AUTHORS » Phil Anady

Household Worship Guide – 8/18

Below you will find the “household worship guide” that I presented yesterday as a means to equip fathers and mothers with resources to instruct and guide their children in the Lord. In addition, we intentionally chose the title “household worship” because it is intended to be used by all of Emmaus, not just those with children, to worship God throughout the week. If you were unable to attend Sunday, I would encourage you to listen to the sermon to better understand the goal of this resource.

Blessings,

Phil

 

Prayer

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

Address God and Praise Him for Who He Is (Matthew 6:11)

  • Praise God for His sovereignty. “To say that God is Sovereign is to say that He is supreme over all things, that there is no one above Him, that He is absolute Lord over creation. It is to say that His Lordship over creation means that there is nothing out of His control, nothing that God hasn’t seen and planned. It means that even the wrath of man must ultimately praise God and the remainder of wrath God will restrain (Psalm 76:10). It means that every creature on earth, in heaven and in hell must ultimately bow the knee and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10)” (A.W. Tozer, Attributes of God).
  •  “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel” Jeremiah 18:6 (ESV).

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Pray For the Gospel to Spread Among All Peoples (Matt. 9:37-38)

  • Country: Morocco
    Description: In March 2011, King Mohammed VI was forced to enact reforms and agree to revise the constitution in response to popular protests, but authority remains in the hands of the monarch. A moderate Islamist party won the majority of the parliamentary seats, becoming the first Islamist party to lead the government. The Moroccan government is committed to the preservation of Sunni Islam as the religion of all Moroccans.Category: Restricted Nation
    Religion: Muslim 99.9{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Christian 0.1{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}
    Ideology: Islam
    Head of State: King Mohamed VI

    All Christian activity is carefully monitored by the government. Although talking about Christ is legal, “proselytism” and converting from Islam to Christianity are illegal. Muslims who convert to Christianity may face severe punishment. They endure ostracism from their families, loss of employment and imprisonment for their faith. Anti-Christian sentiment is common in the media. Since March 2010, Morocco has deported at least 135 foreign Christians for proselytism. The government justified the deportations by claiming the Christians posed a threat to the state. VOM has distributed food, clothing and school supplies to children of families undergoing persecution in Morocco.

    *Information taken from The Voice of the Martyrs, Persecution.com

Give us this day our daily bread”

Pray for Yours and Your Family’s Needs (Matthew 6:11)

Pray For One Another (James 5:16)

  • See the CITY for a list of families to pray for this week.

Pray For Those Who Feed, Lead, And Care For The Flock (Col. 4:3; 2 Thess. 3:1)

  • Elders: Joe Anady, Steve Bovee, Kris Vanderschuit
  • Deacons: Dave Anady, Mike Thezier


Pray For Kings and Those in Authority (1 Timothy 2:2)

  • Local: Hemet Mayor – Robert Youssef
  • State: Governor – Jerry Brown
  • Nation: President – Barack Obama

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Ask Forgiveness From God And Others. Forgive Those Who Sinned Against You. (1 John 1:9)

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Pray That God Would Strengthen Us From Giving Into Temptation (James 1:12-17).

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Worship through Song

Song of the Month Encouraged To Be Used In Family Worship

  • The song “Speak, O Lord” by Keith & Kristyn Getty is one of the songs we sing during the service on the Lord’s Day. Mike provided a link to the specific version he uses to lead us into worship. I would encourage you to begin to incorporate musical worship in some way within your household worship time.
  • Click here to purchase and download from iTunes.

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Preparing For the Lord’s Day

Our Sermon Text For This Week Is:

  • This Sunday’s sermon will be topical and will not focus on one particular scriptural text.

