Reformation Presbyterian Church – Sunday School: Recent Episodes
Reformation Presbyterian Church (Olympia, WA)
Creeds & Confessions, The Council of Orange, Pt 2 (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download
Creeds & Confessions, The Council of Orange, Pt 1 (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download
Creeds & Confessions, The Athanasian Creed, Pt 4 (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download
Creeds & Confessions, The Athanasian Creed, Pt 3 (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download
Creeds & Confessions, The Athanasian Creed, Pt 2 (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download
Creeds & Confessions, The Athanasian Creed, Pt 1 (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download
Creeds & Confessions, The Nicene Creed, The Holy Spirit, Pt 2 (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download
Creeds & Confessions, The Nicene Creed, The Holy Spirit (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download
Creeds & Confessions, The Nicene Creed, The Incarnation (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download
Creeds & Confessions #6, The Nicene Creed, Intro (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download
Our Lord Himself is One who sends. "By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him." (1 John 49) In our Lord's strength we carry out service in the world as those who live as salt and light. The Lord uses His church to go, to take initiative in words and deeds. As well, He prompts people to seek us out. This handout addresses different ways to work together to invite, welcome, and befriend others, and to cultivate opportunities for outreach and evangelism.
Taking Initiative: Getting Out Invitations
Of central importance - what is it that we are inviting people to?
1- a friendship
2- a home or a place to meet up with you
3- a planned time of multiple meet ups with you for spiritual things
4- a group where others will be for spiritual things (ladies fellowship, a Bible study, a worship service, a social event, a conference, etc.)
Ways to Carry Out an Invitations Ministry
You are a gift purchased by Christ, for Christ, and He has gifted you (Ephesians 4:8-16).
Below are different ways to be involved.
Prayer-be a part of our ministry of invitation through prayer. Three of our members
commit to pray every day for the mission's invitation ministry; they are updated with thanksgiving and requests 3 times a month
Distant— This ministry makes use of our website, puts up social media posts and media boosts; maybe it posts newsy matters or for example, there's an update on the web site with a quest & ans page, "What is a Presbyterian? "Why trust the Bible?", "Will it feel awkward for me to attend a church service?" etc. [under 30 words])
Near-This way of involvement gets out in the community. We deliver door hangers, do doorstep visits, drop off or handout cards or information to be posted; we leave a small
stack of invitation cards at businesses (ask permission) or maybe we do muffins delivery at shops and offices. Possibly we drive by places and pray for people who live and work in our area (pray for a school, pray for a hospital, pray for a campus, etc.).
First meet— This describes a place or a time to meet someone for the first time. It's
at a conference, in a back yard at a barbecue, or maybe a park event. Think as well - maybe it is a school connection, a neighborhood watch meeting, or a business meet and greet. It might be a time of intentional outreach like foamboard outreach, a children's Bible activity, a literature table, a public (outdoor) reading of Scripture, or a prayer station in a public setting, etc.)
Close- This describes both a casual relationship and a more close relationship (you sense there is openness with someone you already know). It might be extended family, a friend who has a friend, someone you work with, a fellow club member, or a neighbor. You know each other and you've shared courtesies, and you've had times to meet and get acquainted, and you probably have had several times meeting for coffee, or you have shared a meal together.
Summary: above are different ways we are asking God to direct our steps to meet others and for Him to direct others to us; it is cultivating opportunities in different ways. We're always aiming to take the initiative. He works. He leads. He guides. We joyfully depend on Him, praying with expectancy. One important note: the paragraph that says, "Close," is the most effective way to see the fruit of our labor.
