Sep 14
15

Household Worship Guide – 09/14/14

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 Shaddai
  • Meaning: The All Sufficient One, The God of the Mountains, God Almighty
  • Genesis 17:1-3; 48:3; 49:25; Genesis 35:11; Psalm 90:2

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)

  • Olive Branch Ministries Church,  San Jacinto   – Website

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

  • Country: Belarus
  • Population: 9,626,000
  • Religion: No Professed Religion 28{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Orthodox 58{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Catholic 10{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Evangelical 1{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}
  • Click here for information about Belarus and how to prayer for this country.

“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 City Mayor – Larry Smith, Mark Bartel
  • State: Governor – Jerry Brown
  • Nation: Representatives – Raul Ruiz, Ken Calvert

“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: John 1:6-13

_____________________________________

Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard BC #34

  • What is effectual calling?
  • Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, He doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the Gospel.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:29–30, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Ephesians 2:1-10
  • Support Passages: Acts 26:14, Romans 8:28-30, John 3:5-8, Acts 28:23-28, Ezekiel 36:25-28, I Corinthians 1:22-25, II Thessalonians 2:13&14
  • Bible Story: Acts 10

Thoughts

  • Below is taken from Chapter thirty-three of Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology on the Gospel Call and Effective Calling (pg. 692-693).
  • “When Paul says, ‘Those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified’ (Rom. 8:30), he indicates that calling is an act of God. In fact, it is specifically an act of God the Father, for he is the one who predestines people ‘to be conformed to the image of his son’ (Rom. 8:29). Other verses describe more fully what this calling is. When God calls people in this powerful way, he calls them ‘out of darkness into his marvelous light’ (1 Peter 2:9); he calls them ‘into the fellowship of his Son’ (1 Cor 1:9; cf. Acts 2:39) and ‘into his own kingdom and glory’ (1 Thess. 2:12; cf. 1 Peter 5:10; 2 Peter 1:3). People who have been called by God ‘belong to Jesus Christ’ (Rom. 1:6). They are called to ‘be saints’ (Rom 1:7; 1 Cor 1:2), and have come into a realm of peace (1 Cor. 7:15; Col 3:15), freedom (Gal 5:13), hope (Eph. 1:18; 4:4), holiness (1 Thess. 4:7), patient endurance suffering (1 Peter 2:20-21; 3:9), and eternal life (1 Tim. 6:12).
  • These verses indicate that no powerless, merely human calling is in view. This calling is rather a kind of ‘summons’ from the King of the universe and it has such power that is brings about the response that it asks for in people’s hearts. It is an act of God that guarantees a response, because Paul specifies in Romans 8:30 that all who were ‘called’ were ‘justified.’ This calling has the capacity to draw us out of the kingdom of darkness and bring us into God’s kingdom so we can join in full fellowship with him: ‘God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his son, Jesus Christ our Lord’ (1 Cor. 1:9).
  • This powerful act of God is often referred to as effective calling to distinguish it from the general gospel invitation that goes to all people and which some people reject. This is not to say that human gospel proclamation is not involved. In fact, God’s effective calling comes through the human preaching of the gospel, because Paul says, ‘to this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ’ (2 Thess. 2:14). Of course, there are many who hear the general call of the gospel message and do not respond. But in some cases the gospel call is made so effective by the working of the Holy Spirit in people’s hearts that they do respond; we can say that they have received ‘effective calling.’
  • We may define effective calling as follows: Effective calling is an act of God the Father speaking through the human proclamation of the gospel, in which he summons people to himself in such a way that they respond in saving faith.
  • It is important that we not give the impression that people will be saved by the power of his call apart from their own willing response to the gospel (see chapter 35 on the personal faith and repentance that are necessary for conversion). Although it is true that effective calling awakens and brings forth a response from us, we must always insists that this response still has to be a voluntary, willing response in which the individual person puts his or her trust in Christ.
  • This is why prayer is so important to effective evangelism. Unless God works in people’s hearts to make the proclamation of the gospel effective, there will be no genuine saving response. Jesus said, ‘no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him’ (John 6:44).
  • An example of the gospel call working effectively is seen in Paul’s first visit to Philippi. When Lydia hearf the gospel message, ‘the Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul’ (Acts 16:14).
  • In distinction from effective calling, which entirely an act of God, we may talk about the gospel call in general which comes through human speech. This gospel call is referred to all people, even those who do not accept it. Sometimes this gospel call is referred to as external calling or general calling. By contrast, the effective calling of God that actually brings about a willing response from the person who hears it is sometimes called internal calling. The gospel call is general and external and often rejected, while the effective call is particular, internal, and always effective. However, this is not to diminish the importance of the gospel call – it is the means God has appointed through which effective calling will come. Without the gospel call, no one could respond and be saved! ‘How are they to believe in him whom they have never heard?’ (Rom. 10:14). Therefore it is important to understand exactly what the gospel call is.”[1]

