us to:
- be happy to hear and learn his Word
- believe his Word
- do what his Word says
God’s Word
Luke 11:28. Blessed are those who hear the word
of God and obey it.
Psalm 122:1. I rejoiced with those who said to
me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
God’s Story
Luke 10:38-42. Mary listens to God’s Word.
6 THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT

Love and obey your parents.

This Means
We should obey our parents.
We should obey other people who care for us.
God wants us to:
- love and help our parents
- love and help people who care for us
God’s Word
Ephesians 6:1. Children, obey your parents in the
Lord.
God’s Story
Luke 2:41-52. Jesus obeys Mary and Joseph.
THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT 7

Do not murder.
This Means
Do not kill anyone.
Do not hurt anyone.
Do not hate anyone.
God wants us to:
- be kind to one another
- take care of our own bodies
God’s Word
Ephesians 4:32. Be kind and forgive each other
just as in Christ God forgave you.
God’s Story
Luke 10:25-37. The good Samaritan helps a man
who was hurt.
8 THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT

Do not commit adultery.

This Means
People do not have sex unless they are married
to each other.
We do not think or talk about anyone’s body in a
shameful way.
God wants us to use our bodies in a way that
pleases him.
God wants husbands and wives to:
- love each other
- stay married to each other
God’s Word
Romans 13:13. Let us behave decently.
Genesis 39:9. Joseph said, “How can I do such a
wicked thing and sin against God?”
God’s Story
Genesis 39. Joseph obeys God and runs away
from sin.
THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT 9

Do not steal.
This Means
Do not take anything that belongs to someone
else.
God wants us to:
- know that everything we have comes from
him
- use what we have to show our love for him
- help other people keep what belongs to them
God’s Word
Ephesians 4:28. He who has been stealing must
steal no longer.
2 Corinthians 9:7. God loves a cheerful giver.
God’s Story
Luke 19:1-10. Zacchaeus learns about Jesus’
love and stops stealing.
10 THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT

Do not say bad things about

people; do not tell lies.
This Means
Do not say bad things that will hurt people.
Do not tell lies about anyone.
God wants us to:
- say kind things about people
- tell the truth
God’s Word
Colossians 3:9. Do not lie to each other.
Ephesians 4:25. Each of you must speak
truthfully.
God’s Story
Mark 14:53-65 and Luke 23:33,34.
Enemies of Jesus tell lies about him.
Jesus asks God to forgive his enemies.
THE NINTH AND TENTH 11
COMMANDMENTS

Do not want what belongs to

someone else.
This Means
Do not want to have other people’s things.
God wants us to:
- help people keep what they have
- be happy with what we have
- thank God for what we have
God’s Word
Hebrews 13:5. Be content with what you have.
Galatians 5:13. Serve one another in love.
God’s Story
1 Kings 21:1-16. King Ahab wants Naboth’s field
for himself.
12 THE APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God the Father,

Son, and Holy Spirit.
1. Why do we say the Apostles’ Creed?
We say the Apostle’s Creed to:
- tell others what we believe about Jesus
- help us remember what we believe about
God
2. What good news is in the Apostles’ Creed?
God made us and cares for us.
God sent his Son, Jesus, to save us from sin
and the devil.
God puts faith in our hearts to believe that he
did all this for us.

3. What does the Bible tell us about God?

The Bible tells us that there is only one God.
The Bible tells us that God is three persons:
- God the Father
- God the Son (Jesus)
- God the Holy Spirit
4. How can God be three persons?
We do not know.
We can ask God when we get to heaven.
THE FIRST ARTICLE 13

I believe in God the Father

almighty, maker of heaven and
earth.
This Means
God made us and the world and everything in it.
Sin came into the world, but God made a plan to
save us.
God cares for us by giving us everything we have
and need.
God wants us to thank him by the way we live.
God’s Word

Malachi 2:10. Have we not all one Father?

Did not one God create us?
14 THE FIRST ARTICLE

I believe in God the Father

almighty, maker of heaven and
earth.
This Means
God made us and the world and everything in it.
God’s Word
Psalm 119:73. Your hands made me and formed
me.
Exodus 20:11. In six days the Lord made the
heavens and the earth.
God’s Story
Genesis chapter 1 and 2. God makes all things.
THE FIRST ARTICLE 15

I believe in God the Father

almighty, maker of heaven and
earth.
This Means
Sin came into the world, but God made a plan to
save us.
God’s Word
Romans 5:12. Sin entered the world through one
man, and death through sin.
John 3:16. God so loved the world that he gave
his one and only Son, that whoever believes in
him shall not perish but have eternal life.
God’s Story
Genesis chapter 3. God makes a plan to save us.
16 THE FIRST ARTICLE

