Lord's Day 21 Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 21

Scripture Readings: Matthew 16:13-28; Ephesians 2:11-22; Acts 20:17-32; Acts 8:4-24; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Peter 1

Question 54. What do you believe concerning "the holy catholic church"?
Answer. I believe that the Son of God through his Spirit and Word, out of the entire human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. Moreover, I believe that I am and forever will remain a living member of it.
Question 55. What do you understand by "the communion of saints"?
Answer. First, that believers one and all, as members of this community, share in Christ and in all his treasures and gifts. Second, that each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and cheerfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.
Question 56. What do you believe concerning "the forgiveness of sins"?
Answer. I believe that God, because of Christ's atonement, will never hold against me any of my sins nor my sinful nature which I need to struggle against all my life. Rather, God by grace grants me the righteousness of Christ to free me forever from judgement.

For study and discussion:
Can a faithful church survive through history if its not a creedal church? Why or why not?
What is the difference and the importance between catholic church and Catholic church?
Can one be a Christian and not belong to a local church?

On Fellowship

Wednesday, May 18, 1743. I have no fellow Christian to whom I might unbosom myself and lay open my spiritual sorrows and with whom I might make take sweet counsel in conversation about heavenly things and join in social prayer. (From The Life of David Brainerd, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, vol.7, pg.207.)

This is indeed a powerful dairy entry. Brainerd was not married and ministered alone to the Indians which accounts for his lonliness here. This entry reminds me of the fact that I do have friends that I can share the very things with that Brainerd was longing for. We can talk casually and seriously about spritual issues. And we can pray together. My hope is that you do as well. If you do, then enjoy these sweet times that are likely far too few. If you do not, make yourself available and open to someone and develop that Christian friendship. Be sure to attend Sunday School and other church meetings. Get to know people and make those connections. There is a reason that we are not to forsake the assembly, and though Brainerd had good reason, he was feeling the emptiness that comes from lack of fellowship.

On Anxiety

Recently I was listening to a Mark Driscoll sermon on anxiety which was a blessing. A few thoughts arose from that sermon that we should keep in mind. We need not fool ourselves - we all have anxiety from time to time or we would not be exhorted "to be anxious for nothing." Driscoll in his usual fashion draws us out of our self deception on this issue and reminds that anxiety is a sin and needs to be stopped. It is not something to be controlled nor is it something to be overlooked when we're stressed out. We are simply told, and with good reason, do not be anxious about anything (Php 4:6). Why? Verse 7 of Phil. 4 gives ample reason, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Is this not what we all desire, peace of God? This is really a trust issue for us that we all must face. We must respond to God, not our circumstances. Spurgeon said it this way, A doubting, fretful spirit takes from us the joys we have. You have not all you could wish, but you have still more than you deserve. Your circumstances are not what they might be, but still they are not even now so bad as the circumstances of some others. Let's take another look at why we get stressed out and anxious then repent of this sin. We can then give praise to our God and Saviour who so graciously forgives.

I Hate the Benediction

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25

Well, no, I don't hate the benediction. But there is a piece of me that's sad when I see my pastor's arms go up to give the benediction. When I know the Sabbath is over. When I know I have to wait another week to see all these people that I care about. When I know there are six days I have to endure away from the comfort the Lord gives us on each Sabbath. The Sabbath is, indeed our little piece of heaven here on earth. Let us thank the Lord for own church congregation, our pastor, elder and deacons. Thank Him for a place to meet no matter how humble or grand that place may be. Let us thank Him that He is in our midst when we come to worship Him and though our worship be imperfect, it is acceptable to our merciful and loving God.

From the Westminster Larger Catechism:

Q. 115. Which is the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.

Q. 121. Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth
commandment?
A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth commandment,a partly, because of the great benefit of remembering it, we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it, and, in keeping it, better to keep all the rest of the commandments, and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of creation and redemption, which contain a short abridgment of religion; and partly, because we are very ready to forget it, for that there is less light of nature for it,f and yet it restraineth our natural liberty in things at other times lawful; that it cometh but once in seven days, and many worldly businesses come between, and too often take off our minds from thinking of it, either to prepare for it, or to sanctify it; and that Satan with his instruments much labor to blot out the glory, and even the memory of it, to bring in all irreligion and impiety.

You Need To See This...

If you have not seen this Piper video, please watch it and pass it on. Its time we stop fooling ourselves about our new President.

