Nov 12
13

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #39

Doctrinal Standard #39

  • Q. What does God require of man?
  • A. God requires man to obey His revealed will.

Memory Verses

  • “And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king” (1 Samuel 15:22b–23a, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Luke 11:27-28
  • Support Passages: John 3:36, 14:15, I John 2:3-4, Acts 5:29, Romans 13:1-7, II Thessalonians 1:6-10, Hebrews 13:17
  • Bible Story: I Samuel 15

Thoughts

  • When teaching our child about the importance of obeying God’s Law we must be careful not error in teaching moralism instead of biblical Christianity. To understand the difference between the two we must understand the difference between the Law and Gospel and how they relate to one another in the life of an individual.
  • There are three uses of the Law of God: the civil, pedagogical, and normative use. We will briefly discuss the pedagogical and normative use to better understanding how it plays a part in the life of a believer.
  • The catechism states that God requires man to obey his will (law) but what we also understand is that scripture teaches that all mankind is unable to keep the commands of the Lord.  Therefore God’s Law has a “pedagogical use (usus elenchticus sive paedagogicus), it shows people their sin and points them to mercy and grace outside of themselves” (Lems). While God’s law revels his will and standards for mankind it also brings individuals to the realization that they are in need of the gospel. What man is unable to do according to the Law, Christ did in their place by living a perfect life to the Law and paying the ransom for their sins by dying on the cross. God’s Law and the Gospel of Jesus Christ works together in the life of an individual to bring about saving faith.
  • Many people have a limited view of the Law of God and believe that it’s only purpose is to point people to Christ and then should be left alone. This couldn’t be further from the truth. God’s law is perfect and holy. God’s Law has a “normative use (usus didacticus sive normativus). Which means this use of the law is for those who trust in Christ and have been saved through faith apart from works” (Lems) [1]. The law cannot save people because people are unable to keep it. But God’s law does direct the behaviors of those who are part of the family of God. The law is what helps guide believers in becoming holy as God is holy. The commands of the Lord are an essential part in the sanctification process of a believer.
  • The distinction between moralism and biblical Christianity is rather simple but can often be overlooked if not careful. Moralism teaches that man ought to live a life of good moral character by continually doing what is right. While there is nothing wrong with this statement in itself, the serious error of moralism that it never presents the gospel message. Moralism never addresses the problem that man can never be good enough to be accepted by God. Moralism is a self righteous religion found in many of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day.
  • For a relevant case study on moralism in Christianity refer to a blog post on our website titled Veggie Tales and Moralism.

Discussion Questions

  • What does God require of man?
  • What is the problem with God requiring man to keep his commands?
  • Do you think God knew about this problem before he commanded people to keep his laws? Explain.
  • If God knew that man would not be able to keep his commands why did he give them?
  • How did God fix man’s problem in keeping his laws?
  • Are Christians still commanded to keep God’s law? Explain

[1] Lems, Shane. Three Uses of The Law, Reformedreader.com

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Catechism, Moralism, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, I Samuel 15, Luke 11, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Nov 12
12

GCG Questions for Sermon on 11/11/12

1. What characteristics have you learned about Peter in studying the first part of his second letter? How can you relate to Peter?
2. Do you fear death? Why? What does Peter tell us in his second letter to give us hope and freedom from fear of death?
3. Are you putting too much hope and focus on this current life or are you focused on the spiritual and eternal? Share.
4. Is your devotion to Christ where you want it to be? Why or why not. Share.
5. What can we do as individuals and as a church to ensure we are preserving the truth of God’s word? Gives examples. Share.

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

Nov 12
7

This Weeks Youth Focus – 11/8

Over the next couple of weeks we will be discussing the character of God. We will be examining our Lords incommunicable and communicable attributes. Wayne Grudem defines the incommunicable attribute of God as “those attributes that God does not share or ‘communicate’ to others” (pg. 156). [1] While mankind was made in the likeness of God, no man contains the incommunicable attributes of God. Examples of these attributes would be his all knowing (omniscience), all present (omnipresent), all powerful (omnipotent), eternality, unity, etc.

Also, I would encourage you to look at the Gospel Community Group (GCG) Questions for the sermon 11/4/12 as we will briefly be discussing these.

I’m looking forward to the deep and meaningful discussion.


