Ebenezer Reformed Church: Recent Episodes
With some unusual phrases Paul makes the point that being in Christ involves more than a change in behavior or belief; it involves a new, transformative relationship that results in being like Christ.
God has turned away his righteous anger toward us, gathered us in comfort, and drawn us to the abundant wellsprings of salvation.
Our new calling in Christ requires a pattern of life no longer characterized by blind and unfeeling hearts as those dead in sin putrefy further.
By setting the root of Jesse as a banner, God gathers his chosen remnant both out of and from all the nations and gives them genuine unity.
The call to grow up into Christ includes: 1) Leaving aside childish instability and gullibility. 2) Discussing doctrine in love. 3) Receiving from Christ and sharing with the body.
The way from where we begin to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ passes through the ministry of the word.
The recollection that his sufferings were for God's glory enabled the Lord Jesus to press on toward his approaching hour.
The rod from Jesse's stem is abundantly equipped by the Spirit of the Lord for all his messianic ministry and righteous judgment.
From the mediatorial fullness of the risen Christ, he supplies to every member of the church a gift with which to commune with Christ in service of others.
Although the Assyrian will lift up his rod, God calls on his people not to fear because a remnant will return to God.
Assyria's arrogant boasting against the sovereign Lord will meet its fitting end as they are set on fire by God's holiness.
To a remnant out-of-step with the prevailing society, Zephaniah issued a call to be ready for the coming judgment by seeking the Lord to find salvation.
Paul exemplifies the humility and gentleness he calls for as a response to the wonderful calling of God.
Paul's elevated prayer ends in praise to a God who is beyond all our conceptions, but who gives us purpose, value, and function in Christ.
Micah vividly sets out that God is incomparable in the righteousness of his judgment and in the glory of his mercy.
The love of the Christ received into our hearts by faith is the solid platform and nourishing soil from which we are ultimately inducted into the fullness of God.
In praying for the Ephesians, Paul requested the Spirit's strengthening for them to equip them for Christ's residence in their hearts by faith. Such a bold prayer was only possible because Paul measured his prayers by God rather than by himself.
Paul confidently prays for glorious things for the Ephesians because God is his and their Father, and they belong to the family of God.
Paul again summons the Corinthians to cultivate Christlikeness by a mature understanding as well as by ineptness in evil.
The appearing, or epiphany, of grace is the appearance of Christ because grace is so bound up in him, and the teaching of grace is the teaching of Christ by grace.
God's unexpected mercy interrupts the pattern where rebellion against his word leads to darkness by the introduction of the Son of promise who is the Mighty God.
The church is the instrument by which God unfolds his multi-layered wisdom to spiritual intelligences. Hence our lives in the church serve for a purpose greater than ourselves, although we do not always see it.
The response to the word of God, belief or unbelief, creates a dividing line even among the visible people of God.
In staggering grace, God gave to Paul (and to us) the gift of ministering in his church for the glory of Christ.
Because God is good, believers can receive his good gifts in this world with thankfulness.
The mystery of Jews and Gentiles in the same body on an equal footing was revealed to Paul as pioneering administrator of the grace of God to the Gentiles.
Funeral sermon for Warren Hall (1941-2024). It came to pass in God's faithfulness that Joshua died, that he and Joseph were buried, that provision was made for a continuing priestly ministry of intercession.
Isaiah has one great reality to oppose to imperial power and even unbelief: that God is with us.
Ahaz's unbelief did not make God's faithful promise ineffectual- but his lack of faith brought humiliation and suffering to his land, as well as excluding him from the people of God.
By making peace between alienated mankind and righteous God, Christ made peace between Jew and Gentile also.
God's merciful purpose to draw near to His people in Christ triumphed even over the hypocritical unbelief of Ahaz.
We serve God with our memory by remembering who, what, and where we are in contrast to who, what, and where we are in Christ.
Because it receives God's promises and looks at situations in the light of God's kingdom, faith is the real answer to fear.
