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Who and What Is God? Part 2
God is an essence, that is, a thing which neither springs from, nor depends upon any thing else, but exists of and ... Read moreWho and What Is God? (Seminary Level)
God is an essence, that is, a thing which neither springs from, nor depends upon any thing else, but exists ... Read moreWhat Do You Mean By The Providence of God? (Q. 27)
Answer: The Almighty and everywhere present power of God; whereby, as it were by His hand, He upholds and governs ... Read moreProvidence Defined: Part 5
EXPLANATION AND CONFIRMATION OF THE DEFINITION. He directs all things, both good and evil. All things, including those that are ... Read moreProvidence Defined: Part 4
EXPLANATION AND CONFIRMATION OF THE DEFINITION. He effects all good things. This He does in such a manner that no ... Read moreProvidence Defined: Part 2
Explanation and confirmation of the definition. Counsel: Divine providence is called in the Scriptures the counsel of God. “The counsel ... Read moreWhat Are These Articles? (Q.23)
The term symbol or creed signifies in general a sign or mark by which one person or thing is distinguished ... Read moreWhat, Then, Is Necessary for a Christian to Believe? (Q. 22)
Answer: All that is promised us in the gospel, which the articles of our catholic and undoubted Christian faith teach ... Read moreControl Of The Tongue
“In themselves Spiritual Disciplines can do nothing; they can only get us to a place where something can be done.” ... Read moreSpiritual Disciplines: Humility — Part 2
Humility In a world of corporate, political, economic and social hierarchies, humility is a hard sell. After all, who wants ... Read moreSpiritual Discipline: Humility
“Humility and honesty are really the same thing. A humble person is simply a brutally honest person about the whole ... Read moreWhat Are Spiritual Disciplines?
Spiritual Disciplines Spiritual disciplines are practices that help us make space for God in our lives. In Luke 11, we ... Read moreUnbelief In The Holy Spirit
Question: What danger is there if someone does not believe in the Holy Spirit? Answer: That person also does not ... Read moreEphesians 2:11-13 Observation
Text Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles, in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which ... Read moreEphesians 2:8-10 Observation
Text For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of ... Read moreJesus Commands – 5
Love Your Enemies “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you ... Read moreJesus’ Commands – 3
“You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men ... Read moreJesus’ Commands – 4
Who is the greatest? “They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, ... Read moreQuote: C.S. Lewis
Forgiveness does not mean excusing. C.S. Lewis
Read moreRomans 7:14-21 Charles Hodge
14. The connection between verse 14 and the preceding passage seems to be this: it had been asserted in verse 5 ... Read moreRomans 8:1-11 Charles Hodge
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life ... Read moreRomans 7:22-8:2 Observation
22 “For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different ... Read moreRomans 7:22-25. Charles Hodge
Romans 7:22,23 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law ... Read moreQuote: C.S. Lewis
If you never take risks, you’ll never accomplish great things. Everybody dies, but not everyone has lived. C.S. Lewis
Read moreQuote: Solomon
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.
Read moreQuote: Solomon
He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered.
Read moreThe Disciples Loyalty And It’s Consequences (2)
Notes from The Gospel of Matthew, by R. T. France Please read the following verses three times. Then Jesus said to ... Read moreThe Disciple’s Loyalty And It’s Consequences
Notes from The Gospel of Matthew, by R. T. France Please read the following verses three times. Then Jesus said to ... Read moreQuote: Albert Einstein
In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.
Read moreQuote: Solomon
He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself., but ... Read moreQuote: Thomas Paine
Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.
Read moreRomans 7:14-20 Observation (2)
Here is the text for our study: 14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, ... Read moreQuote: Leonardo DaVinci
Time stays long enough for those who use it.
Read moreQuote: Winston Churchill
I no longer listen to what people say, I just watch what they do. Behavior never lies.
Read moreRomans 7:14-20 Observation
Here is the text for our study: 14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, ... Read moreWho/What Are We?
“Now there was a certain rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, gaily living in splendor ... Read moreGod’s Lovingkindness
What is lovingkindness? Lovingkindness is defined as “tender and benevolent affection.” Tender — expressing softer emotions; to cherish with great ... Read moreSomeone That I Love
There is someone that I love even though I don’t approve of what he does. There is someone I accept ... Read moreI Believe In Christianity
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen not only because I see it, but because ... Read moreThe Greatest Evils
The greatest evils in the world will not be carried out by men with guns, but by men in suits ... Read moreInterruptions
We must stop regarding unpleasant or unexpected things as interruptions of real life. The truth is that interruptions are real ... Read moreUnbelief In God
Once people stop believing in God, the problem is not that they will believe in nothing; rather, the problem is ... Read moreTrust Without Obedience
“The idea that you can trust Christ and not intend to obey him is an illusion…. In fact, you can ... Read moreBible Study And Worship
“Now, we must not worship without study, for ignorant worship is of limited value and can be very dangerous. We ... Read moreOn Abandonment To God
“Abandonment to God is the fruitful way to experience good under God. It means relinquishing ‘our way.’ It means not ... Read moreOn Serving The Poor
“Does it take great and awkward effort even to acknowledge the presence of the needy person, to speak to her, ... Read moreHow Does The Disciple Live?