Lord's Day 20 Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 20

Scripture readings: 1 Corinthians 12:1-27; John 14: 16-26; 15:26-16:15; Romans 8:1-17


Question 53. What do you believe concerning "the Holy Spirit"?
Answer. First, the Spirit, with the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, the Spirit has been given to me personally and, by true faith, makes me share in Christ and all his blessings, comforts me, and remains with me forever.

For discussion and reflection:
Should more emphasis be put on the Holy Spirit in Reformed churches today?
Does Pentecostalism put too much stress on the Holy Spirit?

Only from Carl...

Given the choice - and there is always a choice -- I'd rather just be despised for being a brazen conservative with looney theology, than a duplicitous conservative with looney theology.

Only from the pen of Carl Trueman can such an indomitable statement be made. I love it. Lest I be accused of quoting him out of context, read the entire article here. Enjoy.

Dwelling In The House of The LORD

Sunday, The Lord's Day, is our little piece of heaven every week. And so it should be as we strive to keep it holy. I often think on Psalm 27:4 as I get ready and drive to church. It encapsulates what may of us desire - spending eternity in the house of the Lord. We have no real idea what that will actually encompass, as we live in a world and in bodies that are so caught up in sin. But we do know enough from Scripture that it has become our deepest desire and our strongest yearning. Let us rejoice as we head off to church today and think on the glory of spending eternity with our Saviour.

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

Psalm 27:4

Evangelicalism - A Historical Study

One piece of history that I have been studying lately is the birth, growth and theology of Evangelicalism. I've read a few books and numerous articles. Early on, late C17 to early C18, Mark Noll tells us of some transformations that took place in practical religion in his book, The Rise of Evangelicalism. These transformations seemed to involve several tendencies:

-Christian faith redefined from correct doctrine to correct living
-A shift from godly order as the church's concern to godly fellowship
-A change "from authoritative interpretation of Scripture originating with ecclesiastical elites toward lay and more democratic appropriation of the Bible"
-A move from obedience to expression
-Music performed by disciplined musicians to music "as a shared expression of the people"
-"From preaching as learned learned discourses about God toward preaching as impassioned appeals for "closing with Christ'" (page 52)

At least some of these sound famaliar don't they?

This history fascinates me as just the very term itself, Evangelicalism, is pregnant with meaning. I don't care for the term as I often associate it with all that is wrong with the church today. Perhaps I take that feeling too far but I tend to agree with Darrell Hart that the term should no longer embraced. I look forward to continuing this study of church history that surrounds the people and events in Evangelicalism. Any thoughts?

Lord's Day 19 Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 19:

Scripture Readings: Colossians 1:9-20; Ephesians 4:1-16; Matthew 25:31-46

Question 50. Why the next words: "and sits at the right hand of God"?
Answer. Christ ascended to heaven so that he might show there that he is head of his church, and that the Father rules all things through him.

Question 51. How does this glory of Christ our head benefit us?
Answer. First, through his Holy Spirit he pours out his gifts from heaven upon us his members. Second, by his power he defends us and keeps us safe from all enemies.

Question 52. How does Christ's return "to judge the living and the dead" comfort you?
Answer. In all my affliction and persecution I may await with head held high the very Judge from heaven who has already submitted himself to the judgment of God for me and has removed all the curse from me. He will cast all his enemies and mine into everlasting condemnation, but he will take me and all his chosen ones to himself into the joy and glory of heaven.

For discussion and study:
In what specific ways do we think differently knowing that the Holy Spirit pours out his gifts upon us?
Is there any practical import of this doctrine?

A Bit of Renegalia

Yes, if posting seems a bit sparse lately, well, you're right. I've been spending time on two blogs instead of one, my church has moved into a new building where I have taken on new duties, one of those is working on the church's website - updating and learning as I go - and I'm still hunting for a job. Throw in the added duty of becoming a deacon (I had the privilege years ago and have been nominated again), my Day Planner fills up quick but, you know, not always with the things I want to do. Nevertheless, the Lord still seems to show me that I can be confidant where I'm headed and assured of a good result when I get there. Life is full of ups and downs but God is good and blesses us far more than we realize. This morning I read Psalm 38 and of particular note was vss. 9 & 15.

9 Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.

15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

The Lord knows the pain in our hearts as well as our desires. We need to wait patiently on him for those answers we desperately want. He is our only source of comfort - rely on him, my friend.

Check out my other blog and leave a comment. I'd like to hear from you.

