Presentation of the Augsburg Confession 2022

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron E. Yaeger 

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Nehemiah 8:1–2, 5–6, 9–12 1 Timothy 6:11b–16 Matthew 10:26–33

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When the confessors boldly stood before the emperor at Augsburg, they were prepared to die rather than let the Word of God be taken from them. “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28). Only the Word of the Lord endures forever. As in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, the Scriptures were once again being declared and understood (Neh. 8:12). These Christians gladly risked their lives to remain steadfast to the truth, above all the declaration that our sins are forgiven freely for Christ’s sake. Jesus promises that whoever “acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 10:32). He Himself “before Pontius Pilate made the good confession” (1 Tim. 6:13); thus, we have the charge to make “the good confession” about the “eternal life to which you were called” (1 Tim. 6:12), forgetting all earthly fears. “In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Ps. 56:4).