AN OLDER TALK, NOW PUBLISHED IN THE SPRING 2009 ISSUE OF RADIX MAGAZINE, VOL. 34:3. How the disciple lives naturally ... Read moreNew Testament Discipleship
Evangelicalism always looks to the Bible as the point of reference from which concepts are defined, practices legitimated, and principles ... Read moreRomans 6:1-11. Doctrine
Doctrine Truth cannot lead to unholiness. If a doctrine encourages sin, it must be false. Verses 1, 2 There can ... Read moreRomans 6:1-11 Observation: Part 2
Verse 4. Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, This is an inference from verse 3, to ... Read moreWhy Bother With Discipleship?
RENOVARE PERSPECTIVE, VOL. V, NO. 4, OCTOBER 1995. FIRST PUBLISHED IN A BIOLA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN. AVAILABLE IN THE GREAT OMISSION, SAN ... Read moreThe Three Kingdoms
The Kingdom of God is God reigning. It is present wherever what God wants done is done. It is the range of ... Read moreThe Law, Sin and Distress
The Law is not opposed to grace — it is a grace. (Legalism is opposed to grace.) The Bible says that the law restores our souls; it ... Read moreHuman Nature
Glory is part of the original nature of a human being and all of God’s creation. Human beings were created by God ... Read moreDynamics Of A Human Being
Will (Heart or Spirit) is the executive center of the self and our likeness to God, being “in his image.” Will refers to ... Read moreRomans 6:1-11 Observation Charles Hodge
Here is the text: 6:1-11 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? ... Read moreRomans 6: Overview
These are notes from A Commentary on Romans, second revised edition published in 1864, by Charles Hodge. Contents As the gospel ... Read moreThe Four Great Questions Of Life
Jesus’ Answers 1. What is reality? God and his kingdom. 2. Who is blessed? (Who has the good life?) Anyone who is ... Read moreThe Good News
The Good News (And the Not-So Good News) The Conservative Gospel: “Jesus died to pay for our sins and if we ... Read moreSpiritual Disciplines
Daily “Quiet Time” as the method for spiritual growth is like trying to take a shower one drop at a time! It’s inefficient. ... Read moreDisciplines Of Abstinence
Disciplines of Abstinence are ways we abstain to some degree and for some time from the satisfaction of what we generally ... Read moreDisciplines Of Engagement
Disciplines of Engagement are designed to re-connect us with God and the Kingdom of the Heavens. Study is engaging our minds with ... Read moreMinistry For The Christ-ian
The church in the New Testament is the ecclesia or “called out ones” in a particular city or parish. Christ is the ... Read moreRomans 1:18-25 Interpretation
Having completed the observation step for this text (What does this say?), we will now move on to the interpretation ... Read moreRomans 1:18-23 Part 5
We have listed 43 observations of Romans 1:18-23. Today we will consider the final verse of this text. 18 “For ... Read moreRomans 1:18-23: Part 4
Last time we completed 26 observations of Romans 1:18-23. Today we will review Romans 1:21. 18 “For the wrath of ... Read moreV-I-M: Pattern For Change
V-I-M: The Reliable Pattern For Change Vision: To progress in spiritual formation we need to be ravished by a vision of ... Read moreThree Dimensions Of Discipleship
1. Obedience to God’s commands. 2. Doing what God wants in all areas of life not commanded. (There are many ... Read moreFive Stages Of The Eternal Kind Of Life
1. Confidence in and reliance upon Jesus as “the Son of man,” the one appointed to save us. This confidence is a reality, ... Read moreWho Is Your Teacher?