The love of God displayed in the concrete acts of mercy and grace towards dead sinners requires eternity for its full unfolding.
In transcendent holiness, God can purify as well as punish sin -through fire from the altar-.
Belonging to the God of creation and redemption is a joyful privilege expressed in open profession and grateful offering.
The desperate condition of humans outside of Christ provides a startling contrast to the depth of God's rich mercy and love.
The exaltation of Christ is appropriate and ineffable glory for him, as well as deep comfort and benefit to us.
There is a profound and absolute contrast between those who seek the way of life, and those who float down the broad way to destruction.
Those written in the Branch's register will emerge on the other side of judgment with beauty, holiness, and increased nearness to God.
It takes the Holy Spirit's help to be able to know the greatness of--the Christian's hopeful calling--the richness of God's inheritance--God's resurrection power in our lives.
God judges the leaders of his people for mistreating the poor, and the women for their haughtiness- but this reproach can ultimately be taken away by one man.
Paul's response to God's great work on behalf of the Ephesians is to give thanks and to pray that they will be brought deeper into the knowledge of God.
The open celebration of wickedness results in the utter collapse of society as every support is eroded or withdrawn- but even in those circumstances, those who trust in the Lord will act righteously.
The Ephesians had obtained an inheritance and been sealed with the Spirit just as much as Paul.
There should be a footnote at 1 Corinthians 15-4 pointing to Hosea 6-2 as one of the Scriptures according to which Christ was raised on the third day.
The Lord wakes up the sword of violence against his chosen and dear shepherd- but it is so that it will not reach the believing sheep.
The Lord's chosen servant does not quit or stop until his mission is accomplished.-Delivered at Rehoboth Reformed Church.
The Day of the Lord accomplishes the purpose of toppling every substitute and leaving the Lord alone in the place of exaltation.
Israel escapes from the manifold dangers of their enemies only because the Lord is on their side.
There is an abundant harvest for those who enter into the work of evangelism with compassion.
God's grant in Christ of a magnificent inheritance to mangy sinners manifests the glory of his character.
With sin on every side, Isaiah lifts our hearts with hope for blessed future God will bring, a hope that strengthens us to live in the light today.
God's gracious purpose in our redemption is part of the wider goal to put everything in its proper place with reference to Christ.
The Mighty One of Israel takes vengeance against sin, destroying it in his believing people and destroying the unbelieving.
God the Father has chosen, predestined and made us accepted, in his own presence, from eternity, because of his love and for his own glory, by Jesus Christ.
Using religious ritual as a cover for unrighteousness only adds fuel to the fire of our condemnation. Repentance is required.
We bless God because he blesses believers with grace, peace, and much more besides in Christ.
The ingratitude of Israel before God's blessings, and the preservation of a remnant amidst great destruction, are both hard to explain.
The social advantages of respectable behavior and outward goodness mean nothing when it comes to entrance into the kingdom of God- the way of faith in God's mercy and repentance for our sins is equally open to and equally necessary for all.
John's weeping is stilled by a glimpse of a glorious Lion-Lamb taking the sealed scroll controlling events in heaven and earth from the hand of God.
Amidst conflicting, confused, and uninformed opinions about Christ, believers find that the objections are actually further reasons to believe.
The ascended Christ extends his ministry through the preaching of the Gospel by the church on earth.
Following the pattern of redemptive history where blessing arises out of judgment, a ruler would arise from little Bethlehem, in sign of humiliation, to be great throughout the world.
Christ, the faithful shepherd, leads his people through the problems of their remaining unbelief with a warning about the catastrophic consequences of terminal unbelief.
God's anointed king, David, showed himself a worthy leader of brave and loyal followers.
David's joy at the collection for temple construction turned into a time of worship praising God for many layers of reasons to give thanks.
The faithful devotion of three women brought them to be the first to hear that Christ was risen.
In David's rise to prominence in Israelite society there was a fulfillment of the blessing pronounced on Boaz, a preparation of David for his role as shepherd of God's people, and a prefiguration of Christ.
