Podcasts about Westminster Shorter Catechism

In Ecclesiastes Chapter 2, Solomon explores the pursuits of pleasure, achievement and possessions, ultimately finding them all meaningless apart from God. While God wants us to enjoy life, these pursuits become empty when they are self-centered or disconnected from Him. Solomon concludes that true fulfillment—wisdom, joy and purpose—comes only from God. The Westminster Shorter Catechism affirms that “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” Let's determine to invest the rest of our lives in the pursuit of what really matters - a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus. 

In Ecclesiastes Chapter 2, Solomon explores the pursuits of pleasure, achievement and possessions, ultimately finding them all meaningless apart from God. While God wants us to enjoy life, these pursuits become empty when they are self-centered or disconnected from Him. Solomon concludes that true fulfillment—wisdom, joy and purpose—comes only from God. The Westminster Shorter Catechism affirms that “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” Let's determine to invest the rest of our lives in the pursuit of what really matters - a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus.

The last of two closing sermons guided by Westminster Shorter Catechism 4: "What is God?" Focus on the first part of the answer from John 4:24, "God is Spirit" with its application that they that worship Him must therefore worship Him in spirit and in truth.

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

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 77—especially explaining how God has given each of us an unique set of experiences that place us under obligation to T.H.I.N.K. before we speak. Q77. What is required in the ninth commandment? The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbor's good name, especially in witness-bearing.

All the Episodes of the Heidelcast Host's Bios and All Episodes of Superfriends Saturdays Subscribe to the Heidelcast! Browse the Heidelshop! On X @Heidelcast On Insta & Facebook @Heidelcast Subscribe in Apple Podcast Subscribe directly via RSS Call The Heidelphone via Voice Memo On Your Phone The Heidelcast is available wherever podcasts are found including Spotify. Call or text the Heidelphone anytime at (760) 618-1563. Leave a message or email us a voice memo from your phone and we may use it in a future podcast. Record it and email it to heidelcast@heidelblog.net. If you benefit from the Heidelcast please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts so that others can find it. Please do not forget to make the coffer clink (see the donate button below). SHOW NOTES How To Subscribe To Heidelmedia The Heidelblog Resource Page Heidelmedia Resources The Ecumenical Creeds The Reformed Confessions The Heidelberg Catechism Recovering the Reformed Confession (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2008) Why I Am A Christian What Must A Christian Believe? Heidelblog Contributors Support Heidelmedia: use the donate button or send a check to: Heidelberg Reformation Association 1637 E. Valley Parkway #391 Escondido CA 92027 USA The HRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 76—especially explaining how the our neighbor's name is a valuable gift to him from God. Q76. Which is the ninth commandment? The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

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

Are you ready to boost your homeschool art and music lessons? In this episode, we dive into fun, simple strategies to integrate music and art into your daily homeschool routine—no matter your child's age. Whether you're teaching littles, elementary, middle, or older kids, you'll find practical tips to get started without feeling intimidated.In this episode, you'll discover:✅How to stop being intimidated with music & art in your homeschool✅Simple tips to weave art and music into your existing lessons✅Fun activities to help your kids remember and memorize key concepts✅Where to find free demonstrations that make teaching music and homeschool art a breezeJoin us and transform your homeschool with engaging, hands-on ideas that will make your lessons come alive!Resources: Music & Art Homeschool SummitThe Composer DetectiveThe Artist DetectiveJustina Thurston of Jus' Classical is the host of the Music & Art Homeschool Summit and Bundle. She is a musician, video and course creator, and songwriter. She has a degree in music therapy and has worked as an early childhood music teacher for over 20 years. At her church, she also helps with the music ministry, playing oboe in the orchestra, and teaching Sunday school to early elementary-aged children, using her Westminster Shorter Catechism songs. Justina is also a blessed wife and homeschooling mom of three.At Jus' Classical, she seeks to encourage other homeschool moms and families, especially in focusing on Christ, and in enjoying classical music and great art through her courses, like The Composer Detective, a music appreciation course for families, The Artist Detective, an art appreciation course for families, Making Music with Handel, a music fundamentals and tin whistle course, and Drawing with Rembrandt, a beginning drawing course. She brings them all together for families to get both music and art in the Jus' Classical Fine Arts Membership.WebsiteYouTubeFacebookFacebook groupInstagramPinterest

