​‎1. Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art: Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
‎2. Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word; I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord: Thou mine inheritance, now and always: Thou my great Father, I Thy true son, Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
‎3. Riches I heed not, or man's empty praise, Thou mine inheritance, now and always: Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.
‎4. High King of heaven, my victory won, May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my vision, O Ruler of all. Amen.

‎1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suff'ring and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain.
‎2. Oh that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, Has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above, To bear it to dark Calvary.
‎3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, A wondrous beauty I see; For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, To pardon and sanctify me.
‎4. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He'll call me some day to my home far away, Where His glory for ever I'll share.
‎Chorus. So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown.

​‎1. Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not; Thy compassions, they fail not, As Thou hast been Thou forever shall be.
‎2. Summer and winter, springtime and harvest, Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness, To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
‎3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.
‎Chorus. Great is Thy faithfulness. Great is Thy faithfulness. Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

​‎1. I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back, no turning back.
‎2. Tho' none go with me, I still will follow; Tho' none go with me, I still will follow; Tho' none go with me, I still will follow; No turning back, no turning back.
‎3. My cross I'll carry, till I see Jesus; My cross I'll carry, till I see Jesus; My cross I'll carry, till I see Jesus; No turning back, no turning back.

‎1. All creatures of our God and King Lift up your voice and with us sing, Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam, Thou silver moon with softer gleam! O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
‎2. Thou rushing wind that art so strong, Ye clouds that sail in heav'n along, O praise Him! Alleluia! Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, Ye lights of evening, find a voice! O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
‎3. And all ye men of tender heart, Forgiving others, take your part, O sing ye! Alleluia! Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, Praise God and on Him cast your care! O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
‎4. Let all things their Creator bless, And worship Him in humbleness, O praise Him! Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, And praise the Spirit, Three in One! O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

‎1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation purchase of God;
Born of the Spirit washed in His blood
‎
Chorus. This is my story this is my song
Praising my Saviour all the day long;
This is my story this is my song
Praising my Saviour all the day long

‎2. Perfect submission perfect delight
Visions of rapture burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy whispers of love

‎3. Perfect submission all is at rest
I in my Saviour am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting looking above
Filled with His goodness lost in His love.

​

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.
1 Cor. 10:31; Rom. 11:36; Ps. 73:25-28.

Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
2 Tim. 3:16; Eph. 2:20; 1 John 1:3-4.

Q. 3. What do the Scriptures principally teach?
A. The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.
2 Tim. 1:13; 2 Tim. 3:16.

Q. 4. What is God?
A. God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
John 4:24; Job 11:7-9; Ps. 90:2; Jas. 1:17; Ex. 3:14; Ps. 147:5; Rev. 4:8; 15:4; Ex. 34:6-7.

Q. 5. Are there more Gods than one?
A. There is but one only, the living and true God.
Deut. 6:4; Jer. 10:10.

Q. 6. How many persons are there in the Godhead?
A. There are three persons in the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
1 John 5:7; Matt. 28:19.

Q. 7. What are the decrees of God?
A. The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes
to pass.
Eph. 1:4,11; Rom. 9:22-23.

Q. 8. How doth God execute his decrees?
A. God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence.
Ps. 148:8; Isa. 40:26; Dan. 4:35; Acts 4:24-28, Rev. 4:11

Q. 9. What is the work of creation?
A. The work of creation is, God’s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good.
Gen. 1; Heb. 11:3.

Q. 10. How did God create man?
A. God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
Gen. 1:26-28; Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:24.

Q. 11. What are God’s works of providence?
A. God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.
Ps. 145:17; Ps. 104:24; Isa. 28:29; Heb. 1:3; Ps. 103:19; Matt. 10:29-31.

Q. 12. What special act of providence did God exercise toward man in the estate wherein he was created?
A. When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience; forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death.
Gal. 3:12; Gen. 2:17.

Q. 13. Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?
A. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.
Gen. 3:6-8, 13; Ecc. 7:29.

Q. 14. What is sin?
A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.
1 John 3:4.

Q. 15. What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created?
A. The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created, was their eating the forbidden fruit.
Gen. 3:6, 12.

Q. 16. Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?
A. The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity; all mankind, descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression.
Gen. 2:16-17; Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:21-22.

Q. 17. Into what estate did the fall bring mankind?
A. The fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.
Rom. 5:12.

Q. 18. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?
A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.
Rom. 5:12, 19; Rom. 5:10-20; Eph. 2:1-3; Jas. 1:14-15; Matt. 15:19.

Q. 19. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?
A. All mankind, by their fall, lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever.
Gen. 3:8, 10, 24; Eph. 2:2-3; Gal. 3:10; Lam. 3:39; Rom. 6:23; Matt. 25:41, 46.

Q. 20. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?
A. God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.
Eph. 1:4; Rom. 3:20-22; Gal. 3:21-22.

Q. 21. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
A. The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, for ever.
1 Tim. 2:5-6; John 1:14; Gal. 4:4; Rom. 9:5; Luke 1:35; Col. 2:9; Heb. 7:24-25.

Q. 22. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
A. Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.
Heb. 2:14, 16; Heb. 10:5; Matt. 26:38; Luke 1:27, 31, 35, 42; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 4:15; Heb. 7:26.

