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CPRCNI

Covenant Protestant Reformed Church

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The Rider Upon the Red Horse 8

by CPRCNI 12 hours ago

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Hoping for Grace at Christ's Revelation Hoping for Grace at Christ's Revelation (I Peter 1:13) by Rev. Angus Stewart I. The Grace That Will Be Ours II. The Hoping to Which We Are Called  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
Christ Alone! A special Reformation Day lecture by Rev. Angus Stewart on "Christ Alone!"   Play all 2 videos Play all(2)
Gifts of the Spirit Debate Debate on Revelation TV between Rev. Angus Stewart and Rev. David Antwi on Reformed Cessationism vs. Charismaticism/Pentecostalism For more, see http://www.cprf.co.uk/cessatio<wbr>nismresources.htm      Play all 13 videos Play all(13)
The Biblical Identity of the Antichrist The Biblical Identity of the Antichrist (II Thessalonians 2:1-12), a special lecture by Rev. William Langerak Check out "The Antichrist" by Rev. Herman Hoeksema, http://www.cprf.co.uk/pamphlet<wbr>s/antichristhh.htm The Scriptures speak often of Antichrist. An Old Testament picture of him must, undoubtedly, be seen in the "little horn" of Daniel 7:8, that came up among the ten horns on the fourth beast, that "shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws; and they shall be given into his hand until time and times and the dividing of time" (Dan. 7:25). A partial and typical fulfilment of this prophecy was seen in the terrible Antiochus Epiphanes; the full realization, however, must be expected in the end of time. More often, however, we read of Antichrist, his coming, power, and final destruction, in the New Testament. The Lord speaks of false prophets that come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves (Matt. 7:15). He warns that many shall come in His name saying that they are Christ, and shall deceive many (Matt. 24:5). "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matt. 24:24). We are all acquainted with the description of Antichrist in II Thessalonians 2:10, where the apostle Paul speaks of him as the "man of sin," whose chief characteristic is sin, and as "the son of perdition," who is born of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped; whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders; but whom the Lord will consume with the spirit of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. And the apostle John tells us that the existence of antichrists and the final coming of Antichrist is characteristic of the "last hour," so that we may be assured that the dispensation in which we now live is the last time (I John 2:18). There will, then, be no other period of time, millennial or otherwise, following the dispensation in which Antichrist shall appear. This is positively the "last hour" on the clock of the history of the world. When it is finished eternity will be ushered in. And this is as we would expect. For, Antichrist will fill the measure of iniquity, and in him the "man of sin" will be completed. Also the powers of darkness, as they shall culminate in Antichrist, must fulfil the counsel of the Most High. In the deepest sense they must be explained from that counsel of God. Were there no counsel of election there would be no church; were there no counsel of reprobation there would be no Antichrist. And just as for the church as a whole and for every member individually God has ordained good works, "that we might walk in them," so God has also ordained a certain task for the whole of the power of darkness as it reaches its ultimate development in Antichrist. Also the wicked accomplish God's work. To be sure, they do not "mean it so"; they purpose to do their own work; they set themselves against God and His Anointed; and thus they become worthy of damnation. But the fact remains that God is always God, and all creatures always execute His will. Willingly or unwillingly, all are servants of the Almighty. They have a work to do. When their work is finished, the end of time is reached. And because Antichrist shall "fill the measure of iniquity," the dispensation in which he appears must needs be the "last hour." Historically the appearance of Antichrist must be explained from the fact of the fall of the human race in Adam, and from this other fact that God has anointed His King over Zion, Who is ordained Heir of all things, Lord of lords and King of kings, and Who will subject all things under Him in the name of God. Man was originally an office-bearer of God, and anointed one, a king-servant. Through the Fall he became the devil's office-bearer. He proposes to rule in the name of Satan. When, therefore, God sends His Anointed into the world, fallen man reveals himself as antichrist. The derivation of the name Antichrist is not quite certain. It may signify one that opposes the Christ of God; it may also mean the Counter-christ, one who claims to be Christ and acts accordingly. Materially it makes no difference which of these two interpretations of the name one may choose. For, Antichrist is both: a Counter-christ and Christ's opponent. Fallen man, who proposes to rule over the world in the name of the devil and press all things in the service of iniquity, must needs proclaim himself a Christ, a king; and as such he must necessarily oppose the Christ of God. This also explains why the antichristian power assumes the form of a kingdom and its king, with universal political power ...   Play all 2 videos Play all(2)