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Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard WSC #84

  • Q. What does every sin deserve?
  • A. Every sin deserves God’s anger and curse, both in this life and in the life to come.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them” (Galatians 3:10, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Ephesians 5:3–7
  • Support Passages: Ephesians 5:6; Galatians 3:10; Lamentations 3:39; Matthew 25:41
  • Bible Story: Revelation 20:11-15

Thoughts

  • Doctrinal standard 83 explains that the Bible teaches us that not all sins are equally evil.
  • “In the eyes of God some sins in themselves are more evil than others, and some are more evil because of the harm that results from them” (WSC #81). While not every sin is equally evil, all sin is equally punishable by death. Yes, murder is more heinous than a single lie but both transgress the Law of God requiring the righteous punishment of death. James explains this truth eloquently in chapter two verse ten, “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.” In order to gain acceptance before God apart from Christ one would have to live obediently to all of the Law. We know this is an impossible feat. James explains that if we fail in even one area we are guilty of all the Law. This is why some sin can be more evil than others but all deserving the same curse.

Discussion Questions

  • What does every single sin deserve?
  • Last week’s catechism asks: Are all sins equally evil? The answer, in the eyes of God some sins in themselves are more evil than others, and some are more evil because of the harm that results from them. Discuss how these two doctrinal standards complement each other.
  • Do you think it is fair that the smallest infraction of God’s law requires death? Explain.
  • What would it reveal about God if he deemed “minor” sins acceptable?
  • The fact that even the “smallest” of sins require death, who must we depend on for salvation?
  • Explain what it means to depend on Jesus for Salvation.

Resources Regarding Children In Corporate And Family Worship

Children In the Worship Service

This article provides a brief explanation of the importance and benefits of having our children in the entire worship service.

Children in Worship – Let’s Bring it Back

This article provides a number of different ideas on how to prepare your children for Sunday worship as well as some advice on what to do during the service to help keep them engaged.

“Children in Worship – Mom Tested Tips”

 

Family Integrated Church Perspective – Pros and Cons

The Reformed Forum interviews Dr. Sam Waldron on the issues of the Family-Integrated Church movement and the inclusion of children in worship. Before listening it is important to understand a couple different terms. “Children’s Sunday School” refers to the instruction of children during a time other than during the normal worship service. Think Emmaus Essentials for children. “Children’s church” or “Jr. Church” would be the instruction of children separate from the adults during the normal worship service.

The Family-Integrated Church movement seeks to eliminate the practice age segregated groups or instruction at anytime during the normal worship service or at any other time or day. Dr. Waldron discusses the pros and cons of this movement.

Family Integrated Church Interview – The Reformed Forum

Dr. Sam Waldron’s has written a number of relatively short blog posts discussing the pros and cons of the Family Integrated Church movement.

Dr. Sam Waldron on the Family-Integrated Church

 

Family Worship

This article provides eleven reasons and benefits on why it is important to have family worship (or family devotions) within the home.

“11 Reasons to Worship with Your Family”

This article provides very practical advice on how to lead your family in worship within the home.

“The What, When, and How of Family Worship”


This Weeks Catechism – 8/11

Doctrinal Standard WSC #83

  • Q. Are all sins equally evil?
  • A. In the eyes of God some sins in themselves are more evil than others, and some are more evil because of the harm that results from them.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin”  (John 19:11, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Luke 12:35-48
  • Support Passages: Ezekiel 8:6,13,15; 1 John 5:16; Psalms 78:17,32,56
  • Bible Story: 1 Samuel 2:12-26

Thoughts

  • “Sins intended against God are more evil than sins intended against other humans beings. Some sins against people are more evil than other sins against people. A sin against another is more evil depending on how much harm it does to the person. In the Ten Commandments, the commandments that forbid us to sin against others go in order of forbidding the most harm (you shall not murder) to the least harm (you shall not covet). It is more evil to take a man’s life than to harm his marriage. It is more evil to harm a man’s marriage than to steal his property. Read proverbs 6:30-35.
  • Another thing that makes some sins more evil than other sins is the position of the person committing the sin. God has made some people leaders to others. People look up to them as leaders and watch their example. When people in leadership positions sin, others may follow them. People see leaders doing something that God has forbidden and think there is nothing wrong with it since, after all, this leader is doing it. Parents, teachers, church leaders, and others in positions of authority must be especially careful not to set a harmful example. Read James 3:1.
  • Growing up in a Christian home is a great privilege. It gives you many advantages that other people do not have. You grow up knowing who God is and what He requires of you. You grow up learning the gospel and knowing that God has provided a Savior so you may be justified by faith. Growing up in a Christian home also carries great responsibilities. The more you know about who God is and what He wants, the less excuse you have for sinning. The Bible teaches that those who fully know what they should do and refuse to do it will be punished much more severely than those who do not have such knowledge. Read Luke 12:47-48[1]

