1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: HGCBCC Sunday School Series

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1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: HGCBCC Sunday School Series episodes

December 30, 2024Ch. 1 Para. 9-10: The Finality of the Scriptures
Chapter 1 Paragraph 9-10: Of the Holy Scriptures

Paragraph 9
The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and therefore when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched by other places that speak more clearly.
Paragraph 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 Scripture delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally resolved.
The Bible is its own final Interpreter
Paragraph 9

The Rule of Interpretation

Hermeneutics: The Science of studying the Bible and its own meaning (author, context, date, culture, exegesis, etc.)

The Scripture is the only infallible rule of interpretation

Acts 17:11 - We need to have a Berean spirit (more noble than the people of Thessalonica)

Acts 15:15-16 - With this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written.

Rome's View: Magisterium gives the infallible interpretation of the Scriptures

"The Bible is the final interpreter of itself, and believers who possess the Holy Spirit, guided by faithful teachers, can attain to the true meaning of the Scripture. The church of Rome, and any other religious body that asserts its indispensability for the interpretation of Scripture, is in error on this point." - John Reuther

The Bible is the supreme judge of all authorities and the final resolution of our faith
Paragraph 10

Matt. 22:29-33 …not understanding the Scriptures

Rule of grammar: used by Jesus Christ to answer His enemies

Eph 2:20 - Jesus is the logos

Acts 20:28-32 - I commend you to God to the word of His grace…

Acts 28:23-25 …the law of Moses and from the prophets

These last two paragraphs remind us once again that the careful study and searching of the Bible should be a manner of life with us, not a passing or sporadic hobby. It is really a “matter of life and death." - John Reuther

The Scripture is enough to light and guide us.

This lesson was presented on December 29, 2024, during the adult Sunday school at the Herald of Grace Covenant Bible Church of Cavite.

Explore more about our local church and our ministries: https://hgcbcc.com/

Soli Deo Gloria
34 min
December 30, 2024Ch. 1 Para. 8: The Preservation of the Scriptures
Chapter 1 Paragraph 7: Of the Holy Scriptures

The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; so as in all controversies of religion, the church is finally to appeal unto them. But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have a right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded in the fear of God to read and search them, therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation, unto which they come, that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner, and through patience and comfort of the Scriptures may have hope.
THE ORIGINAL LANGUAGES
The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek language. It is preserved by God's singular care and providence kept pure in all ages.

God sovereignly elected Israel to be the original recipient of His Word (Romans 3:1-3).

In a way, God has entrusted His Word to you, and failing to follow His commands is a sin against the knowledge you have received, making you more accountable. This is similar to what happened with the Jewish people, to whom God revealed Himself, yet they rejected Him and turned to idolatry.

God could’ve chosen a lesser-known language. Though not explicitly stated, God chose Greek—a global language—to inscripturate the New Testament, indicating that His Word was meant to be published widely.

ref. Matthew 8:18-20

As a church, we should maximize all platforms to proclaim the gospel to the whole world.

THE PRESERVATION OF THE SCRIPTURES
The God who has written us His word has the power to preserve His Word even though thousands of ages may pass by.

Despite the fact that there have been intense efforts to eradicate the Scriptures, it remains the most widely read book in the world.

ref. Isaiah 40:8

ref. Matthew 5:18, Matthew 24:35

We turn to the original language to resolve disputes, as the Scriptures are God-breathed (Isaiah 8:20).

This deepens our understanding and helps us grasp the true meaning of the Bible.

THE COMMAND TO READ AND SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES
It is not a corporate but an individual command.

ref. Acts 15:15, John 5:39

We appeal corporately and individually to the sole authority of the Scriptures.

ref. 1 Timothy 4:13,15 (we need to study the Scriptures)

THE IMPORTANCE OF BIBLE TRANSLATIONS
We need to speak and preach in an understandable language.

Romans 10:14-21 (Missionary paragraph highlighting Romans 10:17)

Translations were instrumental in helping people understand the Word of God.

Translations have been instrumental in helping people understand the Word of God. It was not only translated into spoken languages but also adapted for sign language.

We make every effort to communicate the Scriptures in different languages so they can have true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

This lesson was presented on December 22, 2024, during the adult Sunday school at the Herald of Grace Covenant Bible Church of Cavite.

