Blog https://www.gracefv.com Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:58:28 -0400 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Doctrine of Election, A Comfort to God's People https://www.gracefv.com/blog/post/doctrine-of-election https://www.gracefv.com/blog/post/doctrine-of-election#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2023 14:00:00 -0500 https://www.gracefv.com/blog/post/doctrine-of-election Last Wednesday we studied Romans chapter 9 and discussed the often controversial doctrine of election. The discussion around this doctrine had good participation. I was encouraged by those who have tasted the goodness of this doctrine by strengthening their assurance. In this way the doctrine of election is not intended to be a theological or philosophical perplexity but rather a comfort to God's people. Along this line of thinking, I shared some words from the Cannon of Dort. This document is part of what is known as The Three Forms of Unity. The Three Forms of Unity is a collective name for the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and the Heidelberg Catechism, which reflect the beliefs of the Calvinistic churches on the mainland of Europe. These documents are still in use today in Reformed Churches. I shared them during the Bible study but I would like to share them in this posting so those interested can read them.

Cannons of Dort, Point 1, Article 12

Assurance of their eternal and unchangeable election to salvation is given to the chosen in due time, though by various stages and in differing measure. Such assurance comes not by inquisitive searching into the hidden and deep things of God, but by noticing within themselves, with spiritual joy and holy delight, the unmistakable fruits of election pointed out in God’s Word—such as a true faith in Christ, a childlike fear of God, a godly sorrow for their sins, a hunger and thirst for righteousness, and so on.

Point 1, Article 13

In their awareness and assurance of this election, God’s children daily find greater cause to humble themselves before God, to adore the fathomless depth of God’s mercies, to cleanse themselves, and to give fervent love in return to the One who first so greatly loved them. This is far from saying that this teaching concerning election, and reflection upon it, make God’s children lax in observing his commandments or carnally self-assured. By God’s just judgment this does usually happen to those who casually take for granted the grace of election or engage in idle and brazen talk about it but are unwilling to walk in the ways of the chosen.

Point 1, Article 14

By God’s wise plan, this teaching concerning divine election was proclaimed through the prophets, Christ himself, and the apostles, in Old and New Testament times. It was subsequently committed to writing in the Holy Scriptures. So also today in God’s church, for which it was specifically intended, this teaching must be set forth with a spirit of discretion, in a godly and holy manner, at the appropriate time and place, without inquisitive searching into the ways of the Most High. This must be done for the glory of God’s most holy name, and for the lively comfort of God’s people.

 Here is a link to the Cannons of Dort;  https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/confessions/canons-dort

 

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Last Wednesday we studied Romans chapter 9 and discussed the often controversial doctrine of election. The discussion around this doctrine had good participation. I was encouraged by those who have tasted the goodness of this doctrine by strengthening their assurance. In this way the doctrine of election is not intended to be a theological or philosophical perplexity but rather a comfort to God's people. Along this line of thinking, I shared some words from the Cannon of Dort. This document is part of what is known as The Three Forms of Unity. The Three Forms of Unity is a collective name for the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and the Heidelberg Catechism, which reflect the beliefs of the Calvinistic churches on the mainland of Europe. These documents are still in use today in Reformed Churches. I shared them during the Bible study but I would like to share them in this posting so those interested can read them.

Cannons of Dort, Point 1, Article 12

Assurance of their eternal and unchangeable election to salvation is given to the chosen in due time, though by various stages and in differing measure. Such assurance comes not by inquisitive searching into the hidden and deep things of God, but by noticing within themselves, with spiritual joy and holy delight, the unmistakable fruits of election pointed out in God’s Word—such as a true faith in Christ, a childlike fear of God, a godly sorrow for their sins, a hunger and thirst for righteousness, and so on.