Good evening. Let’s begin with a little thought experiment. Please relax. Close your eyes . . . take 2 or ... Read moreRomans 1:18-23 Part 3
Last time we continued observations of Romans 1:18-23. Let’s see what we can add to our 17 observation total. 18 ... Read moreRomans 1:18-23 Part 2
Last time we began observations of Romans 1:18-23. We made 14 observations last time. Let’s continue our quest. 18 “For ... Read moreRomans 1:18-23 Observation
Here we have Romans 1:18-23. Let’s begin with 50 observations of the text. Please read through these verses three times ... Read moreDiscipleship To Jesus
Discipleship To Jesus. How Does It Work? Notes from The Great Omission, by Dallas Willard Our Maestro never told us to ... Read moreHoliness And Wholeness
Holiness is not “holier than thou” or religious perfectionism — it is simply a life that works well because we’re rooted in another ... Read moreLife And Death
Life and Death, Heaven and Hell Life is self-initiating, self-directing, self-sustaining activity. Eternal Life is not just unending life in heaven; it ... Read moreInterpretation Skills: Part 7
In our review of the “Interpretation” step of Bible study, we have looked at the “What?” and “Why?” questions. Today ... Read moreInterpretation Skills: Part 5
Today we will practice interpretation by asking “Why?” questions of John 3:16-21. “For God so loved the world, that He ... Read moreInterpretation Skills: Part 6
Today we will continue asking “Why?” questions of John 3:16-21. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His ... Read moreInterpretation Skills: Part 4
We are continuing our interpretation exercise using John 3:16-21. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only ... Read moreInterpretation Skills: Part 3
We are continuing our interpretation exercise using John 3:16-21. Please read through this text twice before we proceed. “For God ... Read moreInterpretation Skills: Part 2
We are beginning an interpretation exercise using John 3:16-21. Please read through this text twice before we proceed. “For God ... Read moreInterpretation Skills
I have been discussing and illustrating observation as the first level of Bible study. In the observation phase, we discover what the ... Read moreThe Ninth Commandment
You shall not state any false evidence against your neighbor. Here the Lord condemns all evil-speaking and insults by which ... Read moreThe Eighth Commandment
You shall not steal. Here, generally, we are forbidden and prohibited from seizing other people’s goods. For the Lord wishes ... Read moreEphesians 2:1-10 Observation: Part 4
Here is the text: But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ... Read moreEphesians 2:4-7 Observation
Text But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we ... Read moreThe Seventh Commandment (Calvin)
You shall not be dissolute. Here the Lord forbids us any kind of sexual impropriety or immodesty. For it is ... Read moreThe Sixth Commandment (Calvin)
You shall not kill. Here we are forbidden all violence and attack, and in general every offense which might wound ... Read moreThe Second Commandment (Calvin)
You shall not make for yourself any image nor any resemblance of the things which are in the heaven above, ... Read moreThe First Commandment (Calvin)
I am the Lord, your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt and from the house of slavery. ... Read moreEphesians 2:1-10 Observation: 2
Here is the text: And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to ... Read moreEphesians 2:1-3 Observation
Text And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of ... Read moreFalse Christians
The Life of the Christian Man: False Christians This is the place to address those who, having nothing of Christ ... Read moreTake My Yoke: Part 3
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden (who work to exhaustion), and I will give you rest. ... Read moreEphesians: Brief Summary By Charles Hodge (1857)
Dr. Charles Hodge published his scholarly Commentary of Ephesians in 1857. In his introduction to this great work, J.I.Packer notes ... Read moreEphesians 2:1-10 Charles Hodge
Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course ... Read moreThe Third Day He Rose From The Dead
Question 101: Explain the next article, “The third day He rose from the dead.” Answer: I believe that the Holy God, ... Read moreThe Second Benefit Of The Resurrection
Answer: By the power of our Head, Jesus Christ, through the Spirit of faith, we rise in this life to ... Read moreJohn 3:16 Observation: Part 6
Today my task of making 50 observations on John 3:16 concludes. I am looking at the context of the verse ... Read moreJohn 3:16 Observation: Part 5
My task of making 50 observations on a single Bible verse – John 3:16 – continues. Today I am looking ... Read moreThe Making Of The Christian
Richard J. Foster and Dallas Willard on the difference between discipleship and spiritual formation. INTERVIEW BY AGNIESZKA TENNANT| SEPTEMBER 16, ... Read moreThe Only Way To Salvation
Question: Why do you call Christ the only way to salvation? Answer: Because He alone is the Mediator of the ... Read moreJohn 3:16 Observation: Part 4
I am continuing my task of making 50 observations on a single Bible verse — John 3:16. I am currently ... Read moreJohn 3:16 Observation: Part 3
Yesterday I began a quest to make 50 observations on John 3:16. I made 10 observations on the verse. Today ... Read moreTake My Yoke: Part 2
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden (who work to exhaustion), and I will give you rest. ... Read moreTake my Yoke: Part 1
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden (who work to exhaustion), and I will give you rest. ... Read moreCurriculum for Christlikeness
Notes from The Divine Conspiracy, Chapter 9, by Dallas Willard “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does them, ... Read moreBrought To Salvation
How we are brought to salvation. This knowledge of ourselves, if it has really entered into our hearts, shows us ... Read moreThe Gospel (2)
Question: Could you give a more definitive explanation of what the gospel is? Answer: The gospel, or the good news that ... Read moreThe Gospel
Question: Just as there is only one way to salvation, the crucified Christ, there is also only one doctrine of ... Read moreJohn 3:16 Observation (2)
Knowable Word: Helping Ordinary People Learn To Study The Bible Yesterday I began a quest to make 50 observations on ... Read moreKnowable Word – Part 1
Knowable Word: Helping Ordinary People Learn To Study The Bible Peter Krol has written a clear, readable book on the ... Read moreAre All Other Religions False?