Creeds & Confessions #5, The Apostles' Creed, Pt 4 (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download
Creeds & Confessions #4—The Apostles' Creed, Pt 3 (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download
Creeds & Confessions #3—The Apostles' Creed, Pt 2 (Brett McNeill) Brett McNeill Download
Creeds are Unavoidable
Creeds in the Bible (1 Timothy 1:15-17; 3:1; 4:9-11; 2 Timothy 2:11-13; Titus 3:4-8; Philippians 2:5-11; Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 15:6; Habakkuk 2:4)
Creeds are Beneficial to the Church
Creeds really can’t be _______________
Creeds have a _______________ in the Bible
Creeds will help you _______________ dangerous theological formulations
Creeds will help you _______________ important truths
Creeds will help you _______________ biblical truths well
Creeds _______________ God’s people
The Goal of Peace (Romans 12:14-21)
Do Not Be Overcome by Evil (v. 21; Genesis 4:6-7; Matthew 5:21-22)
Pursuing Peace (Matthew 5:23-25; 18:15)
Leaving Room for Wrath (v. 19; Matthew 18:16-20; 1 Timothy 5:20)
To receive forgiveness you must truly own the magnitude of your sin and the greater magnitude of God’s grace.
True versus False Guilt
False Repentance
Blame-Shifting
Self-Pity
Self-Punishment
True Repentance
Proverbs 28:13—“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
Confessing & Accepting Consequences
Psalm 51:3-5—“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
Turning from the Sin
Luke 3:8—“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Receiving Forgiveness
Psalm 103:1-5—“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Your God is Bigger than you Think
1 John 3:20—“Whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”
Our Assumptions about God
*The Harsh Judge
*The Indulgent Parent
Twin Realities- Love and Wrath
*The Wrath of God Expresses Love
*The Love of God Expresses Wrath
Why It Matters
*Seeing God Rightly
*Where Wrath and Love Meet
The Books of Moses
Genesis 2:16-17-"You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Genesis 3:21-"And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them."
Exodus 32:32-"But now, if you will forgive their sin-but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written."
Exodus 34:9-"And he said, 'If now I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, please let the Lord go in the midst of us, for it is a stiff-necked people, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance."
Exodus 34:6-7-"The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation."
Psalms and Wisdom
Psalm 14:2-3-*The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one." Psalm 130:3-If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?" Job 1:5-"And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, 'It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.'"
Job 42:7-8-®My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for 1 will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly."
The Prophets
Isaiah 1:18-"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."
Isaiah 6:5-7-"And I said: Woe is me! For I am lost; for l am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!' Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a buring coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: 'Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for."
Isaiah 53:5-6, 10-11-"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turnedevery one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all... Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities."
Jeremiah 31:34-"For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
The Gospels
Matthew 1:21-"She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
Mark 1:4-"John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins."
Luke 1:77-to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their
Sins.'
Matthew 26:28 "For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
Colossians 2:13-14-"And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."
Matthew 20:28-"even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Luke 24:47-"and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem."
Five Principles of Membership
Vows are Needed the Most when You Want them the Least (Nanny McPhee Principle)
Vows are Minimalistic
Vows are Voluntary
God Takes Our Vows Seriously
Vows Require Uncomfortable Surrender
A Necessary Vow
Hebrews 13:17—“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Matthew 18:12—“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?”
Matthew 16:19—“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (cf. Matthew 18:18; John 20:23)
1 Corinthians 5:9-13—“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.””
Genesis 17:14—“Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.”
Worship
Hebrews 10:24-25—“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Exodus 20:8-11—“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
Genesis 2:3—“So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.”
Service
Romans 12:5—"So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (1 Corinthians 12:25; Ephesians 4:25)
1 Peter 4:10—“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Ephesians 4:28—“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”
Discipline
1 Corinthians 5:12-13—“For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. ‘Purge the evil person from among you.’” (cf. Matthew 18:15-20)
1 Corinthians 6:3-7—“Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?”
The Antinomian Argument
The Biblical Requirement for Lordship
1 Corinthians 6:19-20—“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
2 Corinthians 6:17—“Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you”
James 2:14, 17, 19-20—“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?… So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead… You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?”
Matthew 7:21-23—““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
Matthew 25:41-46—““Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.””
Isaiah 29:13—“And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men” (cf. Matthew 15:8; Mark 7:6)
Revelation 3:16—“So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
Romans 10:9-10—“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
What this all MeansMembership Vows
4—Lordship
Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your sovereign Lord, and do you promise that, in reliance on the grace of God, you will serve him with all that is in you, forsake the world, resist the devil, put to death your sinful deeds and desires, and lead a godly life?