Q. 23. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?
A. Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.
Acts 3:21-22; Heb. 12:25 with 2 Cor. 13:3; Heb. 5:5-7; Heb. 7:25; Ps. 2:6; Isa. 9:6-7; Matt. 21:5; Ps. 2:8-11.

Q. 24. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.
John 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; John 15:15; John 20:31.

Q. 25. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us.
Heb. 9:14, 28; Heb. 2:17; Heb. 7:24-25.

Q. 26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A. 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.
Acts 15:14-16; Isa. 33:22; Isa. 32:1-2; 1 Cor. 15:25.

Q. 27. Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?
A. Christ’s humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.
Luke 2:7; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 12:2-3; Isa. 53:2-3; Luke 22:44; Matt. 27:46; Phil. 2:8; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Acts 2:24-27, 31.

Q. 28. Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation?
A. Christ’s exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.
1 Cor. 15:4; Mark 16:19; Eph. 1:20; Acts 1:11; Acts 17:31.

Q. 29. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?
A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.
John 1:11-12; Titus 3:5-6.

Q. 30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.
Eph. 1:13-14; John 6:37, 39; Eph. 2:8; Eph. 3:17; 1 Cor. 1:9.

Q. 31. What is effectual calling?
A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.
2 Tim. 1:9; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 2:37; Acts 26:18; Ezek. 36:26-27; John 6:44-45; Phil. 2:13.

Q. 32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?
A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, sanctification, and the several benefits which, in this life, do either accompany or flow from them.
Rom. 8:30; Eph. 1:5; 1 Cor. 1:26, 30.

Q. 33. What is justification?
A. 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.
Rom. 3:24-25; Rom. 4:6-8; 2 Cor. 5:19, 21; Rom. 5:17-19; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9.

Q. 34. What is adoption?
A. Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges, of the sons of God.
1 John 3:1; John 1:12; Rom. 8:17.

Q. 35. What is sanctification?
A. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.
2 Thess. 2:13; Eph. 4:23-24; Rom. 6:4, 6; Rom. 8:1.

Q. 36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?
A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.
Rom. 5:1-2, 5; Rom. 14:17; Prov. 4:18; 1 John 5:13; 1 Pet. 1:5.

Q. 37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?
A. The souls of believers are, at their death, made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves until the resurrection.
Heb. 12:23; 2 Cor. 5:1, 6, 8; Phil. 1:23; Luke 23:43; 1 Thess. 4:14; Isa. 57:2;
Job 19:26-27.

Q. 38. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
A. At the resurrection, believers, being raised up to glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God to all eternity.
1 Cor. 15:43; Matt. 25:23; Matt. 10:32; 1 John 3:2; 1 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 4:17-18.

Q. 39. What is the duty which God requireth of man?
A. The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will.
Mic. 6:8; 1 Sam. 15:22.

Q. 40. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?
A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience, was the moral law.
Rom. 2:14-15; Rom. 10:5.

Q. 41. Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?
A. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments.
Deut. 10:4; Matt. 19:17.

Q. 42. What is the sum of the ten commandments?
A. The sum of the ten commandments is, to love the Lord our God, with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbor as ourselves.
Matt. 22:37-40.

Q. 43. What is the preface to the ten commandments?
A. The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Ex. 20:2.

Q. 44. What doth the preface to the ten commandments teach us?
A. The preface to the ten commandments teacheth us, that because God is the Lord, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his commandments.
Luke 1:74-75; 1 Pet. 1:15-19.

Q. 45. Which is the first commandment?
A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Ex. 20:3.

Q. 46. What is required in the first commandment?
A. The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God, and to worship and glorify him accordingly.
1 Chr 28:9; Deut. 26:17; Matt. 4:10; Ps. 29:2.

Q. 47. What is forbidden in the first commandment?
A. The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying, the true God as God, and our God; and the giving of that worship and glory to any other, which is due to him alone.
Ps. 14:1; Rom. 1:21; Ps. 81:10-11; Rom. 1:25-26.

Q. 48. What are we specially taught by these words, before me,” in the first commandment?
A. These words, before me,” in the first commandment teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God.
Ezek. 8:5-18; Ps. 44:20-21.

Q. 49. Which is the second commandment?
A. The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me: and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Ex. 20:4-6.

Q. 50. What is required in the second commandment?
A. The second commandment requireth the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath appointed in his Word.
Deut. 32:46; Matt. 28:20; Acts 2:42.

Q. 51. What is forbidden in the second commandment?
A. The second commandment forbiddeth the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his Word.
Deut. 4:15-19; Ex. 32:5, 8; Deut. 12:31-32.

Q. 52. What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment?
A. The reasons annexed to the second commandment are, God’s sovereignty over us, his propriety in us, and the zeal he hath to his own worship.
Ps. 95:2-3, 6; Ps. 45:11; Ex. 34:13-14.

Q. 53. Which is the third commandment?
A. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Ex. 20:7.

Q. 54. What is required in the third commandment?
A. The third commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of God’s names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works.
Matt. 6:9; Deut. 28:58; Ps. 68:4; Rev. 15:3-4; Mal. 1:11, 14; Ps. 138:1-2; Job 36:24.