The End of All Flesh The End of All Flesh (Genesis 6:13) by Rev. William Langerak I. The Destruction II. The Explanation III. The Purpose  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
The Man-Eating Lion Survival Guide The Man-Eating Lion Survival Guide (I Peter 5:8-9) by Rev. William Langerak I. Knowing the Adversary II. Avoiding an Ambush III. Withstanding an Attack For more on Satan, listen to the audio classes on "THE DEVIL AND THE DEMONS" on the Belgic Confession classes on Article 2 http://www.cprf.co.uk/audio/be<wbr>lgicconfessionclass.htm  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
Born Again Born Again (I Peter 1:22-25) by Rev. Angus Stewart I. Out of an Incorruptible Seed II. By the Word of God III. To Love One Another Canons of Dordt V:11-13 on regeneration: Article 11. But when God accomplishes his good pleasure in the elect, or works in them true conversion, he not only causes the gospel to be externally preached to them, and powerfully illumines their minds by his Holy Spirit, that they may rightly understand and discern the things of the Spirit of God; but by the efficacy of the same regenerating Spirit, pervades the inmost recesses of the man; he opens the closed, and softens the hardened heart, and circumcises that which was uncircumcised, infuses new qualities into the will, which though heretofore dead, he quickens; from being evil, disobedient and refractory, he renders it good, obedient, and pliable; actuates and strengthens it, that like a good tree, it may bring forth the fruits of good actions. Article 12. And this is the regeneration so highly celebrated in Scripture, and denominated a new creation: a resurrection from the dead, a making alive, which God works in us without our aid. But this is in no wise effected merely by the external preaching of the gospel, by moral suasion, or such a mode of operation, that after God has performed his part, it still remains in the power of man to be regenerated or not, to be converted, or to continue unconverted; but it is evidently a supernatural work, most powerful, and at the same time most delightful, astonishing, mysterious, and ineffable; not inferior in efficacy to creation, or the resurrection from the dead, as the Scripture inspired by the author of this work declares; so that all in whose heart God works in this marvelous manner, are certainly, infallibly, and effectually regenerated, and do actually believe. - Whereupon the will thus renewed, is not only actuated and influenced by God, but in consequence of this influence, becomes itself active. Wherefore also, man is himself rightly said to believe and repent, by virtue of that grace received. Article 13. The manner of this operation cannot be fully comprehended by believers in this life. Notwithstanding which, they rest satisfied with knowing and experiencing, that by this grace of God they are enabled to believe with the heart, and love their Saviour.  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
"Good Works" Versus Justification by Faith Alone "Good Works" Versus Justification by Faith Alone (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 24) by Rev. Angus Stewart I. Aren't Good Works Included in Justification? II. Don't Good Works Merit Justification? III. Doesn't Justification Make Men Careless of Good Works? Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 24 Question 62. But why cannot our good works be the whole, or part of our righteousness before God? Answer. Because, that 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. Question 63. What! do not our good works merit, which yet God will reward in this and in a future life? Answer. This reward is not of merit, but of grace. Question 64. But doth not this doctrine make men careless and profane? Answer. 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.  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
The Profit of Believing The Profit of Believing (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 23) by Rev. Angus Stewart I. Righteous in Jesus Christ! II. Heir of Eternal Life!  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
The Omnipotence of God God's Glorious Perfections (10): The Omnipotence of God (Job 26:14) by Rev. Angus Stewart I. In Himself II. Outside Himself III. In Our Consciousnesses Augustine: "For if it were not a good that evil should exist, its existence would not be permitted by the omnipotent God, who without doubt can as easily refuse to permit what He does not wish, as bring about what He does wish. And if we do not believe this, the very first sentence of our creed is endangered, wherein we profess to believe in God the Father Almighty. For He is not truly called Almighty if He cannot do whatsoever He pleases, or if the power of His almighty will is hindered by the will of any creature whatsoever" (Enchiridion, xcvi). The Omnipotence of God by Rev. H. Veldman (an excerpt from an article in the Standard Bearer, vol. 26, pp. 57-59) That the Lord is truly omnipotent, almighty, is already implied in the names which the Scriptures ascribe to Him. He is El and Elohim, the mighty God and the God Who is alone worthy to be feared and to receive all adoration and praise. Scripture also speaks of Him as El Shaddai, the Almighty One, Who is not merely the mightiest but the almighty, the alone strong and mighty One. Or, we read of Him as Adonai (Lord); this name implies that the Lord, as the Creator and Possessor of all