The Heidelberg Catechism - Lord's Day 13

Hello everyone....

I have been quite busy lately and trying to get back into the routine of keeping the website/blog up-to-date. I've been having some challenging correspondences with fellow members of my church and pastors.

It is surprising how many churches in our local area are changing their format or even their whole name to a new progressive and contemporary style and look. No longer is it acceptable to be associated with a denomination like Baptist. Or even the name of Messiah is too controversial and not contemporary or friendly enough for our "seekers" out there. They will do whatever it takes to cater to the "felt needs" of those outside the church. The ironic thing is, however, this has caused a lot of the other surrounding churches to experience growth. The growth is because many of these people came from these churches making the changes. These churches have decided to abandon it's heritage, and it's association with the older members of the church and the very people that helped to bring the congregation to where it is. But, most importantly, they have left Jesus outside knocking on the door, as in Revelation 3:20:

Revelation 3:20 (New International Version)

20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

These churches are supposed to be having church inside and doing these new "cutting edge" things to reach lost people.... but, all the while, Jesus is on the outside of the church knocking at the door, but they are presenting a different Jesus, or a different Gospel, which is no gospel at all.

Grace and Peace,
Chris
Coram Deo!!!

______________________

His Deity

Lord’s Day 13

33. Why is He called God’s “only begotten Son,” since we also are the children of God?

Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God,[1] but we are children of God by adoption, through grace, for His sake.[2]

[1] Jn 1:1-3, 14, 18, 3:16; Rom 8:32; Heb 1; 1 Jn 4:9; [2] Jn 1:12; Rom 8:14-17; Gal 4:6; Eph 1:5-6; 1 Jn 3:1

34. Why do you call Him “our Lord?”

Because not with silver or gold, but with His precious blood,[1] He has redeemed and purchased us, body and soul,[2] from sin and from all the power of the devil, to be His own.[3]

[1] 1 Pt 1:18-19; [2] Acts 2:36; 1 Cor 6:20, 7:23; 1 Tim 2:5-6; Tit 2:14; 1 Pt 2:9; [3] Col 1:13-14; Heb 2:14-15