Q. 55. What is forbidden in the third commandment?
A. The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of anything whereby God maketh himself known.
Mal. 1:6-7, 12; Mal. 2:2; Mal. 3:14.

Q. 56. What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?
A. The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment.
1 Sam. 2:12, 17, 22, 29; 1 Sam. 3:13; Deut. 28:58-59.

Q. 57. Which is the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment is, Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day, and hallowed it.
Ex. 20:8-11.

Q. 58. What is required in the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy Sabbath to himself.
Deut. 5:12-14.

Q. 59. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath?
A. 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.
Gen. 2:2-3; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 20:7.

Q. 60. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?
A. 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.
Ex. 20:8, 10; Ex. 16:25-28; Neh. 13:15-19, 21-22; Luke 4:16; Acts 20:7; Ps. 92 title; Isa. 66:23; Matt. 12:1-13.

Q. 61. What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission, or careless performance, of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations.
Ezek. 22:26; Amos 8:5; Mal. 1:13; Acts 20:7, 9; Ezek. 23:38; Jer. 17:24-26; Isa. 58:13.

Q. 62. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment?
A. 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.
Ex. 20:9, 11.

Q. 63. Which is the fifth commandment?
A. 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.
Ex. 20:12.

Q. 64. What is required in the fifth commandment?
A. 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.
Eph. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:17; Rom. 12:10.

Q. 65. What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing anything against, the honor and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations.
Matt. 15:4-6; Ezek. 34:2-4; Rom. 13:8.

Q. 66. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?
A. 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.
Deut. 5:16; Eph. 6:2-3.

Q. 67. Which is the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.
Ex. 20:13.

Q. 68. What is required in the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others.
Eph. 5:28-29; 1 Kings 18:4.

Q. 69. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.
Acts 16:28; Gen. 9:6.

Q. 70. What is the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Ex. 20:14.

Q. 71. What is required in the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbor’s chastity, in heart, speech, and behaviour.
1 Cor. 7:2-3, 5, 34, 36; Col. 4:6; 1 Pet. 3:2.

Q. 72. What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.
Matt. 15:19; Matt. 5:28; Eph. 5:3-4.

Q. 73. Which is the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.
Ex. 20:15.

Q. 74. What is required in the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.
Gen. 30:30; 1 Tim. 5:8; Lev. 25:35; Deut. 22:1-5; Ex. 23:4-5; Gen. 47:14, 20.

Q. 75. What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth, or may, unjustly hinder our own, or our neighbor’s, wealth, or outward estate.
Prov. 21:17; Prov. 23:20-21; Prov. 28:19; Eph. 4:28.

Q. 76. Which is the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Ex. 20:16.

Q. 77. What is required in the ninth commandment?
A. 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.
Zech. 8:16; 3 John 1:12; Prov. 14:5, 25.

Q. 78. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbor’s good name.
1 Sam. 17:28; Lev. 19:16; Ps. 15:3.

Q. 79. Which is the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.
Ex. 20:17.

Q. 80. What is required in the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbor, and all that is his.
Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:6; Job 31:29; Rom. 12:15; 1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Cor. 13:4-7.

Q. 81. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor, and all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.
1 Kings 21:4; Esther 5:13; 1 Cor. 10:10; Gal. 5:26; Jas. 3:14, 16; Rom. 7:7-8; Rom. 13:9; Deut. 5:21.

Q. 82. Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
A. No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed.
Ecc. 7:20; 1 John 1:8, 10; Gal. 5:17; Gen. 6:5; Gen. 8:21; Rom. 3:9-21; Jas. 3:2-13.

Q. 83. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?
A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.
Ezek. 8:6, 13, 15; 1 John 5:16; Ps. 78:17, 32, 56.

Q. 84. What doth every sin deserve?
A. Every sin deserveth God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come.
Eph. 5:6; Gal. 3:10; Lam. 3:39; Matt. 25:41.

Q. 85. What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin?
A. To escape the wrath and curse of God, due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.
Acts 20:21; Prov. 2:1-5; Prov. 8:33-36; Isa. 55:3.

Q. 86. What is faith in Jesus Christ?
A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.
Heb. 10:39; John 1:12; Isa. 26:3-4; Phil. 3:9; Gal. 2:16.

Q. 87. What is repentance unto life?
A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavor after, new obedience.
Acts 11:18; Acts 2:37-38; Joel 2:12; Jer. 3:22; Jer. 31:18-19; Ezek. 36:31; 2 Cor. 7:11; Isa. 1:16-17.

​Q. 88. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?
A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, Sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.
Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:42, 46-47.

Q. 89. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?
A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching, of the Word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation.
Neh. 8:8; 1 Cor. 14:24-25; Acts 26:18; Ps. 19:8; Acts 20:32; Rom. 15:4; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Rom. 10:13-17; Rom. 1:16.

Q. 90. How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation?
A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.
Prov. 8:34; 1 Pet. 2:1-2; Ps. 119:18; Heb. 4:2; 2 Thess. 2:10; Ps. 119:11; Luke 8:15; Jas. 1:25.

Q. 91. How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation?
A. The Sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them.
1 Pet. 3:21; Matt. 3:11; 1 Cor. 3:6-7; 1 Cor. 12:13.