Discussion Questions

  • Why do we need the work of the Holy Spirit in order to receive Jesus Christ and please God?
  • Why does God need to enlighten our minds in the knowledge of Christ?
  •  Why does God need to renew our wills?
  • The catechism says He “persuades and makes us able to receive Jesus Christ.” What does the catechism mean when it says persuades?
  • What part does God’s word and prayer play in people receiving Jesus Christ?
  • How does it make you feel that God is in control of our salvation?

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

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Baptist Catechism, Effectual Calling, Family Worship, Household Worship Guide, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Sep 14
7

Household Worship Guide – 09/07/14

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 Roi
  • Meaning: The God Who Sees Me
  • Genesis 16:11-14; Psalm 139:7-12

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)

  • Cornerstone, Hemet CA  – Website

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

  • Country: Russia
  • Population: 143,000,000
  • Religion: Orthodox 64{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Evangelical 1{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}
  • Unreached People Groups: 88
  • Click here for information about Russia and how to prayer for this country.

“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 City Manager – Wally Hill, Tim Hults
  • State: Assembly & Senate – Melissa Melandez, Mike Morrell
  • 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: John 1:1-5

_____________________________________

Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard BC #33

  • Q. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
  • A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling

Memory Verse(s)

  • “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: John 15:1-11
  • Support Passages: II Timothy 2:11-13, Romans 6:3-11, Galatians 2:20, I Corinthians 6:15-17, Ephesians 1:22-23
  • Bible Story: Exodus 28

Thoughts

  • In John 15:5 Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” It is only by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ that allows the “vines,” to be connected to the “branch.” Because of Jesus death and resurrection the Holy Spirit is able to dwell within the believer, producing faith and good works that is pleasing to the Father in heaven. Man’s responsibility in this work is to respond and act upon the leading and conviction of the Holy Spirit.
  • Exodus 28 might seem a little ambiguous on how the priestly garments apply to this doctrinal standard. When reading Exodus we must remember that it is during the epic of redemptive history referred to as the kingdom prefigured. During this time in history, God is providing an image or picture of something to come. In the Exodus 28 passage Moses gives three commands about the garments that picture or prefigure the work of Jesus Christ.
  • Exodus 28:30 – And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before the Lord. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the Lord regularly.
  • Exodus 28:38 – It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.
  • Exodus 28:43 – and they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the Holy Place, lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him.
  • These commands in Exodus were given during the epic of the kingdom being prefigured, therefore, they provide a picture or image of something being fulfilled in the later epics. The first thing we see is that man must be covered when approaching the Almighty Lord. This dates back to after the Fall. After Adam and Eve sinned they covered themselves when they came before God. Exodus 28 provides insight into the required coverings of the priest as they worshiped before the Lord. We can see the fulfillment of what these garments served to do in the New Covenant. While the garments covered the priest as they came before God. New Covenant believers are covered with the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ and sealed with the Holy Spirit uniting them with the one and true God.

Discussion Questions

  • Does mankind, left to their own will, follow God? Explain.
  • Read John 15:1-11. How do we become connected to the branch? (BC #30)
  • If God creates the connection between the branch and vine what part do we play in the process?
  • If God is the one who gives salvation and we cannot lose our salvation why does Jesus warn us about not following after Him in John 15:1-11? (Refer to Lesson 29).
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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Baptist Catechism, Family Worship, Holy Spirit, Household Worship Guide, Lord's Prayer, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Sep 14
1

Household Worship Guide – 08/31/14

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: Jehovah-Rapha
  • Meaning: The Lord Who Heals
  • Exodus 15:25-27; Psalm 103:3; Psalm 147:3

