From Discipleship Weekly
(a publication of the Presbyterian Church of Islip)
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A Word from Our Sponsor
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." -- John 14:27 The Heidelberg Catechism: Part 2- Of Man's Redemption Week 19 50. Q. Why is there added: "And sits at the right hand of God "? A. Because Christ ascended into heaven so that he might manifest himself there as the Head of his Church, through whom the Father governs all things. [Matt. 28:18; John 5:22-23; Eph. 1:20-23; Col. 1:18] 51. Q. What benefit do we receive from the glory of Christ, our Head? A. First, that through his Holy Spirit he pours out heavenly gifts upon us, his members. Second, that by his power he defends and supports us against all our enemies. [Ps. 2:9; 110:1-2; John 10:27-30; Acts 2:33; Eph. 4:7-12; Rev. 9:11-16] 52. Q. What comfort does the return of Christ "to judge the living and the dead" give you? A. That in all affliction and persecution I may await with head held high the very Judge from heaven who has already submitted himself to the judgment of God for me and has removed all the curse from me; that he will cast all his enemies and mine into everlasting condemnation, but he shall take me, together with all his elect, to himself into heavenly joy and glory. [Matt. 25:31-46; Luke 21:28; Rom. 8:22-25; Phil. 3:20-21; I Thess. 4:16-17; II Thess. 1:6-10; Titus 2:13-14] Suggestions for discussion and review:
It has been said, "If Christ is not Lord of all, he is not Lord at all." For Christians, this means there is to be no separation between our church life and our "private" life. Is there any part of your life that you still hold as your own? Why? How hard would it be to give it up, right now? This also means that Christ's authority extends to all of creation; all people, even those who do not believe in him are included under his Lordship. How do you feel when you read that, "he will cast all his enemies and mine into everlasting condemnation"? Who are these "enemies"? {see Weeks 2-4, and Week 7 Q&A 20} Jesus is a great divider of life. One must walk parallel with Him or directly across His way. -- Charles M. Sheldon |