Question: If for the reasons given, then, the only way to eternal life is the crucified Jesus, truly God and ... Read moreRomans 8. Overview
These are notes from A Commentary on Romans, second revised edition published in 1864, by Charles Hodge. You may find his ... Read moreHow Did God Create The World?
1. God the Father, created the world through the Son and the Holy Spirit. Of the Son, it is said, ... Read moreDid God Create The World?
Dr. Zacherias Ursinus writes: We must first define and understand what is meant by the terms here used. To create is ... Read moreThe Creation Of The World (Ursinus)
The use (or practical application) of the doctrine of the creation of the world is: 1. That all the glory ... Read moreWhy Did God Create The World? (Ursinus)
The ends for which God created the world are, some general, and others special and subordinate. 1. The chief and ... Read moreRoman Adoption
“He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,” ... Read moreEphesians 1:3,4 Observation
Observation — What does this text say? “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed ... Read moreEphesians 1:5 Observation
Verse 5. He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of ... Read moreOf The Creation (Ursinus)
The doctrine which treats of the works of God is properly placed next in order after the doctrine concerning God, ... Read moreGod The Father And Creation
You say, “I believe in God.” What is the meaning of that little word “God?” Answer: God is the highest ... Read moreEphesians 1:5 Interpretation
Let’s review two basic definitions. When we first look at a Bible text we ask “What Does This Say?” What are the ... Read moreEphesians 1:5 Application
We have completed Observation and Interpretation of Ephesians 1:5. The last step is Application. Here we ask “So What?” What difference does this ... Read moreMaker Of Heaven And Earth
Question: Why do we say “Maker of Heaven and Earth”? When we consider the creation of God, our faith is ... Read moreIs God “Almighty?”
Question: What do you understand by the fact that He is “Almighty”? That His omnipotence is not something stagnant but ... Read moreGod Is Good
I Believe In God The Father Almighty Goodness — Notes from “Systematic Theology,” by Wayne Grudem, pages 198, 199. The ... Read moreOur Kindhearted Father
But now let us fall down before the majesty of our good God, with acknowledgment of our faults, praying Him ... Read moreGod, His Nature And His Word
God is the happiest, most joyful being in the universe. God is not mean, but he is dangerous. (Obviously God is a lot ... Read moreWhat To Know About God (2)
What We Must Know About God (2) We therefore have to come to the Word of God where, through His ... Read moreWhat To Know About God
What We Must Know About God Since God’s majesty is intrinsically above and beyond the power of human understanding, and ... Read moreWhat Do We Know About Man?
What We Must Know About Man At the beginning, man was formed in the image and resemblance of God, so ... Read moreThe Benefit Of Providence: Thankfulness
The Benefit Of Providence: Thankfulness Question: Explain the various parts of the benefit believers receive from their knowledge of God’s ... Read moreProvidence: Part 5 (Olevianus)
Question: Give the fifth main part of the doctrine of God’s providence. Answer: We should use the means that God ... Read moreBenefit From The Doctrine Of The Kingdom?