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: Protected Missionaries in Asia
  • Click here for information about various missionaries in Asia and how you can 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: Vice President & Secretary of State – Joe Biden, John Kerry

“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: Will update

_____________________________________

Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard BC #32

  • Q.How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?
  • A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us, by His Holy Spirit.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Hebrews 5:11-6:12
  • Support Passages: Matthew 7:15-23, 13:1-23,; Romans 2:17-3:8, 11:1-10; I Corinthians 2:1-16; II Timothy 2:14-21; Titus 3:4-7
  • Bible Story: Acts 5:1-11

Thoughts

  • The London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 provides a thorough and well-balanced explanation between the effectiveness of God’s salvation in the lives of believers and the responsibility to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
  • LBC ? “Although temporary believers, and other unregenerate men, may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions that [in an unspiritual way they take it for granted] they are in the favour of God and in a state of salvation, such a hope on their part will perish [die away]. 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. And such a hope shall never make them ashamed. [It will never disappoint them or let them down, for God will bless them, hear their prayers, and finally take them to glory.]
  • LBC ? “This assurance is not merely a conjectural persuasion nor even a probable persuasion [something supposed to be true on slender grounds] based upon a fallible hope. It is an infallible assurance of faith founded on the blood and righteousness of Christ revealed in the Gospel. [It is based on a historical act of the Savior of the world.] It is also founded upon the inward evidence of those graces of the Spirit [marks or evidence of grace] in connection with definite promises made in the Scriptures, 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], and who uses the experience of assurance to keep our hearts both humble and holy.
  • LBC ? 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. 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. 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, for it is far from inclining men to slackness.
  • LBC ? 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, or by their falling into some special sin which wounds the conscience and grieves the Spirit, or by some sudden or forceful temptation, 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. Yet, [whatever the cause or duration of the impairment of assurance] believers are never left without the seed of God [essential spiritual identity] and life of faith [that hold on eternal values], 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, and in the meantime the presence of these graces preserves them from utter despair.

Discussion Questions

  • Who is the author of our salvation?
  • How does the Holy Spirit help us with our salvation?
  • How can we know if we are saved?
  • Philippians 2:12 says, “therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” What does this mean?
  • Why should we be both confident yet cautious with our salvation?

 

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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

Aug 14
24

Household Worship Guide – 08/24/14

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: Adonai
  • Meaning: The Lord, My Great Lord
  • Psalm 8; Isaiah 40:3-5; Ezekiel 16:8; Habakkuk 3:19

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)

  • Christ Reformed Baptist Church, Vista CA – Website

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

  • Country: Nepal
  • Population: 30,430,000
  • Religion: Hindu 75{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Buddhist 16{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Evangelical 3{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}
  • Click here for information about the missionaries in Nepal 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: 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).

_______________________________________________

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: Will update

_____________________________________

Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard BC #31 (2 of 2)

  • Q. Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation?
  • A. Christ’s exaltation consisteth in His rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.

Girls and Boys Catechism #137-139

  • Q. Did Christ remain in the tomb after his crucifixion?
  • A. No. He rose from the tomb on the third day after his death
  • Q. Where is Christ now?
  • A. Christ is Jn heaven, seated at the right hand of God the Father.
  • Q. Will Christ come again?
  • A. Yes. At the last day he will come to judge the world.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Revelation 1; John 5:19-29
  • Support Passages: Psalm 110:1 (quoted in Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:42; Matthew 26:64) Mark 14:62, 16:19; Luke 22:69; Acts 2:33-34, 5:30-32; Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 10:12-14; I Peter 3:22 Matthew 13:36-43, 25:31-46; Acts 10:34-43, 17:30-31; Romans 2:1-8; II Corinthians 5:10; II Thessalonians 1; Hebrews 9:27-28; II Peter 3; Revelation 20-22
  • Bible Story: Acts 7:54-60;  John 11:17-44