Explore more about our local church and our ministries: https://hgcbcc.com/

Soli Deo Gloria
49 min
December 30, 2024Ch. 1 Para. 7: The Clarity of the Scriptures
Chapter 1 Paragraph 7: Of the Holy Scriptures
All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all; yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of ordinary means, may attain to a sufficient understanding of them.
ALL SCRIPTURE IS NOT EQUALLY PLAIN AND CLEAR
Psalm 19:7-9

The Scripture asserts that it is plain and clear

Psalm 119:130

Though there are portions of the Bible that are not equally clear.

ref. 2 Peter 3:16

2 Timothy 4:3; John 6:60 (They are spiritually unable to bear the truths of the Scriptures)

There are indications that some parts of Scripture, such as parables or practical applications in sermons, may not be equally clear. There are portions that we need teachers and preachers. However, we do not claim that any part of Scripture is unclear or cannot be understood.

THE THINGS NECESSARY FOR SALVATION ARE OBVIOUS.
Our confession of faith asserts the clarity of the Scriptures when it comes to SALVATION and SANCTIFICATION.

ref. 2 Timothy 3:14-15 (The Scriptures which are able to make you wise unto salvation)

HOW CAN THE SCRIPTURES BE UNDERSTOOD? By the use of ordinary means (reading the Bible, praying, and pleading for salvation), the Scriptures are able to make you wise unto salvation.

WHO CAN UNDERSTAND THE SCRIPTURES? Not only the learned but also the unlearned. The Bible is for everyone.

Psalm 15:7; Psalm 119:99

The things that are very clear—those about salvation and Christian living—are meant for all.

ref. Acts 8:30-31

ref. 1 John 2:20,27 (Talking about anointed teachers and preachers in order to shield us from destructive teachings)

ref. Ephesians 4:11-13 (We need to be well taught)

WHAT LEVEL OF CLARITY CAN BE OBTAINED FROM SCRIPTURES? It has sufficient level of clarity.

ref. Proverbs 20:3

This lesson was presented on December 15, 2024, during the adult Sunday school at the Herald of Grace Covenant Bible Church of Cavite.

Explore more about our local church and our ministries: https://hgcbcc.com/

Soli Deo Gloria
49 min
December 14, 2024Ch. 1 Para. 6: The Sufficiency of the Scriptures(Part 3)
Chapter 1 Paragraph 6: Of the Holy Scriptures
The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture; unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelation of the Spirit, or traditions of men. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word, and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies; which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.
Commonality in the Church to Human Actions and Society
"… and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church common to humane actions and societies; which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed."

Biblical texts: 1 Corinthians 11:13-14; 1 Corinthians 14:26, 40

Must not misquote Psalm 150 regarding worship

"… God is not a God of confusion but of peace…" (1 Corinthians 14:33)

Everything done in worship must be regulated by the Scriptures

Not everything done in the church is spelled out by the Word of God

Some things are left to common sense, light of nature, and Christian prudence

2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (Sufficiency of the Scriptures)

The Bible is sufficient pertaining to life and godliness

We live in a world that desires something new and exciting. Must be regulated in light of the Word of God

Same is applied in Biblical counseling (the Spirit and the Word work hand in hand)

We rely on the objective Word of God, not on our feelings (subjective)

We do not need extra exciting elements of worship. What we need is the Regulative Principle of Worship

We sing scripturally and intellectually -- not dependent on the tone or melody, but on the message of the song

In our worship, we must be directed by God's Word
This lesson was presented on December 08, 2024, during the adult Sunday school at the Herald of Grace Covenant Bible Church of Cavite.

Explore more about our local church and our ministries: https://hgcbcc.com/

Soli Deo Gloria
44 min
December 14, 2024Ch. 1 Para. 6: The Sufficiency of the Scriptures(Part 2)
Chapter 1 Paragraph 6: Of the Holy Scriptures
The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture; unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelation of the Spirit, or traditions of men. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word, and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies; which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.
SECOND ERROR: TRADITIONS OF MEN
Traditions of men were added (mainly by Rome) and considered equal to the written Word of God.

Reformers, based on Scriptures, uphold that we are to be filled with the Spirit and walk by the Spirit, not by oral traditions, but by the Word and with the Word of God.

1 Timothy 2:8 (On male leadership: cross-reference to original Greek language referring to men)
This lesson was presented on November 24, 2024, during the adult Sunday school at the Herald of Grace Covenant Bible Church of Cavite.

