Podcasts about Westminster Shorter Catechism

Midweek Discipleship Session: Westminster Catechism Part 3 - Week 4.On May 19, Pastor Rusten taught through questions 63-66 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 29—especially explaining how Christ, Who has accomplished our redemption, is also the One Who applies it to us, by His Holy Spirit. Q29. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ? We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit. The central message of this lesson is that believers are made partakers of Christ's redemption not through their own efforts, but through the sovereign and effective work of the Holy Spirit, Who applies Christ's saving work to individual lives. Drawing from John the Baptist's contrast between water baptism and the Spirit's baptism, and Paul's teaching in Titus 3, the lesson emphasizes that salvation is not based on human righteousness but on God's mercy, accomplished through the 'washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.' This divine operation—justification, faith, and eternal hope—is not merely imputed but personally experienced as the Spirit indwells and transforms the believer. The tone is both pastoral and doctrinally precise, underscoring the necessity of the Spirit's work in making Christ's redemptive sacrifice personally effective. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is the active Agent through Whom the benefits of Christ's atonement are applied, securing the believer's union with Christ and inheritance of eternal life.

Part of our Evening series, "Sermons Shaped by the Westminster Shorter Catechism" 

Midweek Discipleship Session: Westminster Catechism Part 3 - Week 3.On May 12, Pastor Rusten taught through questions 57-62 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

What is it about singing that connects us with God and each other in a unique way? According to the Westminster Shorter Catechism, the chief end of humanity is “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Worship is how we actively live out that purpose. But what exactly do we mean by worship? In this short series, Worship 360, we'll take a fuller, 360-degree look at how we encounter God in worship, exploring four key ways: It's a giveaway: How does generosity become an act of worship? It's a sing-out: Why does singing matter to God—and to us? It's in the everyday: What does it look like to worship God as a lifestyle? It's in the fire: Can we truly worship when life is hard? Wherever you are on your journey of faith, we're so glad you're here. You can stay connected with us by going to zeochurch.com/connect If you received Christ through this message or need prayer, email us at hello@zeochurch.com We would love to hear how God is touching your life through our Zeo Online ministry! Drop us a note at zeochurch.com/contact as we'd love to hear from you. If you would like to support Zeo Church financially you can give by going online through our website: zeochurch.com/give For more information about Zeo, visit zeochurch.com Connect with us on social www.instagram.com/zeochurch www.twitter.com/zeochurch www.facebook.com/zeochurch

Sermons Shaped by the Westminster Shorter Catechism

Midweek Discipleship Session: Westminster Catechism Part 3 - Week 2.On April 28, Pastor Rusten taught through questions 53-56 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

Our Midweek Discipleship Session: Westminster Catechism Part 3 takes place on Tuesday evenings from April 21 through June 9 (No 5/5), from 6 - 7:30 PM at the Coram Deo Church building. This week, Pastor Rusten reviewed what we learned in Part Two and taught through questions 45-52 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

Part of our evening series, "Sermons Shaped by the Westminster Shorter Catechism"

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“It should be a contest among Christians to neither give offense nor take offense. The best men are harder on themselves than they are to others.”~Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), Puritan theologian in The Bruised Reed (text modernized) Question 33: What is justification? Answer: Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardons all our sins, and accepts us as righteous in His sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed [credited] to us, and received by faith alone.~Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647) “We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by faith, and not for our own works…”~The 39 Articles (1571), originally drafted by Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556) “This is perfect and pure boasting in God, when one is not proud on account of his own righteousness but knows that he is indeed unworthy of the true righteousness and is justified solely by faith in Christ.”~Basil of Caesarea (330-379), bishop in Cappadocia in Homilies on Humility “[Paul] shows clearly that righteousness depends not on the merit of man, but on the grace of God, who accepts the faith of those who believe, without the works or the Law.”~Jerome (c.342-420), church leader and theologian “[God] has justified our race not by right actions, not by toils, not by barter and exchange, but by grace alone…. But the justice of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not through any labor and suffering.”~John Chrysostom (c.347-407), prolific author and preacher “My name is Patrick. I am a sinner, a simple country person, and the least of all believers. …I was taken prisoner. I was about sixteen at the time. At that time, I did not know the true God. I was taken into captivity to Ireland, along with thousands of others. We deserved this, because we had gone away from God, and did not keep his commandments. We would not listen to our elders [i.e., presbyters], who advised us about how we could be saved. The Lord brought his strong anger upon us, and scattered us among many nations even to the ends of the earth. It was among foreigners that it was seen how little I was. It was there that the Lord opened up my awareness of my lack of faith. Even though it came about late, I recognized my failings. So I turned with all my heart to the Lord my God, and he looked down on my lowliness and had mercy on my youthful ignorance.”~Saint Patrick, 5th century Roman-British missionary to Ireland in his “Confession”SERMON PASSAGE Romans 3:21-31 (ESV)Romans 3 (ESV) 9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” 13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.”  “The venom of asps is under their lips.” 14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 in their paths are ruin and misery, 17 and the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. Romans 1 (ESV) 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Exodus 34 (ESV) 6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.” Romans 3:21, 25-26 (First Nations Version: An Indigenous Bible Translation of the New Testament)21 But there is a way to be in good standing with the Great Spirit that does not depend on us keeping tribal law!… 25 The Great Spirit sent Creator Sets Free (Jesus) to show through him the full meaning and purpose of the ancient mercy-seat ceremony, where our broken ways are washed clean when we trust in what the shedding of his lifeblood has accomplished. The Great Spirit did this to prove that he was in the right when he released people from their bad hearts and broken ways in the ages past. 26 He also did this to show people in this present age that he has the right to put people in good standing with himself because they trust in what Creator Sets Free (Jesus) has done.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism teaches that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Is this your experience? On Truth For Life, Alistair Begg challenges us to stop and consider the immensity of what Jesus has done for all who trust in Him. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series‘The High Priestly Prayer' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!