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)     Doxology is a fitting place to end this season of Wilderness Wanderings.  This will be the last of the devotions for a while—and certainly the last of mine (Pastor Anthony).  Perhaps Wilderness Wanderings will continue in time, but before turning to the season of Lent tomorrow, we simply give thanks to God for this good season of a unique ministry of daily devotions.   Doxology is a word that means “word of glory,” and in our usage as Christians, generally means we are giving those words of glory to God.  In the letter of Ephesians, this doxology circles us back to the beginning of the letter.  But doxologies are scattered liberally throughout the New Testament.   The word glory is scattered throughout the scriptures even more abundantly.  To name a few, we hear that God is a God of glory (Ephesians 1:17), his glory reveals who he is (John 1:14), God gives glory to Christ (1 Peter 1:21) and his people (Romans 2:10); Christians are transformed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18); we are to do everything for God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) and give glory back to God (Ephesians 1:6). The new creation will reveal even more glory (Romans 8:18). “Glory” is one of those words that encompasses the whole of Christianity.  No doubt this is why the first question and answer of the Westminster Shorter Catechism says “man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.”   Today is the “fat Tuesday” before Lent—a day of feasting before the fasting that has more or less turned in popular culture to a day of glorifying ourselves and our worst desires.  Today is also the day of tariffs (or at least that's still how the news reads now)—a day when our attention is sucked up into politics and business as we struggle to understand just why exactly friendly neighbours need to be punching one another.  Today is also the final Wilderness Wanderings for a time—a marking of an ending of a season of ministry.    But here's the thing: no matter the day, no matter the news, no matter the grief, introspection, or self-glorification—each and every day is a day for doxology.  Why?  Because everything that Paul has written in the first three chapters remains true.  Despite American tariffs, is it still true that Christ has ultimately destroyed the dividing wall of hostility between peoples through his cross in his church?  Yes.  Despite our sorrows in parting, has God still blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ?  Yes.  Despite any self-glorification, is it still true that the most important thing about us is that we belong to God, having been created and redeemed to the praise not of our, but of his glory?  Yes.    The fact of Christ Jesus and his church, carrying on down through all the generations faithful and sure no matter what personal or global events raged—this fact is evidence enough of the power of God our Father, who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.   Join me then today—and every day—in giving glory to God.  In the good times and the bad, in plenty or in want, in life and in death—may God be glorified in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations.  Forever and ever.  Amen.     For the last time, go now with his blessing:   May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.

Giving Glory to God is the very purpose of our life. Mary is an example of someone who is dedicated to God. Everything in her life revolves around God. The Westminster Shorter Catechism tells us that Man's chief end is to glorify God, it is the very purpose of our lives. Do your thoughts, your interests, and your preferences center around God… The post Belong to the People of Promise, Part 2 appeared first on Pillar of Truth Radio.

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

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 69—especially explaining how the sixth commandment forbids any killing not required by God, together with being careful not to do anything harmful to man. Q69. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment? The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 69—especially explaining how the sixth commandment forbids any killing not required by God, together with being careful not to do anything harmful to man. Q69. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment? The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 66—especially explaining how the Lord doesn't only tell us to honor authorities, but sets before us motives for doing so. Q66. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment? The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 66—especially explaining how the Lord doesn't only tell us to honor authorities, but sets before us motives for doing so. Q66. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment? The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 64—especially explaining that because authority is from God, it must be employed for others' good and treated with respect, whatever side of it you may be on. Q64. What is required in the fifth commandment? The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honor, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors or equals.

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 63—especially explaining the connection between the proper worship of God and a life of genuine honor and obedience, which begins with honoring our parents. Q63. Which is the fifth commandment? The fifth commandment is, Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 62—especially explaining how the phrasing of the Sabbath commandment implies that we are to be thoughtful and reverent about it. Q62. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment? The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God's allowing us six days of the week for our own employments, His challenging a special propriety in the seventh, His own example, and His blessing the sabbath day.

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

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 60—especially explaining how Sabbath refreshment via worship is different in kind from the most pious refreshment one can have in anything but worship. Q60. How is the sabbath to be sanctified? The sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 59—especially explaining how the nature and role of the Sabbath has progressed through the history of redemption. Q59. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly sabbath? From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly sabbath; and the first day of the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian sabbath.

