Eternally Assured

What believest thou when thou sayest, I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who out of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them; who likewise upholds and governs the same by His eternal counsel and providence) is for the sake of Christ His Son, my God and my Father, on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt that He would provide all things necessary for soul and body; and further that He will make whatever evils He sends upon me, in this valley of tears, turn out to my advantage; for He is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing being a faithful Father." One of the many blessings that the Lord has afforded me with lately is the privilege of learning about the Heidelberg Catechism during our second service. Last Sunday we looked at this particular question and answer. It is a favorite for many - and I can understand why! We talked about the Lord's providence and inte...

The Heidelberg Catechism opens with one question whose answer has become a much beloved and cherished rehearsal that plays over and over again in my head and my heart: What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed all things must work together for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him. Recently through listening to this fantastic sermon by John Fonville (I will provide the link at the end of the post), I have come to the understanding that this comfort is what is needed as we travail through the storm...

"Come Let us Love and Sing and Wonder!   Let us praise the Savior's name!   He has hushed the law's loud thunder!   He has quenched Mt. Sinai's flame!   He has brought us near to God!" The first time I had ever heard the lyrics to this song was when driving and listening to a radio podcast (White Horse Inn). The lyric left an indelible mark on me. I love music! Especially music that points to the wonders of the Gospel and this particular song was no different. A few months later we even sang it in church. I wanted to take the time to pick out which lyric intrigued me the most: He has hushed the Law's loud thunder I am one who has a very sensitive conscience and even at the slightest infraction, my mind immediately questions the validity of my faith. I have come to learn that this is due to the Law. The Law of God is good and right. It reveals the will of God and His holiness.  When God placed Adam in the garden of Eden, He gave Adam a co...

Like lighting one small candle to supplement the sun, Is adding man's weak merit to what our Lord has done; For He the books of heaven has cleared by His blood, Our righteousness is in Him, His name the Son of God. - William Williams A few months ago, I was in a bad state. Suffering under the weight of condemnation, I questioned everything that was “spiritual” about me. I listened to messages and testimonies to determine if I was really saved. I suffered silently and was consistently living in fear due to the state of my soul. The drive to work every morning was particularly painful, and it was there that I decided there was no hope for me. My joy in Christ melted into the fear of judgment from a Holy God, because every time I looked at the state of my own obedience in the sanctification process, I was sorely lacking. Every time I sinned, I thought that God was disappointed in me. I thought He merely tolerated me and was disgusted with everything I did. Everything came to a boil...