Thoughts

  • Last week we examined the same doctrinal standard but focused on Christ being exalted through His resurrection and ascension. This week we will focus on Christ’s being exalted sitting at the right hand of God. Millard J. Erickson in his book Christian Theology provides a great explanation on the significance of Christ seated at the right hand of God.
  • “Jesus’ ascension means that he is now seated at the right hand of the Father. Jesus himself predicted this in His statement before the high priest (Matt. 26:64). Peter referred to the session at the Father’s right hand in his Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:33-36) and before the council (Acts 5:31). It is also mentioned in the Ephesians 1:20-22; Hebrews 10:12; 1 Peter 3:22; and Revelation 3:21; 22:1. The significance of all this is that the right hand is the place of distinction and power. Recall how James and John desired to sit at Christ’s right hand, and at his left as well (Mark 10:37-40). Jesus’ sitting at the right hand of God should not be interpreted as a matter of rest or inactivity. It is a symbol of authority and active rule. The right hand is also the place where Jesus is ever making intercession with the Father on our behalf. (Heb. 7:25).” [1]
  • (See BC #25 and lesson 32-34 for more information on Christ’s intercession)
  • “The second coming will also issue in the great final judgment. This is for many people one of the most frightening prospects regarding the future, and well it might be for those who are apart from Christ and consequently will be judged to be among the unrighteous. For those who are in Christ, however, it is something to look forward to, for it will vindicate their lives.”
  • “Jesus pictured himself as sitting on a glorious throne and judging all nations (Matt. 25:31-33). Although God is spoken of as the judge in Hebrews 12:23, it is clear from several other references that he delegates this authority to the Son. Jesus himself said, ‘Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son… And He has given him authority to judge because He is the Son of Man” (John 5:22,27). Peter told the gathering in Cornelius’s house, “[Jesus] commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one Paul informed the Athenians that God ‘has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead’ (Acts 17:31). And Paul wrote to the Corinthians, ‘For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad’ (2 Cor. 5:10). Second Timothy 4:1 states that Christ is to judge the living and the dead.” [2]
  • “While true believers will be judges and accepted based on the perfect sacrifice and righteousness of Jesus Christ they will still be judged  for the things they have “done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). It is during this judgment that Christ will “evaluate and bestow various degrees of reward, but the fact that they will face such judgment should never cause believers to fear that they will be eternally condemned. Jesus say, ‘He who hears my words and believes Him who sent me, has eternal life; He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life’ (John 5:24).” [3]

Discussion Questions

  • Where is Christ currently at?
  • What is the significance of Christ sitting at the right hand of God?
  • What benefit do we as believers receive from Christ being seated at the right hand of God? (Refer to BC # 25 and lessons #32-34).
  • What power and authority does Christ hold as he sits at the right hand of God?
  • How does it make you feel that Christ is alive and sitting at the right hand of God?
  • Why does Jesus have the authority to judge the world?
  • How will believers in Jesus Christ be judged?
  • Will Christians be held accountable for their actions? Explain
  • How do you feel about the fact that you will be judged by Jesus Christ?
  • How should Christians feel about the judgment of Jesus Christ?
  • Can we do anything to prepare for the judgment of Jesus Christ?

 

[1] Erickson, Millard J. (1998). Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Baker Books.

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

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Christ's Exaltation, Family Worship, Household Worship Guide, Lord's Prayer, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Aug 14
17

Household Worship Guide – 08/17/14

In addition to the weekly Baptist Catechism question and answer, I have added the corresponding doctrinal standard from the Girls and Boys catechism. The Girls and Boys Catechism questions are good for our younger children to work through.

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: Jehovah Shammah
  • Meaning: The Lord is There, The Lord My Companion
  • Ezekiel 48:35; Psalm 46

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)

  • Country: Japan
  • Population: 127,253,000
  • Religion: Buddhist 70{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Evangelical Less than 1{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Unreached People Groups 22
  • Click here for information about the missionaries in Japan 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 – Robert Youssef, Crystal Ruiz
  • State: Assembly & Senate – Melissa Melandez, Mike Morrell
  • 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.

  • Will update.