Those who believe and trust in Christ and are baptized into His name know that in this life they are ... Read moreUnbelief In The Son (Olevianus)
Question: What danger is there if one does not believe in the Son as the true God? Answer: It is ... Read morePersevering In Prayer
In closing, we must be careful to notice that we are to have no desire to bind God to any ... Read moreDo Not Bring Us Into Temptation
Do Not Bring Us Into Temptation, But Deliver Us From The Evil One. We are not here asking to be ... Read moreCancel Our Debts
We now ask that forgiveness and remission of sins should be given us, for they are necessary to all men ... Read moreWhy Is He Called “Christ?” (Q. 31)
Answer: Because he is ordained of God the Father, and anointed with the Holy Ghost, (a) to be our chief ... Read moreJesus The Only Deliverer (Q. 30)
Question 30: Do such then believe in Jesus the only Savior, who seek their salvation and welfare of saints, of ... Read moreLuther: The Commandments (2)
As the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to his household The Fifth Commandment You ... Read moreLuther: The Commandments
As the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to his household. The First Commandment You ... Read moreOn Sexual Temptation
“We must learn by experience to avoid either trains of thought or social situations which for us (not necessarily for everyone) lead ... Read moreOn The Present Moment
“Never, in peace or war, commit your virtue or your happiness to the future. Happy work is best done by ... Read moreWhy Is He Called Jesus? (Q. 29)
Question 29: Why is the Son of God called “Jesus”, that is a Savior? Answer: Because he saves us, and ... Read moreDoes God Uphold All Things? (Q. 28)
Question 28 What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by his providence does still ... Read moreOn Knowing God
“When you come to knowing God, the initiative lies on His side. If He does not show Himself, nothing you ... Read moreOn Happiness
“What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they could ‘be like gods’—could set ... Read moreOur Daily Bread
Give Us Today Our Daily Bread Here, in a general way, we are asking for everything which is helpful in ... Read moreMay Your Will Be Done
Here we are asking that God should rule and direct everything on earth in accordance with His good pleasure, just ... Read moreMay Your Reign Come
The reign of God is His guiding and governing of His own people by His Holy Spirit, in order to ... Read moreOn The Sins Of Our Youth
“We have a strange illusion that mere time cancels sin. I have heard others, and I have heard myself, recounting ... Read moreOn Knowing Your Own Sin
“When a man is getting better he understands more and more clearly the evil that is still left in him. ... Read moreWhy Are You Called A Christian?
Question: But why are you called a Christian? (a) Answer: Because I am a member of Christ by faith, (b) ... Read moreThe Kingdom Of Christ
Question: Since, then, you say that the additional name “Christ” or “Anointed” implies that He came with the command of ... Read moreLuther: God’s Guidance
God uses lust to impel men to marriage, ambition to office, avarice to earning, and fear to faith.
Read moreLuther: Faith
Birds lack faith. They fly away when I enter the orchard, though I mean them no ill. Even so we ... Read moreA Mediator And Surety
Question: God is just and requires that we either keep the law with a perfect love of God and neighbor ... Read moreWhat Kind Of Mediator?
Question: What kind of Surety and Mediator should we look for then? Answer: One who is at the same time ... Read moreGod’s Adopted Children
Question 64: Nevertheless, is not being adopted and called God’s children nothing more than a mere name or title? Answer: Not ... Read moreMay Your Name Be Hallowed
To name God is to give Him that worship by which men praise Him for His qualities, that is, His ... Read moreThe Lord’s Prayer
Our merciful Father has not only commanded us to pray and exhorted us to seek Him in all circumstances. But ... Read moreSin And Death
In Scripture, sin means both that perversity of human nature, which is the source of every vice, and the evil ... Read moreOur Father In Heaven
The first rule of all prayer is that it must be presented to God in the name of Christ, for ... Read moreThe Necessity Of Prayer
On the one hand, the man who is rightly instructed in the true faith sees clearly how very poor he ... Read moreSaved By Faith Or Good Works?
Christians Are Saved By Faith. Why Are Good Works Important? One place to start is to look at “good works” ... Read moreDid God Cause The Covid-19 Pandemic?
This is an important question that immediately leads to related questions. First, what does the Bible tell us about God’s ... Read moreThe Necessity Of Prayer
On the one hand, the man who is rightly instructed in the true faith sees clearly how very poor he ... Read moreThe Meaning Of Prayer
Prayer is a form of communication between God and ourselves by which we set before Him our desires, our joys, ... Read moreJesus Christ, His Only Son
AND IN JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, OUR LORD What we taught earlier, namely, that Christ is the very object ... Read moreEphesians 1: 3,4 Observation
Observation — What does this text say? “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed ... Read morePersonal Holiness