Q. 92. What is a Sacrament?
A. A Sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ and the benefits of the new covenant are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.
Gen. 17:7, 10; Ex. 12; 1 Cor. 11:23, 26.

Q. 93. Which are the Sacraments of the New Testament?
A. The Sacraments of the New Testament are Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper.
Matt. 28:19; Matt. 26:26-28.

Q. 94. What is Baptism?
A. Baptism is a Sacrament, wherein the washing with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord’s.
Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:4; Gal. 3:27.

Q. 95. To whom is Baptism to be administered?
A. Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible Church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible Church are to be baptized.
Acts 8:36-37; Acts 2:38-39; Gen. 17:10 with Col. 2:11-12; 1 Cor. 7:14.

Q. 96. What is the Lord’s Supper?
A. The Lord’s Supper is a Sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ’s appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace.
1 Cor. 11:23-26; 1 Cor. 10:16.

Q. 97. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper?
A. It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord’s Supper, that they examine themselves, of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.
1 Cor. 11:28-29; 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Cor. 11:31; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 1 Cor. 5:7-8.

Q. 98. What is prayer?
A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.
Ps. 62:8; 1 John 5:14; John 16:23; Ps. 32:5-6; Dan. 9:4; Phil. 4:6.

Q. 99. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?
A. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer, but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called, The Lord’s Prayer.
1 John 5:14; Matt. 6:9-13 with Luke 11:2-4.

Q. 100. What doth the preface of the Lord’s Prayer teach us?
A. The preface of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, Our Father which art in heaven,” teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us; and that we should pray with and for others.
Matt. 6:9; Rom. 8:15; Luke 11:13; Acts 12:5; 1 Tim. 2:1-2.

Q. 101. What do we pray for in the first petition?
A. In the first petition, which is, Hallowed be thy name,” we pray, that God would enable us, and others, to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself known, and that he would dispose all things to his own glory.
Matt. 6:9; Ps. 67:2-3; Ps. 83.

Q. 102. What do we pray for in the second petition?
A. In the second petition, which is, Thy kingdom come,” we pray, that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed; and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it; and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.
Matt. 6:10; Ps. 68:1, 18; Rev. 12:10-11; 2 Thess. 3:1; Rom. 10:1; John 17:9,20; Rev. 22:20.

Q. 103. What do we pray for in the third petition?
A. In the third petition, which is, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven,” we pray, that God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will in all things, as the angels do in heaven.
Matt. 6:10; Ps. 67; Ps. 119:36; Matt. 26:39; 2 Sam. 15:25; Job. 1:21; Ps. 103:20-21.

Q. 104. What do we pray for in the fourth petition?
A. In the fourth petition, which is, Give us this day our daily bread,” we pray, that of God’s free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and enjoy his blessing with them.
Matt. 6:11; Prov. 30:8-9; Gen. 28:20; 1 Tim. 4:4-5.

Q. 105. What do we pray for in the fifth petition?
A. In the fifth petition, which is, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” we pray, that God, for Christ’s sake, would freely pardon all our sins; which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.
Matt. 6:12; Ps. 51:1-2, 7, 9; Dan. 9:17-19; Luke 11:4; Matt. 18:35.

Q. 106. What do we pray for in the sixth petition?
A. In the sixth petition, which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” we pray, that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.
Matt. 6:12; Matt. 26:41; 2 Cor. 12:7-8.

Q. 107. What doth the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer teach us?
A. The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen,” teacheth us to take our encouragement in prayer from God only, and in our prayers to praise him, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to him; and in testimony of our desire and assurance to be heard, we say, Amen.
Matt. 6:13; Dan. 9:4-9, 16-19; 1 Chr 29:10-13; 1 Cor. 14:16; Rev. 22:20-21.

What happens when there is a delta (difference) between where you think you ought to be financially, in your career, in your health, and in your life, and where you are today? The prosperity gospel promises all sorts of financial rewards, and every manner of Blessing, yet many Christians find themselves lacking and wanting more. They somehow feel let down because they did not get what they wanted. They feel like the Church let them down. Well, I have news for you...it is not anyone's fault, and certainly not the Church's.  In this world you will have trouble. Nobody gets through this world entirely unscathed in one regard or another. Anyone who promises you otherwise is a snake charmer and not a Pastor. Yes, by believing in the name of Jesus you will have eternal life, but what does that look like before you die...while you are still alive on this planet? The answer varies upon who you ask. Some, who are believers obtain Blessings upon Blessings while they are still here on this earth. These people are generally children of parents with a strong Christian faith  who have poured into the Church all their lives, and with no generational curses to break. These people enjoy Generational Blessings, and their children and their children's children experience Generational Blessings. Generational curses on the other hand can take a while to break and have the ability to keep coming back to haunt believers. (more on this in a later message) The sure way to defeat generational curses is not to blame anyone, but to become heavily involved in the Church. Tithe more than you are required to, volunteer every opportunity you get, and bring others to faith in Christ. By doing this you are sowing Blessings not only into your own life, but into the lives of your children and their children. No time, talent or treasure sowed into the Kingdom of God is ever wasted. God sees all you have done for His Kingdom and your rewards will be great in His Kingdom.  