God showed himself to be Naomi's redeemer, working through Ruth, Boaz, and Obed to restore Naomi's life.
The elders and community approved Boaz's plan to link together responsibility for Naomi and Ruth with the redemption of Elimelech's property.
Mark highlights the humiliation of Christ--1. Because it truly happened-2. Because it exhibits the evil of the world-3. Because it reveals Christ's true glory
Ruth could not directly answer Naomi's question, -Who are you, my daughter- because her relationship to the redeemer had not yet been settled.
The mockery of Jesus was more than an outlet for Roman cruelty- it was an attempt to render him utterly despicable.
Loyal love does not ask what is the legal minimum to be done, but abounds in seeking the good of its object.
The appalling human injustice of Pilate knowingly sentencing an innocent man to death in the place of a guilty one subserved God's great and just purpose of freeing us from our deserved condemnation through the substitution of Christ.
Isaiah's community can trust God to establish peace for them here and forever, because God finishes what he starts and he has already done great works for them and in them.
Although Paul's strong desire for the salvation of Israel was not being visibly fulfilled, he continued to sorrow, long, pray, and preach in submission to God's strange design.
Boaz's kind concern for and generosity from Ruth reveal him as a true man of worth, and a type of Christ.
The Lord Jesus did not participate in his illegitimate show trial, except to clearly proclaim the truth of his own identity.
The Lord redeemed Naomi from emptiness and thereby advanced the coming of his kingdom through the instrumentality of Ruth.
The Lord Jesus was betrayed, mistreated, and forsaken with extreme prejudice, but remained steadfast in fulfilling the Scriptures.
From the funeral service for Vivian Merz--Mercy and truth, trust, and God's love are basic truths for embracing and enjoying the inheritance God has given us in Christ.
After staggering losses, Naomi returned to Bethlehem in emptiness -except for the company of her daughter-in-law, Ruth-.
The Son of Man both prevailed over severe obstacles for us, and blazed the path for us.
Because Christ entered into communion with us in our misery and deserved judgment, we can have communion with him in suffering, prayer, and submission.
The solution to a problem caused by excessive zeal in massacre was more massacre- this is what God's people are like when every one does what is right in his own eyes.
The Lord prepared His disciples for his arrest, their own failure, and his death and resurrection in spite of their incredulous overconfidence.
In the civil war, the Lord's intervention reduced Benjamin from overconfidence to disaster.
It was inevitable that God would undo death's bonds in Christ's resurrection because of his decree, because of the innocence of Christ, and because of his identity as the prince of life.
God worked out his own design through the lawless, wicked crucifixion of Christ- now we are called to side with God over against the rejectors of Christ.
When Benjamin refused to hand over evildoers for judgment, but rather defended them, they chose to receive punishment along with them.
In leading worship with his disciples, Christ revealed and confirmed many precious truths about his presence with them.
While Judas betrayed to betray Jesus, and the disciples prepared to observe Passover, Jesus prepared to give his life and to guard his disciples through the deep crisis of his death.
The conditions of Sodom recurred within the boundaries of God's people. This tragedy must teach us to be honest, to be humble, and to look to Christ for our deliverance.
God's zeal for his own glory is involved in teaching us to do his will, because of the mutual covenant relationship he established with us.
Peter dies in the courtyard, denying Christ three times. He is born again by the resurrection, to a living hope, an incorruptible inheritance.-Final Sermon in Yuba City
Disciples with an inadequate view of Christ fussed at a woman's lavish gesture- but the Lord showed himself worthy of her devotion by his response to her deed.
The curse of the law, with all of its hopelessness, brutality, ugliness, shame and injustice fell upon Jesus, and he put it to death on the cross, so that we might live
Moses' descendant Jonathan provides a lively model of the religious professional who seeks his own advancement, in total contrast to the Lord from Heaven who came not to be served but to serve.
The widow gave her whole life, from her poverty, not from her abundance. Her gift was precious in the eyes of the Lord, for it flowed from her faith.