Ferguson & Flavel on Union with Christ

A few salient thoughts from Sinclair Ferguson on union with Christ...



To follow that up we have a new book published, The Inner Sanctum of Puritan Piety, John Flavel's Doctrine of Mystical Union with Christ by J. Stephen Yuille. This looks to be another must buy, at least for me and maybe for you as well. Tony Reinke throws in his two cents on this here. This is an often overlooked doctrine which many of us, myself included, should spend some time studying.

Lord's Day 18 Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 18:

Scripture Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Colossians 1:13-23; 1 Corinthians 15:25-28

Question 46. What do you mean by saying, "He ascended to heaven"?
Answer. That Christ was taken up from the earth into heaven before the very eyes of his disciples and remains there on our behalf until he comes again to judge the living and the dead.
Question 47. But isn't Christ with us until the end of the world as he promised us?
Answer. Christ is truly human and truly god. In his human nature Christ is not now on earth; but in his divinity, majesty, grace, and Spirit he is never absent from us.
Question 48. If his humanity is not present wherever his divinity is, then aren't the two natures of Christ separated from each other?
Answer. Certainly not. Since divinity is incomprehensible and everywhere present, it must follow that the divinity is indeed beyond the bounds of the humanity which it has taken on, and is nonetheless ever in that humanity as well, and remains personally united to it.
Question 49. How does Christ's ascension to heaven benefit us?
Answer. First, he is our advocate in heaven in the presence of his Father. Second, we have our flesh as a full guarantee in heaven that Christ our head, will also take us, his members up to himself. Third, he sends us, as a guarantee on earth, his Spirit by whose power we seek what is above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God, and not things that are on earth.

For Study & Discussion:
Why is it so important that Christ sits at God's right hand?
In what ways is this doctrine misrepresented or simply not believed today?

Psalm 46

There has never been a time in my life of more uncertainty and I believe many of you may agree with me. The economic crisis has affected everyone, no one is exempt. For me, I was laid off after 18 1/2 productive years with the company as my position was eliminated as a cost cutting measure. My wife's company has gone to a four day work week. I don't know anyone who has not been affected in some way. And now we have the unpleasant prospect of the swine flu, or as officials prefer to call it, H1 N1. The news media's coverage has not been beneficial in helping us understand what we are to look for or what we are to do should we think we have contracted the virus. These are just two issues that effect us all. We each have our crosses to bear as God deems necessary for us.

Therefore, how should we think on these things? How do we avoid despair? We remember and meditate on the truth. The truth found in Scripture. May I suggest Psalm 46 for its encouragement of comfort and hope. Concerning this psalm Matthew Henry tells us in his famous commentary, This psalm encourages to hope and trust in God; in his power and providence, and his gracious presence with his church in the worst of times. We may apply it to spiritual enemies, and the encouragement we have that, through Christ, we shall be conquerors over them. He is a Help, a present Help, a Help found, one whom we have found to be so; a Help at hand, one that is always near; we cannot desire a better, nor shall we ever find the like in any creature. Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters, who build their confidence on a floating foundation; but let not those be alarmed who are led to the Rock, and there find firm footing. Here is joy to the church, even in sorrowful times. The river alludes to the graces and consolations of the Holy Spirit, which flow through every part of the church, and through God’s sacred ordinances, gladdening the heart of every believer. It is promised that the church shall not be moved. If God be in our hearts, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us trust and not be afraid.

Psalm 46
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
Selah
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah

Addendum

Al Mohler has added his opinion to the 'net on his blog where he wrote, In the end, sickness points to sin and sin points to our need for Christ. Luther, Calvin, and all true ministers of Christ know that sickness and death point to our need for a Savior. Even as Christians seek to minister to the physical needs of the sick, the spiritual need is even more urgent. Each tiny germ shows us our need for the Gospel. Every cough is a reminder of coming judgment. Our confidence is placed only in the ministry of Christ our Physician, "who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases." [Psalm 103:3] Read the is exceptional post here.

S.D.G.