the earth, has the sole right to command, and man has none other calling but to obey. Hence, this name also signifies that the Lord is surely able to enforce His demands and execute His will. And, familiar, I am sure, to most of us is the name, El Tsebaoth (Lord of hosts), unto Whom are subject all the hosts of heaven and earth, also the hosts of angels and the starry heavens, and who is therefore exalted over all. In Jeremiah 32:18 we read of the Lord as the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts, "Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children, after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts, is His name"; Job declares of Him in Job 9:4: "He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against Him, and hath prospered?"; in Deuteronomy 7:21 Moses comforts Israel with the words: "Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the Lord thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible."; in Isaiah 1:24 we read: "Therefore saith the Lord, the Lord of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease Me of Mine adversaries, and avenge Me of mine enemies:"; in Job 36:4 the writer declares: "Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: He is mighty in strength and wisdom."; in Psalm 24:7-10 occur the well-known words: "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah."; in Matthew 11:25 our Lord Jesus Christ speaks of the Lord as "Father, Lord of heaven and earth."; and in Revelation 1:8 we read: "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, Which is , and Which was, and Which is to come, the Almighty." All of Holy Writ speaks of the Lord as the King of kings and Lord of lords, the great King, the Lord Almighty, the blessed and only Potentate, Who alone possesses authority and supreme majesty, Who alone rules and does all things according to the counsel of His will ... As the Omnipotent One the Lord has absolute control of all things, also the powers of evil. He renders dumb and enables one ot speak, kills and makes alive, redeems and destroys. This is the teaching of the Word of God, e.g., in Exodus 4:11: "And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?"—in Deuteronomy 32:39: "See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god with Me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of My hand."—I Samuel 2:6: "The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: He bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up."—in II Kings 5:7: "And it came to pass when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me."—in Exodus 15,—in Deut. 26:8, 29:2, 32:12 ... in Matt. 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."—and in Luke 12:20: "But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou has provided?"  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
The Omniscience of God (2) God's Glorious Perfections (9): The Omniscience of God (2) (Psalm 139:1, 23) by Rev. Angus Stewart I. God's Knowledge and Christ II. God's Knowledge and the Church III. God's Knowledge and the Believer J. C. Ryle: "... all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do" (Heb. 4:13). Nothing can be concealed from Christ. What do we think of, in private, when no man sees us? What do we think of, in church, when we seem so grave and serious? What are we thinking of at this moment, while these words pass under our eyes? Jesus knows. Jesus sees. Jesus records. Jesus will one day call us to give account. It is written that 'God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel' (Rom. 2:16)."  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
The Omniscience of God (1) God's Glorious Perfections (8): The Omniscience of God (1) (Psalm 147:5) by Rev. Angus Stewart I. God's Necessary Knowledge II. God's Free Knowledge III. God's Powerful Knowledge  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
Scripture Alone! Scripture Alone! (Matthew 15:1-20), a special lecture by Rev. Angus Stewart. Westminster Confession 1:10: "The supreme Judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the scripture." Belgic Confession 7: The Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures to Be the Only Rule of Faith: "We believe that those Holy Scriptures fully contain the will of God, and that whatsoever man ought to believe unto salvation is sufficiently taught therein.1 For, since the whole manner of worship which God requires of us is written in them at large, it is unlawful for any one, though an apostle, to teach otherwise2 than we are now taught in the Holy Scriptures; nay, though it were an angel from heaven, as the apostle Paul saith.3 For, since it is forbidden to add unto or take away any thing from the Word of God,4 it doth thereby evidently appear that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects. Neither do we consider of equal value any writing of men, however holy these men may have been, with those divine Scriptures,5 nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees, or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God,6 for the truth is above all; for all men are of themselves liars7 and more vain than vanity itself. Therefore we reject with all our hearts whatsoever doth not agree with this infallible rule,8 which the apostles have taught us, saying, Try the spirits whether they are of God.9 Likewise, if there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house."10 1 Rom. 15:4—For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. John 4:25—The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. II Tim. 3:15--17—And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. I Peter 1:1—Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Prov. 30:5—Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Rev. 22:18—For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. John 15:15—Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Acts 2:27—Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 2 I Peter 4:11—If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. I Cor. 15:2-3—By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. II Tim. 3:14—But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. I Tim. 1:3—As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine. II John 10—If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. 