Speech delivered at the Reformation Day Rally of Eben-Ezer CanRC, Living Hope FRC, and Trinity ARP in Chatham, Ontario, on October 31, 2023. Today we celebrate and commemorate the Great Reformation. In the 1500s, the Lord used men like Luther and Zwingli and Calvin to point out error and corruption in the church, and to … Continue reading The Greatest Reformer
Tag: Jesus Christ
The proclamation of the Kingdom (LD 31 q&a 83-84)
Introduction When you have the key to a building, you can open it to let someone in; or you can lock it to make sure a person stays out. Jesus used this picture about the kingdom of heaven. In Mat. 16:19, Peter had just made the first clearly Christian confession of faith: “You are the … Continue reading The proclamation of the Kingdom (LD 31 q&a 83-84)
Being right with God (LD 23)
Introduction In the previous lessons we studied the Apostles’ Creed. Now that we have finished this, the catechism takes a step back and reminds us why this was important. In LD 7 we said that only those are saved who by a true faith are grafted into Christ, and that this faith means that we … Continue reading Being right with God (LD 23)
The gracious Judge (LD 19, q&a 52)
Introduction One day the Lord Jesus will return with the clouds of heaven. He will take place on his throne and all people, both those who are alive at the time and those who have passed away, will be brought before him. He will judge them, declaring the innocence of some and condemning others to … Continue reading The gracious Judge (LD 19, q&a 52)
Christ’s work in heaven (LD 18-19, q&a 49-51)
Introduction After completing his ministry on earth, Jesus returned to heaven. He will be there until he comes back for the final stage of history. While we live our lives here on earth, what is Jesus doing? Is he simply enjoying being back with his Father, basking in heavenly glory? No, our Lord Jesus is … Continue reading Christ’s work in heaven (LD 18-19, q&a 49-51)
He is still with us (LD 18, q&a 46-48)
Introduction When Jesus rose out of the grave, his disciples were excited. They had put all of their hopes on him, and when he had died on the cross they were desperate. His resurrection meant that his work would continue. With a Master who was even more powerful than death itself, what could stop his … Continue reading He is still with us (LD 18, q&a 46-48)
Christ’s two natures after his resurrection
When he came to earth, the Son of God took upon himself our humanity. We speak of the two natures of Christ: he is both fully God and fully human, two natures perfectly united in one Person. In his glorification, the Son of God did not push away his human nature. The risen Lord appeared … Continue reading Christ’s two natures after his resurrection
God’s Son, our Lord (LD 13, q&a 33-34)
Introduction “I believe in Jesus Christ, his only-begotten Son, our Lord.” We discussed the meaning of the name Jesus, Saviour. We learned that he is the Anointed One, God’s ultimate agent in this world, our chief Prophet, only High Priest, and eternal King. Now we consider his last two titles in the Apostle’s Creed: only-begotten … Continue reading God’s Son, our Lord (LD 13, q&a 33-34)
The anointed ones (LD 12, q&a 32)
Introduction I once taught at a college where the football team was called: the Lakers. The merchandise store had t-shirts that said: “I am a Laker.” When my oldest son was born, the department gave us a gift basket, including a onesie that said: “Future Laker.” Even though only a few people were on the … Continue reading The anointed ones (LD 12, q&a 32)
The Anointed One (LD 12, q&a 31)
Introduction The name of our Saviour is “Jesus”. But we often call him “Jesus Christ”, or sometimes simply “Christ”. Technically, “Christ” is not a name but a title; so it is really “Jesus the Christ”. This title is commonly used in the New Testament: we find the name “Jesus” about 900 times, and the title … Continue reading The Anointed One (LD 12, q&a 31)