AUTHORS » Phil Anady

Aug 13
11

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”

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Posted in Articles, Family Integrated Church, Family Worship, Jason Helopoulos, Sam Waldron, The Reformed Forum, Voddie Baucham, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Aug 13
11

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.

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Punishment, Sin, Starr Meade, Training Hearts Teaching Minds, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, 1 Samuel 2, John 19, Luke 12, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Aug 13
5

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.

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Sin, Training Hearts Teaching Minds, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, 1 Samuel 2, John 19, Luke 12, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Jul 13
29

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.

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Covetousness, Moral Law, Ten Commandments, Tenth Commandment, Training Hearts Teaching Minds, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, 1 Corinthians 10, Numbers 11, Psalm 112, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Jul 13
22

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.

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, C.I. Williamson, Moral Law, Ten Commandments, Tenth Commandment, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Hebrews 13, Job 1, Romans 8, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Jul 13
15

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.

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, C.I. Williamson, Moral Law, Ninth Commandment, Ten Commandments, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Jeremiah 23, Leviticus 19, Proverbs 19, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Jun 13
26

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!

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Posted in Study Guides, C.I. Williamson, Catechism, Family Devotions, Starr Meade, Training Hearts Teaching Minds, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Jun 13
24

This Week’s Catechism – 6/23

Doctrinal Standard #73 & 75

  • Q. What is the eighth commandment?
  • A. The eighth commandment is: You shall not steal.
  • Q. What does the eighth commandment forbid?
  • A. The eighth commandment forbids anything that either does or may unjustly take away money or possessions from us or anyone else.

Memory Verses

  • “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money”  (Luke 16:13, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Luke 16:1-14
  • Support Passages: Proverbs 11:1, 20:10, 18:9, 21:17, 23:10,20-21, 28:19; Isaiah 5:8; Ezekiel 22:29; Leviticus 25:13-17; Deuteronomy 19:14, Malachi 3:8; Amos 8:5; Psalm 37:21; James 2:15; I Timothy 1:8-11, 6:10
  • Bible Story: Joshua 7:1-26

Thoughts

  • Below is taken from Training Hearts, Teaching Minds catechism question 75.
  • Read Exodus 22:1-6. The eighth commandment specifically forbids stealing. Stealing is more than robbing a bank with a gun or breaking into a locked house to take a (DVD). Any time we keep someone from having what rightfully belongs to her or him, we break this commandment. Exodus 22:1-6 tells about stealing and how to punish a thief. Verses 5 and 6 talk about people who did not steal on purpose but whose carelessness is a form of stealing. These verses command such careless people to restore to others what they caused them to lose.”
  • When we cheat, we unjustly take away money or possessions from someone else. Someone may give us back too much change when we buy something. If we realize what has happened and do not say anything, we cheat the person (or the store) out of money. This is stealing. If we find something someone else has lost and do not return it, we cheat him out of what is rightfully his and we steal. We cheat someone out of what is his when we borrow something and then fail to return it. We have not borrowed that thing; we have stolen it. When we damage property, we steal. People steal when they paint or write on or break another person’s property. Read Proverbs 20:17. Fraud is cheating. Fraud is tricking someone so that you get his money. Imagine putting something deliciously sweet into your mouth and, as you chewed it, having it turn into pieces of rock! The verse says that is what it is like to get things by cheating. At first you enjoy what you get. Because this displeases God, though, you can be sure that sooner or later you will suffer for it.” [1]

Discussion Questions

  • What is the eighth commandment?
  • What does the eighth commandment forbid?
  • In addition to taking something that is not yours what are other ways people break the eighth commandment? (Refer to thoughts section).
  • What actions should an individual take in repenting from their sin of stealing?
  • If someone struggles with stealing what does that reveal about their heart?

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

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Eighth Commandment, Moral Law, Starr Meade, Ten Commandments, Training Hearts Teaching Minds, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Joshua 7, Luke 16, Posted by Phil. No Comments

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that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
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