Stephanie welcomes Sam Parkison to takes us on a delightful journey to understand the deep-seated human desire to see God. Through the prism of his book, To Gaze Upon God, he uncovers the theological concepts underpinning this yearning, drawing insights from historical biblical theology. All creatures have an intrinsic desire to see and know God. This aligns with Augustine's famous proclamation that our hearts remain restless until they rest in God. Influenced by thinkers like Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, John Owen, Jonathan Edwards and C.S. Lewis, Parkison weaves Christian hedonism with the Westminster Shorter Catechism's guiding principle: to glorify and enjoy God. This longing is not an optional subplot of life but the ultimate narrative arc for all believers. The longing to delight in God's glory is rooted in Scriptural truth, biblical tradition, and ecclesiastical legacy. As we, contemporary Christians, grapple with modern challenges, we need to remember that our longing to see God will guide us towards spiritual growth and fulfillment in Christ. In Christ, our beatification transforms human potential into a participation in God's ultimate happiness, a transformative process vividly portrayed through Scripture and upheld by centuries of theological reflection. The doctrine of the beatific vision is the pinnacle experience of heaven—way beyond simply reuniting with loved ones, or enjoying a resurrected physical body. The beatific vision is the blessed sight of God. Parkison traces this understanding back to church fathers like Augustine and illustrates how this longing is fulfilled in direct communion with the divine. The conversation takes us into the historical nuance of the Reformation's principle of Sola Scriptura. Parkison clarifies that this doctrine does not reject all tradition; instead, it asserts Scripture as the sole infallible authority. The Bible acknowledges other authorities, like pastoral guidance and civil responsibilities (Romans 13). Stephanie and Sam examine how some modern Protestants inadvertently embrace Enlightenment thinking by disregarding the valuable insights of historical tradition, through a truncated adherence to Sola Scriptura. Humility is essential for theological exploration. It includes the importance of engaging with historical Christian thinkers across time to inform contemporary faith. This thematic humility acts as a safeguard against heresies, fostering an appreciation for ancient wisdom that can illuminate blind spots in our own era. Paul's admonition to emulate Christ's humility (Philippians 2:5-11) reinforces the call to learn from both Scripture, and seasoned theological voices. One particular discussion point is the mediating role of Christ in the Christian life. Drawing upon passages like Ephesians 1:3-11, Parkison underscores how, through union with Christ, believers partake in spiritual blessings that culminate in the beatific vision. This nuanced theology echoes the insights of thinkers like John Owen (and, probably, Thomas Aquinas), who explore the idea of Christians becoming closer to God through participation in Christ's humanity. The conversation touches upon C.S. Lewis's essay “On Reading Old Books,” which urges believers to draw from the wealth of historical Christian thought. Parkison stresses that overlooking the established theological wisdom of nearly two millennia will handicap personal spiritual growth. The historical perspective enriches our understanding of God's infinite nature, cultivating an endless delight in divine communion. Beyond cultural specificities, Parkison presents the argument that the desire to understand and encounter God transcends temporal and spatial boundaries. This universal longing is mirrored in stories from the biblical canon, from Adam and Eve's Edenic yearning to Moses's Sinai encounter. Biblical narrative consistently draws humanity toward a vision of divine glory. MORE ABOUT “TO GAZE UPON GOD” BY SAMUEL PARKISON Today, the doctrine of the beatific vision has been woefully forgotten within the church and its theology. Yet, throughout history Christians have always held that the blessed hope of heaven lies in seeing and being in the presence of God, of beholding the beatific vision. With lucidity and breadth, Parkison reintroduces the beatific vision and affirms its centrality for the life of the church today. Parkison argues for the beatific vision's biblical foundations and reminds us—through close readings of theologians such as Anselm of Canterbury, Thomas Aquinas, Dante, Gregory Palamas, John Calvin, and Jonathan Edwards—of the doctrine's historical and contemporary significance. The beatific vision is about seeing God, and as Christians have acknowledged across the tradition, seeing God is our ultimate end. Samuel G. Parkison (PhD Midwestern Seminary) is Associate Professor of Theological Studies at Gulf Theological Seminary in the United Arab Emirates. He is the author of several books, including Proclaiming the Triune God: The Doctrine of the Trinity in the Life of the Church (co-author), as well as Thinking Christianly: Bringing Sundry Thoughts Captive to Christ, and Irresistible Beauty: Beholding Triune Glory in the Face of Jesus Christ. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/   We have a high-quality, deeply inspiring, truly original Advent devotional for you! Stephanie created this original video series for YOUR ADVENT season! It will draw you closer to Christ, and deeper into the presence of God.  It is comprised of 12 videos leading up to Christmas, and a gorgeous devotional PDF to accompany it. You will not want to miss out! Go to gospelspice.com/advent to download your FREE one-day sample, and/or purchase the Gospel Spice Advent devotional at an amazing price. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