If God can redeem Israel, who was hardened in blindness and deafness, then he can redeem the whole world. So don't be afraid. He knows how to deliver his people-
We spend our lives looking for kingdoms and castles that will eventually fade into dust and ruin. Only one kingdom is forever. Only one King conquered death - the one whom David called -my Lord-
The Servant is given as a covenant for the people.-He didn't come to establish a new covenant for us to keep to gain the blessings of the covenant.-Jesus IS the covenant. When we have him, we have all the blessings of the covenant already - light, sight, life, righteousness, peace.-It is a covenant that cannot be broken, for Jesus has already fulfilled it.
In a parody of what should have happened, the Danites took possession of a place to dwell and acknowledged God--but their godliness was only formal, and worldliness was at the heart of their enterprise.
When our bodies are raised and death is no more, everything changes. The law is temporary, to restrain evil and protect the oppressed. When everything evil, including death, is taken away - there will be more need for the rules of marriage, divorce, crime, punishment, theft and covetousness. Old thing are passed away.
The Anointed One, Messiah, desires to be so united with his people that he takes the form of the Servant, the Chosen One, the Beloved Son. -His love is profound and deep and unlike any of the powers on the earth. He does not crush or smash or argue or demand. But with gentleness and compassion he shepherds his people.
This portion of Mark against its Old Testament background reveals Jesus as the glorified Son of Man, but also as the God who gathers his scattered elect and whose word endures forever.
God has ordained civil government for the promotion of public welfare. As Christians we are to submit to the government and pray for them, that we might life quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness.
The future is in the hands of God alone. He alone determines the movements of kings and nations, and he ordains everything that comes to pass for the purpose of bringing about the redemption of creation.-He can be trusted. We can rest, for he has it all in his hands.
Christ will not prostitute his bride to anyone. -A Sermon on spiritual abuse and domineering leadership.-When those with power over the vineyard forget that the vineyard doesn't belong to them, abuse and oppression always result.
When Israel was on the verge of death in the desert, God heard them and provided water. He was the only one who could do it.-So also, only God provides the living water, springing up into everlasting life. Only God can restore this fallen creation.
Towards the end of Judges, a story about a very religious household shows the profound intrusion of folk religion among the people of God.
Jesus did not come unannounced or unexpected. He is the culmination of the prophets and his authority is declared on every page of scripture.-He is worthy of all glory and all honor as king of kings and lord of lords.
The Gospel is the announcement of the conquering king. He has defeated his and my enemies and his kingdom will have no end.
Ending prayers with amen is a reminder of the confidence we have in prayer of being heard.
Forgiveness can be defined as the non-imputation of sin, according to Lattanzio Ragnoni's Formulario as well as the Heidelberg Catechism.
There was great tragedy surrounding the birth of Christ, due to the malice of the seed of the serpent, King Herod -known as -the Great--.
Jesus is ordained of God to be our king, priest and prophet. He therefore cleanses his church, makes intercession for his people and teaches them the ways of God.-Jesus will come in judgment against the false shepherds
How does God see his church-- We are his servant, his chosen, heirs to the promise of Abraham. When it appears as if the obstacles are insurmountable, or the promises are too impossible, remember that God is our Creator and Redeemer who loves us beyond our understanding.--From Heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride-
The Heidelberg Catechism and the Belgic Confession are in hearty agreement that God is the only fountain of all good.
The seed of the serpent seemed to have triumphed when Athaliah exterminated her grandchildren. But God's promise remained in one little boy.
The Prince of Peace enters Jerusalem, but because they did not know the way of peace, they rejected him.-He came to bring to us peace with God, which is the heart of His Kingdom.
God's power, wisdom, knowledge and decree are one. He is infinite and independent. The creation does not sway him from his purpose, any more than a drop sways a bucket or a speck sways the scale. He is not like the idols of the nations. We do not support him. He supports us.
