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We’ve added some Spanish language resources to our website.  Under the “En Espanol” menu to the right, we have a Spanish language translation of the Heidelberg Catechism and of the article, “What is a Reformed Church?”Read More →

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Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah We are singing hymn #598 (from the 1990 Trinity Hymnal) this Sunday, a hymn that picks up on the theme of the Exodus as a way of talking about the Christian life.  “No other Old Testament motif is as crucial to understand.  No other event is so basic to the fabric of both Testaments.” (Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, ed. Leland Ryken et al.) The New Testament continuously presents this life as essentially a pilgrimage, a journey from deliverance out of bondage on our way to our promised home.  This theme is one of the primary themes of the Lord’sRead More →

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“Be Thou My Vision” is an adaptation of an ancient Irish poem called “St. Patrick’s Breastplate.”  Patrick was the evangelist of pagan Ireland, and while there was often in danger of his life from bandits and from lords and rulers who did not want the Christian faith spread in that land.  He expressed his firm conviction that the Lord would protect him and keep him safe.  It is not certain that Patrick actually wrote “St. Patrick’s Breastplate” which may have been written somewhat later, but it certainly reflects the spirit of Patrick’s faith.  He says, in part: “I arise today, through God’s strength to pilotRead More →

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LORD’S DAY 52 What is the sixth petition? “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one;” that is, since we are so weak in ourselves that we cannot stand a moment,1 and besides, our deadly enemies, the devil,2 the world,3 and our own flesh,4 assail us without ceasing, be pleased to preserve and strengthen us by the power of Your Holy Spirit, that we may make firm stand against them and not be overcome in this spiritual warfare,5 until finally complete victory is ours.6 [1] Jn. 15:5; Ps. 103:14–16. [2] 1 Pet. 5:8–9; Eph. 6:12–13. [3] Jn. 15:19. [4]Read More →

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LORD’S DAY 51 What is the fifth petition? “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;” that is, be pleased, for the sake of Christ’s blood, not to impute to us miserable sinners our manifold transgressions, nor the evil which always clings to us;1 as we also find this witness of Your grace in us, that it is our full purpose heartily to forgive our neighbor.2 [1] Ps. 51:1–4; 143:2; 1 Jn. 2:1–2. [2] Matt. 6:14–15; Ps. 51:5–7; *Eph. 1:7. Forgiven and Forgiving The forgiveness of sins is a subject already well explored in the Catechism.  The subject of forgiveness is fundamental toRead More →

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LORD’S DAY 49 What is the fourth petition? “Give us this day our daily bread;” that is, be pleased to provide for all our bodily need,1 so that we may thereby acknowledge that You are the only fountain of all good,2 and that without Your blessing neither our care and labor, nor Your gifts, can profit us;3 that we may therefore withdraw our trust from all creatures and place it in You alone.4 [1] Ps. 104:27–28; 145:15–16; Matt. 6:25–26. [2] Acts 14:17; 17:27–28. [3] 1 Cor. 15:58; Deut. 8:3; Ps. 37:3–7, 16–17. [4] Ps. 55:22; 62:10; *Ps. 127:1–2; *Jer. 17:5, 7; *Ps. 146:2–3. Acknowledging ourRead More →

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LORD’S DAY 49 What is the third petition? “Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven;” that is, grant that we and all men renounce our own will,1 and without disputing obey Your will, which alone is good;2 so that everyone may fulfill his office and calling as willingly and faithfully3 as the angels do in heaven.4 [1] Matt. 16:24. [2] Lk. 22:42; Tit. 2:12. [3] 1 Cor. 7:24. [4] Ps. 103:20–21; *Rom. 12:2;  *Heb. 13:21. Conforming to God’s Will Perhaps the clearest revelation of the nature of Jesus’ supreme act of obedience came not actually on the cross, but slightly before,Read More →

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LORD’S DAY 48  123.  What is the second petition? “Your kingdom come;” that is, so govern us by Your Word and Spirit, that we submit ourselves to You always more and more;1 preserve and increase Your Church;2 destroy the works of the devil, every power that exalts itself against You, and all wicked devices formed against Your Holy Word,3 until the fullness of Your kingdom come,4 wherein You shall be all in all.5 [1] Ps. 119:5; 143:10. [2] Ps. 51:18; 122:6–7. [3] 1 Jn. 3:8; Rom. 16:20. [4] Rev. 22:17, 20; Rom. 8:22–23. [5] 1 Cor. 15:28; *Ps. 102:12–13; *Heb. 12:28; *Rev. 11:15; *1 Cor.Read More →

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In: Heidelberg Catechism, Worship Notes

LORD’S DAY 47 What is the first petition? “Hallowed be Your name;” that is, grant us, first, rightly to know You,1 and to sanctify, magnify, and praise You in all Your works, in which Your power, goodness, justice, mercy, and truth shine forth;2 and further, that we so order our whole life, our thoughts, words, and deeds, that Your Name may not be blasphemed, but honored and praised on our account.3 [1] Jn. 17:3; Matt. 16:17; Jas. 1:5; Ps. 119:105. [2] Ps. 119:137; Rom. 11:33–36. [3] Ps. 71:8; *Ps. 100:3–4; *Ps. 92:1–2; *Eph. 1:16–17; *Ps. 71:16. Making God Holy The word “hallowed” is the worldRead More →