Flavel on Union with Christ

I often return to the works of John Flavel. He just had such a way of putting his thoughts on paper with such clarity that to me he had few rivals. Below is one such instance that I'd like to share on the Union with Christ found in the Method of Grace:

It is a most comfortable union; yea, the ground of all solid comfort, both in life and death. Whatever troubles. wants, or distresses befall such, in this is abundant relief and support: Christ is mine, and I am his: what may not the redeemed soul make of that? If I am Christ's, he will care for me, and indeed, in so doing, he does but care for his own. He is my head, and to him it belongs to care for the safety and welfare of his own members. Eph. 1:22-23. He is not only a head to his own by way of influence, but to all things else by way of dominion, for their good. How comfortably may we, under this cheering consideration, repose ourselves upon him at all times and in all difficulties.

Lord's Day 17 Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 17:

Scripture Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28; John 5:19-29

Question 45. How does Christ's resurrection benefit us?

Answer. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death that he might make us share in the righteousness which he has obtained for us through his death. Second, we too are now raised by his power to a new life. Third, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection.

For study:
What is meant by the phrase, "the finished work of Christ"?

The Gospel Coalition Network from The City

Looking for a Christian social networking site? One you could realistically use as a Christian? Check out Adrian Warnock's post about the Gospel Coalition Network from The City. You can connect as a participant or by becoming a member. Join a group and connect to others. I've hesitated joining My Space and Facebook but this I think may be the future for us as believers so I jumped in and joined. If you join, look for me and let's connect.

Books, Books and More Books

Lots of book review and book recommendation blog post recently. Let me share a few I've come across that are worth a read:

Paul Helm, Michael Gorman, Michael Bird, Nathan Eshelman, Stephen Nichols, Mark Driscoll, Jeff Waddington, & John Piper.

Have a blessed Lord's Day tomorrow.

S.D.G.

CHeck out my other blog: Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio.

Lord's Day 16 Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 16:

Scripture Readings: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12; Romans 3:1-28; Mark 9:38-50

Question 40. Why did Christ have to suffer "death"?
Answer. Because the righteousness and truth of God are such that nothing else could pay for our sins except the death of the Son of God.

Question 41. Why was he "buried"?
Answer. His burial testifies that he really died.

Question 42. Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die?
Answer. Our death does not pay the debt of our sins. Rather, it puts an end to our sinning and is our entrance into eternal life.

Question 43. What further advantage do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the
cross?
Answer. Through Christ's death our old selves are crucified, put to death, and buried with him, so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer rule in us, but that instead we may dedicate ourselves as an offering of gratitude to him.

Question 44. Why does the creed add, "He descended to hell"?
Answer. To assure me in times of personal crisis and temptation that Christ my Lord, by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror of soul, especially on the cross but also earlier, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.

For discussion:
Is there a connection between the first Adam and the second Adam anywhere in these questions? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
Did Christ literally enter into hell or is this purely figurative?

S.D.G.

Check out my new blog, Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio

Praying through the Psalms

Is your Bible study and prayer time getting boring? Has it always been boring? Think its just you? Its not. Everyone experiences dryness in there private prayer time. I've been re-listening to some very helpful mp3's courtesy of Omaha Bible Church. These good folks have posted five very helpful lectures by Don Whitney which will encourage you in your time with the Lord.

What I found most helpful was his instruction on praying through the Psalms. For example, pray your way through the Psalms by starting on the Psalm that matches the same day in the month. Today is the 17th so I would start with Psalm 17. Pray through the Psalm verse by verse, something there should apply to your heart and if a verse doesn't apply, move on to the next verse. If the whole Psalm doesn't work for you on a particular day, add thirty to the Psalm and check out that one. So, in this case, we would move on to Psalm 47, then 77, 107 and so on. As there are 150 Psalms you can move ahead five times. What about the 31st? Psalm 119 has an an abundance of verses that you likely won't get through in one sitting. Pick a section and pray through it. You can follow this method whether you have 10 minutes a day or two hours a day to spend in private prayer and study.

It has greatly helped me in my study/prayer time every day. It keeps your prayer life fresh and you'll eventually read and pray through all the Psalms. It's a win-win situation. You can find the Don Whitney mp3's here at the Omaha Bible Church website.

S.D.G.

Checkout my new blog, Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio

New Blog: Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio

Hey everyone, take look at my new blog, Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio. Of course, this blog will continue as is however, Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio will be focused on biblical studies concerning prayer, meditation and trials as the title suggests. Let me know what you think and subscribe to the feed.

What Are You Reading?