All true prayer involves submitting to God's will, because we seek His will above and even to the exclusion of our own if in anything it does not measure up to the standard of God's will.
God has created us and has redeemed us so that we might serve him without fear. Put off the fear of man and learn to serve him as a new creature in Christ
Isaiah sees the return of the exiles, and the coming of the kingdom of the Lord. Atonement is made, and God will bring salvation to his people.
The second petition of the Lord's Prayer culminates the imprecatory petitions of the OT into destruction of Satan's kingdom, as seen also in Craig's Catechism.
When the Heidelberg Catechism describes Christ as the -eternal, natural Son of God- it reflects the Christian consensus that the second person of the Trinity is eternally the Son of the Father without any inequality.
The hungry man disappointed by a lack of figs is the owner of the vineyard of Israel, Lord of the Temple, and the only mediator between God and man.
Our union to an anointed savior means that we also have the gift and responsibility of living like prophets, priests, and kings.
In the confusing mess of human life, the fact of universal human sinfulness stands out as the immediate explanation of much that is troubling.
The name of -Jesus- is packed with deep significance for the identity of our savior and our view of him.
The Glastonbury congregation acknowledged God's sovereign government and providence in Article 4 of their 1551 confession of faith. As refugeed who had gone from France to Strasbourg to England to Frankfort, they could speak from experience.
Why is human life the way it is, with a mixture of blessings and vanity- Solomon's second answer to that question is that this is the work of God's providence, preventing us from mistaking this cursed world for our true fulfillment.
The Heidelberg Catechism in affirming the doctrine of the Trinity stands united with the Athanasian Creed in this central confession of our faith.
The Heidelberg Catechism defines true faith as sure knowledge and hearty trust. This harmonizes with -The Marrow of Modern Divinity- description of faith.
The explanation for the dreadful miseries of human life is found in the sin of Adam and God's subsequent, merciful, judgment- the answer is found in the second Adam.
In order for Christ to retain his proper place as the sum and substance of the Church's message, he must retain his place as the Head in our thinking and living.
The teaching that man fell by the instigation of the devil does not relieve man of his responsibility, but does add an important explanatory element to the mystery of sin. The reality of diabolical solicitation was recognized by the Fourth Lateran Council of 1215 in its first constitution.
The Son of Man through his service of death has ransomed us from our failures to serve, and our bondage to worldly glory and status.
The Belgic Confession harmonized with the Heidelberg Catechism in its teaching about the original constitution of mankind.
The Heidelberg Catechism takes an anti-Pelagian stance on the question of original sin and free will, in harmony with the 2nd Council of Orange.
The character of discipleship is determined by the character of the One being followed- so -the last shall be first- summarized what happened to Christ as well as what happens to us.
Although it is articulated differently, both the Heidelberg Catechism and the Westminster Larger -and Shorter- Catechisms teach that we do not live for ourselves, but unto Christ.
Although Baruch's abilities and talents might have led him to expect a brilliant career, that expectation was unrealistic and unseasonable.
The Lord's great call to Israel to return is grounded on a new creative act done in the land of Israel, best described as a woman surrounding a man.
God's forgiveness of us so works in us, that we forgive others- our forgiveness then becomes a practical demonstration that God has forgiven us.
Isaac anticipates Christ in the joyful improbability of his birth and in his submission to sacrifice.
Because God alone is good, every blessing of physical life comes from him and should point us back to him.
The third petition of the Lord's Prayer --thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven-- teaches us, among other things, that it is our nobility and happiness to obey God promptly and cheerfully.
In a world under God's curse on sin--injustice is unsurprising -though still wrong---wealth is inadequate--an active life of enjoyment is the best distraction.
In paraphrasing the second petition of the Lord's Prayer --Thy kingdom come--, the Heidelberg Catechism -Lord's Day 48, Question 123- shows that they approach Scripture believing that the meaning of the word of God is the word of God.
The disciples often mess up, but Jesus is perturbed with them when they try to prevent children from being brought to him.