So, what happens when a believer has unmet needs in this world? They are ripe for the evil one to fulfill those needs. Solace might come from unexpected places and sometimes it can come from agents of darkness and evil. "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 I have spoken about the need to put on our spiritual armor at all times ( https://www.paulsgospel.org/motd/the-armor-of-god ) and here ( https://www.paulsgospel.org/motd/a-wicked-and-perverse-generation-is-this ) so believer, do what is needed to ensure you have your armor fastened strong and tight so no wickedness can penetrate it. Measure every source of advise, comfort and avenue of fulfillment against these questions: Is this from God? Is this God honoring? Is this compatible with the Word of God, the Bible? Finally, remember these words of Jesus "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

​‎1. A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never-failing; Our helper he amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great; And armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.
‎2. Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing; Were not the right Man on our side, The Man of God's own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he, Lord Sabaoth his name, From age to age the same, And he must win the battle.
‎3. And though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, For lo! his doom is sure; One little word shall fell him.
‎4. That Word above all earthly powers, No thanks to them, abideth; The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through him who with us sideth; Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still; His kingdom is for ever.

Today is Memorial Day. On this day we Honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We honor our dead soldiers. Indeed, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 and we must remember this not only this weekend, but every day of every week of every month of every year. As Americans it is our responsibility to acknowledge and honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Freedom is not free and those who served and died while serving our great nation deserve our ultimate respect and honor. 

This morning I was sitting with my sweetheart at a resort we were visiting for Memorial Day weekend. Our second floor balcony room overlooked a small parking lot. As we sat there on the second floor balcony in the early morning hours before Church Service we witnessed a couple walk out of the building we were staying in and walk to their car. There was a baby, perhaps a year old in his father's arms, who looked to be in perfect peace. He had no worries of this world at all. All he knew was peace. The peace that came from perfect bliss and ignorance of this world's cares. A peace which surpassed all understanding. A peace which we have when we are in our Heavenly Father's arms. God our Father who grants us peace through his son Jesus gives us everlasting peace --- a peace which surpasses all understanding. Yet we choose to go elsewhere looking for peace and joy --- an error even the very wise sometimes make. 

So let us define the word peace. PEACE (שָׁלוֹם, shalom; εἰρήνη, eirēnē). A pervasive concept in the Bible that most commonly relates to a relationship of love and loyalty with God and one another.

Key passages from the Bible which relate to peace:
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: For thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: Because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3
"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, Good will toward men." John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Romans 5:1
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Philippians 4:7
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Indeed Jesus gives us peace. We know peace in Him and through Him. Let us then not seek the things of the world to give us peace and joy. Let us seek the one who gives us everlasting peace. 

Beloved, I know many people who like repetition. They like to repeat the same old mistakes over and over and over again. However, in the religious life of a believer, there can be, and are, inflection points. Baptism is one such inflection point. What this means is that whatever mistakes were made prior to a person's Baptism generally should not be repeated. Baptism creates a new creature --- a new human being in essence. What was old has passed and the new has appeared. Old things are gone. The new has come. Read more about Baptism here... https://www.paulsgospel.org/motd/on-adult-baptism This talks about baby and adult Baptism.

Now, I know absolutely crazy people who like to repeat the same things in their lives over and over and over again and learn no lessons from their mistakes. Folks, these people absolutely don't learn. They keep repeating the same mistakes all the while expecting different results. As someone famous once said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Jesus famously spoke the following words "Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 What he meant by this was that once you accept Jesus into your life and are Baptized, if you consider another God other than YHWH or His son Jesus, there is nothing left but condemnation for you and you are unfit for the Kingdom of God. So say you were walking in the Spiritual blindness of a different religion, and saw the light of Jesus and accepted Him into your life and were converted, but then decided to abandon Christ and embrace that old religion again, you would not be worthy of the Kingdom of God. Beloved, make no mistake -- you must choose. Baptism is an inflection point from where there is no return. Once you are Baptized you are a Christian and accepting any other religion than the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) after that point will condemn you to Hell. 

Are you an extrovert like me? Do you like to speak? Do you love to tell a good story...perhaps the story of your life, the story of how you came to faith in Christ, the story of how you met your spouse, or some other story near and dear to you? Do you love entertaining an audience with your gift of gab? Do you love going on and on and on about this and that, everything from the weather to your opinion on the politician running for office? I do. Most people I know engage in what we call small-talk. It may be serious, or it may just be making casual conversation. At times do you throw in statements you do not mean to say in the heat of the moment? I know I do. Perhaps you were angry? Perhaps bitter? Perhaps tired? Perhaps overworked? Perhaps depressed? Perhaps provoked? Perhaps resentful or sorrowful? Perhaps hurting? Perhaps feeling wronged? Perhaps feeling judged or unwanted or feeling not valued? In the heat of the moment did you say something which you later came to regret? The Bible cautions us about the power of the tongue and the need to tame it. We could all learn from it, myself included. 

