The Heidelberg Catechism was prepared by leaders of the Reformation in Germany early in 1563 to teach their congregations a summary of biblical doctrine. It quickly became a standard of German and Dutch Reformed churches even as the Westminster Confession and Catechisms served English-speaking Reformed churches. These two catechisms differ not so much in doctrine as in approach. The Heidelberg Catechism has a more personal feel to it (note the personal pronouns). The first question asks, "What is your only comfort in life and death?" The response to be learned is, "That I, with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, who with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, wherefore by His Holy Spirit He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto Him." How can we obtain such solid comfort and hope? In the footnotes, the Catechism cites about 25 passages from Scripture to support its statement. Psalm 119 is all about the Word of God and how it ministers to us. The heart of this section is the connection between God's Word and God's comfort. Are you hurting physically,spiritually or emotionally? Then open the Scriptures. Are you sad, discouraged, or depressed? You will find help and hope in the Bible...
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
Pastor Bruce Ray has been senior pastor of Juanita Community Church in Kirkland, Washington since 1976. He also serves as a Police, Fire & EMS chaplain. Books include Withhold Not Correction and Celebrating the Sabbath (both published by P&R Publishing). He is a member of the...