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

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Posted in Youth, Communicable Attributes, Incommunicable Attributes, Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Nov 12
6

GCG Questions for sermon on 11/04/12

1. How does one make their “calling and election sure”.
2. How would you respond to a brother or sister who came to you and said “I don’t know if I am a Christian anymore. How can I know for sure?”
3. What are gentle yet biblical was one can help explain the doctrine of election to someone who is struggling to understand it?
4. How has God made your calling and election sure? Give examples and share.
5. Pray for those who are currently struggling in their faith.

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

Nov 12
5

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #38

Doctrinal Standard #38 (2 of 2 weeks)

  • Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
  • A. At the resurrection, believers, raised in glory, will be publicly recognized and declared not guilty on the day of judgment and will be made completely happy in the full enjoyment of God forever.

Memory Verses

  • “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Revelation 21,22
  • Support Passages: II Peter 3:10-13, I John 3:2, II Corinthians 12:2-4, Isaiah 65:17, 66:22
  • Bible Story: Revelation 21


Thoughts

  • Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology (Pg. 1163-1164) states that, “scripture consistently portrays this new creation (heaven) as a place of great beauty and joy. In the description of heaven in Revelation 21 and 22, this theme is repeatedly affirmed. It is a ‘holy city’ (21:2), a place ‘prepared as a bride adorned for her husband’ (21:2). In that place ‘death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more’ (21:4). There we can drink ‘from the fountain of the water of life without payment’ (21:6). It is a city that has ‘the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal’ (21:11). It is a city of immense sixe, whether the measurements be understood as literal or symbolic. Its length measures ’12,000 stadia’ (21:16), or about 1,400 miles (2,250 kilometers), and ‘its length and breadth and height are equal’ (21:6). Parts or the city are constructed of immense precious jewels of various colors (21:18-21). It will be free from all evil, for ‘nothing unclean shall enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life’ (21:27). In that city we shall also have positions of rule over God’s entire creation, for ‘they shall reign forever and ever’ (22:5).”
  • “But more important than all the physical beauty of the heavenly city, more important than the fellowship we will enjoy eternally with all God’s people from all nations and all periods in history, more important than our freedom from pain and sorrow and physical suffering, and more important than reigning over God’s kingdom – more important by far than any of these will be the fact that we will be in the presence of God and enjoying unhindered fellowship with him. ‘Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes (21:3-4).”
  • “When we finally see the Lord face to face, our hearts will want nothing else. ‘Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing upon earth that I desire besides you…. God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever’ (Ps. 73:25-26). Then with joy our hearts and voices will join with the redeemed from all ages and with the mighty armies of heaven singing, ‘Holy holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’ (Rev. 4:8).” [1]

Discussion Questions

  • How would you describe what heaven will be like?
  • How does scripture describe heaven? (Revelation 21,22).
  • Why do you think people in heaven will fully enjoy God forever?
  • Do you enjoy God here on earth? Explain
  • Would you rather be in heaven or on earth right now? Explain
  • Does your answer to the previous question reveal anything about your heart?

 

 


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

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Catechism, Heaven, Resurrection, Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Revelation 21, Revelation 22, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Nov 12
4

Perseverance of the Saints & Assurance of Salvation

I just finished writing a sermon on 2 Peter 1:10-11. It was a bit of a chore in that I was fighting to stay true to the text while at the same time wanting to bring some comfort to the church concerning the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints and assurance of salvation as found elsewhere in scripture. I opted to leave some of this teaching out of the sermon because I believe that the intent of 2 Peter 1:10-11 is to exhort the church to be sober about their salvation and to not grow slack in their striving after Christ. It is a warning passage that is meant to shake Christians up a bit and to motivate us to growth in Christ. I didn’t want to take away from that by bringing words of comfort to quickly.

But as you can see I couldn’t wait to long. It’s Friday at 2:05pm. I am going to schedule this to post on Sunday at 5:30pm so that the church can read it if they so desire. The warning passages are needed, but I think we also need to be encouraged by the great promises of scripture, that those whose who are truly in Christ will endure to the end, all of this thanks to our Lord and Saviors gracious care.

Below I have posted chapters 17 and 18 from the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith. These sections provide a wonderful overview of these precious doctrines.