Discussion Questions

  • Are sins all equally evil? Explain.
  • Discuss various sins and determine which one might be more evil than others.
  • Because there are different degrees of sin does it mean that the “lesser” sins are ok? Explain.
  • What is the punishment of all sin no matter the severity?
  • What is the only rescue from any type of sin? Explain


[1] Meade, Starr (2000). Training Heart, Teaching Minds. Phillipsburg, New Jersey, USA; P&R Publishing Company.


This Week’s Catechism – 8/4

Doctrinal Standard WSC #83

  • Q. Are all sins equally evil?
  • A. In the eyes of God some sins in themselves are more evil than others, and some are more evil because of the harm that results from them.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin”  (John 19:11, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Luke 12:35-48
  • Support Passages: Ezekiel 8:6,13,15; 1 John 5:16; Psalms 78:17,32,56
  • Bible Story: 1 Samuel 2:12-26

Thoughts

  • “Sins intended against God are more evil than sins intended against other humans beings. Some sins against people are more evil than other sings against people. A sin against another is more evil depending on how much harm it does to the person. In the Ten Commandments, the commandments that forbid us to sin against others go in order of forbidding the most harm (you shall not murder) to the least harm (you shall not covet). It is more evil to take a man’s life than to harm his marriage. It is more evil to harm a man’s marriage than to steal his property. Read proverbs 6:30-35.
  • Another thing that makes some sins more evil than other sins is the position of the person committing the sin. God has made some people leaders to others. People look up to them as leaders and watch their example. When people in leadership positions sin, others may follow them. People see leaders doing something that God has forbidden and think there is nothing wrong with it since, after all, this leader is doing it. Parents, teachers, church leaders, and others in positions of authority must be especially careful not to set a harmful example. Read James 3:1.
  • Growing up in a Christian home is a great privilege. It gives you many advantages that other people do not have. You grow up knowing who God is and what He requires of you. You grow up learning the gospel and knowing that God has provided a Savior so you may be justified by faith. Growing up in a Christian home also carries great responsibilities. The more you know about who God is and what He wants, the less excuse you have for sinning. The Bible teaches that those who fully know what they should do and refuse to do it will be punished much more severely than those who do not have such knowledge. Read Luke 12:47-48[1]

Discussion Questions

  • Are sins all equally evil? Explain
  • Examine our legal system or the different types of punishments within your home. Are all sins or crimes punished the same way? Does this reveal to us something about God’s punishments?
  • Discuss various sins and determine which one might be more evil than others.
  • Because there are different degrees of sin does it mean that the “lesser” sins are ok? Explain.
  •  What is the punishment of all sin no matter the severity?
  • What is the only rescue from any type of sin? Explain


[1] Meade, Starr (2000). Training Heart, Teaching Minds. Phillipsburg, New Jersey, USA; P&R Publishing Company.


This Week’s Catechism – 7/28

Doctrinal Standard WSC #79 & 81

  • Q. What is the tenth commandment?
  • A. The tenth commandment is: You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
  • What does the tenth commandment forbid?
  • The tenth commandment forbids any dissatisfaction with what belongs to us, envy or grief at the success of others, and all improper desire for anything that belongs to someone else.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “Nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer” (1 Corinthians 10:10, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Psalm 112
  • Support Passages: Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21; 1Kings 21:4; Esther 5:13; 1 Corinthians 10:10; Galatians 5:26; James 3:14,16; Romans 7:7,8; Romans 13:9;
  • Bible Story: Numbers 11:1-15,31-34