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

Question 33: What is justification?  Answer: Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein He pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in His sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.  – Westminster Shorter Catechism

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

The first question in the Westminster Shorter Catechism is this: “What is the chief end of man?” I have found that the answer informs all that we are and everything we do in our lives. The answer is this: “To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Everything we do in life is an act of worship, and everything we do in life should be done to glorify God. This includes how we drive. This should cause us to think about the speed we drive, how we react to and interact with other drivers, and how we respond to traffic jams and slowdowns when we are in a hurry. Parents, as the one's who train our kids to drive, it's about more than how to operate an automobile. New findings from the 2023 Drowsy Driving Survey from the National Sleep Foundation found that one in six teens report driving drowsy during their first two years behind the wheel, and most believe that drowsy driving is not as dangerous while driving drunk or distracted. Parents, this is an aspect of driver training we mustn't avoid.

Who or what is God? It's the fourth question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism and a question that has puzzled man for centuries. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he explores this age-old question and points us to a rather simple answer from the first epistle of John. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29

Westminster Shorter Catechism question #26: How doth Christ execute the office of a king?Answer: Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. I. Christ's power over earthly kingdomsII. Christ's authority over earthly kingsIII. Christ's immutable decrees

Psalm 98:1-9, 2 Chronicles 7:11-9:31, 1 Corinthians 11:2-34. It is out of his love for you that God created you to worship According to the *Westminster Shorter Catechism*, humankind's ‘chief end is to glorify God and to *enjoy* him for ever'

Psalm 98:1-9, 2 Chronicles 7:14, 1 Corinthians 11:11-34. It is out of his love for you that God created you to worship According to the *Westminster Shorter Catechism*, humankind's ‘chief end is to glorify God and to *enjoy* him for ever'

The Reformed's Westminster Shorter Catechism, point #1, "What is the chief end of man? The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." That's a solid claim! I don't disagree, except it doesn't explain a deeper-still question, why did God create? What motivated Him? Was there a need in God to be glorified? Did God have a lack He needed to fill? Or does God express Himself through a kind of prodigal (wasteful, overspilling) love? I work through the traditional Protestant emphasis on the motivation of God and then suggest a better, more biblical, more Jesus-y answer. And then, because the majestic Lordship of Christ does not stop at the boundary of culture, I explain why I have been having numerous and regular dystopian nightmares where I awake in a fit of terror as demons lead me off into captivity. Come laugh and think with me!

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. This week on All of Life for God, Alex Diprima, author of “Spurgeon and the Poor,” unpacks how the Prince of Preachers' dedication to the gospel informed his Christ-like generosity. Listen to this insightful interview to learn how the church can meet physical needs without giving in to the social gospel.  Learn more about "One Man and One Woman" by Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley here.Learn more about "Glorifying and Enjoying God: 52 Devotions through the Westminster Shorter Catechism" by William Boekestein, Jonathan Landry Cruse, and Andrew J. Miller here.Learn more about the In the Word Bible Journal here. Learn more about the Puritan Treasures for Today here.Check out Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 4: Church and Last Things by Dr. Joel Beeke and Dr. Paul Smalley here.Learn more about the Family Worship Bible Guide here. Thank you for listening to All of Life for God by Reformation Heritage Books. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more, please consider subscribing and sharing with a friend. Reformation Heritage Books is a non-profit ministry that aims to strengthen the Church through Reformed, Puritan, and experiential literature. To learn more about this ministry and how to support us, please visit rhb.org.