The Antinomian Argument
The Biblical Requirement for Lordship
1 Corinthians 6:19-20—“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
2 Corinthians 6:17—“Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you”
James 2:14, 17, 19-20—“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?… So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead… You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?”
Matthew 7:21-23—““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
Matthew 25:41-46—““Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.””
Isaiah 29:13—“And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men” (cf. Matthew 15:8; Mark 7:6)
Revelation 3:16—“So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
Romans 10:9-10—“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
What this all Means
Abhorring Yourself? (Isaiah 6:1-5; Luke 5:1-8)
Isaiah 6:5—“And I said: ‘Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”
Luke 5:8—“But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’”
Repenting
Trusting in Christ Alone (Galatians 5:2-4)
Galatians 5:2-4—“Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.”Membership Vows
3—Repentance & Faith
Do you confess that because of your sinfulness you abhor and humble yourself before God, that you repent of your sin, and that you trust for salvation not in yourself but in Jesus Christ alone?
Abhorring Yourself? (Isaiah 6:1-5; Luke 5:1-8)
Isaiah 6:5—“And I said: ‘Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”
Luke 5:8—“But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’”
Repenting
Trusting in Christ Alone (Galatians 5:2-4)
Galatians 5:2-4—“Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.”
When “God” is not Enough (Psalm 19; Exodus 34:5-7)
Exodus 34:5-7—“YHWH descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of YHWH. YHWH passed before him and proclaimed, “YHWH, YHWH, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.””
The Trinity (Isaiah 45:18; 46:9; Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1-3; 4:20; Acts 28:25)
Isaiah 45:18— “For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the LORD, and there is no other.”
Not Optional (Isaiah 45:18; 46:9; Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1-3; 4:20; Acts 28:25)Membership Vows
2—The Trinity
Do you believe in one living and true God, in whom eternally there are three distinct persons—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—who are the same in being and equal in power and glory, and that Jesus Christ is God the Son, come in the flesh?
When “God” is not Enough (Psalm 19; Exodus 34:5-7)
Exodus 34:5-7—“YHWH descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of YHWH. YHWH passed before him and proclaimed, “YHWH, YHWH, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.””
The Trinity (Isaiah 45:18; 46:9; Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1-3; 4:20; Acts 28:25)
Isaiah 45:18— “For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the LORD, and there is no other.”
Not Optional (Isaiah 45:18; 46:9; Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1-3; 4:20; Acts 28:25)
The Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
2 Timothy 3:16-17—“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Peter 1:20-21—“Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
The Doctrine of Salvation (Matthew 16:26; Galatians 1:6-9)
Matthew 16:26—”For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
Galatians 1:6-9—“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”
Motivation
1 Corinthians 9:24—“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”
Colossians 2:18—“Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind.”
2 Corinthians 4:17—“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”
Hope
1 Peter 5:10-11—“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever.”
Psalm 46:2-3—“Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”
Psalm 46:1—“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Perspective
In love, God sovereignly protects and preserves all those to whom he gives eternal life so that not one will be lost.
Defending Perseverance
Romans 8:28–39—“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
John 5:24—“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
John 6:37–40—“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.””
John 10:27–30—“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”” (John 10:27-30)
Philippians 1:6—“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Promotes Laziness?
Galatians 6:9—“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Hebrews 10:36—“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”
Revelation 3:11—“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”
What about those who Fall Away?
1 John 2:19—“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.”
Matthew 13:20-21—“As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.”
Glorification (Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24; Genesis 1:26; 1 Corinthians 15:49; 1 John 3:2)
Sin is a violation of God’s law that breaks our relationship with Him and corrupts our whole nature.
Knowledge of Truth (Colossians 3:10)
Colossians 3:10—“and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
Luke 10:27—“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Dt 6:5; Mt 22:37-38)
Genesis 3:4—“You will not surely die.” (cf. Gen 2:16-17)
Ephesians 4:17—“Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.”