In calling us to persistent joy, prayer, and thanksgiving Paul identifies the Christian life as blessed and joyful, and emphasizes that this is only true in Christ.
In asking why the address to God is framed, -Our Father, which art in heaven- the Catechism teaches--1. That detailed attention to the exact words of Scripture is beneficial--2. That God could have been addressed in some other way, and so this is especially meaningful--3. That the address to God isn't a matter of protocol merely, but of the attitude of the heart.
God is to be worshipped without superstition, with sincerity, and in deepest reverence because of who he is.
Prayer is necessary, not just as one good work among many, but as the chief part of our thankfulness.
The Lord Jesus tells the convicting truth about marriage and demonstrates the true interpretation of Scripture, in answer to a manipulative question from the Pharisees.
The Catechism expounds the utmost requirement of the law with unmistakable clarity, as well as our inability to keep the law. It is also clear, then, that we have no help in ourselves for forgiveness or sanctification.
The Lord Jesus warns his church against tripping up others and ourselves, including through sinful exclusiveness.
We need the Bible--1. For clarity- a. Historical, Luke 1-4- b. Doctrinal, 2 Timothy 3-15- c. Moral, Psalm 119-97-104-2. For comfort, Romans 15-4-3. For Christ, John 5-39
The ninth commandment requires that we tell even inconvenient truth, but also that we reserve judgment until situations are known.
The misery of oppression makes life unbearable, if it is considered only under the sun- on that frame of reference, contentment, companionship, and openness to correction are important palliatives.
In Lord's Day 42, the Heidelberg Catechism expounds the Eighth Commandment- -Thou shalt not steal.- The division of its questions emphasizes that there is a positive and a negative element in each commandment, while the opening of answer 110 shows that the civil law is not the baseline for Christian behavior.
The Lord Jesus pointed disciples blinded by competitive pride to a child as an example of his union to and mediation for those who have no worldly significance.
In pressing the origin of murder in envy and the desire of revenge, the Catechism prevents us from pretending that we are innocent of breaking the Sixth Commandment
Human observation shows that perfection is not to be found under the sun, and must therefore be sought elsewhere.
The Thessalonians already encouraged one another in many ways, and Paul urges them to continue to do so with reference to the sorrow of death and in light of the return of Christ.
The Heidelberg Catechism explains that the 5th Commandment extends beyond parents to all who bear delegated authority from God- but precisely because their authority is from God, it has limits.
Each Lord's Day gives the opportunity to anticipate the eternal rest we have been promised.
Time and all the variety it contains cannot be understood from within- we need the transcendent standpoint of eternity, which only God can give.
We may with proper grounds swear an oath in God's name- God himself has done so, in order to give his people strong assurance.
Jesus did what his disciples could not, in delivering a boy from spiritual oppression and in eliciting faith from one member of a faithless generation.
Taking God's name in vain is a particularly heinous sin in those who are called by that name, who have received a covenant standing and enjoy a gracious relationship with the God who has told us his name.
Although the judgment of vanity stands over every human endeavor, there are relative improvements and advantages worth having in this life. Conversely, although some things in life are better than others, there is no resource from within time that can address the problems of time, change, and death.
The questions and answers of Lord's Day 35 in the Heidelberg Catechism explain the Second Commandment, clarify what is not meant, and anticipate a potential objection. In all this, they emphasize that when it comes to worshipping God the appropriate attitude for us is humility.
The transfiguration and aftermath of the Lord Jesus proclaim him to have an unearthly, unique, and unexpected glory.
Lord's Day 34 of the Heidelberg Catechism begins to expound God's law. The questions remind us that the law is comprehensive and that it is obligatory. While we are externally able to disobey, the law binds the heart.
The preacher narrates his failed experiment to find satisfaction in a life where multiple pleasures might seem to offset the sorrows of wisdom.
Questions 88-92 of the Heidelberg Catechism give us short, clear, and direct answers to significant questions, demonstrating that God has given us adequate guidance for what we need to know.
