There is nothing more important in Christian public worship than the reading of the Scriptures, God’s holy, inspired, inerrant, authoritative Word. In 1 Timothy 4:13, Paul says to Timothy: “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and teaching. So, for Paul, reading the Word aloud when the congregation gathers is just as important as the sermon. And this idea does not originate with Paul. It is rooted in the whole history of the people of God, beginning in the days of Moses. When the children of Israel…Read the Word: Hearing God Speak to His People
There is nothing more important in Christian public worship than the reading of the Scriptures, God’s holy, inspired, inerrant, authoritative Word. In 1 Timothy 4:13, Paul says to Timothy: “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and teaching. So, for Paul, reading the Word aloud when the congregation gathers is just as important as the sermon. And this idea does not originate with Paul. It is rooted in the whole history of the people of God, beginning in the days of Moses. When the children of Israel…
The Westminster Directory of Publick Worship (1645) Of Publick Reading of the Holy Scriptures. READING of the word in the congregation, being part of the publick worship of God, (wherein we acknowledge our dependence upon him, and subjection to him,) and one mean sanctified by him for the edifying of his people, is to be performed by the pastors and teachers. Howbeit, such as intend the ministry, may occasionally both read the word, and exercise their gift in preaching in the congregation, if allowed by the presbytery thereunto. All the…
Q. 3. What is the Word of God? A. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the Word of God,the only rule of faith and obedience. Lord, we do not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3). And you have given us a sure prophetic word, through holy men of God, who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:19-21). Indeed, all scripture is God-breathed, inspired by God, and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in…
WLC 2 How doth it appear that there is a God? A. The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but his Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.…
WLC 1 What is the chief and highest end of man? A. Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever. Lord, you are my chief and highest end. My reason for being. My purpose for being here. Of you, and through you, and…
1. Holy Scripture1.1 The necessity of Scripture1.2 The contents of Scripture (positively stated): canon1.3 The contents of Scripture (negatively stated): “apocrypha”1.4 The authority of Scripture1.5 The authenticity of Scripture1.6 The…
6.1 Even the first and original human sin has a purpose for God’s Glory.6.2 Because of this sin Adam and Eve lost their original righteousness and communion with God, became dead in sin, and wholly defiled in every part of soul and body.6.3 Because…
5.1 God rules over absolutely everything and everyone, for his own glory.5.2 God’s sovereignty does not contradict but rather complements human responsibility.5.3 God ordinarily uses means to accomplish his ends, but sometimes without, above or…
4.1 The Triune God for the display of his glory created the entire world, ex nihilo, in six days, and all good. 4.2 God created human beings, male and female, in his image, with his law on their hearts, in happy communion with him, and with…