Point 1, Article 13

In their awareness and assurance of this election, God’s children daily find greater cause to humble themselves before God, to adore the fathomless depth of God’s mercies, to cleanse themselves, and to give fervent love in return to the One who first so greatly loved them. This is far from saying that this teaching concerning election, and reflection upon it, make God’s children lax in observing his commandments or carnally self-assured. By God’s just judgment this does usually happen to those who casually take for granted the grace of election or engage in idle and brazen talk about it but are unwilling to walk in the ways of the chosen.

Point 1, Article 14

By God’s wise plan, this teaching concerning divine election was proclaimed through the prophets, Christ himself, and the apostles, in Old and New Testament times. It was subsequently committed to writing in the Holy Scriptures. So also today in God’s church, for which it was specifically intended, this teaching must be set forth with a spirit of discretion, in a godly and holy manner, at the appropriate time and place, without inquisitive searching into the ways of the Most High. This must be done for the glory of God’s most holy name, and for the lively comfort of God’s people.

 Here is a link to the Cannons of Dort;  https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/confessions/canons-dort

 

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Worship # 5 https://www.gracefv.com/blog/post/worship---5 https://www.gracefv.com/blog/post/worship---5#comments Mon, 12 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracefv.com/blog/post/worship---5 As we enter week 5 of our series on worship we will turn our attention to the reading of scripture and the preaching of the word.
To help you along, look at these verses if you're able before Wednesday.
Reading of Scripture: 
Preaching: 
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As we enter week 5 of our series on worship we will turn our attention to the reading of scripture and the preaching of the word.
To help you along, look at these verses if you're able before Wednesday.
Reading of Scripture: 
Preaching: 
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Worship: Music and Prayer https://www.gracefv.com/blog/post/worship--music-and-prayer https://www.gracefv.com/blog/post/worship--music-and-prayer#comments Mon, 05 Jul 2021 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracefv.com/blog/post/worship--music-and-prayer As we begin week four of our study on worship we will take a look at the biblical warrant for including prayer and singing.

Hyperlinks are active

Verses for Wednesday:

(Prayer)

 Matthew 6:9-13, Acts 2:42, Acts:23, Acts 12:5

(Music) 

Psalm 96:1, Matthew 26:30, I Corinthians 14:26, Ephesians 5:18, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 2:12, Ezra 3:11, Luke 1:46-55, Collosians 1:15-20, Revelation 4:8

 

Here is also a link for our website for those interested in dialoguing about the topic of worship in a blog format.  Worship Blog

 

Enjoy! Grace and Peace to you and yours this week.

 

*Also a link below on worship.........elements and circumstances.

Worship Elements and Circumstances

 

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As we begin week four of our study on worship we will take a look at the biblical warrant for including prayer and singing.

Hyperlinks are active

Verses for Wednesday:

(Prayer)

 Matthew 6:9-13, Acts 2:42, Acts:23, Acts 12:5

(Music) 

Psalm 96:1, Matthew 26:30, I Corinthians 14:26, Ephesians 5:18, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 2:12, Ezra 3:11, Luke 1:46-55, Collosians 1:15-20, Revelation 4:8

 

Here is also a link for our website for those interested in dialoguing about the topic of worship in a blog format.  Worship Blog

 

Enjoy! Grace and Peace to you and yours this week.

 

*Also a link below on worship.........elements and circumstances.

Worship Elements and Circumstances

 

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Worship https://www.gracefv.com/blog/post/worship https://www.gracefv.com/blog/post/worship#comments Sun, 04 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracefv.com/blog/post/worship In our most recent Wednesday night meetings we have been discussing worship. 

These are a few of my observations. The following comments are not exhaustive. 

It is my hope that they will stimulate both questions to me and conversation with me and others who might enter the conversation.