What are you reading this Easter weekend? I tend to get into reading too deep and read several books at once depending on the situation. For example, I'm continuing my study of Evangelicalism with The Advent of Evangelicalism: Exploring Historical Continuitieswhich is a top notch read on the subject and I have several books to follow up. Such as, Noll's, The Rise of Evangelicalism: The Age of Edwards, Whitefield, and the Wesleys (History of Evangelicalism)and in conjunction with these I'm taking in Noll's, Christians in the American Revolution. On a more practical side I've just dug into Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church: Understanding a Movement and Its Implicationsby D.A. Carson. Really looking forward to this one as I've had a few introductory conversations on this and I truly need to know more. What else? We just recceived a shipment of books this week including Why We're Not Emergent: By Two Guys Who Should Beand Zinssner's, On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfictionwhich I'm also looking forward to. Not to mention a few Dummines books; Excel 2007 for Dummies, Vista for Dummies and LinkedIn for Dummies.

What are you reading?

Lord's Day 15 Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 15:

Scripture Readings: John 17; 10:1-30

Question 37. What do you understand by the word "suffered"?
Answer. That during his whole life on earth, and especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race. This he did in order that, by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice, he might redeem us, body and soul, from eternal condemnation, and gain for us God's grace, righteousness, and eternal life.

Question 38. Why did he suffer "under Pontius Pilate" as judge?
Answer. So that he, though innocent, might be condemned by an earthly judge, and so set us free from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us.

Question 39. Is there something more in his having been crucified than if he had died some other death?
Answer. Yes, for by this I am assured that he took upon himself the curse which lay upon me, because the death of the cross was cursed by God.

For discussion:
Why was Christ's suffering so important?
What is the connection between Deut. 21:23 and question #39?

Ian Hamilton on Guidance

We all pray for the Lord's guidance, don't we? Should we? Ian Hamilton shares his thoughts on God's Guidance in this article at the Banner of Truth. Its certainly worth a read. Hamilton reminds us, In Matthew 6:25ff, Jesus gently rebuked his disciples for worrying about the future. They were worrying about where the next meal would come from, and how they would be able to clothe themselves. Jesus' antidote, to their only too human concerns, was to remind them of the caring, loving heavenly Father who knew perfectly and intimately all their needs: 'your heavenly Father knows'. He called them to have a renewed trust in the sovereign goodness and gracious omniscience of their Father in heaven. Having directed them to the perfect Father, Jesus then spoke these words to his 'little faith' (v. 30) disciples: 'But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well'. He then goes on to write, The key to guidance lies in the child of God believing that his Father is perfectly good and desires and pursues only his best...Listen again to your Saviour, 'Your heavenly Father knows . . . But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness . . .' Your heavenly Father is the sovereign King of the cosmos. He bends the universe to do his holy will. Your responsibility and mine is to 'do the next thing' i.e. the next thing that is pleasing to the Lord. He is well able to overrule our follies and stupidities. I have often thought that Augustine had it right when he said, 'Love God and do what you like.' Do you think this is a recipe for sheer hedonism? Far from it. To love God is to keep his commandments, to live to make his pleasure and praise the chief business of your life. The Christian who truly loves the Lord will only ever want to please him — pleasing HIM is what the child of God loves above all to do.

"He is well able to overrule our follies and stupidities."? Whew, I sure need that, all kidding aside, I need that and I'm sure some of you do, too. Let's give thanks to our Father who guides and directs regardless of what we do & "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness."

Singing the Westminster Shorter Catechism #3

Really great stuff...

Tartan Day April 6th

Yes, today is April 6th and I wanted to wish all of you Scots Happy Tartan Day. Be proud and wear that kilt! Look in your area for local Tartan Day events.

Lord's Day 14 Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 14:

Scripture Readings: Psalm 110; Matthew 1:1-25; Luke 1:26-55

Question 35. What does it mean that he "was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary"?
Answer. That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took to himself, through the working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, a truly human nature so that he might become David's true descendant, like his brothers and sisters in every way except for sin.

Question 36. How does the holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you?
Answer. He is our Mediator and, in God's sight, he covers with his innocence and holiness the sinfulness in which I was conceived.

For discussion:
Why is the virgin birth so critical for our faith? Or is it?

Are We Functional Modalists?