Romans 1:18, 21—“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
2 Corinthians 10:5—“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.“
Romans 3:4—“Let God be true though every one were a liar…”
Romans 12:2—“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Knowledge as Relationship
Genesis 4:1—“Adam knew his wife.” (cf. 4:17, 25; 1 Sam 1:19)
1 Corinthians 13:12—“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
Romans 8:29—“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
Romans 11:2—“God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew…”
John 17:20-23—“I… ask… that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us… The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
Genesis 2:18—“It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
Leviticus 19:18—“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” (cf. Mt 19:19; 22:39; Mk 12:31, 33; Lk 10:27; Rom 13:9-10; Gal 5:14; Jms 2:8)
Romans 12:18—“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (cf. Zech. 8:16; Mark 9:50; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Pet. 5:14)
The doctrine of creation calls us to recognize our need for others and their need for us, and it calls us to seek to use God’s creation in a way that takes others into account.
- Reject an independent mindset
- Accept your limitations
- Care for the creation as stewards
- Long for restoration (through the cross)
- Live for God’s glory (not ours)
- Question everything’s purpose
- Live like stewards (not owners)
Creation is God’s making all things of nothing for His own glory and possession.
- What Creation Is (Genesis 1-2)
- The Purpose of Creation (Romans 1:19-20; 11:36; Psalm 19:1)
- Ownership and Stewardship (Romans 11:36; Genesis 1:26)
- Authority (Romans 13:1)
- Worship (Romans 1:25)
- Dignity and Humility
The local session, composed of the pastors and ruling elders, oversees the local care and discipline of the congregation, as well as the worship and ministry of the word.
- Defining the Session
- The Session’s Authority
Presbyterianism is the biblical form of government where the church is ruled by elders in accountability to surrounding churches.
What are the options?
- Episcopal
- Congregational
- Presbyterian
Presbyterianism in the OPC
- Primary standard: The Bible
- Secondary standard: The Westminster Confession of Faith
- Tertiary standard: The Form of Government and the Book of Church Discipline
- Robert’s Rules of Order
Vows
- Submission to the Bible as infallible rule
- Submission to the Westminster Standards as accurate summaries of Scripture
- Submission to the Form of Government and Book of Discipline in the OPC
- Submission to the other officers in the church
- Promise to maintain the purity, the peace, and the unity of the church
- Promise to walk in faithfulness
The presbytery and its work
- Who may vote
- Organize, receive and dissolve churches
- Ordaining, calling and releasing ministers
- Discipline of ministers
- Appeals of discipline matters
God’s omnipotence means that He is not limited in His strength to do anything that He wants to do.
- What omnipotence is (and isn’t)
- The power of creation
- The power of resurrection
Believing that God is should comfort you, strengthen you, and lead you to live a life of surrender and submission to Him.
God’s word teaches you to understand the world around you and gives you the strength you need to follow God each day.
Part 21. Would the Real Caesar Please Stand Up?
Be Subject to Your Rulers (1 Peter 2:13-14; Matthew 22:17-21)
Sphere Sovereignty 2. Dangers to Guard Against
Being Defined by Masks
Vilifying Those Who Disagree
Part 1—Strength, Weakness, and Fear1. Talking About Differences
* ***Ephesians 4:15****—Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,*
* ***Romans 12:10****—Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.*
* ***1 Corinthians 13:2****—And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.*
- The Stronger Serve the Weaker (Romans 14)
- Fear Not (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Wisdom, Repentance, and Life
Job 42:1-17
Biblical wisdom teaches us that repentance is the road to grace and life.
Wisdom and Repentance (vv. 1-6) Now I See (vv. 1-5) The Way of Wisdom (v. 6; cf. v. 10)
Restoration (vv. 7-17) The Recognition of God’s Friendship (vv. 2-6) Restoration of Job’s Honor (vv. 7-9; cf. Job 29:6-30:15) The Restoration of Job’s Wealth (vv. 10-17; Job 29:2-5) The Restoration of Life (42:10ff)
Vindication The Vindication of God’s Grace Suffering and Wisdom
God finally gives Job his audience and demonstrates that Job’s words have been both foolish and sinful.