_______________________________________________

Preparing for the Lord’s Day

Our Sermon Text for This Sunday: James 5:19-20

______________________________________________

Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard BC #31 (1 of 2)

  • Q. Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation?
  • A. Christ’s exaltation consisteth in His rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.
  • Girls and Boys Catechism #137-139
  • Q. Did Christ remain in the tomb after his crucifixion?
    A. No. He rose from the tomb on the third day after his death
  • Q. Where is Christ now?
  • A. Christ is Jn heaven, seated at the right hand of God the Father.
  • Q. Will Christ come again?
  • A. Yes. At the last day he will come to judge the world

Memory Verse(s)

  • “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Acts 1:1-11
  • Support Passages: Matthew 27:62-28:20; Mark 15:42-16:20; Luke 23:50-24:53; John 19:38-21:25; I Corinthians 15:1-11; I Timothy 3:16
  • Bible Story: The resurrection of Christ from the gospels  Matthew 27:62-28:20; Mark 15:42-16:20; Luke 23:50-24:53; John 19:38-21:25

Thoughts

  • Wayne Grudem in his systematic theology book explains the significance of the resurrection within the lives of believers.
  • “Christ’s resurrection insures our regeneration: Peter says that ‘we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead’ (1 Peter 1:3). Here he explicitly connects Jesus’ resurrection with our regeneration or new birth. When Jesus rose from the head He had a new quality of life, a ‘resurrection life’ in a human body and human spirit that were perfectly suited for fellowship and obedience to God forever. In His resurrection, Jesus earned for us a new life just like his. We do not receive all of that new ‘resurrection life’ when we become Christians, for our bodies remain as they were, still subject to weakness, aging, and death. But in our spirits we are made alive with new resurrection power.  Thus it is through his resurrection that Christ earned for us the new kind of life we receive when we are ‘born again.’”
  • “Christ’ resurrection insures our justification: In only one passage does Paul explicitly connect Christ’s resurrection with our justification (or our receiving a declaration that we are not guilty but righteous before God). Paul says that Jesus ‘was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification’ (Rom. 4:25). When Christ was raised from the dead, it was God’s declaration of approval of Christ’s work of redemption. Because Christ ‘humbled himself and became him…’ (Phil 2:9). By raising Christ from the dead, God the Father was in effect saying that he approved of Christ’s work of suffering and dying for our sins, that His work was completed, and that Christ no longer had any need to remain dead. There was no penalty left to pay for sin, no more wrath of God to bear, no more guilt or liability to punishment.”
  • “Christ’s resurrection insures that we will receive perfect resurrection bodies as well: The New Testament several times connects Jesus’ resurrection with our final bodily resurrection. ‘And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power (1 Cor. 6:14). Similarly, ‘He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence’ (2 Cor. 4:14). But the most extensive discussion of the connection between Christ’s resurrection and our own is found in 1 Corinthians 15:12-58. There Paul says that Christ the ‘first fruits of those who have fallen asleep’ (1 Cor. 15:20)… Just as the ‘first fruits’ or the first taste of the ripening crop show what the rest of the harvest will be like for that crop, so Christ as the ‘first fruits’ shows what our resurrection bodies will be like when, in God’s final ‘harvest,’ he raises us from the dead and brings us into his presence.”  [1]
  • The memory verse speaks of the power that believers will have when the Holy Spirit comes and dwells within them. According to scripture the indwelling of the Holy Spirit took place after the resurrection and accession of Jesus Christ. “The sending of the Holy Spirit was important, for whereas Jesus could work with the disciples only through the external teaching and example, the Holy Spirit could work within them (John 14:17). Having more intimate access to the centers of their lives, He would be able to do the works that Jesus did, and even greater ones (John 14:12). And through the Holy Spirit’s ministry, the Triune God would be present with them; thus Jesus could say that He would be with them forever (Matt. 28:20).” [2]

Discussion Questions

 

  • Quickly review how Jesus Christ was humiliated and contrast that with how he was exalted.
  • Explain how Christ’s resurrection is much more than a historical event? (Refer to the “thoughts” section above).
  • What is the benefit of Christ’s resurrection and ascension in the lives of believers? (Refer to the “thoughts” section above).
  • How do the benefits or significance Christ’ resurrection make you feel?
  • In your own words explain the importance of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.

 

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

[2] Erickson, Millard J. (1998). Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Baker Books.