The Life Of A Christian Man: Personal Holiness Food for thought from Calvin’s Institutes, Book 3, Chapter 6. 4. False Christians ... Read moreGod’s Lovingkindness
What is lovingkindness? Lovingkindness is defined as “tender and benevolent affection.” Tender — expressing softer emotions; to cherish with great ... Read moreGod The Father And Creation
You say, “I believe in God.” What is the meaning of that little word “God?” Answer: God is the highest ... Read moreWhat Is Faith? Part 2
The subject of faith is important, first, “because it is the means by which we are made partakers of the ... Read moreProvidence: Part 5
Question: Give the fifth main part of the doctrine of God’s providence. Answer: We should use the means that God ... Read moreProvidence: Part 4
Question: Now give the fourth main part of the doctrine of God’s providence. Answer: There are still other creatures that ... Read moreProvidence: Part 3
Question: Now give the third main part of the doctrine of God’s providence. Answer: You see around you both human ... Read moreThe Benefit Of Providence: Thankfulness
Question: Explain the various parts of the benefit believers receive from their knowledge of God’s providence. Answer: There are three ... Read moreOlevianus’ Introduction To A Firm Foundation
A Firm Foundation That is, the Articles of the Old, True, Undoubted Christian Faith, Written and Explained for the Benefit ... Read moreThe Creation Of The World (Ursinus)
The use (or practical application) of the doctrine of the creation of the world is: 1. That all the glory ... Read moreMaker Of Heaven And Earth (Ursinus)
To believe in the Creator, is to believe: 1. That He is the Creator of all things. 2. That He ... Read moreIs There A God? Part 2
FROM WHAT DOES IT APPEAR THAT THERE IS A GOD? That there is a God, is proven by many arguments ... Read moreIs There A God? (Ursinus)
FROM WHAT DOES IT APPEAR THAT THERE IS A GOD? That there is a God, is proven by many arguments ... Read moreThe General Providence Of God
The general providence of God is established by the following testimonies taken from the Word of God. “He does all ... Read moreArguments In Proof Of The Providence Of God: Part 2
The rewards and punishments which follow the actions of men, testify that there must be some executioner of the laws ... Read moreJoseph: Special Providence
2. The history of Joseph furnishes a remarkable proof of a special providence in regard to rational creatures. “It was ... Read moreProvidence: Patience, Thankfulness and Hope
Question 28: What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by his providence does still ... Read moreProvidence: Summary
The Scriptures furnish almost an infinite number of testimonies of a similar character, which prove that the providence of God ... Read moreOf Necessary Events
5. Of necessary events, the necessity of which depends, either upon the counsel of God, revealed through His Word, we ... Read moreThings Fortuitous And Casual
4. Of things fortuitous and casual it is said, “And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver ... Read moreProvidence Over Irrational Creatures?
3. As it respects the providence of God over irrational creatures, be they living or destitute of life, the following ... Read morePatience In Persecution
Question: How do we receive patience from this doctrine in persecutions for the sake of the gospel? Answer: The enemies ... Read moreThe Benefit Of Providence: Patience
Question: What is the second benefit? Answer: Patience, which this doctrine provides us in all adverse circumstances in life in general, but ... Read moreThe Benefit Of Providence
Question: Now give a summary of the fruit and benefit of this doctrine of God’s providence. Answer: Since God works ... Read moreNothing Happens By Chance
The whole doctrine of the providence of God consists of five main parts. First, a faithful servant of God should ... Read moreThe Providence Of God
We can truly say that to be ignorant of the providence of God leads to misery beyond measure. Knowledge of ... Read moreA Gentle Spirit
Question: What is the third benefit? Answer: It is a good, quiet, tranquil heart, a gentle spirit with which a ... Read moreIs God Then A Cause Of Sin?
Question: Is God then a cause of sin? Answer: Far from it. For God rules all things by His providence in ... Read moreGod Remains Free From Sin
Now give some passages from the New Testament that clearly show that God operates in such a way that He ... Read moreArguments In Proof Of The Providence Of God
Order cannot proceed from a brutish or irrational cause: for where there is order, there must also be some one ... Read moreProvidence: Olevianus
Question: Construct for me the whole doctrine of God’s providence in its main parts. Answer: The whole doctrine of the ... Read moreProvidence: Part 2
Question: What is the second main part of the doctrine of God’s providence? Answer: You should be certain not only ... Read moreProvidence Defined: Part 3
But providence is the eternal, most free, immutable, wise, just and good counsel of God, according to which He effects ... Read moreProvidence Defined (Ursinus)
Foreknowledge, providence and predestination differ from each other. By foreknowledge we understand the knowledge of God, by which He foreknew, from all ... Read moreDoes Providence Include All Things?
We have now given a short explanation of the definition which we have given of the Providence of God, from ... Read moreIs There Any Providence Of God?