CHAPTER 17 – THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

[Their persistence or steadfast continuance in the state of grace]

1. Those whom God has accepted in the Beloved [the Lord Jesus], and has effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit, and given the precious faith of His elect, can neither totally [completely] nor finally fall from the state of grace, but they will certainly persevere [definitely persist] in that state to the end and be eternally saved. This is because the gifts and calling of God are without repentance [He will never change His mind], and therefore He continues to beget [create] and nourish in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of the Spirit which lead to immortality.(1)
And though many storms and floods arise and beat against the saints, yet these things shall never be able to sweep them off the foundation and rock which they are fastened upon by faith. Even though, through unbelief [including lack of faith] and the temptations of Satan, the sight and feeling of the light and love of God may for a time be clouded and obscured from them,(2) yet God is still the same, and they are sure to be kept by His power until their salvation is complete, when they shall enjoy the purchased possession which is theirs, for they are engraved upon the palm of His hands, and their names have been written in His Book of Life from all eternity.(3)
(1) John 10.28-29; Phil 1.6; 2 Tim 2.19; 1 John 2.19. (2) Psa 89.31-32; 1 Cor 11.32. (3) Mal 3.6.

2. This perseverance of the saints does not depend on them – that is, on their own free will. It rests upon the immutability [unchanging ­character] of the decree of election,(4) which flows from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father. It also rests upon the efficacy [the power and certain success] of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ [those for whom He died cannot fail to be saved], and upon the union which true saints have with Him(5) [He will never let His loved ones go].
– It rests upon the oath [solemn affirmation] of God,(6) and upon the abiding of His Spirit [Who cannot fail].
– It depends upon the seed of God [which cannot die] being within them(7) and upon the very nature of the covenant of grace.(8) [The covenant stipulates that saved souls will never turn away.]
– All these factors give rise to the certainty and infallibility of the security and perseverance of the saints.
(4) Rom 8.30; 9.11-16. (5) Rom 5.9-10; John 14.19. (6) Heb 6.17-18. (7) 1 John 3.9. (8) Jer 32.40.

3. The saints may, through the temptation of Satan and the world, and because their remaining sinful tendencies prevail over them, and through their neglect of the means which God has provided to keep them, fall into grievous sins.
They may continue in this state for some time,(9) so that they incur God’s displeasure, grieve His Holy Spirit,(10) suffer the impairment of their graces and comforts,(11) have their hearts hardened and their ­consciences wounded,(12) and hurt and scandalise [offend] others. By this they will bring temporal judgements [present punishment] upon themselves.(13)
Yet [despite all this] they shall [in time] renew their repentance and be preserved, through faith in Christ Jesus, to the end.(14)
(9) Matt 26.70-74. (10) Isa 64.5-9; Eph 4.30. (11) Psa 51.10-12. (12) Psa 32.3-4. (13) 2 Sam 12.14. (14) Luke 22.32 & 61-62.

CHAPTER 18 – THE ASSURANCE OF GRACE AND SALVATION
1. Although temporary believers [Those who falsely profess Christ for a time and then fall away – See section 14.3], and other unregenerate men, may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions [in an unspiritual way they take it for granted] that they are in the ­favour of God and in a state of salvation, such a hope on their part will perish [die away].(1) Yet those who truly believe in the Lord Jesus, and love Him in sincerity, and who endeavour to walk in all good conscience before Him, may be certainly assured in this life that they are in the state of grace, and may rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.(2) And such a hope shall never make them ashamed.(3) [It will never disappoint them or let them down, for God will bless them, hear their prayers, and finally take them to glory.]
(1) Job 8.13-14; Matt 7.22-23. (2) 1 John 2.3; 3.14-24; 5.13. (3) Rom 5.2-5.

2. This assurance is not merely a conjectural persuasion [something supposed to be true on slender grounds] nor even a probable persuasion based upon a fallible hope. It is an infallible assurance of faith(4) founded on the blood and righteousness of Christ revealed in the Gospel.(5) [It is based on a historical act of the Saviour of the world.] It is also founded upon the inward evidence of those graces of the Spirit [marks or evidences of grace] in connection with definite promises made in the Scriptures,(6) and also on the testimony [evidence] of the Spirit of adoption Who witnesses with our spirits that we are the children of God [a felt, spiritual assurance],(7) and Who uses the experience of assurance to keep our hearts both humble and holy.(8)
(4) Heb 6.11 & 19. (5) Heb 6.17-18. (6) 2 Pet 1.4-11. (7) Rom 8.15-16. 8 1 John 3.1-3