3 Gal. 1:8-9—But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. I Cor. 15:2—By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. Acts 26:22—Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come. Rom. 15:4—For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.   Play all 2 videos Play all(2)
Jerusalem's Children Praising Jesus Jerusalem's Children Praising Jesus (Matthew 21:1-17) by Rev. Martyn McGeown I. The Children's Praise II. The Enemy's Opposition III. The Saviour's Response   Play all 2 videos Play all(2)
The Angels' Chorus at the Saviour's Birth The Angels' Chorus at the Saviour's Birth (Luke 2:14) by Rev. Martyn McGeown I. Extolling God's Glory II. Announcing God's Goodwill III. Proclaiming God's Peace  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
Life After Death Life After Death (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 22) by Rev. Angus Stewart I. The Argument II. The Longing To read Herman Hoeksema's pamphlet, "The Intermediate State," see http://www.cprf.co.uk/pamphlet<wbr>s/intermediatestate.htm  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
Redeemed With Christ's Precious Blood Redeemed With Christ's Precious Blood (I Peter 1:17-19) by Rev. Angus Stewart I. Redeemed From What? II. Redeemed With What? III. Redeemed to What? To read "Fundamentalists and the 'Incorruptible' Blood of Christ" by Rev. Martyn McGeown, go to http://www.cprf.co.uk/articles<wbr>/blood.htm  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
The True Grace of God The True Grace of God (I Peter 5:10) by Rev. Angus Stewart I. The Meaning II. The Calling  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
The Omnipresence of God God's Glorious Perfections (7): The Omnipresence of God (Psalm 139:7-10) by Rev. Angus Stewart I. The Profound Meaning II. The Doctrinal Significance III. The Vital Lessons Augustine: "Do not think, then, that God is present in certain places. With you he is such as you have been. What is the sort of person which you have been? He is good, if you have been good; and he seems evil to you if you have been evil; a helper if you have been good, an avenger if you have been bad. There you have a judge in your own heart. When you want to do something bad, you withdraw from the public and hide in your house where no enemy may see you; from those parts of the house that are open and visible you remove yourself to go into your own private room. But even here in your private chamber you fear guilt from some other direction, so you withdraw into your heart and there you meditate. But he is even more deeply inward than your heart. Hence, no matter where you flee, he is there. You would flee from yourself, would you? Will you not follow yourself wherever you flee? But since there is One even more deeply inward than yourself, there is no place where you may flee from an angered God except to a God who is pacified. There is absolutely no place for you to flee to. Do you want to flee from him? Rather flee to him" (Expositions on the Psalms, on Ps. 74). Augustine: "[I wrongly thought that the church] believed and imagined Thee to be bounded by human form,—although what was the nature of a spiritual substance I had not the faintest or dimmest suspicion,—yet rejoicing, I blushed that for so many years I had barked, not against the catholic faith, but against the fables of carnal imaginations. For I had been both impious and rash in this, that what I ought inquiring to have learnt, I had pronounced on condemning. For Thou, O most high and most near, most secret, yet most present, who hast not limbs some larger some smaller, but art wholly everywhere, and nowhere in space, nor art Thou of such corporeal form, yet hast Thou created man after Thine own image, and, behold, from head to foot is he confined by space. As, then, I knew not how this image of Thine should subsist, I should have knocked and propounded the doubt how it was to be believed, and not have insultingly opposed it, as if it were believed. Anxiety, therefore, as to what to retain as certain, did all the more sharply gnaw into my soul, the more shame I felt that, having been so long deluded and deceived by the promise of certainties, I had, with puerile error and petulance, prated of so many uncertainties as if they were certainties. For that they were falsehoods became apparent to me afterwards. However, I was certain that they were uncertain, and that I had formerly held them as certain when with a blind contentiousness I accused Thy catholic church, which though I had not yet discovered to teach truly, yet not to teach that of which I had so vehemently accused her. In this manner was I confounded and converted, and I rejoiced, O my God, that the one church, the body of Thine only Son (wherein the name of Christ had been set upon me when an infant), did not appreciate these infantile trifles, nor maintained, in her sound doctrine, any tenet that would confine Thee, the Creator of all, in space—though ever so great and wide, yet bounded on all sides by the restraints of a human form" (Confessions 6.3.4-6.4.5).  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