There are three opinions entertained by philosophers respecting the providence of God: 1. The Epicureans deny that there is any ... Read moreSummary Of The Doctrine Of Divine Providence — Calvin
Summary of the doctrine of Divine Providence. 1. It embraces the future and the past. 2. It works by means, ... Read moreThere Is No Such Thing As Chance
Excerpt from the Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book I, Chapter 16, Section 2, by John Calvin. That this distinction ... Read moreTitus 1:1-3. Observation
What does this say? Verses 1 – 3. Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for ... Read moreTitus 3:3 Observation
What does this say? Verse 3: For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and ... Read moreTitus 3:1-2. Application
What does this text mean to me? How can my life be different tomorrow and this week? Verses 1-2. Remind ... Read moreTitus 3:1-2. Interpretation
What is the meaning of this text? Verses 1-2. Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be ... Read moreWhat Is True Faith? (Q. 21)
Answer: True faith is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to ... Read moreAre All Men Saved? (Q.20)
Question: Are all men then, as they perished in Adam, saved by Christ? Answer: No, only those who are ingrafted ... Read moreI Believe In God (Ursinus)
To believe God and to believe in God, are two very different things. The first expresses historical faith; the latter, true faith or ... Read moreJustifying Faith: Part 2
It is by justifying faith alone that we obtain righteousness, and an inheritance among the saints; which the scriptures properly ... Read moreJustifying Faith
Justifying faith is properly that which is defined in the catechism; according to which definition, the general nature of saving ... Read moreWhat Is True Faith? (Ursinus)
In Question 21 of the Heidelberg Catechism, Dr. Zacharias Ursinus asks “What is true faith?” and gives this answer: “True ... Read moreZacharias Ursinus
A reforming theologian, Ursinus was born Breslau in 1534 and studied at Wittenberg from 1550 to 1557. He then moved ... Read moreCreator Of Heaven And Earth
To believe in the Creator, is to believe: 1. That He is the Creator of all things. 2. That He ... Read moreTruly Human and True, Eternal God
Question: But in order that this sacrifice be powerful enough for a complete, eternal reconciliation of humanity with God and ... Read moreChrist’s Priesthood
Finally, one should note carefully in the two parts of Christ’s priesthood just mentioned that in the Son there is ... Read moreWhy Is He Called “Christ?”
Question: What does the additional name “Christ” or “Anointed” mean? Answer: This name indicates that this person was sent with ... Read moreWhy Do You Believe In Jesus?
Why do you believe in Jesus, the Son of God? Answer: First, seeing as the Son is of one substance ... Read moreWhy Is He Called “Jesus?”
Question: Why is the Son of God called “Jesus,” that is, “Savior”? Answer: Because by His merit and power He ... Read moreGod The Son
Why do you believe in Jesus, the Son of God? Answer: First, seeing as the Son is of one substance ... Read moreWhy Is The Son Of God Called “Jesus?”: Part 2
Question: Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is, a Savior? Answer: Because He saves us, and delivers ... Read moreWhy Is The Son Of God Called “Jesus?”
Question: Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is, a Savior? Answer: Because He saves us, and delivers ... Read moreThe Righteousness Of Good Works And That Of Faith
The connection between the righteousness of good works and that of faith. There is no doubt that good works which ... Read moreRepentance And The New Birth
It is now easy for us to understand why repentance is always joined to Christian faith, and why the Lord ... Read moreWe Are Sanctified By Faith
WE ARE SANCTIFIED BY FAITH SO THAT WE MIGHT OBEY THE LAW. Christ, by His righteousness, intercedes for us before ... Read moreWe Are Justified In Christ By Faith
As Christ is the permanent object of faith, we cannot know what we receive by faith except by looking to ... Read moreFaith Is A Gift Of God
If we honestly consider within ourselves how very blind our thought is when faced with the heavenly secrets of God, ... Read moreWhat True Faith Is
We must not think that Christian faith is a pure and simple knowledge of God, or an understanding of the ... Read moreWe Lay Hold Of Christ By Faith
The merciful Father offers us His Son through the Word of the gospel. And it is by faith that we ... Read moreThe Deity Of The Holy Spirit
Question: Give some specific references from Holy Scripture to the deity of the Holy Spirit. Answer: That the Holy Spirit ... Read moreThe Deity Of The Son
Question: Give some specific references to the deity of the Son. Answer: The Son is true, essential God precisely because ... Read moreBenefits Of Knowing The True God
What benefits do we receive from knowing that the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, His Son, and the Holy ... Read moreGod Is Omnipotent
God’s omnipotence means that God is able to do all His holy will. The word omnipotence is derived from two Latin words, omni, ... Read moreAlmightiness: God Is Omnipresent and Omnipotent
“Can anyone hide in the secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill ... Read moreThe Omnipotence of God
Notes from Essential Truths Of The Christian Faith, by R.C. Sproul, pp. 41-43. Every theologian is sooner or later asked a question ... Read moreGod The Father (Ursinus)
To believe in God the Father, therefore, is to believe in that God who is the Father of our Lord ... Read moreFather, Son and Holy Spirit
Question: Now that we know the benefits we receive from the true knowledge and confession of God as well as ... Read moreOur Father In Heaven
The first rule of all prayer is that it must be presented to God in the name of Christ, for ... Read moreGod The Son (Olevianus)
Why do you believe in Jesus, the Son of God? Answer: First, seeing as the Son is of one substance ... Read moreGod, The Almighty Father
When we mention by name the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, we do not have in mind three ... Read moreI Believe In God The Father
I Believe In God. The name of God is here taken essentially for God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; because ... Read moreWhy Do You Call God “Father?”
