Brian Croft on what his wife said when asked, “What is something practical I can do to make you feel loved and appreciated by me?” The answer will probably surprise you at first, but after you think about it, you will no longer be surprised.
Toby Sumpter on the Isaiah, Babylon and mothers. The post may look like it has nothing to do with mothers, but keep reading. He gets there eventually.
Pastor Douglas Wilson on seven thoughts about the assassination of Osama Bin Laden.
“How is the covenant God to govern his people after the covenant mediator is dead, the one through whose ministry they have been redeemed? The covenant will continue as the covenant God assembles his covenant people under his preached covenant word. Deuteronomy is the mandate for the people of God to assemble under the preached word of God, or to be more accurate, the written word preached. This is why Deuteronomy is not really a law book, but a preaching book.” (Christopher Ash, The Priority of Preaching, p. 23)
Q: 62. But why cannot our good works be the whole, or part of our righteousness before God?
A: Because, the righteousness, which can be approved of before the tribunal of God, must be absolutely perfect, and in all respects conformable to the divine law; and also, that our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin.
Q: 63. Do not our good works merit that which God will reward in this and in a future life?
A: This reward is not of merit, but of grace.
Q: 64. But does not this doctrine make men careless and profane?
A: By no means: for it is impossible that those, who are implanted into Christ by a true faith, should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness.
Applications
1. All of our works in this life are marred with sin. Therefore, there is no room for pride. Without Christ’s blood even what we consider “good works” would send us straight to Hell.
2. The Heidelberg does a great job of keeping its answers tied to Scripture. A lot of men feel that any talk of reward is unbiblical. However, the Bible plainly teaches that there are rewards to the faithful. (See II Timothy 4:7-8 and Hebrews 11:6) The question is not, “Is there is a reward?” But rather, “What type of reward is it?” The Heidelberg rightly answers that it is a reward of grace.
3. The doctrine of grace does not lead to men doing whatever they please. Note that last phrase, “It is impossible…” If a man is born again, he grows in holiness. Any other teaching is not from the Bible.
Singing & Slaying 