I believe in God the Father

almighty, maker of heaven and
earth.
This Means
God cares for us by giving us everything we have
and need.
God’s Word
Isaiah 41:13. I am the Lord, your God. I will help
you.
Acts 14:17. He provides you with plenty of food
and fills your hearts with joy.
God’s Story
Genesis 3:15 - 4:2. God cares for Adam and Eve
after they sinned.
THE FIRST ARTICLE 17

I believe in God the Father

almighty, maker of heaven and
earth.
This Means
God wants us to thank him by the way we live.
God’s Word
Psalm 106:1. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is
good.
1 Corinthians 10:31. Whatever you do, do it all for
the glory of God.
God’s Story
Genesis chapters 7 and 8. Noah thanks God.
18 THE SECOND ARTICLE

I believe in Jesus Christ, his

only Son, our Lord.
This Means
Jesus is God’s Son.
Jesus is true God.
Jesus was born of Mary, and he lived on earth.
Jesus is true man.
Jesus suffered and died to pay for our sins.
Jesus is alive.
Jesus rose from the dead and went back to
heaven.
Jesus is the King of heaven and earth.
Jesus is protecting us and praying for us in
heaven.
On the Last Day, Jesus will come back in the
same way he went up to heaven.
Jesus will take the people who believe in him to
heaven. The people who do not believe in Jesus
will go to hell.
THE SECOND ARTICLE 19

I believe in Jesus Christ, his

only Son, our Lord who was
conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary.
This Means
Jesus is God’s Son.
Jesus is true God.
Jesus was born of Mary, and he lived on earth.
Jesus is true man.
God’s Word
Luke 2:11. A Savior has been born to you, he is
Christ the Lord.
John 3:16. God so loved the world that he gave
his one and only Son.
God’s Story
Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20. Jesus is born.
20 THE SECOND ARTICLE

I believe in Jesus Christ, who

suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was
buried.
This Means
Jesus suffered and died to pay for our sins.
God’s Word
1 John 1:7. The blood of Jesus purifies [cleans]
us from every sin.
1 Timothy 1:15. Christ Jesus came into the world
to save sinners.
God’s Story
Matthew 27:31-66; Mark 15:20-47;
Luke 23:26-56; John 19:17-42.
Jesus suffers and dies to pay for our sins.
THE SECOND ARTICLE 21

I believe in Jesus Christ, who

rose again from the dead. He
ascended into heaven.
This Means
Jesus is alive.
Jesus rose from the dead and went back to
heaven.
God’s Word
John 14:2,3. I am going [to heaven] to prepare a
place for you.
John 14:19. Because I live, you also will live.
God’s Story
Matthew 28:1-10; Luke 24:1-8, 50-53; Acts 1:19-
11. Jesus rises from the dead and goes back to
heaven.
22 THE SECOND ARTICLE

I believe in Jesus Christ, who

is seated at the right hand of
God the Father almighty. From
there he will come to judge the
living and the dead.
This Means
Jesus is the King of heaven and earth.
Jesus is protecting us and praying for us in
heaven.
On the Last Day, Jesus will come back. Jesus will
take the people who believe in him to heaven.
The people who do not believe in Jesus will go to
hell.
God’s Word
John 14:2,3. I am going [to heaven] to prepare a
place for you. I will come back and take you to be
with me.
1 John 2:1. If anybody does sin, we have one
who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus
Christ.
God’s Story
Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus will come to judge the
world.
THE THIRD ARTICLE 23

I believe in the Holy Spirit;

the holy Christian church, the
communion of saints; the
forgiveness of sins; the
resurrection of the body; and
the life everlasting.
This Means
God the Holy Spirit give us faith to believe in
Jesus.
The Holy Spirit keeps us believing in Jesus.
The Holy Spirit shows us what God does for us.
The Holy Spirit helps us love and obey God.
The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to do his work in
our hearts.
People who believe in Jesus are called the holy
Christian church, or the communion of saints.
The Holy Spirit teaches us that:
- God forgives us because Jesus died to pay
for our sins.
- God will make our bodies live again after we
die.
- We will live forever with God in heaven.
24 THE THIRD ARTICLE

I believe in the Holy Spirit.

This Means
God the Holy Spirit gives us faith to believe in
Jesus.
The Holy Spirit keeps us believing in Jesus.
God’s Word
1 Corinthians 1:2,3. No one can say, “Jesus is
Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:39. Nothing can separate us from the
love of God.
God’s Story
Acts 1:8-11 and chapter 2. Jesus sends the Holy
Spirit.
THE THIRD ARTICLE 25

I believe in the Holy Spirit.

