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Condemning Violence: H.C. Question 107

Is it enough then that we do not murder our neighbor in any such way? 

Matthew 7:12 – So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 22:39 – And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Matthew 5:3-12– “Blessed are the poor in…

More than Murder: H.C. Question 106

Does this commandment refer only to murder? 

Proverbs 14:30 – A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Romans 1:29 – They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,

Romans 12:19– Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is…

The Sixth Commandment: H.C. Question 105

What is God’s will for you in the sixth commandment?

Genesis 9:6 – “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.”

Leviticus 19:17-18 – “‘Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.

“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love…

Honoring Authority: H.C. Lord’s Day 39

Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 39

Q 104: What is God’s will for you in the fifth commandment?  A 104: That I honor, love, and be loyal to my father and mother and all those in authority over me; that I submit myself with proper obedience to all their good teaching and discipline; and also that I be patient with their failings—for through them God chooses to rule us.

The notion of honoring those…

Matthew 13:31-34 “The Little Things”

There is no shortage of needs in the world today. Whether it is hurricane relief, earthquake recovery, the battle against hunger or poverty, or perhaps even standing against injustice, there is always something more we could be doing. Far too often, however, these momentous tasks are way too large for us to handle, and it frequently…

Matthew 18:21-35 “Debt Forgiveness”

The Kingdom of God/Heaven is one of the central parts of Jesus’ teaching during His earthly ministry. Over the next several weeks we will be looking at what Jesus meant and what the Bible refers to when the “Kingdom” is mentioned. We will also look at how this teaching impacts and transforms our lives through the message of the…

Honor your Parents: H.C Question 104 (Part 2)

What is God’s will for you in the fifth commandment? 

Colossians 3:18-4:1 – Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and…

Honor your Parents: H.C Question 104 (Part 1)

What is God’s will for you in the fifth commandment? 

Exodus 21:17 – Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.

Proverbs 1:8 – Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

Proverbs 4:1 – Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

Romans 13:1-8 – Let everyone be subject to the governing…

Sabbath Trust: H.C. Lord’s Day 38

Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 38

Q 103. What is God’s will for you in the fourth commandment?  A 103. First, that the gospel ministry and education for it be maintained, and that, especially on the festive day of rest, I diligently attend the assembly of God’s people to learn what God’s Word teaches, to participate in the sacraments, to pray to God publicly, and to bring Christian offerings for…

Sabbath: H.C. Question 103 (Part 2)

What is God’s will for you in the fourth commandment? 

  1 Corinthians 11:23-25– For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new…

Sabbath: H.C. Question 103 (Part 1)

What is God’s will for you in the fourth commandment? 

Deuteronomy 6:4-9– Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you…

Place your hand on the Bible… H.C. Lord’s Day 37

Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 37

Q. But may we swear an oath in God’s name if we do it reverently? A. Yes, when the government demands it, or when necessity requires it, in order to maintain and promote truth and trustworthiness for God’s glory and our neighbor’s good.

Such oaths are grounded in God’s Word and were rightly used by the people of God in the Old and New Testaments.

Q. May we also…

“In the name of…” H.C. Question 102

May we also swear by saints or other creatures? 

Romans 9:1 – I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit—

2 Corinthians 1:23 – I call God as my witness—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.

Matthew 5:34-37– But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s…

Oaths: H.C. Question 101

But may we swear an oath in God’s name if we do it reverently? 

Deuteronomy 6:13 – Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.

Deuteronomy 10:20 – Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.

Jeremiah 4:1-2– “If you, Israel, will return, then return to me,” declares the Lord.  “If you put your detestable idols out of my sight…

Holy Name: H.C. Lord’s Day 36

Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 36

Q 99. What is the aim of the third commandment? A 99. That we neither blaspheme nor misuse the name of God by cursing, perjury, or unnecessary oaths, nor share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders.

In summary, we should use the holy name of God only with reverence and awe, so that we may properly confess God, pray to God, and glorify God in all our…

Swear Words: H.C. Question 100

Is blasphemy of God’s name by swearing and cursing really such serious sin that God is angry also with those who do not do all they can to help prevent and forbid it? 

Leviticus 5:1 – “‘If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible.

Leviticus 24:10-17 – Now the son of an…

The Third Commandment: H.C. Question 99

What is the aim of the third commandment? 

Leviticus 24:10-17– Now the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father went out among the Israelites, and a fight broke out in the camp between him and an Israelite. The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with a curse; so they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri the Danite.) They put him in…