3. This infallible assurance is not so joined to the essence of faith that it is an automatic and inevitable experience. A true believer may wait long and fight with many difficulties before he becomes a partaker of it.(9) Yet, being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given to him by God, he may, without any extraordinary revelation attain this assurance by using the means of grace in the right way.(10)
Therefore it is the duty of every one to give the utmost diligence to make his calling and election sure, so that his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness for carrying out the duties of obedience. These duties are the natural fruits of assurance,(11) for it is far from inclining men to slackness.(12)
(9) Isa 50.10; Psa 88; Psa 77.1-12. (10) 1 John 4.13; Heb 6.11-12. (11) Rom 5.1-5; 14.17; Psa 119.32. (12) Rom 6.1-2; Tit 2.11-14.

4. True believers may have the assurance of their salvation in various ways shaken, diminished, or intermitted [suspended for a time]. This may be because of their negligence in preserving it,(13) or by their falling into some special sin which wounds the conscience and grieves the Spirit,(14) or by some sudden or forceful temptation,(15) or by God’s withdrawing the light of His countenance, and causing even those who fear Him to walk in darkness and to have no light.(16)
Yet, [whatever the cause or duration of the impairment of assurance] believers are never left without the seed of God [essential spiritual identity](17) and life of faith [that hold on eternal values],(18) that love of Christ and the brethren, that sincerity of heart and that conscience about their spiritual duty. Out of these things, by the operation of the Spirit, their assurance can in due time be revived,(19) and in the meantime the presence of these graces preserves them from utter despair.(20)
(13) Song 5.2-6. (14) Psa 51.8-14. (15) Psa 116.11; 77.7-8; 31.22. (16) Psa 30.7. (17) 1 John 3.9. (18) Luke 22.32. (19) Psa 42.5-11. 20 Lam 3.26-31.

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Posted in Theology, Assurance of Salvation, LBC 1689, Perseverance of the Saints, Doctrine of Salvation, Joe Anady, Posted by Joe. No Comments

Oct 12
31

Happy Reformation Day!

Today is Reformation Day. It was on October 31, 1517 that Martin Luther posted his 95 theses. Luther, by taking a bold stand, sparked a movement and a great number of Reformers soon emerged.

Read more at: On the Road to Emmaus.

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Posted in Theology, Calvin, Luther, Reformation, Posted by Joe. No Comments

Oct 12
30

This Weeks Youth Focus – 11/1

On Thursday nights, we have been using Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology to guide our study focus. We have finished our study in the area of the doctrine of the Word of God (part 1) and have begun to study the Doctrine of God (part two). The last two weeks we have discussed the existence of God by examining the cosomological and moral argument.  The cosomological argument states that “every known thing in the universe has a cause. Therefore, it reasons, the universe itself must also have a cause, and the cause of such a great universe can only be God” (pg. 143).  The moral argument “begins from man’s sense of right and wrong, and of the need for justice to be done, and argues that there must be a God who is the source of right and wrong and who will someday meet out justice to all people” (pg. 143).

This week, we will examine the teleogical argument. “It focuses on the evidence of harmony, order, and design in the universe, and argues that its design gives evidence of an intelligent purpose. Since the universe appears to be designed with a purpose, there must be an intelligent and purposeful God who created it to function this way” (pg. 143). [1]

We will be viewing and discussing the section on irreducible complicities from the documentary, Unlocking the Mystery of Life.  Michael Behe in his book, Darwin’s Black Box, explains irreducible complexities as followed:

“By irreducibly complex I mean a single system composed of several well-matched, interacting parts that contribute to the basic function, wherein the removal of any one of the parts causes the system to effectively cease functioning. An irreducibly complex system cannot be produced directly (that is, by continuously improving the initial function, which continues to work by the same mechanism) by slight, successive modifications of a precursor system, because any precursor to an irreducibly complex system that is missing a part is by definition nonfunctional. An irreducibly complex biological system, if there is such a thing, would be a powerful challenge to Darwinian evolution.” (p. 39)

While these arguments are edifying for believers and helpful in sharing our faith, we must never forget that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

I’m looking forward to another great night of discussions and fellowship with the youth of Emmaus!

God Bless

-Phil


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

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Posted in Youth, Cosomological, Irreducibly Complexity, Moral, Systematic Theology, Teleogical, Wayne Grudem, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

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