The Heidelberg Catechism - The Foundations Of Our Faith

 It has been said that what we are in private is what we really are. C. S. Lewis noted if that if you have rats in your cellar, “You are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding.” When worrying circumstances disturb our peace they are like the rats in the cellar. When something surprises us such as an unwelcome circumstance, then the problem of worry and anxiety suddenly surfaces. The issue is whether we view the Lord as near or the crisis as near. Here we find one of the ways Christianity is unique among the world’s religions: It claims that Jesus lives inside us by his Spirit and remakes us into his character (Romans 8:29). When he promises peace that is “not as the world gives” (John 14:27), he means that his peace transforms us despite our circumstances. Philippians 4:1-7 ESV Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. [...

The primary assessment areas and the exact types of questions asked during this panel interview include: 1. Theological Convictions and denominational Distinctives Candidates must explicitly affirm and articulate core doctrines. Believer’s Baptism:  How do you biblically defend believer's baptism over infant baptism? Autonomy & Interdependence:  How do you balance the autonomy of the local church with a commitment to the wider Association  Priesthood of all Believers:  How does this doctrine practically shape your leadership and empowerment of volunteers? Scriptural Authority:  In what ways do you protect the supremacy of Scripture in your preaching and teaching amidst modern cultural pressures?   2. Character, Calling, and Spiritual Formation The committee tests the candidate’s personal spiritual health and emotional resilience. Dis...

Dr. Lewis A. Drummond (1927-2004) stated, “When everything else is over and said and done, only one thing ultimately matters: Do you know God? Can you face eternity with Him?” Lewis A. Drummond, Pulpit Digest, 60 (March -April, 1983)

Psalm 23:4 The nearness of God is my good "Nevertheless I am continually with thee." — Psalms 73:23 "Nevertheless,"-As if, notwithstanding all the foolishness and ignorance which David had just been confessing to God, not one atom the less was it true and certain that David was saved and accepted, and that the blessing of being constantly in God's presence was undoubtedly his. Fully conscious of his own lost estate, and of the deceitfulness and vileness of his nature, yet, by a glorious outburst of faith, he sings "nevertheless I am continually with thee." Believer, you are forced to enter into Asaph's confession and acknowledgment, endeavour in like spirit to say "nevertheless, since I belong to Christ I am continually with God!" By this is meant continually upon his mind, he is always thinking of me for my good. -- C. H. Spurgeon ( excerpt)

Devotional thoughts Thursday, July 30, 2026 Philippians 4 the Lord is near. It has been said that what we are in private is what we really are. C. S. Lewis noted if that if you have rats in your cellar, “You are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding.” When worrying circumstances disturb our peace they are like the rats in the cellar. When something surprises us such as an unwelcome circumstance, then the problem of worry and anxiety suddenly surfaces. The issue is whether we view the Lord as near or the crisis as nearer. Lorelle and I went to bed. Very soon after there was unmistakable shotgun shots. Two of them. To me it sounded like they were from our front driveway. Very close. I looked out the front windows carefully but couldn’t see anyone. Five cars went past in a close convoy. But still nothing. I expected police but there were none. No strange cars parked 🚗 in t...

It has been said that what we are in private is what we really are. C. S. Lewis noted if that if you have rats in your cellar, “You are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding.” When worrying circumstances disturb our peace they are like the rats in the cellar. When something surprises us such as an unwelcome circumstance, then the problem of worry and anxiety suddenly surfaces. The issue is whether we view the Lord as near or the crisis as near. Here we find one of the ways Christianity is unique among the world’s religions: It claims that Jesus lives inside us by his Spirit and remakes us into his character (Romans 8:29). When he promises peace that is “not as the world gives” (John 14:27), he means that his peace transforms us despite our circumstances. Philippians 4:1-7 ESV Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. [2...

It has been said that what we are in private is what we really are. C. S. Lewis noted if that if you have rats in your cellar, “You are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding.” When worrying circumstances disturb our peace they are like the rats in the cellar. When something surprises us such as an unwelcome circumstance, then the problem of worry and anxiety suddenly surfaces. The issue is whether we view the Lord as near or the crisis as near. Here we find one of the ways Christianity is unique among the world’s religions: It claims that Jesus lives inside us by his Spirit and remakes us into his character (Romans 8:29). When he promises peace that is “not as the world gives” (John 14:27), he means that his peace transforms us despite our circumstances. Philippians 4:1-7 ESV Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. [2...

It has been said that what we are in private is what we really are. C. S. Lewis noted if that if you have rats in your cellar, “You are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding.”  When worrying circumstances disturb our peace they are like the ears in the cellar. When something surprises us such as an unwelcome circumstance, then the problem of worry and anxiety suddenly surfaces.   The issue is whether we view the Lord as near or the crisis as near.  Here we find one of the ways Christianity is unique among the world’s religions: It claims that Jesus lives inside us by his Spirit and remakes us into his character (Romans 8:29). When he promises peace that is “not as the world gives” (John 14:27), he means that his peace transforms us despite our circumstances. Philippians 4:1-7 ESV Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand f...

Immensity is magnificent medicine. That is one reason—if we may let the cat out of the bag—why the doctors send us to the seaside. We forget the tiddley-winking in the contemplation of the tremendous. We lose life's shallow worries in the vision of unplumbed depths. …  The tendency of life is to drift among small things—small anxieties, small pleasures, small ideas, and small talk. He is a very wise physician indeed who can prescribe for us a tonic of big things. F W Boreham, ‘A Tonic of Big Things,’  The Luggage of Life   Euodia and Syntouche may be arguing over teacups creating their storms at the church at Philippi but the Lord is near.   Let goods and kindreds go This mortal life also the body they may kill:  God's truth abideth still;  his kingdom is forever! Psalm 46:1-11 ESV God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, thoug...

Eternal Life According to Jesus by Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey Major W. Ian Thomas explains, “Eternal life is not a peculiar feeling inside! It is not your ultimate destination, to which you will go when you are dead. If you are born again, eternal life is that quality of life that you possess right now.” In His high priestly prayer, Jesus said in part, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). Let’s note three pertinent facts in our text. First, there is a permanent reality. John 17:3a reads, “And this is eternal life. . .” The word translated “eternal” means more than an unending progression of years. It speaks of quality as well as quantity. Eternal life can function within time and outside and beyond time. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who ha...

When such tragedies are in the news, I am always conflicted as to how to respond in this article. On one hand, I want to offer encouragement and hope. Concerning these attacks, I can remind us that our Father walks with us through the fires and floods of this fallen world and grieves as we grieve (cf. Isaiah 43:1–3). When humans misuse the free will God gives us so we can love him and others (Matthew 22:37–39), the consequences are not God’s fault but theirs. On the other hand, I remember times in Scripture when God intervenes to prevent the consequences of misused freedom. He sent his angel to release Peter from Herod’s prison (Acts 12:6–11). He used an earthquake to free Paul and Silas from their unjust imprisonment in Philippi (Acts  16:25 –26). He used Paul’s nephew to alert the Romans to a plot against the apostle’s life, saving Paul from his enemies (Acts  23:12 –31). If then, why not now? If he would act to protect Peter and Paul from injustice, why not the vict...