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts, Baptist Catechism, Catechism, Family Worship, Girls and Boys Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Aug 14
11

Household Worship Guide – 08/11/14

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: Jehovah Shalom
  • Meaning: The Lord is Peace
  • Numbers 6:22-27; Judges 6:22-24; Isaiah 9:6

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)

  • Olive Branch Ministries Church, San Jacinto   – Website

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

  • Country: Indonesia
  • Population: 251,160,000
  • Unreached People Groups: 225
  • People Groups: 780
  • Religion: Muslim 80{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Evangelical 5{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}
  • Click here for information about the missionaries in Indonesia 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 Mayor Pro Tem –  Shellie Milne , Alonzo Ledezma
  • State: Lieutenant Governor & Attorney General – Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris
  • Nation: Representatives – Raul Ruiz, Ken Calvert

“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 5:13-18

______________________________________________

Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard BC #30 (2 of 2)

  • Q. Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?
  • A. Christ’s humiliation consisted in His being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross, in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4–5, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Philippians 2:5-11
  • Support Passages: Luke 2:7, II Corinthians 8:9, Galatians 4:4-5, Hebrews 2:9, 14
  • Bible Story: Hebrews 11:24-28, Exodus 2

Thoughts

  • C.I. Williamson breaks down the rather large catechism answer into more manageable parts and provides a helpful visual to illustrate Christ’s humiliation. Below is an excerpt taken from his book, The Westminster Shorter Catechism (pg. 118-119).
  • Christ was humiliated: by being born as a man and born into a poor family (1) by being made subject to the law (2) and suffering the miseries of this life (3), the anger of God (4), and the curse of death on the cross (5); and by being buried (6) and remaining under the power of death for a time (7).
  • “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
  • “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.” (Gal. 4:4)
  • “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” (Isa. 53:3)
  • “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”(Matt. 27:46)
  • “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil. 2:8)
  • “He was buried.” (Cor. 15:4)
  • “He rose on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Cor. 15:4)

Discussion Questions

  • What does humiliation mean?
  • What are examples of Christ’s humiliation?
  • Why do you think Christ had to experience these various things?
  • How does this reveal God’s love?
  • How does this knowledge affect your heart? How does it make you feel?

 

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

Aug 14
4

Household Worship Guide – 08/04/14

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 Olam
  • Meaning: The Eternal God, The Everlasting God
  • Genesis 1:1-3; Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 68

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)

  • Cornerstone, Hemet CA   – Website

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

  • Country: India
  • Population: 1.2 Billion
  • Unreached People Groups: 2,365
  • Religion: Hindu 74{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9},  Muslim 14{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Evangelical 2{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}
  • Click here for information about the missionaries in India 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 Mayor – Larry Smith, Mark Bartel
  • 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.

  • Will update.

_______________________________________________

Preparing for the Lord’s Day

Our Sermon Text for This Sunday: James 5:7-12

______________________________________________

Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard BC #30 (1 of 2)

  • Q. Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?
  • A. Christ’s humiliation consisted in His being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross, in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4–5, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: Philippians 2:5-11
  • Support Passages: Luke 2:7, II Corinthians 8:9, Galatians 4:4-5, Hebrews 2:9, 14
  • Bible Story: Hebrews 11:24-28, Exodus 2

Thoughts

  • C.I. Williamson breaks down the rather large catechism answer into more manageable parts and provides a helpful visual to illustrate Christ’s humiliation. Below is an excerpt taken from his book, The Westminster Shorter Catechism (pg. 118-119).
  •  Christ was humiliated: by being born as a man and born into a poor family (1) by being made subject to the law (2) and suffering the miseries of this life (3), the anger of God (4), and the curse of death on the cross (5); and by being buried (6) and remaining under the power of death for a time (7).
  •  “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
  • “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.” (Gal. 4:4)
  • “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” (Isa. 53:3)
  • “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”(Matt. 27:46)
  • “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil. 2:8)
  • “He was buried.” (Cor. 15:4)
  • “He rose on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Cor. 15:4)

Discussion Questions

  • What does humiliation mean?
  • What are examples of Christ’s humiliation?
  • Why do you think Christ had to experience these various things?
  • How does this reveal God’s love?
  • How does this knowledge affect your heart? How does it make you feel?

 

 

[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, Christ's Humiliation, Family Worship, Household Worship Guide, Lord's Prayer, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Jul 14
28

Household Worship Guide – 07/27/14

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: Jehovah Tsidkenu
  • Meaning: The Lord Our Rightousness
  • Jeremiah 23:5, 6; 33:16; Ezekiel 36:26, 27

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: China
  • Population: 1.36 Billion
  • Unreached People Groups: 456
  • Religion: Non-Religious 45{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9},  Ethnic 32{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}, Evangelical 6{e0b72a53c242df1424785628340537005f8b2ebeecfbb0205a95286f7b4c8fc9}
  • Click here for information about the missionaries in China 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 City Manager – Wally Hill, Tim Hults
  • State: Assembly & Senate  – Melissa Melandez, Mike Morrell
  • Nation: Vice President & Secretary of State – Joe Biden, John Kerry

“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.