We could learn a thing or two from the life and example of Jesus. You see, the Bible teaches us that Jesus did not speak unnecessarily, and when he did speak, words of wisdom came out of his mouth. The tongue can be used to praise God and sing of His glory. Indeed the tongue can be used for good just as it can for evil, and it can also be used by God mightily to spread the Gospel. So, consider these Bible verses, relevant to speaking, speech and the tongue:

"Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether." Psalm 139:4
Indeed, the LORD knows what we are about to say even before we say it. He who created us and is above all knowledge and wisdom and knows us inside and out. 
"The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them." Luke 12:12
"Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11
"Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right." Psalm 119:172
"my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies." Job 27:4
"Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue." Psalm 120:2
"Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones." Proverbs 25:15
"And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness. And of Your praise all the day long." Psalm 35:28
"There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health." Proverbs 12:18
"Four manner of things appear: good and evil, life and death: but the tongue ruleth over them continually." Sirach 37:18
"The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice." Psalm 37:30
"Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord" Psalm 15:1-4
"The Spirit of the LORD speaks through me. His Word is upon my tongue" 2 Samuel 23:2
"You shall be hidden from the lash of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes." Job 5:21
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26
"Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God." Luke 1:64

Warning Verses about the tongue:
"Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!" Psalm 34:13
"There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family." Proverbs 6:16-19
"The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth." Proverbs 10:20
"You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue." Psalm 52:4
"Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble." Proverbs 21:23
"Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully; with his mouth each speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he plans an ambush for him." Jeremiah 9:8
"Your mouth is filled with wickedness, and your tongue is full of lies." Psalm 50:19
"The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off." Proverbs 10:31
"Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but many more have fallen because of the tongue." Sirach 28:18
"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly." Proverbs 15:2
"Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4
"What will He give to you, and what more will He do to you, You deceitful tongue?" Psalm 120:3
"I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue." Psalm 66:17
"May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that speaks great things; who have said, 'With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?' " Psalm 12:3-4
"from the deep belly of Hades, from an unclean tongue and lying words, the slander of an unrighteous tongue to the king." Sirach 51:5
"The blow of a whip leaves a welt, but the blow of the tongue will break bones." Sirach 28:17
"The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks." Proverbs 25:23
"Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander." Proverbs 17:4
"A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin." Proverbs 26:28
"Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue." Proverbs 28:23​
"A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin." Proverbs 26:28
"For the word is a lamp. The teaching is a light, and strong words that punish are the way of life. They keep you from the sinful woman, from the smooth tongue of a sinful woman. Do not desire her beauty in your heart. Do not let her catch you with her eyes." Proverbs 6:23-25
"Speaking brings glory or dishonor. Indeed, the tongue can be a person’s downfall." Sirach 5:13
"Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment." Proverbs 12:19
"A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; the downfall of the wicked will occur just as speedily." Sirach 20:18
"We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:3-8 

Even Jesus had a few choice words to say about the destructive nature of the tongue:
"Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” Matthew 15:17-20


In my own personal experience in this life here on earth, you will be condemned for everything you say and for everything you do, either right away or many years later. So be careful about what you say and do because you will have to give account for it sooner or later. 

​To be continued....

-----------------------------

​Note: The Wisdom of Sirach, Book of Sirach, Ben Sira, or simply Sirach (/ˈsaɪræk/), is a Jewish work, originally in Hebrew, of ethical teachings, from approximately 200 to 175 BC, written by the Judahite scribe Ben Sira of Jerusalem, on the inspiration of his father Joshua son of Sirach. Sirach is accepted as part of the Canon by Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and most of Oriental Orthodox Christians. The Anglican tradition considers Sirach (which was published with other Greek Jewish books in a separate section of the King James Bible) among the apocryphal books, and read them "for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet [do] not apply them to establish any doctrine." The Lutheran Churches take a similar position. It was cited in some writings in early Christianity. There are claims that it is cited in the Epistle of James, and also the non-canonical Didache (iv. 5) and Epistle of Barnabas (xix. 9). Clement of Alexandria and Origen quote from it repeatedly, as from a γραφή (Scripture).

On November 27, 2021 I first wrote a message here on Prayer (​https://www.paulsgospel.org/motd/on-prayer-part-1) and spoke about John Bunyan's 640-Page Book “A discourse touching Prayer" While it is rather long, I promised you a summary of it, and I am now ready to deliver on that promise. In his book, Bunyan states that “Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart or soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit, for such things as God hath promised, or according to the Word, for the good of the church, with submission, in faith, to the will of God.”

I horrendously despise the fact that someone leaked a non-published opinion of the Supreme Court. As someone who has been a victim of leaked information in the past, I believe the perpetrator should be punished for their actions. Yet the fact is that here we are, face to face with the consequences of the leak. While there are serious political ramifications of the leak, this is not a political website and therefore the politics of the opinion are outside the scope of discussion.

There are, however, serious religious ramifications. I believe God is smiling at the moment. I do not believe for a moment that abortion should be legal. We are created in the image of God, and all human life is sacred. Especially here in the United States where couples wanting to adopt a baby have to go through massive amounts of red tape, and then when they realize that the wait and red tape is too long, they end up travelling to China or Africa or some other part of the world to adopt from where the process is easy and quick. It would behoove us to repeal Roe vs. Wade and make adopting an American baby as easy as applying for a credit card or taking a trip to the doctor's office. Indeed, many infertile American couples wait years to adopt while pregnant women not wanting to keep their baby hurry to organizations such as Planned Parenthood to get an abortion. It is a sad tale of death by bureaucracy.