Thoughts:

  • We are created for worship.
  • From Genesis to Revelation the scriptures are concerned with worship.
  • I would add that love, adoration, and giving of honor preexisted creation within the Trinity.
  • Our reflection of this Trinitarian blessedness is reflected in our giving God glory and enjoying him forever.
  • The Father is seeking those who worship Him, to worship in spirit and truth.
  • Before the treasonous rebellion of Genesis 3, mankind (in Adam) was accustomed to Holy communion with his creator.
  • Foreknowingly, God in eternity past, possessing all wisdom and power, graciously provided a way to restore this communion.
  • This gracious provision is grounded in the person and work of Jesus the Christ.
  • The irrevocable promises of God in the Old Testament find their fulfillment in Christ, and point to the time when the redeemed will again worship and enjoy the glory of God face to face.
  • This eternal bliss of untainted worship will never diminish.
  • To this we can with expectant hearts give thanks and glory to the provider.
  • John 4 points to the heart of the Father and John 17 points to the heart of the Son.
  • The Holy Spirit that dwells among us and in us points us to these realities.

   

Other thoughts:

  • Worship is commanded.
  • Worship is sought. Joh 4
  • Everybody worships something or someone.
  • The gifts of faith and worship have the same source and the same object.

 

Questions:

  • Q. Who do or should we worship? 
  • A. We should worship God and God alone.
  • Q. How should we worship?
  • A. We should worship in spirit and in truth and with fear and trembling.
  • Q. Why should we worship with fear and trembling?
  • A. “Our God is a consuming fire.”
  • What is worship?
  • A. Worship like faith is the Spirit effected response to the Spirit’s presentation/proclamation/revelation/illumination of the Triune God. (my definition is a work in progress so help me refine)
  • Q. Are there internal expressions of worship?
  • A. Adoration, praise, satisfaction, thanksgiving, dependence, and rest (these are Spirit effected responses)
  • Q. Are there external expressions of worship?
  • A. Yes, in both words and deeds that flow from the internal expressions of worship. 

 

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. ps.34:8

 

 

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In our most recent Wednesday night meetings we have been discussing worship. 

These are a few of my observations. The following comments are not exhaustive. 

It is my hope that they will stimulate both questions to me and conversation with me and others who might enter the conversation.



Thoughts:

  • We are created for worship.
  • From Genesis to Revelation the scriptures are concerned with worship.
  • I would add that love, adoration, and giving of honor preexisted creation within the Trinity.
  • Our reflection of this Trinitarian blessedness is reflected in our giving God glory and enjoying him forever.
  • The Father is seeking those who worship Him, to worship in spirit and truth.
  • Before the treasonous rebellion of Genesis 3, mankind (in Adam) was accustomed to Holy communion with his creator.
  • Foreknowingly, God in eternity past, possessing all wisdom and power, graciously provided a way to restore this communion.
  • This gracious provision is grounded in the person and work of Jesus the Christ.
  • The irrevocable promises of God in the Old Testament find their fulfillment in Christ, and point to the time when the redeemed will again worship and enjoy the glory of God face to face.
  • This eternal bliss of untainted worship will never diminish.
  • To this we can with expectant hearts give thanks and glory to the provider.
  • John 4 points to the heart of the Father and John 17 points to the heart of the Son.
  • The Holy Spirit that dwells among us and in us points us to these realities.

   

Other thoughts:

  • Worship is commanded.
  • Worship is sought. Joh 4
  • Everybody worships something or someone.
  • The gifts of faith and worship have the same source and the same object.

 

Questions:

  • Q. Who do or should we worship? 
  • A. We should worship God and God alone.
  • Q. How should we worship?
  • A. We should worship in spirit and in truth and with fear and trembling.
  • Q. Why should we worship with fear and trembling?
  • A. “Our God is a consuming fire.”
  • What is worship?
  • A. Worship like faith is the Spirit effected response to the Spirit’s presentation/proclamation/revelation/illumination of the Triune God. (my definition is a work in progress so help me refine)
  • Q. Are there internal expressions of worship?
  • A. Adoration, praise, satisfaction, thanksgiving, dependence, and rest (these are Spirit effected responses)
  • Q. Are there external expressions of worship?
  • A. Yes, in both words and deeds that flow from the internal expressions of worship. 

 

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. ps.34:8

 

 

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