Thoughts

  • “God requires us to be content with what we have. He is angry when we covet what He has not given us. God had set the Israelites free from slavery in Egypt. He led them to the land He had promised to give them. There were no grocery stores along the way where the many Israelites could buy food. They would have starved to death, but God provided for them. He caused bread to fall out of heaven for them. It was called manna. It would fall in the night and every morning when the Israelites got up, there was fresh manna on the ground. All they had to do was to go out with baskets and gather it.
  • From the description the Bible gives of the manna, it must have been very tasty. You would think the Israelites would have thanked God. Out in the middle of nowhere, He had provided food for so many people. However, the Israelites were sinners like we are. They were thankful enough at first, but they became dissatisfied. Day after day, the same old food, they complained. Read what they said in Numbers 11:4-6. God sent quail, birds that can be eaten, to the Israelites’ camp. Thousands of them flew very low over the camp, making it easy for the Israelites to catch them for food. God was angry with the Israelites, though, because of their dissatisfaction over the manna. Read verses 33 and 34 to see what happened because of God’s anger.” [1]

Discussion Questions

  • What is the Tenth Commandment?
  • What does the Tenth Commandment forbid?
  • What does it mean to covet something?
  • What does covetousness reveal about our heart towards God?
  • What are specific heart changes that need to be made to overcome covetousness?


[1] Meade, Starr (2000). Training Heart, Teaching Minds. Phillipsburg, New Jersey, USA; P&R Publishing Company.


This Week’s Catechism – 7/21

Doctrinal Standard WSC #79 & 80

  • Q. What is the tenth commandment?
  • A. The tenth commandment is: You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
  • A. What does the tenth commandment require?
  • Q. The tenth commandment requires us to be completely satisfied with our own status in life and to have a proper, loving attitude toward others and their possessions.

Memory Verse(s)

  • Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Romans 8:26-30
  • Support Passages: Exodus 20:17; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:6; Job 31:29; Romans 12:15; 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
  • Bible Story: Job 1:13-22

Thoughts

  • “It would not be inaccurate to say that coveting is the root of all other sin. James says, ‘every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts [or covetous desire] and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death’ (James 1:14-15). So, as Paul says, a ‘covetous man… is an idolater’ (Eph. 5:5). Or in other words, if the sinful desire is there, then there is already a violation of all the other commandments at least in principle. Thus some have held that the first beginning of sin in Adam and Eve was covetousness (the sinful desire to eat the forbidden fruit). Then, when this desire was expressed outwardly, there was a simultaneous violation of all other nine commandments.
  • But why does this commandment speak of such common possessions (house, wife, manservant, maidservant, ox, or ass) if it has such far-reaching implications? The answer is this: covetousness begins with a dissatisfied heart. It begins when we compare our own situation with that of another who has (or appears to have) more than we do! ‘Take heed,’ said Jesus, ‘… for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth’ (Luke 12:15). Let a man once become dissatisfied with the portion God has given him, and he will then be tempted with a thousand other sins. And it can hardly be denied that this a besetting sin today. We are constantly stimulated, by television, by advertisement, by easy credit plans, and so forth, to feel that we must have something newer, and bigger, and better! The ‘good life’ is pictured as belonging to those wgi have everything. How different the thought expressed by the Apostle Paul. ‘ I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need’ (Phil. 4:11-12). This, then is the biblical requirement: full contentment with what God has given us.
  • This does not mean that we should make no effort to improve our wealth and outward estate. The Bible says, ‘he becometh poor that dealth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich’ (Prov. 10:4). Scripture teaches us that God has given us abilities that we ought to use diligently. God also gives us the opportunities that come to us to use our abilities. It is therefore our duty to us both our abilities and opportunities fruitfully. But we must at the same time be content with the limits of both our ability and opportunity. And we are not to grieve when someone else is enabled to advance beyond what we are able (Gal. 5:26; James 3:14, 16). There is a sense, in other words, in which men are not created equal. God himself gives more to one than to another. And it is our duty to accept our place as God ordains with humble and thankful hearts.” [1]

Discussion Questions

  • What is the Tenth Commandment?
  • What does the Tenth Commandment require?
  • What does it mean to be content? How does this relate to the Tenth Commandment?
  • Explain the difference for wanting (working for) something better and covetousness.
  • Read Phil. 4:11-12 regarding contentment in Paul’s life. Discuss if you are content with your life.
  • What does covetousness and contentment reveal about our heart and appreciation towards God?
  • Discuss the statement, “coveting is the root of all other sin.”