The Preaching of the Gospel The Preaching of the Gospel (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 25) by Rev. Angus Stewart I. What It is II. Who Is to Bring It Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 25: Question 65. Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith only, whence doth this faith proceed? Answer. From the Holy Ghost, who works faith in our hearts by the preaching of the gospel, and confirms it by the use of the sacraments. Question 66. What are the sacraments? Answer. The sacraments are holy visible signs and seals, appointed of God for this end, that by the use thereof, he may the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the gospel, vis., that he grants us freely the remission of sin, and life eternal, for the sake of that one sacrifice of Christ, accomplished on the cross. Question 67. Are both word and sacraments, then, ordained and appointed for this end, that they may direct our faith to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, as the only ground of our salvation? Answer. Yes, indeed: for the Holy Ghost teaches us in the gospel, and assures us by the sacraments, that the whole of our salvation depends upon that one sacrifice of Christ which he offered for us on the cross. Question 68. How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the new covenant, or testament? Answer. Two: namely, holy baptism, and the holy supper. Herman Hoeksema: "Through the preaching it pleases God through Christ, the exalted Lord, the chief prophet of God, who alone gathers his church, to speak to his people unto salvation. This is evident from Romans 10:14, which, according to the original, asks, 'How shall they believe in him whom they have not heard?' Through the preaching, therefore, you do not hear about Christ, but you hear him. The difference is easily understood. When you hear about or of someone, he is not present. You do not hear his own voice, but the voice of someone else who tells you something about him. But when you hear someone, you hear his own voice. He is present with you. He is addressing you personally. This is the sense of Romans 10:14, which teaches that you cannot believe in Christ unless you have heard him speak to you, unless you have heard his word addressed to you. This is exactly the meaning of the words, 'How shall they believe in him whom they have not heard?'" (Reformed Dogmatics, vol. 2, p. 289). Calvin: "When the Prophet says, by the breath of his lips, this must not be limited to the person of Christ; for it refers to the Word which is preached by his ministers. Christ acts by them in such a manner that He wishes their mouth to be reckoned as his mouth, and their lips as his lips; that is, when they speak from his mouth, and faithfully declare his Word (Luke 10:16)" (Comm. on Isa. 11:4). Augustine: "Yes it is I who admonish, I who order, I who command, it is the bishop who teaches. But it is Christ who commands through me." "The preacher explains the text; if he says what is true, it is Christ speaking." Luther: "Flesh and blood are an impediment. They merely behold the person of the pastor and brother ... They refuse to regard the oral Word and the ministry as a treasure costlier and better than heaven and earth. People generally think: 'If I had an opportunity to hear God speak in person, I would run my feet bloody' ... But you now have the Word of God in church ... and this is God's Word as surely as if God Himself were speaking to you." Second Helvetic Confession (1566): "Wherefore when this Word of God is now preached in the church by preachers lawfully called, we believe that the very Word of God is preached, and received of the faithful; and that neither any other Word of God is to be feigned, nor to be expected from heaven: and that now the Word itself which is preached is to be regarded, not the minister that preaches; who, although he be evil and a sinner, nevertheless the Word of God abides true and good." Wilhelmus á Brakel (1635-1711): The minister must "remind himself in a lively manner that God has sent him, that he ascends the pulpit as an ambassador of God, speaks in the name of God, and is as the mouth of the Lord unto the congregation" (The Christian's Reasonable Service, vol. 2, p. 138). John Murray on Romans 10:14: "... Christ is represented as being heard in the gospel when proclaimed by the sent messengers. The implication is that Christ speaks in the gospel proclamation." Hughes Oliphant Old: "Fides ex auditu [faith comes by hearing] is a corollary to a strong Augustinian theology which believes that it is essentially God himself who reaches out to his people in the preaching of the word, and therefore it is what God does in and through these means of grace which makes them effective. That faith comes by hearing follows naturally from the doctrine of grace ... when the word of Christ is truly preached, then Christ is present" (The Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures, vol. 1, pp. 183, 186).  Play all 1 video Play all(1)
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