There are serious consequences of murder, and abortion is murder. The relevant scripture is here:
​
"Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" Genesis 1:26
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:13-14
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." Psalm 127:3
"I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb" Jeremiah 1:5
"Whosoever sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man." Genesis 9:6
"You shall not murder” Exodus 20:13
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations" Jeremiah 1:5
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." Psalm 139:13-16
"And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:41-44
"And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger." Luke 2:12-16


Needless to say, I would encourage the repeal of this act. It will save a lot of human lives. 

A wicked and perverse generation is this. The times are evil and hence it is even more important to follow God's commands. Below are just a few of the evil things people like me and my friends' circle have witnessed recently:
1. Evil doctrinal theories about time, and the travelling backwards in time, not forward. 
2. Saints of the Church being ridiculed, and wickedly called atheist and evil.
3. Saints' private journals of past regrets being held open to the whole wide world to see and glare at. 
4. Wickedness among the powerful to try to suppress the pure at heart. 
5. People attempting to yoke the Saints of the Church with unbelievers in order to bring them to nothing. 

Beloved, Spiritual warfare is real. Satan our arch-enemy lives, and would like nothing more than for us to forsake the path God has laid out for us, and go astray. Scripture cautioned us against all of these things a very long time ago. Therefore, put on the Whole Armor of God:

The Whole Armor of God

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." Ephesians 6:10-18

Beloved, the Spiritual Battle is real. It is not played out against those who are in the world, as they belong to Satan already, and death is their final destination. It is played out against the Saints and the people of God destined for eternal life. The stronger you are in faith the bigger the arrows the enemy fires at you. In the final analysis your Spiritual armor is what protects you from the evil one. Keep your armor at hand and use it often, because the evil one can and will throw fiery darts at you, you can bet on it. 

Folks the reason I have not been posting recently is because I have been sick lately and going through lots and lots of tests, surgery and therapy. Thankfully the doctors have permitted me to work through the treatment and I am going about my regular routine as normal. I am battling a physical ailment which some of my closest friends and family have been praying earnestly about. If it be God's will, I will be much better soon and begin to post on a daily basis again. If you feel the urge to pray for me, it would be hugely appreciated. Please do not ask me for any details. If you want to help, just pray for me. 

Yet, I felt the need to post today, because of something terrible which took place between Sunday and yesterday. I accidentally blamed the wrong man, who I hardly knew, for something which happened on Sunday morning that normally should not have bothered me, but triggered some very deep emotional hurt from the past. 

Dear Lord,

I confess that I have sinned. I still have some lingering emotional wounds from my past. Wounds which trigger hurt. I unloaded my frustration and anger from something that happened on Sunday morning onto someone innocent --- Someone I didn't even know very well, yesterday. Lord, heal my wounds, both emotional and physical, as only you are able. Lord, your word says that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. Father, please forgive me for my sin. I repent of it, and will try never to do it again.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Remember what James says: "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." James 1:19-20

The evil one (Satan) is a deceiver. He deceives and confuses and obfuscates and messes with your head. He wants you to become jealous, angry, upset, and take away your joy. He is more powerful than you think. Beware the evil one. 

Read St. Luke 23:50–56


1. When Our Lady’s mournful task was finished, the body of Jesus was laid in the new tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, there to remain until the hour of its joyful resurrection. Let us contemplate it as it lies there: disfigured by countless wounds and scars; so apparently helpless, yet none the less the joy of God and worthy of our highest adoration. Passive and cold and motionless, but soon to be radiant with the most dazzling beauty; dead, but living with a divine life. Learn from this (a) the glory of suffering; (b) the power of apparent helplessness when God is with us; (c) the beauty of passive obedience; (d) the true life of those who are dead to the world.
2. What was Our Lord doing while thus apparently inactive in the silent tomb? He was beginning His work of triumph, delivering countless souls from purgatory and from limbo, consoling the patriarchs and prophets, fulfilling His promise of paradise to the good thief, trampling on Satan and changing the kingdoms of this world into the kingdoms of God and of His Christ. So it is with us. When we seem useless and doing nothing, we are often really doing the greatest things for God.
3. The tomb where Christ is laid is to be the model of my soul when I receive holy Communion: silent from all din of earthly things, cleansed from all stain of sin by a good confession and firm resolution to amend, dedicated to Him alone, His sacred body embalmed by my love, and wrapped in the clean winding-sheet of purity of intention. Thus will His presence there be the pledge of my resurrection with Him.


Source: Clarke, R. F. (1889). The Sacred Passion of Jesus Christ: Short Meditations for Every Day in Lent (p. 52). Benziger Brothers.