The Trinity is at the core of what we as Christians believe. It separates us from the Jews and Muslims though they may not agree as we do not all worship the same God. From the Westminster Shorter Catechism we read:

Question #6
Q: How many persons are there in the Godhead?
A: There are three persons in the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

Hence we see that there are three persons in the Trinity and we know as Christians that each play a part in our salvation. But do we all understand the importance of this? I think that we are often guilty of modalism however unintentional it may be. Modalism can be defined as, ... a denial of the Trinity which states that God is a single person who, throughout biblical history, has revealed Himself in three modes, or forms. Thus, God is a single person who first manifested himself in the mode of the Father in Old Testament times. At the incarnation, the mode was the Son. After Jesus' ascension, the mode is the Holy Spirit. These modes are consecutive and never simultaneous. In other words, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit never all exist at the same time, only one after another. Modalism denies the distinctiveness of the three persons in the Trinity even though it retains the divinity of Christ. Though this may not be a conscience effort on our part we often focus on one of the three.

Let's go a bit further and read from the Westminster Confession of Faith,

CHAPTER 2, Of God, and of the Holy Trinity

1. There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will, for his own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek him; and withal, most just, and terrible in his judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.
2. God hath all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in and of himself; and is alone in and unto himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which he hath made, nor deriving any glory from them, but only manifesting his own glory in, by, unto, and upon them. He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things; and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them whatsoever himself pleaseth. In his sight all things are open and manifest, his knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as nothing is to him contingent, or uncertain. He is most holy in all his counsels, in all his works, and in all his commands. To him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience he is pleased to require of them.
3. In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost: the Father is of none, neither begotten, nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son.

If we agree that this is true, does our worship and daily walk comport with the above? When you last prayed, were all three persons of the Trinity included? When your Pastor prayed last Lord's Day were all three persons of the Trinity mentioned? How about at your Bible study group? Were all three mentioned in last week's sermon, at least indirectly? At the your last Bible study? I think many of us are guilty here, myself included, and should consider the high import of the Trinity in our corporate and private worship. Let this short post be a springboard for you to delve deeper into this subject and examine these issues.

S.D.G.

Manton and Luther on Psalm 119:71

A few valuable quotes from Thomas Manton on Psalm 119:71:

Doctrine - That affliction, all things considered, is rather good than evil.

"The assertion is a paradox to vulgar sense, and the ears of the common sort of men. How few are there in the world that will grant that it is good to be afflicted! Yea, the children of God can scarcely subscribe to the truth of it, till the affliction is over. While they are under it, they feel the smart, but do not presently discern the benefit; but, in the review, they find that God hath ordered it with much wisdom and faithfulness; and in the issue they say as David doth, 'It is good for me that I have been afflicted.' "

"But affliction is good, because it many times maketh us the more earnestly to seek after him: 'In their affliction they will seek me early' (Hos. 5:15). Therefore every condition is good or evil as it sets further off, or draweth us nearer to God, capable of communion with him, conduceth to our everlasting happiness...If afflictions conduce to this end, they are good; for then they help us to enjoy the chief good."

"A discerning Christian puts more value upon holiness wrought by affliction, than upon all his comforts; so that, though affliction be evil in itself, it is good to be sanctified. "

"While God is striking, we feel the grief, and the cross is tedious; but when we see the end, we acknowledge it is good to be afflicted: 'No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness' (Heb. 12:11)."

"Therefore good is not to be determined by feeling, but by faith."
(All quotes from Psalm 119 by Thomas Manton, Banner of Truth, 1990, pgs 111-114.)

And from Martin Luther we read, I want you to know how to study theology in the right way. I have practiced this method myself ... Here you will find three rules. They are frequently proposed throughout Psalm [119] and run thus: Oration, meditatio, tentatio (Prayer, meditation, trial). Concerning trials he stated that they teach you not only to know and understand but also to experience how right, how true, how sweet, how lovely, how mighty, how comforting God's word is: it is wisdom supreme. (Taken from What Luther Says: An Anthology, Vol. 3, p. 1359 and 1360.)

If you are struggling today these are comforting reminders that the trials you face are from our Lord and not by random chance. There is meaning and purpose. Struggle through them and be obedient and you will receive the blessing God has intended for you.

Lord's Day 13 Heidelberg Catechism

Lord's Day 13 :

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; 9:1-7; Hebrews 2:5-18

Question 33. Why is he called God's "only Son" when we also are God's children?
Answer. Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We, however, are adopted children of God adopted by grace through Christ.

Question 34. Why do you call him "our Lord"?
Answer. Because not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood he has redeemed us from sin and from the power of the devil, and has bought us, body and soul, to be his very own.

For discussion:
What is the importance of our adoption?
How would you explain "to be his very own" to an unbeliever?