Two New Widgets Added

HEIDELBERG CATECHISM &

WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM

This morning I added widgets for the Heidelberg Catechism & Westminster Shorter Catechism. They are at the bottom of the left sidebar. The Heidelberg Catechism is one of the Three Forms Of Unity, which along with the Ecumenical Creeds comprise the doctrinal standards that the Reformed Church confesses. This is our church's "statement of faith" and is a summary of the basic beliefs of the Bible as taught in the Reformed Church.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism is part of the "Westminster Standards" which states what the Presbyterian Churches hold to and believe.

Although there are a few minor differences, the Shorter Catechism and the Heidelberg provide an excellent basis for learning and studying the essential doctrines of the Christian Faith. The complete text of the Heidelberg with Scripture references can be found by clicking (here). You can read the Westminster Shorter Catechism, with the accompanying scriptures written out (here).

As I mentioned, we believe these statements of faith summarize the Bible's basic teachings and they are subordinate to the Scriptures. As with all church creeds and confessions, you should check what they teach against the Bible itself.

A daily Bible reading plan (like the one at the top of the left sidebar), plus a daily review of a catechism question and answer, is a great way to understand the Christian Faith and to know God.

Craig 

You Are Not Your Own - For You Are Bought With A Price

What is your only comfort, in life and in death?

That I belong - body and soul, in life and in death- not to myself but to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

How many things must you know that you may live and die in the blessedness of this comfort?

Three. First, the greatness of my sin and wretchedness. Second, how I am freed from all my sins and their wretched consequences. Third, what gratitude I owe to God for such redemption.

(Heidelberg Catechism - Lord's Day 1)

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.          (Galatians 2:20)

CONVERSION

Martin Luther said:  When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, "Repent" (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance. (Thesis 1, of the 95 Theses)

We often hear of conversion as being a "one time event," but is this biblical? In this sermon by Pastor Tom Morrison on the Heidelberg Catechism's Lord's Day 33, we will hear: "... that a Christian is converted over the whole of his or her life. Of course this is something much different from what Evangelicals mean when they talk about conversion."

The scripture lesson on which this sermon is based is: Ephesians 4:17-24
Click here to listen. (27 minutes)

Why is the Son of God called "Jesus," that is, Savior

LORD'S DAY 11

Q.29. Why is the Son of God called "Jesus," that is, Savior?

A. Because He saves us from all our sins, and because salvation is not to be sought or found in any other.

Mt 1:21; Heb 7:25; Isa 43:11; Lk 2:10-11; Jn 15:4-5; Acts 4:11-12; 1 Tim 2:5


Q.30. Do those also believe in the only Savior Jesus, who seek their salvation and welfare from "saints," themselves, or anywhere else?

A. No; although they make their boast of Him, yet in their deeds they deny the only Savior Jesus; for either Jesus is not a complete Savior, or they who by true faith receive this Savior, must have in Him all that is necessary to their salvation.

1 Cor 1:12-13, 30-31; Gal 5:4; Isa 9:7; Mt. 23:28; Jn 1:16; Col 1:19-20, 2:10; 1 Jn 1:7

__Heidelberg Catechism