The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index) As we said last time, the questions in this section of the catechism deal with how we are to worship the holy God who created all things. As

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index) “And they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. So Israel was joined to Baal of

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index) We come to a fourth consideration of the second commandment. As we will see in coming studies, a similar question is asked concerning several of the commandments, showing

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index) What’s in a name? A great deal, actually. Just think about the millions of dollars spent each year on product name recognition in advertising. It staggers the imaginations.

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index) Our study continues with the consideration of the third commandment. As we approach this study, it might be helpful to look at the word use, as in this

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index) In times past, policemen in movies and books would knock on doors with the phrase “open up in the name of the law.” Have you noticed that they

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index) As we continue our study in the third commandment, we see how seriously God takes the use of his name.  Ecc. 7:1 says very simply that, “a good

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index) Our catechism study now takes us to the fourth commandment which concerns the Sabbath. This commandment opens with the word remember. That’s worth thinking about: the Sabbath, which

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index)  “I require you to rest!” You’d think people would welcome that command. It seems strange that we even need to be instructed to rest. Why doesn’t the command

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index) As we continue our study of the Sabbath, we consider especially the New Testament change from the last day of the week to the first as the Lord’s

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index) Psalm 92 is an inspired confessional statement and a fitting backdrop to the present catechism question. May the Lord grant understanding, obedience, and a glad heart as we

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index) Do you know of parents who drop their children off at Sunday school but then head home or out on errands? Perhaps they return for the worship service,

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q43-62) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The First Table. (see Harmony Index) What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment? This is our next question of study. To begin, let’s pause to consider the word annex. In essence, it

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) We turn now to the fifth commandment and the honoring of father and mother and—as we shall see—all the authorities God has placed over us in various spheres.

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) In this section of the catechism, each commandment is stated and expanded upon, through its requirements, prohibitions, and sometimes, additional instruction. A good example of this is our

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) We return to the fifth commandment, looking at what the commandment forbids concerning the honoring of those in authority. Let us pray once again that the Lord would

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) Many of us have noticed the natural curiosity found in children; they ask why repeatedly, often to the point of irritation. Interestingly, the commandment dealing with the parent-child

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) The Shorter Catechism turns now to the sixth commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.” The next two questions ask what is required and forbidden by this commandment. The Larger

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) We continue our study of the sixth commandment. As we meditate on it, remember that in approaching any text or Biblical topic, it’s wise to ask three questions:

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) This catechism study takes another look at the sixth commandment, and what is forbidden. People often bring up the sixth commandment when raising opposition to capital punishment or

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) This catechism study begins our look at the seventh commandment. God places a high premium upon marriage, and keeping it honorable and holy. Marriage was the first institution

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) In this catechism study, we look at what is required in the seventh commandment. First, notice that we are not only required to take care of our own

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) The answer to this question uses the word chaste. In her paraphrase of Q72, Starr Meade uses the phrase “sexually pure.” Chaste is not a word we hear

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) We now begin to look at the eighth commandment. In considering this, it may be prudent to view Fisher’s Catechism instruction, and note the following comments in Q&A

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) Before we commence our study of WSC Q74, quickly answer this question: What is the summary of the Law of God? Hopefully you won’t need help with this

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) One little exercise I enjoy is taking one word from a text under consideration, looking up its meaning and usage both in the English language and in Scripture,

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) We now come to the ninth commandment as we continue through the catechism using Starr Meade’s Training Hearts, Teaching Minds. Consider the significance of this lesson as it

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) “The closer something is to the truth and yet a falsehood, the easier it is to fool the unwary” – D. G. Barnhouse “Truth will ultimately prevail where

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) “Don’t confuse me with the facts. My mind is made up.” – That is sometimes said in jest, but like most humor, there is an element of truth

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) Our study of the catechism leads now to the tenth commandment and the issue of coveting. Coveting is not a word that frequents our everyday conversations. In fact,

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) This catechism question has a lot to consider. So, we’ll dispense with the opening comments and get right to the topic at hand. Let us remember to do

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index) We are drawing near to the end of our consideration of the Ten Commandments as they are presented in the Shorter Catechism. In the law, we see God’s

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q82-84) is Man’s Free Agency and Ability; Guilt and its Degrees. (see Harmony Index) We all know the adage, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” Along those lines, author Hermann Melville wrote, “Toil is man’s allotment; toil of brain, or toil of

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q82-84) is Man’s Free Agency and Ability; Guilt and its Degrees. (see Harmony Index) As we commence our consideration of Question 83, first read it and take a moment to ponder the question. Are you surprised that it is asked? Consider for

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q82-84) is Man’s Free Agency and Ability; Guilt and its Degrees. (see Harmony Index) Several years ago, I was wandering through a little arts and crafts gift shop, and I noticed a miniature rustic country house on display—one of those decorative dust

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q85-87) is Repentance & Faith, the Means thereof. (see Harmony Index) “Deer caught in the headlights” is a phrase few of us have actually experienced, though most of us have seen those yellow road signs warning of deer crossings. But many years

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q85-87) is Repentance & Faith, the Means of. (see Harmony Index) This and the next several catechism questions flesh out what was outlined in the previous question regarding what is needed to address the problem and effect of sin—that is, God’s wrath

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q85-87) is Repentance & Faith, the Means of. (see Harmony Index) We come to the second point drawn from the answer to WSC Q85, “What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q88-90) is The Means of Grace: The Word. (see Harmony Index) Life imitates art. That well-known phrase does contain an element of truth. An author carefully drafts a tale that outlines events that occur in our personal lives; the specific events may

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q88-90) is The Means of Grace: The Word. (see Harmony Index) WSC Q90. How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation? We continue in the section of the catechism that explains how salvation is

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q91-93) is The Means of Grace: The Sacraments – General. (see Harmony Index) WSC Q91. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation? “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork.” Spend a moment reflecting upon

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q91-93) is The Means of Grace: The Sacraments – General. (see Harmony Index) WSC Q92. What is a sacrament? Have you noticed that we have become walking billboards? Take a casual stroll through the mall, and you can’t help but notice all

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q91-93) is The Means of Grace: The Sacraments – General. (see Harmony Index) WSC Q93. Which are the sacraments of the New Testament? Our catechism study continues with the topic of the sacraments. The word sacrament is derived from a Latin term

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q94-95) is The Means of Grace: The Sacraments – Baptism. (see Harmony Index) WSC Q94. What is Baptism? What does it mean to be engaged? Our recent studies in the catechism have dealt with the sacraments, those signs and seals of the

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q94-95) is The Means of Grace: The Sacraments – Baptism. (see Harmony Index)   WSC Q95.  To whom is Baptism to be administered? The fabric of an individual’s belief is made of many threads. Often, however, we debate single issues separately, out

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q96-97) is The Means of Grace: The Sacraments – The Lord’s Supper. (see Harmony Index)  WSC Q96. What is the Lord’s Supper? A man once visited a school for deaf and dumb children. As he sat at the back of a classroom,

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q96-97) is The Means of Grace: The Sacraments – The Lord’s Supper. (see Harmony Index)  WSC Q97. What is required for the worthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper? I recently saw a page of cartoonists’ drawings made of many simple eye and

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q98-107) is The Means of Grace: Prayer. (see Harmony Index)  WSC Q98. What is prayer? We near the end of our catechism study as the Shorter Catechism concludes with the topic of prayer. Rossetti, the 19th-century Italian poet, patriot, and evangelist once

The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q98-107) is The Means of Grace: Prayer. (see Harmony Index)  WSC Q99. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer? Look below at the question and its paraphrase, which is taken directly from Starr Meade’s book Training Hearts, Training Minds.