If you have ever thought, “God feels far away,” you are not alone. Many believers know God is real, but still struggle to sense His nearness in everyday life. In this episode, Louise Reid and Ali McFarlane talk with Matt Johnson about a practical, relational way to encounter Jesus, grow revelation of God, and learn to notice His presence in ordinary moments.What you will learn in this episodeHow to become aware that Jesus is with you, even when you feel nothingA simple way to reconnect with God using your “memory muscles”Why joy and laughter matter in spiritual healthHow to help children build secure connection with Jesus earlyHow Emmanuel-style ministry helps people encounter Jesus, not just talk about HimChapters00:00 Intro: “Knowing God” and fresh revelation02:10 Ali on losing singing, gaining new revelation08:56 Louise on carrying God's presence and why it matters15:24 How to reconnect with Jesus using memory and simple prayer26:01 Joy is the Atmosphere of Heaven35:19 Final encouragement: enjoy God foreverEpisode SummaryLouise Reid shares a life message that many believers need right now: carry the presence of God so people get a revelation of Jesus just by being near you. She explains that connection with God often begins with a simple shift, becoming aware that Jesus is already with you. From there, she encourages believers to remember moments where they felt close to God and to “chew” on those memories, because remembrance can reawaken hunger, faith, and expectation.Ali McFarlane adds that Louise is “shiny,” meaning her life clearly shows time spent with Jesus. They also talk about how encounter ministry can help people experience Jesus personally. Louise describes Emmanuel-style prayer as “midwifing” an encounter where Jesus does the work, and the person walks away saying, “Jesus is amazing,” not “That counselor is amazing.”A key thread in this conversation is joy. Louise highlights the kindness of God and the humor of God, reminding listeners that the gospel is good news. They also talk about how laughter helps people connect, and how a joyful atmosphere can make hard conversations safer and more fruitful. The episode closes with a simple invitation: stop striving, start noticing, and learn to enjoy God, because we were made for relationship with Him.Quotes from the Episode:“Becoming aware of His presence changes everything.”“Remember a time you felt close to Jesus, then talk to Him about it again.”“The gospel is good news. Why are we so miserable?”“I love helping people encounter Jesus, then they leave saying, ‘Jesus is amazing.'”Resources mentioned“Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him for ever” (Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q1).Emmanuel prayer approach (inner healing and encounter-focused ministry)PowerTV.app - Podcast power resources and activations (36:11)If this episode helped you, share it with a friend who feels distant from God. And comment your biggest takeaway: What helps you notice Jesus in everyday life?

#40 in our series, "Sermons Shaped by the Westminster Shorter Catechism"

Our Midweek Discipleship Session: Westminster Catechism Part 2 takes place on Tuesday evenings from February 3 through March 10, from 6 - 7:30 PM at the Coram Deo Church building. This week, Pastor Rusten taught through questions 36-38 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

Our Midweek Discipleship Session: Westminster Catechism Part 2 takes place on Tuesday evenings from February 3 through March 10, from 6 - 7:30 PM at the Coram Deo Church building. This week, Pastor Rusten taught through questions 32-35 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

Our Midweek Discipleship Session: Westminster Catechism Part 2 takes place on Tuesday evenings from February 3 through March 10, from 6 - 7:30 PM at the Coram Deo Church building. This week, Pastor Rusten taught through questions 29-31 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

#40 in our series, "Sermons Shaped by the Westminster Shorter Catechism"

In this episode Pastor Mike discusses the theological concept of the divine decree, exploring its nature as God’s eternal and singular purpose for all of history. He uses this session to explain that God’s decree is singular, free from external influence, wise, effectual, and all-encompassing. Drawing from the Westminster Shorter Catechism and his new book, “The Chosen”, he argues that understanding God as a sovereign King means recognizing that nothing—from the death of Jesus to the fall of a sparrow—occurs outside of His predetermined plan. Ultimately, he concludes that this doctrine should not cause frustration but should instead lead believers to a place of humility, trust, and worship. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AnDGNQJzE4s Produced/Edited By: Marrio Escobar (Owner of D2L Productions) 

