I am leading a seminar this Spring entitled "Foundations for Faith." We are walking through key questions of our statements of faith like the Westminster Shorter Catechism and Heidelberg Catechism. Here is the outline for last night's session entitled "Your Only Comfort."
life
The Main Objective of Life
I came across an interesting quote this morning in my studies from James Montgomery Boice, in his book Foundations of the Christian Faith: Shortly after Harvard College was founded in 1636, the trustees of the school wrote, “Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well that the main end of his … Continue reading The Main Objective of Life
A Friend in Heaven
Here are a few lovely thoughts from the inspirational Bishop of Liverpool, John Charles Ryle based upon John 11 where Jesus raises his friend Lazarus from the grave: • You have a friend in heaven of almighty power and boundless love who weeps with those who weep. • You are thought of, cared for, provided … Continue reading A Friend in Heaven
Hungry Hearts
Like Bruce Springsteen said, all of us have hungry hearts. We have a hunger to experience the transcendent. We have a hunger to love and be loved. We have a hunger for purpose and meaning in life. Left to ourselves, we generally look to satisfy our hungry hearts with the treasures and pleasures of this … Continue reading Hungry Hearts
Reflections on the Exclusive Claim of Jesus
In John 14:6, Jesus says to Thomas, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." The exclusivity of this claim is completely offensive in our age of tolerance. Here are a few musings on this claim that have proven helpful to me. In a world of … Continue reading Reflections on the Exclusive Claim of Jesus
Even in death the righteous have a refuge
Proverbs 14:32 reads: "When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge." "The wise man of Proverbs saw beyond this dying world; and caught the sunbeams of glory brought to light by the Gospel!’ — Charles Bridges 2 Timothy 1:10b - "Our Savior, Christ Jesus, has destroyed … Continue reading Even in death the righteous have a refuge
The Influence of Jesus Christ
Kenneth Latourette in his seven-volume work on the history of the expansion of Christianity summaries the influence of Jesus Christ: No life ever lived on this planet has been so influential in the affairs of men like the life of Jesus Christ. From that brief life and its apparent frustration has flowed a more powerful … Continue reading The Influence of Jesus Christ
Life and Health and Peace
The first to link these precious words together was Charles Wesley, in a classic celebration of the impact of Jesus Christ. This coming Lord’s Day we begin our worship service with his great hymn: O for a thousand tongues to singMy great Redeemer's praise,The glories of my God and King,The triumphs of His grace! Jesus — … Continue reading Life and Health and Peace
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