  • Will update.

_______________________________________________

Preparing for the Lord’s Day

Our Sermon Text for This Sunday: James 5:1-6

______________________________________________

Catechism – Instruction of God’s Word

Doctrinal Standard BC #29

  • Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
  • A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to Himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all His and our enemies.

Memory Verse(s)

  • “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9–11, ESV).

Scripture

  • Study Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
  • Support Passages: Psalm 8:6; Ephesians 1:20-23, 6:10-13; Philippians 2:9-10; Hebrews 1:13, 2:8, 10:12-13
  • Bible Story: Matthew 4:1-11

Thoughts

  • C.I. Williamson provides a great explanation and meaningful insight behind the spiritual truths found in this week’s doctrinal standard.  Below is an excerpt taken from his book, The Westminster Shorter Catechism (pg. 112-114).
  • “Let us notice, in the first place, then, that the kingly work of Jesus Christ is a present spiritual activity. And perhaps it will help to make this clear if we contrast the teaching of the Catechism with a rather popular modern error called dispensationalism. Most people who hold to dispensational teaching are orthodox when it comes to many fundamental doctrines of our faith. But they have fallen under the influence of an artificial system of Bible interpretation. This system divides Bible history into certain periods (or dispensations) in which it is said that God has had different ways of dealing with men. During the time of Moses, for example, it is said that God dealt with men according to law, whereas at the present He deals with men by grace. The truth is, of course, that God has always maintained the law and always dealt with sinners (since the fall) by grace as the only way of salvation. But the point of interest here is that according to dispensationalists , Christ is not yet king. Dispensationalists say that He came to offer himself to the Jews as king, but when they refused, He delayed His kingdom. In the meantime God is saving men by the instrumentality of the Church. But when Christ comes again, then He will establish His kingdom, and rule on earth for 1,000 years, much after the manner of present earthly kings, except for the moral perfection of His reign.”
  • “Against this teaching stands clear teaching of Scripture. (1) The kingdom of Christ is already in existence. Paul says that when God has ‘delivered us from the power of darkness’ He also ‘hath translated un into the kingdom of his dear Son’ (Col. 1:13). (2) The kingdom of Christ is also spiritual and invisible. Jesus said, ‘My kingdom of God cometh not with observation’ (Luke 17:20). (3) It is a kingdom which will never end (Dan 2:44; 2 Peter 1:11), although it will give way to more perfect state of things at the end of the world (1 Cor. 15:24). His kingdom is now being extended. It will then be complete. So the basic error of the dispensationalist is that they separate the kingdom of Jesus Christ from the Church.”
  • “We must notice, in the second place, however, that it is also an error to say that the kingdom is the Church. This is the great error of the Roman Catholic Church. According to this teaching, the Roman Catholic Church itself represents the kingdom of Christ in this world. That is why the effort  is made to bring everything under the control of this Church. Every kind of organization and institution – schools, labor unions, political parties, etc. – should take orders from the Church. Only in this way, it is said, can Jesus Christ rule over all of life. He does this by means of His vicar, the Pope.”
  • “The Reformed view is this: while the Church and the kingdom of Jesus Christ are closely related, they are not identical. Christ is the king and head of the Church. But He also rules over a kingdom that includes much more than the Church. Thus it is the Reformed view that Christ should rule over every sphere of life, but not that the Church should exercise control over other organizations. The Church must indeed teach the Lord’s people what the Bible has to say about Christian schools, labor relations, politics, etc., but then it si the responsibility of the people to work out these principles under the direct kingship of Christ. In each sphere (or circle of life activity), in other words, the believer is directly responsible to Christ. It is Christ himself who rules the hearts of His people by His word and Spirit. And it is by this direct rule of His people which He effects in all that they do that the kingdom of Christ exists in this world.” [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, Family Worship, Household Worship Guide, Lord's Prayer, Office of King, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Posted by Phil. No Comments

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