The call to true discipleship requires us to abandon our futile attempts at self-preservation in order to trust Christ for the hope of salvation and glory.
Question 86 of the Heidelberg Catechism briefly summarize the teaching so far, and introduces the question of gratitude- question 87 clarifies that conversion is not optional.
When human wisdom has done the best that it can, the problems of human life remain largely intractable and insoluble- there is a need for something more.
The preaching of the Gospel opens the door of the kingdom to unbelievers- Christian discipline closes the door to those who have demonstrated their unfaithfulness.
In Romans Paul expounds the Gospel of God in order to introduce himself to the Romans and garner support for his missionary work, in order to teach them the truth, motivate holy living, and bring unity to their divisions.
Although Peter truly confessed that Jesus was the Christ, he needed to embrace the necessary reality of the Son of Man's sufferings in order to really grasp the meaning of that title.
In asking about the difference between the Lord's Supper and the Roman Catholic mass, as well as about who should approach the Lord's Table, the Catechism seeks to train Christians who are knowledgeable about what they believe, can contrast it to other ideas, and also have a practical grasp on holiness and church discipline.
Considering things under the sun, the reality that everything is in motion and yet nothing ultimately changes highlights the brief, frustrating, and pointless round of existence available to humans apart from special revelation in Christ.
Questions 78 and 79 of the Heidelberg Catechism anticipate potential misunderstandings of and objections to the Reformed doctrine of the Lord's Supper.
Although Ecclesiastes rigorously investigates the possibilities of life under the sun and finds them nothing, the framework and setting of the book give hope that another perspective is possible.
In a highly unusual two-stage miracle, the Lord completely restored the vision of a blind man and demonstrated his commitment to the total restoration of his people.
Questions 75, 76, and 77 of the Heidelberg Catechism recapitulate the promise of the Gospel and the doctrine concerning the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
Psalm 108 combines the closing parts of Psalm 57 and Psalm 60 to teach us that God will deliver his beloved people and give them victory, in spite of setbacks- and that their great ambition in victory is for the Lord himself to be praised.
In questions 72 and 73, the Catechism responds to possible misinterprations or objections to the doctrine it has taught about baptism- and in question 74 it takes for granted that adult baptisms will happen.
On a difficult day in the Lord's earthly ministry, the Pharisees grieved him through their temptation, and the disciples utterly failed to understand.
Lord's Day 26 of the Heidelberg Catechism explains how baptism communicates, what its message contains, and the scriptural basis for that.
David's determination to behave uprightly, order his house, and root out wickedness from the Lord's city points to Christ as the one who takes out all evil from God's world.
The idea of faith leads into the discussion of the sacraments, which serve to confirm and strengthen faith.
The Lord Jesus taught his uncomprehending disciples again that he is the only source of satisfaction for our true hunger in this wilderness of a world.
Although good works no more count for justification than sin itself, God nonetheless rewards good works and recipients of his grace will inevitably bring them forth.
Against a background of God's insolent enemies triumphing over God's people, the Psalmist asserts that God is the everlasting king.
Lord's Day 23 of the Heidelberg Catechism sets out a crucial question about faith- does it have any impact beyond the subjective- The answer is emphatically yes.
The Lord Jesus took special trouble to communicate, as well as to give a picture of his overall work, in healing a man who was unable to hear or speak.
In concluding its exposition of the Apostle's Creed, the Heidelberg Catechism reminds us that the beginning of eternal joy is increased at death and at the resurrection.
We will all die- Biblical wisdom embraces that fact, and by faith transforms it into an argument against the fear of man.
Acts shows how the ascended Savior pursued his plan to spread the gospel throughout the world by means of Spirit-empowered witnesses, with special reference to Peter and Paul.
When a Greek-speaking Syrophoenician woman came to Christ for help, she demonstrated the greatness of Christ's work in her persistent pursuit of a comparative crumb.
The truths of the ascension and session of Christ are not merely interesting historical facts, but give us strong consolation for all the days when things seem to be spiraling out of control.