[1] Williamson, C.I. (2003). The Westminster Shorter Catechism – 2nd Edition. Phillipsburg, New Jersey, USA; P&R Publishing Company.


This Week’s Catechism – 7/14

Doctrinal Standard WSC # 76 & 78

  • Q. What is the ninth commandment?
  • A. The ninth commandment is: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
  • Q. What does the ninth commandment forbid?
  • A. The ninth commandment forbids anything that gets in the way of the truth or injures anyone’s reputation.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape” (Proverbs 19:5, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Leviticus 19:9-18
  • Support Passages: Exodus 20:16; 1 Samuel 17:28; Leviticus 19:16; Psalm 15:3
  • Bible Story: Jeremiah 23:23-40

Thoughts

  • “The Catechism mentions (false testimony) as a special concern of the ninth commandment. This means there are certain times and circumstances when the sin of lying (which is evil at all times) is even more heinous that at other times. If we are called as witnesses in a court of law, for example, we are charged by duly appointed authority to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. The very fact that the oath is necessary in such instances is a reminder of the fact that we are too carless, ordinarily, as respects the truth. Yes, as Jesus taught us, we ought to learn to speak in our daily conversations, in such a way that truth has the same priority with us at all times, as it would for unbelievers in a solemn trial in court-room (Matt. 5:33-37). Let us conclude our study of the ninth commandment then, with a brief consideration of some ways in which we can study greater obedience. (1) one of the things that we can do is to think before we speak. ‘ In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.’ (Prov. 10:19). We need to learn what an unruly member the tongue is, and we need to know what a great fire it can ignite (James 3:5). At the same time we need to remember that (2) silence can be as wrong as an evil speaking. If we know that a wrong has been done and do not speak up, we are guilty when our very silence will seem to express our consent (Lev. 5:1). (3) Perhaps the chief need is to consider God, rather than man, as the one that we must please. So much of what we say is really calculated to please people. We want to win their approval, or gain some advantage from them. But when a man realizes that nothing really matters except to please God, then his speech will change radically. This reminds us that there is only one way that we can ever learn to speak the truth. It is by a saving relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life. And no man can obtain the truth except in Him.” [1]


[1] Williamson, C.I. (2003). The Westminster Shorter Catechism – 2nd Edition. Phillipsburg, New Jersey, USA; P&R Publishing Company.


Resources For Family Devotions

As you all know, each week I post the catechism question and answer, memory verse, thoughts, and discussion questions. I thought it would be beneficial to share with you some of the resources I have been using as they may be beneficial for you and your family.

Training Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade is written in a form intended to be used for family devotions. It focuses on one catechism each week, Monday through Saturday.  For each day of the week the author provides short commentary about the catechism question and answer along with scripture readings. The book can be found here: Training Hearts, Teaching Minds

Another resource that has been useful in my study of the catechism is The Westminster Shorter Catechism: for Study Classes by G.I Williamson. This text differs than that of Training Hearts, Teaching Minds in that this book is set up for more a study rather than a quick daily devotion. While it provides more teaching on the catechism it is not too weighty. His writing is very concise and provides about three to four pages of writing for two to three catechism questions. This book would be great for adults to increase their understanding of the catechism and various doctrines. It would also be a great tool for parents and older children to work through together as each section provides discussion questions. Westminster Shorter Catechism: For Study Classes

A couple important things to note: these two resources contain an abundance of correct biblical theology but since they are written by man they are subject to error. While, I recommended these two resources we must always read these types of texts with discernment to ensure that they are in-line with the truths of scripture.

It is also important to note that the leadership of Emmaus Christian Fellowship holds to the view of believer’s baptism as opposed to infant baptism as found in the Westminster Shorter Catechism and in these two texts.

May the Lord bless your time in family worship as you seek to train up your children in the Lord!



"Him we proclaim,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
(Colossians 1:28, ESV)

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