Explore more about our local church and our ministries: https://hgcbcc.com/

Soli Deo Gloria
39 min
November 18, 2024Ch. 1 Para. 6: The Sufficiency of the Scriptures
Chapter 1 Paragraph 6: Of the Holy Scriptures
The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture; unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelation of the Spirit, or traditions of men. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word, and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies; which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.

The Sufficiency of the Scriptures
The Word of God contains everything necessary to glorify God.

The speculation: Salvation can be attained by good works. [false]

It teaches through its "expressed" or "derived" preachings.

Derived teachings pertain to principles and implications in the Bible, including types and symbols of worship.

Two issues: the glory of God, the salvation of man.

It is not a textbook, but the Bible provides a foundation for any discipline in this world (science, governance, etc.).

The righteous man shall live by faith.

The Bible gives us benefit and warning.
The Error of Adding Something to the Scriptures
First Error: Ongoing Direct Revelation (Continuationism)
Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:14

Montanus: founded Montanism.

Montanism: holds that direct revelations from the Spirit were meant to revitalize the church. It emphasized ongoing revelation through spiritually gifted individuals and rejected the systematic study of the Bible. This movement served as a precursor to Pentecostalism and Pietism.

Tertullian, who coined the term “Trinity,” was a Montanist.

[On Montanism] This position undermines the authority of the Scriptures.

We have the principles of the Scriptures.

How will the Bible act to be sufficient for faith and life? We need to read the Word of God to learn its guiding principles.

The Spirit leads us through the written word.
This lesson was presented on November 17, 2024, during the adult Sunday school at the Herald of Grace Covenant Bible Church of Cavite.

Explore more about our local church and our ministries: https://hgcbcc.com/

Soli Deo Gloria
41 min
November 18, 2024Ch. 1 Para. 4-5: The Authority of the Scriptures (Part 2)
Chapter 1 Paragraph 4-5: Of the Holy Scriptures
Chapter 4
The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the author thereof; therefore it is to be received because it is the Word of God.
Chapter 5
We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church of God to an high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scriptures; and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, and the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, and many other incomparable excellencies, and entire perfections thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God; yet notwithstanding; our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.
The Full Persuasion of Assurance
It is by the internal working of the Holy Spirit.

While the pieces of evidence help, the ultimate witness is the inward work of the Holy Spirit by and with the Word.

One final thought to consider: the work of the Holy Spirit.

It is only through reading and meditation upon the Word of God that the Holy Spirit bears witness in our hearts.

The ultimate force that convinces us to submit to the Word of God is the work of the Holy Spirit.

The intrinsic quality of the Word of God: "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

Our understanding of the Word of God is not dependent on man.

The Spirit of truth guides us into all truth. This is the truth of the inscripturated revelation.

The Spirit searches the depths of God for He is the Spirit of God. And because the Holy Spirit indwells every believer through meditation on the Word of God, it is also the Holy Spirit who gives each believer illumination and enabling grace to follow.

The Scripture is the ultimate authority of our faith and practice. The Word of God proves itself to be from God.

"This witness of the Spirit is personal and internal. It is in the heart of the Christian. It is truly the moving of the Spirit in us. But notice that it is not stated to be purely from one’s own experience; nor from one’s own thought processes. It is specifically “by and with the word.” It is only through the reading, study, and meditation upon the word of God that the Holy Spirit bears witness in our hearts."

"Personal Application: Does the word of God exert such a powerful influence in your own life? Can you say that it is your authority? Do you live and make decisions by its teachings? Do others see that your life is governed and motivated by the teachings of the Bible? When others (like pastors, parents, or friends) attempt to help us apply the Bible personally, or rebuke and correct us from the Scripture, do we turn against them? This is often the real test of our belief in the authority of the Bible."

"Your reaction toward correction and rebuke based on the Bible reveals your true regard for the Word of God.”

This lesson was presented on November 10, 2024, during the adult Sunday school at the Herald of Grace Covenant Bible Church of Cavite.

Explore more about our local church and our ministries: https://hgcbcc.com/

Soli Deo Gloria
39 min
November 01, 2024Ch. 1 Para. 4: The Authority of the Scriptures
Chapter 1 Paragraph 4: Of the Holy Scriptures

The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the author thereof; therefore it is to be received because it is the Word of God.
Christians who understand the ultimate authority of the Scriptures bows down to its authority.

