Jun 14
9

Emmaus Round Table: Why Catechism?

I encourage you all to listen to the first episode of the Emmaus Round Table answering the questions why do we use a catechism to teach our children the truths of scripture and why did we move from using a hybrid catechism to the full Baptist Catechism? 

You can listen to the podcast here.

You can also find a side by side comparison of the Westminster Shorter Catechism and Baptist Catechism here and then selecting one of the week of June 8th or later.

 God Bless!

 

Posted in Good Thoughts from Others, Youth, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Jun 14
9

Household Worship Guide – 06/08/14

Prayer

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

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

  • The Names of God: El
  • Meaning: The Strong One
  • Exodus 15:2; Numbers 23:22; Deuteronomy 7:9

Thank God for All That He Has Provided (Ephesians 5:20)

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

Pray For the Ministry of Other Churches (Matt. 28:18-20)

  • The Promise, Hemet CA  – Website

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

  • Country: Botswana
  • Population: 2,130,000
  • Religion: Ethno-religious  33{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Evangelical 8{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}
  • AIDS Among Adults: 25{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}
  • Click here for information about the missionaries in Botswana and how to pray for them.

“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)

  • Log into the CITY for a list of families to pray for.

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 & San Jacinto Council Member – Bonnie Wright, Scott Miller
  • State: Lieutenant Governor & Attorney General – Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris
  • Nation: Senator – Dianne Feinstein, Barbra Boxer

“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).

_______________________________________________

Worship through Song

Sunday Worship Set 

All the songs are linked to iTunes or you can listen to them for free on other sites.

______________________________________________________

Preparing for the Lord’s Day

Our Sermon Text for This Sunday: James 2:1-13

______________________________________________

Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standards BC #25

  • Q. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man? 
  • A. Christ, the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul; being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary and born of her, yet without sin..

Memory Verse(s)

  • “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Luke 1:26-38
  • Support Passages: John 1:1-18; Philippians 2:5-11; I Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:15; I John 1:1-4, 4:1-3
  • Bible Story: Luke 2:1-20

Thoughts

  • We can learn much about God’s love, grace and mercy when we understand what it meant for Jesus Christ to come to us in the form of a man. Philippians 2:4–8 provides us with a glimpse into the humility, sacrifice, and love of our God, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
  •  “When the Catechism speaks of a ‘true body,’ it means that Jesus took unto himself the same kind of body that we ourselves possess (expect for sin). This point is stressed because of a heresy known as ‘Docestim.’ In early Christian history there were some who held that Christ only seemed (or appeared) to have a physical body. They said that God could not really have a human body, that He could not really suffer and die.”
  • “When the Catechism says that Jesus had a ‘reasonable soul,’ it means that just as we have a body and a soul, so Christ also had a human soul as well as a human body. In the early history of the Church there were those who admitted that Jesus had a ‘true body,’ but did not admit that He also had a ‘reasonable soul.’ They thought that the divine nature (Christ as God) took the place of a soul within His body. But this too is a denial of that which Scripture clearly teaches, and of that which is necessary to our salvation. Just as the Bible speaks of Christ’s hunger, thirst, pain, etc. (which prove that he had a human body), so it also speaks of his feeling sorrow, and grief, and of his increasing in wisdom etc. (which prove that He also had a reasonable soul). As the Bible says, ‘Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted (Hebrews 2:17–18, ESV).” [2]

Discussion Questions

  • What kind of suffering did Christ subject himself to by becoming a man?
  • What kind of temptations do you think Jesus experienced?
  • What do you think it was like to be a part of Jesus’ physical family?
  • Can Jesus sympathize or understand the temptations and hard times we face? Explain.
  • How is the love of God revealed by the fact that Jesus the Son of God came to this earth as a man?

 

 

[2] Williams, G.I (2003). The Westminster Shorter Catechism (2nd ed.). Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing Company

, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Baptist Catechism, Family Worship, Lord's Prayer, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Jun 14
9

GCG Questions for Sermon on 06/08/14

Text: James 1:20-27

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. How could you respond to someone who says to you, “I want to go to church, but it is just filled with a bunch of hypocrites”?