Read St. Mark 15:38–46


1. No sooner is the sacrifice consummated and the last drop of the precious blood shed from Our Lord’s Sacred Heart, than all is changed. That lifeless body is now treated with the utmost respect and veneration. See how gently and carefully Joseph and Nicodemus wind linen bands around the limbs and lower it to the ground, reverently adoring that body which had only a few hours before been a laughing-stock and object of contempt. Hence-forth no more ignominy, no more contempt, no more ill-usage, but the love and adoration of saints and angels to all eternity.
2. Our Lady receives the body of her Son. What were her thoughts as she gazes into the five wounds, and sees how from head to foot it is covered with gaping wounds and bruises, battered out of all shape by the cruelty of man? O Mother of Sorrows, great as an ocean is thy sorrow! What can be thy hatred of sin when thou seest what it has wrought in the divine beauty of thy spotless Son! What a mixture of agonized compassion and mournful sorrow, and hope and consolation, and gratitude and triumphant joy, fills thy sacred soul while thou lookest on the dead body of thy Son!
3. The day on which Jesus died is indeed well called Good Friday. It is the day when Jesus consummated His victory over sin and death. While we mourn over His sufferings and our sins which caused them, we must also rejoice exceedingly at the thought of Satan conquered and heaven opened, and millions of sinners cleansed from sin in His most precious Blood!


Source: Clarke, R. F. (1889). The Sacred Passion of Jesus Christ: Short Meditations for Every Day in Lent (p. 51). Benziger Brothers.

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Read St. John 19:34–37

1. Each time that holy Mass* is said, the sacrifice of our blessed Lord upon the cross is represented in the sacrifice that takes place upon the altar. Thus, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, on the divine decree, continues to be slain mystically, and will continue as long as the world shall last. With such a sight before our eyes, how can we ever forget Him? how can we ever lose heart or despond with this abiding proof of His tender love before our eyes?
2. In the blood and water that flowed from Our Lord’s side when pierced by the centurion’s spear were represented the sacraments of the Church, the blood of Christ that extricates us in holy Communion, the water that cleanses our souls in baptism and penance. His Sacred Heart that was open then is open still; the rich stream of graces still continues; it has flowed even unto me. What countless graces I have received from the love that has been poured upon me from the Sacred Heart of Jesus!
3. The Sacred Host that we receive in holy Communion reminds us in many things of the dead body of Jesus as it hung upon the cross, all the glory hidden—no life to all appearance there; in the power of all to treat it as they choose; reduced to the lowest humiliation. Yet it is our God and our Lord, the object of the adoring love of angels and of men, He Whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain, Who condescends to be our Guest and the food of our souls. Meditate on the unspeakable love of Jesus sacrificed for us!


Source: Clarke, R. F. (1889). The Sacred Passion of Jesus Christ: Short Meditations for Every Day in Lent (p. 50). Benziger Brothers.
*Note for us Non-Catholics: Mass is Church Service. The writer is Catholic and therefore uses the term Mass and Latin words used during the course of Mass. His Theology is completely sound however. 

Read St. Luke 23:45–48


1. After Our Lord has hung in agony for three hours upon the cross, at last the time approaches when His deliverance is at hand. He has endured every possible form of suffering, bodily and mental. His body has been subjected to a physical torture far worse than the accumulated sufferings of the martyrs; His sacred soul has been rent asunder with an anguish and desolation more awful than any save the eternal anguish of hell. He has sacrificed His honor, His reputation; He has been esteemed a fool and a madman. Now there is only one sacrifice more that He can make to His Eternal Father for man—the sacrifice of His life. He is determined to give up all for us, to be obedient even to death.
2. What was it that caused the death of Our Lord? Not the executioners, not the Jews, not the agony of the cross; they were but instruments. It was sin. Sin had in it a malice sufficient even to rob of life God, Our Lord and King. What a strange mystery sin is! And how strange that we do not hate it more when we see its power to destroy!
3. The death of Jesus was no transient occurrence. He still mystically dies for us each day and each hour. When we receive holy Communion, we “show the death of the Lord till He come,” and, therefore, His sacred Passion and Death should be the chief subject of our thoughts whenever we approach the holy Table, and especially on the eve of the solemn day when He instituted the sacrament of His love.


Source: Clarke, R. F. (1889). The Sacred Passion of Jesus Christ: Short Meditations for Every Day in Lent (p. 49). Benziger Brothers.

Read St. John 19:28, 29


1. There is nothing that causes such agonizing thirst as loss of blood. The prayer of the wounded soldier upon the battle-field is always for a drink of water; he forgets all other pains in his burning thirst. What must have been the intolerable suffering of Our Lord, Whose sacred Body had been gradually drained of every droop of blood! All day long the blood had been flowing—at the scourging, on the way to Calvary, as He was dragged hither and thither, with the sharp cords cutting His wrists. And now upon the cross, as from hands and feet a stream bedewed the ground, fiercer and fiercer grew the burning, parching thirst which consumed Him. O my Jesus, was there none to quench that thirst endured for us?
2. Our Lord’s thirst was to atone especially for the sins of intemperance and self-indulgence in drink. Every sin of drunkenness and excess or self-indulgence in our food and drink added to that thirst and made it still more intolerable. My God, forgive me any such offences, and help me to deny myself some lawful indulgence, that so I may atone for my sins and assuage in some degree that sacred thirst Thou didst endure for me.
3. There was, however, a deeper meaning in Our Lord’s cry: “I thirst!” He was thirsting for the souls of sinners, thirsting for the love of ungrateful men, thirsting for my love. He thirsts for it still, that I may be more faithful to His grace. O my Jesus, help me to love Thee more!


Source: Clarke, R. F. (1889). The Sacred Passion of Jesus Christ: Short Meditations for Every Day in Lent (p. 48). Benziger Brothers.