-
Round One (38:1-40:5)
- A Battle of Wits (38:1-3)
-
God’s Wisdom Demonstrated…
- …on the Earth (38:4-21)
- …in the Heavens (38:22-38)
- …in Animals (38:39-39:30)
- The Silence is Broken (Sort of) (40:1-3)
- Job Remembers His Place (40:4-5)
- Round Two (40:6-41:34)
-
“We’re Not Done” (40:6-14)
- A Battle of Champions (40:15-41:34)
Job loses his way (of wisdom) because he seeks to make sense of his suffering with the logic of this world.
Job serves as a demonstration that, by grace, God is able preserve sinful man against the attacks of the devil, something righteous Adam could not do on his own.
Job was a real man who lived sometime around the time of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) who, though not sinless, sincerely sought after God, understanding his need for a Redeemer.
Membership vows are an invitation for the church to partner with you on your Christian journey and to hold you accountable to your vows.
Vow #1—Do you believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, to be the Word of God, and its doctrine of salvation to be the perfect and only true doctrine of salvation?
- Membership vows are an _____________ for others to hold you ___________ to _______ _________.
Vow #2—Do you believe in one living and true God, in whom eternally there are three distinct persons—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—who are the same in being and equal in power and glory, and that Jesus Christ is God the Son, come in the flesh?
- Membership vows mean that you believe there is ______ God in _______ persons and that Jesus is _________, become __________.
Vow #3—Do you confess that because of your sinfulness you abhor and humble yourself before God, that you repent of your sin, and that you trust for salvation not in yourself but in Jesus Christ alone?
- Membership vows mean that you understand that you are ______________ who needs ______________ from ______________ and ______________.
Vow #4—Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your sovereign Lord, and do you promise that, in reliance on the grace of God, you will serve him with all that is in you, forsake the world, resist the devil, put to death your sinful deeds and desires, and lead a godly life?
- Being a Christian means that you are seeking to live in ______________ to God and encouraging ______________ to do the ______________.
Vow #5—Do you promise to participate faithfully in this church's worship and service, to submit in the Lord to its government, and to heed its discipline, even in case you should be found delinquent in doctrine or life?
- Membership vows are for those who ____________ and ____________ participate in worship with their ___________, ___________, and ____________. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- Membership vows are for those who ____________ their responsibility to ______________ the church family with the ______________ God has given them. (1 Peter 4:10)
- Membership vows are for those who are ready to submit their ______________ and ____________
Faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is in accordance with the Jewish/Old Testament conception that God is one.
When we pray we must not only place our confidence in our king but also commit ourselves to him.
As citizens of heaven, we may enter times of testing and temptation, but King Jesus will ultimately deliver us from all evil.
- What is the fifth petition? “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;” that is, be pleased, for the sake of Christ’s blood, not to impute to us miserable sinners our manifold transgressions, nor the evil which always cleaves to us; as we also find this witness of Your grace in us, that it is our full purpose heartily to forgive our neighbor.
The will of God is done on earth more and more as his people become more fully human, living out their faith in love and self-denial.
The kingdom of God comes when we are ruled by king Jesus by his Word and Spirit and when we participate in his work of destroying evil in the world.
Jesus Christ, as the true prophet of God, is restoring in human beings the abundant mindset of God.
The fall of humankind left us with a will that seeks to dominate others because we fail to believe that God allows us to participate in his generous rule.
The fall of humankind left us with a heart that jettisons the generous love of God and intimacy with one another.
The fall of humankind left us with a scarcity mindset that has made us spurn the generosity of God and greedy towards one another.
Part of bearing God’s image means we generously use our strength in obedience and worship for Christ the King and his kingdom.
Part of bearing God’s image means we use our minds generously for others that God might be known.
God in His image is a fundamentally a generous king who rules creation in righteousness and mercy.
