What God's Word Says
Read these passages in context and listen for what God exposes, promises, and gives in Christ.
Reflection Questions from Getting to Know Jesus
Bring burdens to the God who gives mercy.
Reflect honestly before God without pressure to disclose private details to the group.
Chapter 5: The Holy Spirit, Counselor and Comforter. Prompts are paraphrased for this website companion. Use the book for the full material.Scripture to reflect on
The Spirit teaches and recalls Jesus' words, and Christ gives peace.
The Spirit produces fruit in the lives of those joined to Christ.
God knows and created each person.
Think and pray
- Are there burdens, regrets, hurts, or sins that show your need for Christ's mercy?
- How does the Spirit use Jesus' words to bring truth and comfort?
- Where do forgiveness and a fresh start matter in daily life?
Privacy: You do not need to share private details. When appropriate, speak privately with a trusted pastor.
Prayer prompt: Ask the Spirit to turn you to Christ's Word, forgiveness, and peace.
What Does the Catechism Say?
Third Article of the Apostles' Creed
What does this mean?
The Third Article confesses that the Holy Spirit calls through the Gospel, gathers the Church, forgives sins, and keeps believers with Christ.
Official Book of Concord text from Concordia Publishing House.Law
What truth does God's Word expose?
We cannot produce saving faith by our own reason or strength, and isolation weakens our life together in Christ.
Gospel
What does Christ give or promise?
The Holy Spirit calls through the Gospel, gathers the Church, forgives sins, and keeps believers with Jesus Christ.
Jesus at the Center
The Spirit does not draw attention away from Jesus. He delivers Christ's Word and gifts and keeps the Church in that faith.
In Real Life
Faith where life actually happens.
- Recognize worship, Scripture, Baptism, Absolution, and Communion as places where the Spirit serves faith.
- Value the Church as Christ's gathered people, not merely an event or building.
South Lake Confirmation Book
Catechism in Real Life
Week 2The Creed, Third ArticlePages 86-91
Look for: The Spirit's work through the Gospel in the Church and the communion of saints.
- Faith is the Spirit's gift.
- The Spirit gathers and forgives.
- God keeps His people in faith until the resurrection.
Review
Read the Third Article explanation and underline every action of the Holy Spirit.
Discussion Guide
A facilitator toolbox for the session.
Chapter 5: The Holy Spirit, Counselor and Comforter
Choose the questions that best serve the group. The guide is not a checklist, and students may answer generally.Getting Started
- Why can wise feedback be valuable and difficult?
- Why do people need comfort from outside themselves?
- What is the difference between comfort and avoiding the truth?
Digging Deeper
Jesus promises the Spirit
- What work does Jesus say the Spirit does?
- How does the Spirit's work keep attention on Jesus?
Pentecost and the Gospel
- What is central in Peter's message?
- How do Law and Gospel cut people to the heart?
God gives life
- Why does Ezekiel speak God's Word to the bones?
- Why does Scripture use resurrection language for coming to faith?
Connecting the Dots
- How does the Spirit call through the Gospel?
- How does He gather, forgive, sanctify, and keep the Church?
- Why is faith God's work rather than our achievement?
- What is one important thing you learned about the Holy Spirit?
Pastoral note: Do not reduce the Holy Spirit to feelings, intuition, or private revelation. Emphasize His work through the Word and Sacraments.
Keep the Faith
South Lake Confirmation
Why the Holy Spirit Isn’t Just a “Force”
This resource presents the Holy Spirit as personally present and active in bringing God's new creation through Jesus.
Video resources support Scripture, the Small Catechism, pastoral teaching, and family conversation. They do not replace them.Watch & Learn
Trusted Lutheran Resource
A carefully selected resource to support this session after Scripture, the Small Catechism, and South Lake's teaching.
The Third Article (Part 1)
This lesson introduces the Third Article and the Holy Spirit's work of calling, gathering, enlightening, sanctifying, and keeping the Church in Christ.
Watch on the Publisher SiteTalk About It
Questions for honest conversation.
- Why is faith a gift rather than a personal achievement?
- How has the Church helped keep someone you know connected to Jesus?
At the Kitchen Table
How has the Church helped keep our family or someone we know connected to Jesus?
Ten thoughtful minutes is plenty. Listen before correcting, welcome honest questions, and end in prayer.