2. Are you being diligent in your personal bible study? What are you currently studying/learning? Share with your group.

3. According to the sermon, what are the three primary uses of God’s law? What is God’s law not to be used for? Share.

4. How can one practically meditate on God’s law day and night? Share thoughts and ideas.

5. How could/should you respond to a fellow believer who says, “Christianity is a relationship not a religion”? Support with scripture. Share.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Posted by Russell. No Comments

Jun 14
9

Week of June 8th, 2014

MEMORY VERSE(S)
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, ESV).

CATECHISM QUESTION(S)
Baptist Catechism #25:
Q. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
A. Christ, the Son of God became man by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul; being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary and born of her, yet without sin.

Posted in Weekly Passages, Posted by Mike. No Comments

Jun 14
4

GCG Questions for Sermon on 06/01/14

Text: James 1:19-20

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. Are you being quick to listen? Really analyze yourself. Share.

2. Are you being slow to speak? Really analyze yourself. Share.

3. According to the sermon, what were the 3 attributes of those who are wise? Discuss.

4. How are you doing in controlling your anger? Is your anger righteous or sinful? Share.

5. Have you been listening to God through His word on a regular basis? Are you being consistent in your scripture reading? Share.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Posted by Russell. No Comments

Jun 14
4

Week of June 1st, 2014

MEMORY VERSE(S)
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, ESV).

CATECHISM QUESTION(S)
Doctrinal Standards WSC #21:
Q. Who is the redeemer of God’s chosen ones?
A. The only redeemer of God’s chosen is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who became man. He was and continues to be God and man in two distinct natures and one person forever.

Posted in Weekly Passages, Posted by Mike. No Comments

Jun 14
1

Household Worship Guide – 06/01/14

Prayer

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

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

  • The Names of God: Immanuel
  • Meaning: God With Us “I AM”
  • Isaiah 7:14; 8:8-10

Thank God for All That He Has Provided (Ephesians 5:20)

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

Pray For the Ministry of Other Churches (Matt. 28:18-20)

  • Reformed Baptist Church of Riverside, Riverside CA – Website

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

  • Various missionaries in the Middle East classified at “Protected”
  • Click here for information about these missionaries and how to pray for them.

“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)

  • Log into the CITY for a list of families to pray for.

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 & San Jacinto Council Member – Linda Krupa, Andrew Kotyuk
  • State: Governor – Jerry Brown
  • Nation: Speaker of the House & Majority Leader – John Boehner, Harry Reid

“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).

_______________________________________________

Worship through Song

Sunday Worship Set 

All the songs are linked to iTunes or you can listen to them for free on other sites.

______________________________________________________

Preparing for the Lord’s Day

Our Sermon Text for This Sunday: James 1:21-27

______________________________________________

Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

  • Q. Who is the redeemer of God’s chosen ones?
  • A. The only redeemer of God’s chosen is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who became man. He was and continues to be God and man in two distinct natures and one person forever.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: I Timothy 2:1-7
  • Support Passages: Matthew 7:13-14; John 1:9, 6:35-40, 10:9, 14:6, 17:1-3; Acts 4:12, 2:23; Hebrews 9:11-15; I John 5:12, II John 9
  • Bible Story: II Kings 5:1-15