This Means
The Holy Spirit shows us what God does for us.
The Holy Spirit helps us love and obey God.
God’s Word
John 14:26. The Holy Spirit will teach you all
things and will remind you of everything I have
said to you.
Galatians 2:20. I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me.
God’s Story
Acts 8:26-39. God sends Philip to show a man
from Ethiopia what God has done for him.
26 THE THIRD ARTICLE

I believe in the holy Christian

church, the communion of
saints.
This Means
The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to to do his work
in our hearts.
People who believe in Jesus are called the holy
Christian church and the communion of saints.
God’s Word
Romans 10:17. Faith comes from hearing the
word of Christ.
Ephesians 5:23. Christ is the head of the church
of which he is the Savior.
Ephesians 5:25. Christ loved the church and gave
himself up for her.
God’s Story
Acts chapter 2. The holy Christian church grows
as people hear God’s Word and believe in Jesus.
THE THIRD ARTICLE 27

I believe in the forgiveness of

sins; the resurrection of the
body; and the life everlasting.
This Means
The Holy Spirit teaches us that:
- God forgives us because Jesus died to pay
for our sins
- God will make our bodies live again after we
die
- We will live forever with God in heaven
God’s Word
John 14:26. The Holy Spirit will teach you all
things and will remind you of everything I have
said to you.
Ephesians 1:7. In Jesus we have the forgiveness
of sins.
1 Thessalonians 4:16,17. The dead in Christ will
rise. We will be with the Lord forever.
God’s Story
John 14:15-31. Jesus tells his friends that the
Holy Spirit will come to teach them.
28 THE LORD’S PRAYER

We pray to our Father in

heaven as Jesus taught us.
1. What is prayer?
Prayer is talking to God in our minds or with
our voices.
2. Who may pray to God?
God listens to everyone who believes in
Jesus.
3. Where may we pray?
We may pray at home, at church, and
everywhere.
4. When does God want us to pray?
God wants us to pray anytime.
God wants us to pray often.
5. What words should we use to pray?
We may pray in our own words.
We may pray prayers that we learn.
THE ADDRESS OF 29
THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven.

This Means
God is our dear Father, and we are God’s dear
children.
Jesus paid for our sins, so God will always hear
us.
We will want to talk to God our Father often.
God’s Word
Galatians 3:26. You are all sons of God through
faith in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 91:15. The Lord says, “Call upon me, and I
will answer.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17. Pray continually.
God’s Story
Matthew 6:5-15 and Luke 11:1-4. Jesus teaches
us how to pray.
30 THE FIRST PETITION OF
THE LORD’S PRAYER

Hallowed be your name.

This Means
God’s name is already holy.
We pray that God will help us keep his name
holy.
We keep God’s name holy when we:
- learn what the Bible says
- do what the Bible says
- tell people what the Bible says
God’s Word
Psalm 103:1. Praise the Lord. Praise his holy
name.
Luke 11:28. Blessed are those who hear the word
of God and obey it.
God’s Story
1 and 2 Timothy. Paul tells Timothy to remember
God’s Word and do what it says.
THE SECOND PETITION OF 31
THE LORD’S PRAYER

Your kingdom come.

This Means
God’s kingdom is all people who believe that
Jesus died to save them.
God puts people in his kingdom even when we do
not pray.
God wants us to pray that we will always believe
in Jesus and that many other people will believe
in Jesus.
How does God’s kingdom come?
God uses his Word, the Bible, to give us his Holy
Spirit.
The Holy Spirit puts faith in our hearts to believe
God’s Word and do what God’s Word says.
God’s Word
Luke 17:21. The kingdom of God is within you.
Luke 11:28. Blessed are those who hear the word
of God and obey it.
God’s Story
John 1: 29-50. Andrew and Philip learn about
Jesus and tell others.
32 THE THIRD PETITION OF
THE LORD’S PRAYER

Your will be done on earth as is

heaven.
This Means
God’s will is what God wants.
We learn what God wants from his Word, the
Bible.
The angels in heaven always do what God wants.
We pray that God will help us do what he wants.
God wants people to:
- learn about Jesus and be saved
- obey his Word
- tell other people the good news about Jesus
our Savior
God’s Word
John 6:40. My father’s will is that everyone who
believes in [Jesus] shall have eternal life.
Psalm 143:10. Teach me to do your will, for you
are my God.
God’s Story
Jonah chapters 1 through 3. Jonah learns to do
what God says.
THE FOURTH PETITION OF 33
THE LORD’S PRAYER

Give us today our daily bread.