THESE ARE CRITICAL BECAUSE...
Because of its HISTORICAL BACKGROUND.
The Roman Catholic teaches that the authority of the Bible is based on the church’s testimony, meaning that the Scripture’s authority relies on the Rome's declaration. For example, the Roman Catholic group declared the Apocrypha as part of Scripture.
The Scriptures is not valid because of the validation of an organization or a church
Because we need to understand its ultimate authority in our life.
Sola Scriptura - means ultimate authority.
It presents a foundation of Biblical authority in our family and civil life
A. THE DUTY OF FAITH IN THE WORD OF GOD.
It obligates belief in them.
It is an unqualified duty. We must obey and believe in the Word of God.
Is there any contradiction between faith and evidence? NONE.
We maintain that our confession maintains a beautiful balance between faith and evidence.
ref. Isaiah 66:2
2 Thessalonians 2:13
"We believe the Bible not because we are more
intellectually capable but because God has chosen us for salvation."
"We believe the Bible because God had chosen us for salvation and granted us faith to believe in Him and trust His word. No one comes to faith in God and obedience to the Bible apart from God’s choice in election."
None believes in the Word of God apart from God's choice in election.
ref. Acts 13:48
“...and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭48‬ ‭ESV‬‬
God's people really believe and submit in the Word of God.
ref. Ephesians 1:4 (There was already God's choice even before the foundation of the world
What's the basis of God's election? It's unconditional. What's the purpose of God's election? For us to be holy.

This lesson was presented on October 27, 2024, during the adult Sunday school at the Herald of Grace Covenant Bible Church of Cavite.

Explore more about our local church and our ministries: https://hgcbcc.com/

Soli Deo Gloria
39 min
October 22, 2024Ch. 1 Para. 2-3: The Canon of the Scriptures
Chapter 1 Paragraph 2-3: Of the Holy ScripturesParagraph 2

Under the name of Holy Scripture or the Word of God written; are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testaments, which are these:OF THE OLD TESTAMENT: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of Songs [Song of Solomon], Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
OF THE NEW TESTAMENT: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, The Acts of the Apostles, Paul's Epistle to the Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, To Titus, To Philemon, The Epistle to the Hebrews, The Epistle of James, The first and second Epistles of Peter, The first, second and third Epistles of John, The Epistle of Jude, The Revelation All which are given by the inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life.( 2 Timothy 3:16 )

Paragraph 3
The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon (or rule) of the Scripture, and, therefore, are of no authority to the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved or made use of, than other human writings.

What are the identities of God's inscripturated revelation?
The canon of the Scriptures: how the early church identified the "true books" of the Scriptures.
The early church (Jewish people) - In the Jewish canon, there are 22 books in the old Testament (equivalent to the 39 books in the OT)
The Roman Catholic made it appear that the Protestants removed 6 books and declared dogmatically that the Apocrypha should be included (to substantiate their doctrine.
The Christians recognized which was the Scriptures and which ones are not but it was not done by a single institution. There was a general consensus.
1548 - The Roman Catholic formalized and declared the Apocrypha as part of the Scriptures.

This lesson was presented on October 20, 2024, during the adult Sunday school at the Herald of Grace Covenant Bible Church of Cavite.

Explore more about our local church and our ministries: https://hgcbcc.com/

Soli Deo Gloria
47 min
October 22, 2024Ch. 1 Para. 1: The Self Disclosure of God
Chapter 1 Paragraph 1: Of the Holy Scriptures

The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience, although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and His will which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times and in diversified manners to reveal Himself, and to declare His will unto His church; and afterward for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan, and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which makes the Holy Scriptures to be most necessary, those former ways of God’s revealing His will unto His people being now completed.

"God is self-revealing. He is knowable. He revealed Himself that we may know Him."

General revelation declares that there is a creator declaring His goodness, power and wisdom.

Only special revelation is sufficient for us to have faith and true.

This lesson was presented on October 13, 2024, during the adult Sunday school at the Herald of Grace Covenant Bible Church of Cavite.

Explore more about our local church and our ministries: https://hgcbcc.com/

Soli Deo Gloria
43 min

About 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: HGCBCC Sunday School Series

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This podcast delves into the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, aiming to edify believers and glorify God.

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1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: HGCBCC Sunday School Series

1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: HGCBCC Sunday School Series episodes

About 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: HGCBCC Sunday School Series