Hallowed By Your Name Heidelberg Catechism 122 122. What is the first petition? “Hallowed be Thy name;” that is, grant us, first, rightly to know You, and to hallow, magnify, and praise You in all Your works, in which Your power, goodness, justice, mercy, and truth shine forth; and further, that we so order our whole life, our thoughts, words, and deeds, that Your name may not be blasphemed, but honored and praised on our account. Asking God to hallow his name is to seek his honor and glory above all else—including above ourselves. I. The Name of the Lord (Exodus 34:4-7; Deuteronomy 12:11) A. Difference Between Names and Titles B. The Name of God Reveals the God of the Name II. Two Responses A. Blaspheming B. Hallowing III. The Petition A. Asking God to do It B. Father, Son, or Holy Spirit? C. First Petition and the First Commandment
What is Prayer?
Heidelberg Catechism 116-119
- Why is prayer necessary for Christians?
Because it is the chief part of thankfulness which God requires of us, and because God will give His grace and Holy Spirit only to those who earnestly and without ceasing ask them of Him, and render thanks unto Him for them.
- What belongs to such prayer which is acceptable to God and which He will hear?
First, that with our whole heart we call only upon the one true God, who has revealed Himself to us in His Word, for all that He has commanded us to ask of Him; second, that we thoroughly know our need and misery, so as to humble ourselves in the presence of His divine majesty; third, that we be firmly assured that notwithstanding our unworthiness He will, for the sake of Christ our Lord, certainly hear our prayer, as He has promised us in His Word.
- What has God commanded us to ask of Him?
All things necessary for soul and body, which Christ our Lord comprised in the prayer which He Himself taught us.
- What is the Lord’s Prayer?
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Prayer is an act of gratitude and worship, where we lay ourselves before the Lord and seek his will in our lives.
I. The Necessity of Prayer (116)
A. It’s Who We Are (Matthew 21:13; Ephesians 2:19-21; 1 Peter 2:4-5)
B. It’s the Chief Act of Gratitude
C. It’s a Means of Grace
II. The Standard of Prayer (117)
A. Why We Need a Standard
B. Directed to the True God (Matthew 28:18-20)
C. Guided by His Character (John 14:13-14)
D. Flows from Humility and Sense of Need
E. Accompanied with Confidence in God (Romans 8:28)
F. For Physical and Spiritual Needs (HC 118)
Why the Ten Commandments?
Heidelberg Catechism 114-115
- Can those who are converted to God keep these Commandments perfectly?
No, but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a small beginning of such obedience, yet so that with earnest purpose they begin to live not only according to some, but according to all the Commandments of God.
- Why then does God so strictly enjoin the Ten Commandments upon us, since in this life no one can keep them?
First, that as long as we live we may learn more and more to know our sinful nature, and so the more earnestly seek forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ; second, that without ceasing we diligently ask God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that we be renewed more and more after the image of God, until we attain the goal of perfection after this life.
The Ten Commandments exist, not to give us life, but to lead away from ourselves to Jesus and to guide and bless our lives in following him.
I. Only Imperfection in this Life (Heidelberg Catechism 114)
A. Does “Should” Mean “Can”? (Matthew 5:48; James 2:10; Galatians 3:10)
B. Perfectionism? (1 John 1:8; Philippians 1:6; 3:12)
C. A Small (but Important) Beginning (James 2:14-26; Matthew 7:17–18; 12:33; Galatians 5:22-23; John 13:35)
II. Perfect Reasons for Imperfection (Heidelberg Catechism 115; Westminster Larger Catechism 95-97)
A. To Lead Us from Ourselves (Guilt) (Romans 7:7; Psalm 32:3, 5; 1 John 1:9)
B. To Lead Us to Jesus (Grace) (Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
C. To Lead Us to Pray
D. To Lead Us to Obedience (Gratitude)
E. To Lead Us to Blessing
The Tenth Commandment
Heidelberg Catechism 113
- What does the tenth Commandment require?
That not even the least inclination or thought against any commandment of God ever enter our heart, but that with our whole heart we continually hate all sin and take pleasure in all righteousness.
Coveting is any discontentment with God and his will and leads to the breaking of all other commandments.