This Means
We pray that God will help us remember that he
gives us our daily bread.
Daily bread is everything we need to take care of
our bodies.
God gives us daily bread even when we do not
ask, because he loves us.
God wants us to thank him for giving us food and
all the other things.
God’s Word
Acts 14:17. [God] provides you with plenty of food
and fills your hearts with joy.
Psalm 118:1. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is
good.
God’s Story
Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:22-34. God gives
us everything we need.
34 THE FIFTH PETITION OF
THE LORD’S PRAYER

Forgive us our sins, as we

forgive those who sin against
us.
This Means
We sin when we do not do what God says.
Jesus died to pay for our sins, so we can ask God
to forgive us.
We ask God to help us forgive other people when
they do bad things to us.
God’s Word
Ephesians 1:7. In Jesus we have the forgiveness
of sins.
Ephesians 4:32. Be kind to one another. Forgive
each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Psalm 51:2. Clean me from my sin.
God’s Story
Genesis chapter 37 and chapter 45:1-14. Joseph
forgives his brothers.
THE SIXTH PETITION OF 35
THE LORD’S PRAYER

Lead us not into temptation.

This Means
Temptation means someone is trying to get us to
sin.
God does not try to get us to sin.
Who tries to get us to sin?
- the devil
- other people
- ourselves
We pray that God will help us say no and do what
is good.
God’s Word
Romans 8:31. If God is for us, who can be
against us?
Matthew 26:41. Watch and pray so that you will
not fall into temptation.
God’s Story
Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-12. The devil tries
to get Jesus to sin.
36 THE SEVENTH PETITION OF
THE LORD’S PRAYER

But deliver us from evil.

This Means
We pray that God will save us from the devil and
all bad things that happen to us.
God knows what is best for us.
God uses all things, even bad things, for the good
of people who believe in Jesus.
We ask God to bring us safely to live with him in
heaven.
God’s Word
2 Timothy 4:18. The Lord will rescue me from
every evil attack and will bring me safely to his
heavenly kingdom [heaven].
Romans 8:28. We know that in all things God
works for the good of those who love him.
God’s Story
Acts 16:16-40. God takes care of Paul and Silas
in jail.
WORDS OF PRAISE IN 37
THE LORD’S PRAYER

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours now
and forever. Amen.
This Means
We praise God because:
- he promises to hear our prayers
- he uses his almighty power to answer our
prayers
- he always gives us what is good for us
Amen means, “Yes, God will hear our prayers and
answer them.”
God’s Word
Psalm 17:6. I call on you, O God, for you will
answer me.
Psalm 150:2. Praise God for his acts of power.
38 THE SACRAMENTS

1. What sacraments did Jesus give us in the Bible?

Jesus gave us these sacraments:
- Baptism
- the Lord’s Supper
2. What is a sacrament?
A sacrament is a special act that Jesus wants
Christians to do.
Jesus told us to use God’s Word together
with:
- water for Baptism
- bread and wine for the Lord’s Supper
3. Why did God give us the sacraments?
God gave us the sacraments to:
- forgive our sins
- make our faith grow
- lead us to heaven
4. What does God use to give the sacraments such
great power?
God uses his Word in the sacraments to give
them this power.
BAPTISM 39

Jesus told us to baptize people

by putting water on someone
and saying, “I baptize you in
the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy
Spirit.”
This Means
In Baptism, God:
- washes away our sins
- makes us his own dear children
- saves us from living with the devil forever
- gives us a new life with him on earth and life
forever with him in heaven
God’s Word
Acts 22:16. Be baptized and wash your sins
away.
1 Peter 3:21. Baptism saves you.
God’s Story
Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21,22.
Jesus is baptized.
40 THE LORD’S SUPPER

Jesus said, “Take and eat.

This is my body. Take and
drink. This is my blood.”
This Means
Jesus gives us his body when we eat the bread.
Jesus gives us his blood when we drink the wine.
In the Lord’s Supper, God gives us forgiveness
for our sins.
God uses the power that is in his Word to do this.
God’s Word says that God forgives people who
believe that Jesus is their Savior.
God’s Word
Matthew 26:26,27. Jesus took bread, saying,
“Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the
cup, saying, “This is my blood, which is poured
out for you for the forgiveness of sins.”
God’s Story
Matthew 26:17-29 and Mark 14:22-26. Jesus
gives his friends the Lord’s Supper.
CONFESSION 41

God wants us to confess our

sins to him.
This Means
God wants us to tell our sins to him.
We believe God will forgive all our sins.
God wants us to confess our sins to each other
also.
If you have been bad to another person, say to
that person:
- I was bad to you
- I sinned against God
- please forgive me
God wants us not to sin anymore.
God’s Word
1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, God is faithful
and just and will forgive us our sins.
James 5:16. Confess your sins to each other.
God’s Story

Luke 15:11-32. A son tells his father that he has

sinned, and the father forgives him.
42 THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son,
our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the
dead.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of
God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER 43

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and forever. Amen.
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