In Ruth, steadfast, persevering love was used by God to bring out types and the lineage of our true Redeemer.
When the Lord Jesus interprets the law and exposes the wickedness of the human heart, he closes off every possible avenue of salvation except the one obtained by his death and resurrection.
In simple language, John describes the signs and witnesses that should compel belief in Jesus as the Christ, and at the same time shows us what the fact of the incarnate word means for our possession of eternal life.
Lord's Day 17, in the German division, contains questions 45-48 which treat of the resurrection and ascension of Christ, and tackle the difficult but encouraging matter of how Christ is with us if he has ascended to heaven.
In asking -what further benefit- we receive from the sacrifice and death of Christ, the Catechism leads us to press diligently for every advantage that can accrue to us from God's truth.
Joshua shows the Lord's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people in meticulous detail.
As the great Prophet, the Lord Jesus exposes the true problem with the human heart. The problem of humanity is not its limitations or physical nature, nor is it a lack of ritual holiness- instead, it is the wicked human heart.
In Lord's Day 15 of the Heidelberg Catechism, Question 37 invites reflection on the extent and nature of Christ's sufferings- Question 38 highlights the significance of Pilate's official capacity- and Question 39 draws out the implications of crucifixion by raising the hypothetical of Christ dying in a different way. The Catechism should produce thoughtful Christians.
Deuteronomy, primarily consisting of things Moses said, is especially about God's covenant with his people, and the abiding, eternal, living, and active role of God's word in the life of his covenant people.
Psalm 41 is the concluding Psalm of the Psalter's first book. In speaking of the blessedness of considering the poor, it teaches us compassion- in identifying its author as one of the poor, it teaches us our need for mercy- and in its connection to Christ, it teaches us not be scandalized by his sufferings and humiliation.
Heidelberg Catechism Questions 35 - 36 teach us to take for granted that the acts of God have a tremendous significance, and one that is beneficial for us.
Knowing that Jesus is the Son of God is absolutely critical- and we are firmly and clearly taught that great fact by the resurrection.
The crown of thorns given to Christ, in mockery and cruelty, proclaimed the great truths that he bore the curse for his people and that he was God's chosen king on the path to attain the throne through suffering.
Luke gives us a Gospel suitable for confirming and establishing the person who has already heard something of Christ in mature faith in a savior, Christ the Lord, who came seeking the lost.
Questions 31 and 32 of the Heidelberg Catechism explain the significance of Christ being anointed, and of believers sharing in his anointing.
In controversy with the Pharisees and scribes, the Lord Jesus exposes religious hypocrisy as claiming to serve God while supplanting his authority.
This overview takes a quick look at three questions--1. What does the Psalter contain--2. Does the Psalter have a shape--3. What is the function of the Psalter-
Lord's Day 11 of the Heidelberg Catechism presses the believer to be consistent with his profession. If we truly believe in Jesus there is no reason to look elsewhere for salvation.
Part of Israel's significant covenant ceremony on entering the Promised Land, was feasting before on the Lord on the peace offerings that indicated that they were in fellowship with God.
A quick overview of the Gospel of Mark that addresses its place among the other Gospels, some distinctive features, and some benefits of its use.
This final sermon from Exodus expounds the step forward in redemptive history when God settled down to live with his pilgrim people.
Human wisdom is inadequate- but God graciously and sovereignly gives wisdom, enabling us to know even such great mysteries as the name of His Son, and this wisdom is found in his perfectly pure word.
Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 9, containing Question - Answer 26, expounds on God as the almighty Father who created out of nothing and now has become our Father through Christ.
From Paul's example in Titus we learn that examples are not a sufficient way to learn godly communication- that when a negative evaluation is to be given unimpeachable witnesses are helpful- and that the minister of the Gospel is called to communicate even with those who can be evaluated very negatively indeed. From Philemon we learn that there are times when it is better to ask than to command, even if commanding is a legitimate option, and that where a relationship is secure a request for help is a matter of course.