#39 in our series, "Sermons Shaped by the Westminster Shorter Catechism"

In this conversation from Austin, Jim Cassidy, Lane Tipton, and Camden Bucey reflect on the abiding value of the Westminster Shorter Catechism as a tool for cultivating a God-centered, covenantally rich, and confessionally rooted Christian life. The discussion highlights Jim's new book, Introducing the Faith: A Study of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, which serves as a written complement to his two free Reformed Academy courses through which he teaches the Shorter Catechism (Questions 1–38 and Questions 39–106). Together, the hosts trace their own histories with the Standards, demonstrating how catechesis shapes believers in the chief end of man—to glorify and enjoy God forever. They also explore how the catechism's covenant theology anchors the church in biblical teaching, safeguarding the glory of God amid contemporary pressures. The discussion turns to the weighty task of confessional subscription—its history, responsibilities, and the risks of revision. With pastoral clarity and historical attentiveness, the hosts encourage churches and teachers to handle their confessions with both gratitude and vigilance. The episode concludes with a look at the ongoing mission of Reformed Academy and the resources being developed to strengthen the church in catechesis and confessional fidelity. Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:00 Setting the Scene in Austin 03:14 Why Catechesis Matters Today 09:12 Personal Histories with the Westminster Standards 16:47 Man's Chief End and the God-Centered Life 20:44 Covenant Theology in the Catechism 26:22 Guarding the Glory of God in Reformed Theology 31:48 Confessional Revision: History, Risks, and Responsibilities 57:47 Looking Ahead: Resources and the Mission of Reformed Academy Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Lane G. Tipton

In this conversation from Austin, Jim Cassidy, Lane Tipton, and Camden Bucey reflect on the abiding value of the Westminster Shorter Catechism as a tool for cultivating a God-centered, covenantally […]

Questions 2-3

The Westminster Shorter Catechism is a timeless guide to glorifying God and enjoying Him forever. Today, Sinclair Ferguson and Nathan W. Bingham discuss how Christians can benefit from this classic Bible-teaching tool, now republished by Ligonier Ministries. With your donation of any amount, request Ligonier's new edition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, a historic book that memorably summarizes the biblical truth of Reformed theology: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4509/offer   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Get the Westminster Shorter Catechism ebook with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global Watch the stream from Ligonier's recent online event, Fighting the Good Fight of Faith: https://www.ligonier.org/goodfight   Meet Today's Speakers:   Sinclair Ferguson is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, vice-chairman of Ligonier Ministries, and Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary.   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Grounded and Settled in the Faith - Thomas Watson / Pastor Patrick Hines Reformed Christian Podcast From the introduction to Puritan Thomas Watson's wonderful exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, "A Body of Divinity." This book is worth its weight in gold: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/theology-books/a-body-of-divinity/

Psalm 1 | Westminster Shorter Catechism 2-3 | 16 November 2025

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Men sometimes speak as if humility and meekness would rob us of what is noble and bold and manlike. O that all would believe that this is the nobility of the kingdom of heaven, that this is the royal spirit that the king of heaven displayed, that this is godlike, to humble oneself, to become servant of all!”~Andrew Murray (1828-1917), writer and pastor “It is blasphemy if you pray before God while you are full of anger.”~Ephrem the Syrian (c.306-373), Aramean Christian theologian and writer         My dear Wormwood,Be sure that the patient remains completely fixated on politics. Arguments, political gossip, and obsessing on the faults of people they have never met serves as an excellent distraction from advancing in personal virtue, character, and the things the patient can control. Make sure to keep the patient in a constant state of angst, frustration, and general disdain towards the rest of the human race in order to avoid any kind of charity or inner peace from further developing. Ensure the patient continues to believe that the problem is “out there” in the “broken system” rather than recognizing there is a problem with himself.Keep up the good work,Uncle Screwtape~from C.S. Lewis's devilish book, The Screwtape Letters (1941) “They all therefore were glorified and magnified, not through themselves or their own works or the righteous doing which they wrought, but through His will. And so we, having been called through His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified through ourselves or through our own wisdom or understanding or piety or works which we wrought in holiness of heart, but through faith, whereby the Almighty God justified all men that have been from the beginning; to whom be the glory forever and ever.”~Clement of Rome in 1 Clement 32:3-4, a letter written to Corinth in c. A.D. 96 “God allowed his Son to suffer as if a condemned sinner, so that we might be delivered from the penalty of our sins. This is God's righteousness, that we are not justified by works (for then they would have to be perfect, which is impossible), but by grace, in which case all our sin is removed.”~John Chrysostom (c. 347-407), Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians Question 33: What is justification? Answer: Justification is the act of God's free grace by which He pardons all our sins and accepts us as righteous in His sight. He does so only because He counts the righteousness of Christ as ours. Justification is received by faith alone.~Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647)SERMON PASSAGEselected passages (ESV)Acts 2 41 So those who received [Peter's] word were baptized, and there were added that day [to the church] about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.Ephesians 2 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.Ephesians 4 & 5 1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace…. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.