Thoughts

  • We often think of Jesus as a physical being who was born in Bethlehem. It is important that we remember that Jesus has always existed as God. There is no beginning and no end to Jesus Christ. He is the second person of the Trinity.
  • “Because we are alienated from God by sin, we needed someone to come between God and ourselves and bring us back to him. We needed a mediator who could represent us to God and who could represent God to us. There is only one person who has ever fulfilled that requirement: ‘There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus’ (1 Tim 2:5). In order to fulfill this role of mediator, Jesus had to be fully man as well as fully God” (Pg. 541)[1]
  • In order for Jesus to be an effective mediator He first had to be our ransom and redeemer. 1 Timothy 2:6 says, “that Jesus gave himself ransom for all.” The term ransom means that there is a payment for liberation. Jesus’ death is a ransom or liberation from sin. Scripture explains that sin does two things; it enslaves and it kills. As a result of Christ death the Spirit of God is able to free an individual from the bondage of sin and give life to a dead soul.
  • Jesus Christ is also referred to as a redeemer.  “Jesus had taught them that ‘everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin’ (Jn. 8:34). In line with this, Paul can think of himself as ‘carnal, sold under sin’ (Rom. 7:14), sold as under a cruel slave-master. He reminds the Romans that in earlier days they had been ‘slaves of sin’ (Rom. 6:17). From another point of view men were under the sentence of death on account of their sin. ‘For the wages of sin is death’ (Rom. 6:23). Sinners are slaves. Sinners are doomed to death. Either way the ancient world would have regarded the situation as being in need of redemption. Failing redemption, the slavery would continue, the sentence of death would be carried out. The cross of Christ is seen against this background. It is the price paid to release the slaves, to let the condemned go free.[2]
  • 1 Timothy 2:2-7 is the study passage for this week because it address the important doctrine that Jesus Christ is our mediator and the only way to God. With that being said 1 Timothy 2:3–4 could potentially bring up questions in light of the previous catechism question regarding election.  1 Timothy 2:3–4 says, “this is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  The area of focus is with the words “desires all.” In the preceding two verses Paul tells Timothy that, first of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Then in verse three and four he explains that God desires all to be saved. It appears to me that when Paul tells Timothy that prayer should be made for all people he is referring to all types of people. This would include rulers and people in authority as Paul mentioned, it would also include both the poor and the rich, and every ethnicity. Therefore when Paul says that God desires all people to be saved, He is means all types of people. The Jew and all the Gentiles, people of every economic  status, and people in every level of authority. It is God’s desire that the Gospel go forth throughout the nations and people repent and turn to Him. This is God’s desire and it is something that will and is being accomplished.

Discussion Questions

  • Who is Jesus?
  • What does mediate mean?
  • What are some every day examples?
  • Who does Jesus mediate for and does He do it?
  • How is Jesus our redeemer and ransom?
  • Why is Jesus the only way to have fellowship with God the Father and get to Heaven?

 

[1] Grudem, Wayne (1994). Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Zondervan Publishing House.

[2] Wood, D. R. W., & Marshall, I. H. (1996). New Bible dictionary (3rd ed.) (1003). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Catechism, Family Worship, Lord's Prayer, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

May 14
30

The Importance of Theological Vocabulary

The end goal of teaching the catechism to our children is to systematically teach them the basic doctrines of scripture. At the root of this process is equipping our children with great biblical vocabulary. John Piper in his article, The Poverty of Theological Vocabulary, explains the importance of vocabulary.

“There is an intimate relationship, however, between our power to enjoy a sensuous experience and our capacity to describe it with words. In “Lines Composed Above Tintern Abbey” Wordsworth is not taken up nearly so much with the joy of revisiting the banks of the Wye as he is with the pleasure this moment will bring him in the coming years “recollected in tranquility.”

To put it simply, without a full and rich language of the sense, we will lose the enduring quality of our sensuous joys, and, what’s worse, with the atrophy of our descriptive capacities the power of all our enjoyment languishes. When you cease to use the word “tree” in your vocabulary, you have probably ceased to look at trees.

The relation this has to theological vocabulary is this: The fastest and easiest way to obliterate the language of the sense and the power of the senses is to read only poverty-stricken theology.”

So as we catechize our children, whether or not they are at an age to fully comprehend the doctrine, we are equipping them with biblically rich vocabulary. When we teach our little ones words like justification, sanctification, redemption, mercy, grace, they may not comprehend their meanings yet, but we have given them the vocabulary to build their knowledge upon and to experience the full joy of the Lord!

By John Piper. ©2014 Desiring God Foundation. Website: desiringGod.org

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Posted in Good Thoughts from Others, Catechsim, John Piper, Theological Vocabulary, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

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

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