I. Where it Comes from and Where it Leads
A. What Coveting Is
B. What Drives Coveting
C. Coveting and the other Commandments
II. Hope for the Covetous
A. Changing Your Focus
B. Where We Learn This
Bearing false witness is an act of violence against our neighbor that pushes back the kingdom of God.
The eighth commandment requires that we use the gifts God has given us to bless and serve others.
Adultery not only breaks the union between a man and a woman but also the union between God and man.
I. The Three Pillars of The Church
II. The Pipeline Model
III. The Benefits of the Pipeline
I. Initial Considerations
II. Past Approaches: Salesman Evangelist and Rational Apologist
III. False Assumptions About Our Culture
Murder (The Sixth Commandment) - Part 2
Heidelberg Catechism 105-107
Born of sinful self-love, murder is anything that seeks to silence or destroy the image of God and elevate self.
I. The Heart of Murder
A. Born of Self-Love (Genesis 4)
B. Born of a Hatred of Image of God
II. The Acts of Murder
A. Redefining Murder (to Include Animals)
B. Devaluing Human Life
C. Suicide
D. Vengeance (Romans 12:19)
E. Destructive Speech (James 3:7-9; Mat 5:21-22)
F. Indifference Toward Evangelism
HONORING YOUR PARENTS
HEIDELBERG CATECHISM 104
Honoring your parents is an essential part of what it means to live in the family of God because it reflects the relationship of the Father and the Son.
I. THE WEIGHT OF HONOR
A. Showing Honor (Malachi 1:6; 1 Samuel 2:30)
B. Showing Dishonor (Exodus 21:15, 17; 1 Samuel 17:43)
II. FAMILY OF HONOR
A. Mutual Honor (Deuteronomy 21:18-21; Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:21)
B. Abuse (Proverbs 19:26, 28:24, 20:20; Ezekiel 22:6-7; Mark 7:9-13)
C. Reflecting Divine Honor (Luke 22:42)
Helping Others (and Receiving Help)
God has given gifts to each member of the church to use in the service of others.
I. Agents of Discipleship (From Last Week)
A. Congregation (Hebrews 10:24)
B. You
C. God
II. Receiving Help
A. What Helping Others Looks Like
B. Why We Don’t Like Help
III. Giving Help
A. Reasons We Don’t Help Others
B. The Lie the Enemy Would Have You Believe
Discipling Your Strength
God is renewing your strength so that can stand strong against sin and obey his commands.
I. Understanding Obedience (and Avoiding Pitfalls)
A. Defining Dominion (Romans 6)
B. Pitfall #1—Moralism
C. Pitfall #2—Antinomianism
II. Agents of Discipleship
A. Elders
B. Congregation (Hebrews 10:24)
C. You
D. God
Discipling the ❤️
James 1:27
God is renewing your heart so that you sacrificially serve others above yourself.
I. Locating the Heart
A. The ❤️
B. Purity and/or Corruption (Ezekiel 36:25-26; cf. Jeremiah 17:9; Psalm 73:1; Matthew 5:8)
C. Loving with All Your Heart (Deuteronomy 6:5; James 1:27 cf. Matthew 22:37)
II. Who’s Responsible for Sacrificial Care?
A. Prophet, Priest, or King? (Deuteronomy 26)
B. Servants in God’s House
C. Careful, it’s Contagious
III. Pitfalls to Avoid
A. The Social Gospel
B. Writing Checks is not Enough
DISCIPLING THE MIND
COLOSSIANS 3:1-10
God is training you to be more and more like Jesus by renewing your mind.
I. HANDLING THE TRUTH
A. The Lord (John 14:6)
B. The Pastor (2 Timothy 3:16-4:2)
C. The Congregation (Colossians 3:16)
II. MISHANDLING THE TRUTH (PITFALLS)
A. As Weapon (1 Corinthians 13:2)
B. As Defense
C. As Abstraction (Hebrews 4:12)
God is the chief discipler, who uses church officers, the congregation, and you to accomplish his goal of restoration in you.