Why do you call God “Father’? Answer: For two reasons. First, in view of His Son Christ, who is the ... Read moreConfidence And Comfort
Give me some guidance as to what I should do to derive a firm confidence and sure comfort from the ... Read moreExplain Why We Are Called Christians
Question: Now that you have said why the Son of God revealed in the flesh is called “Christ,” that is, ... Read moreWhat Is Faith?
Question: Do we then participate in Christ and all His benefits only by a true faith and trust in the ... Read moreA True Faith
Question: Do we then participate in Christ and all His benefits only by a true faith and trust in the ... Read moreKnowing God And Knowing Ourselves: Part 2
The difference between true and false religion. It is commonly agreed that to live without religion is to live in ... Read moreKnowing God And Knowing Ourselves
All men live in order that they might know God. You cannot find a man anywhere, however uncivilized or wild, ... Read moreWhat Hope Is
Faith, as we have seen, is an unwavering persuasion of the truth of God which can neither lie nor deceive, ... Read moreI Believe In The Holy Spirit
The fact that we are taught to believe in the Holy Spirit means that we are commanded to expect from ... Read moreHe Rose Again From The Dead
On the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right ... Read moreHe Suffered Under Pontius Pilate
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, He descended into hell. These words teach us how He ... Read moreConceived By The Holy Spirit
WHO WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY Here we are reminded how the Son of ... Read moreJesus Christ, His Only Son
AND IN JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, OUR LORD What we taught earlier, namely, that Christ is the very object ... Read moreGod, The Almighty Father
When we mention by name the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, we do not have in mind three ... Read moreLuther: Apostles Creed (3)
The Third Article I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of ... Read moreLuther: Apostles Creed (2)
The Second Article. Of Redemption. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy ... Read moreLuther: Apostles Creed (1)
As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household. The First Article. Of ... Read moreA Covenant Of Grace
Question: Why is the redemption or reconciliation of humanity with God presented to us in the form of a covenant, ... Read moreTitus 3:1-2. Observation
Verses 1-2. Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good ... Read more1 Peter 1:1-2 Observation
This post includes notes from 1 Peter, by Wayne Grudem. 1 Peter 1:1-2. Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to ... Read more
Providence Defined: Part 4
EXPLANATION AND CONFIRMATION OF THE DEFINITION. He effects all good things. This He does in such a manner that no ... Read moreProvidence Defined: Part 2
Explanation and confirmation of the definition. Counsel: Divine providence is called in the Scriptures the counsel of God. “The counsel ... Read moreWhat Are These Articles? (Q.23)
The term symbol or creed signifies in general a sign or mark by which one person or thing is distinguished ... Read moreWhat, Then, Is Necessary for a Christian to Believe? (Q. 22)
Answer: All that is promised us in the gospel, which the articles of our catholic and undoubted Christian faith teach ... Read moreControl Of The Tongue
“In themselves Spiritual Disciplines can do nothing; they can only get us to a place where something can be done.” ... Read moreSpiritual Disciplines: Humility — Part 2
Humility In a world of corporate, political, economic and social hierarchies, humility is a hard sell. After all, who wants ... Read moreSpiritual Discipline: Humility
“Humility and honesty are really the same thing. A humble person is simply a brutally honest person about the whole ... Read moreWhat Are Spiritual Disciplines?
Spiritual Disciplines Spiritual disciplines are practices that help us make space for God in our lives. In Luke 11, we ... Read moreUnbelief In The Holy Spirit
Question: What danger is there if someone does not believe in the Holy Spirit? Answer: That person also does not ... Read moreEphesians 2:11-13 Observation
Text Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles, in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which ... Read moreEphesians 2:8-10 Observation
Text For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of ... Read moreJesus Commands – 5
Love Your Enemies “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you ... Read moreJesus’ Commands – 3
“You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men ... Read moreJesus’ Commands – 4
Who is the greatest? “They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, ... Read moreQuote: C.S. Lewis
Forgiveness does not mean excusing. C.S. Lewis
Read moreRomans 7:14-21 Charles Hodge
14. The connection between verse 14 and the preceding passage seems to be this: it had been asserted in verse 5 ... Read moreRomans 8:1-11 Charles Hodge
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life ... Read moreRomans 7:22-8:2 Observation
22 “For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different ... Read moreRomans 7:22-25. Charles Hodge
Romans 7:22,23 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law ... Read more