Middle School Memory Work:
Q1. How does the Holy Spirit strengthen our faith?
A. He strengthens our faith by preaching and by the two sacraments: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Q2. What are sacraments?
A. Sacraments are visible signs and seals of God’s grace to us.
Q3. What does baptism signify and seal to us?
A. It promises that Christ will wash away the sins of all who truly believe in Him.
Q4. What duty do baptized people have?
A. As God’s people they must be willing to learn more about Him and to walk in His ways.
Q5. Who should receive baptism?
A. Baptism is to be given to believers and to their children.
High School Memory Work:
1. May they come to the Lord’s Supper who are unbelieving and ungodly?
Indeed not, lest God’s wrath be kindled against the whole church.
2. How must the church deal with such members?
The church must warn and exclude them from its fellowship by the keys of the kingdom, instituted by Christ himself. (Matt. 18:17,18)
3. Which are the keys of the kingdom?
These are the preaching of the gospel and church discipline. By these Christ’s kingdom is opened to believers and shut against unbelievers. (Matt. 16:19)
4. To whom has Christ entrusted these keys?
To the congregation of believers who exercise these through the office-bearers ordained by Christ. (Titus 3:10,11)
5. What do these keys require of us as members of the church?
First, that we exercise careful watch over our own lives in obedience to Christ; secondly, that we warn and seek to win those who go astray; and finally, that we cooperate with the office-bearers to preserve the congregation in the unity of the true faith.