This week we look at question 19 in the New City Catechism: Is there any way to escape punishment and be brought back into God’s favor? The memory answer is: Yes, to satisfy his justice, God himself, out of mere mercy, reconciles us to himself and delivers us from sin and from the punishment for sin, by a Redeemer.

This week we look at question 18 in the New City Catechism: Will God allow our disobedience and idolatry to go unpunished? The memory answer is: No, every sin is against the sovereignty, holiness, and goodness of God, and against his righteous law, and God is righteously angry with our sins and will punish them in his just judgment both in this life, and in the life to come.

This week we look at question 17 in the New City Catechism: What is idolatry? The memory answer is: Idolatry is trusing in created things rather than the Creator for our hope and happiness, significance and security.

This week we look at question 16 in the New City Catechism: What is sin? The memory answer is: Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in the world he created, rebelling against him by living without reference to him, not being or doing what he requires in his law - resulting in our death and the disintegration of all creation.

This week we look at question 15 in the New City Catechism: Since no one can keep the law, what is its purpose? The memory answer is: That we may know the holy nature and will of God, and the sinful nature and disobedience of our hearts; and thus our need of a Savior. The law also teaches and exhorts us to live a life worthy of our Savior.

This week we look at question 14 in the New City Catechism: Did God create us unable to keep his law? The memory answer is: No, but because of the disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, all of creation is fallen; we are all born in sin and guilt, corrupt in our nature and unable to keep God’s law.

This week Jeff took a break from teaching on the New City Catechism for a special Easter message. We encourage you to continue your memorizing with Question 13: Can anyone keep the law of God perfectly? The memory answer is: Since the fall, no mere human has been able to keep the law of God perfectly, but consistently breaks it in thought, word, and deed.

This Sunday we look at question 11 in the New City Catechism: What does God require in the ninth and tenth commandments? The memory answer is: Ninth, that we do not lie or deceive, but speak the truth in love. Tenth, that we are content, not envying anyone or resenting what God has given them or us.

This week we look at question 11 in the New City Catechism: What does God require in the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments? The memory answer is: Sixth, that we do not hurt, or hate, or be hostile to our neighbor, but be patient and peaceful, pursuing even our enemies with love. Seventh, that we abstain from sexual immorality and live purely and faithfully, whether in marriage or in single life, avoiding all impure actions, looks, words, thoughts or desires, and whatever might lead to them. Eighth, that we do not take without permission that which belongs to someone else, nor withhold any good from someone we might benefit.

This week we look at question 10 in the New City Catechism: What does God require in the fourth and fifth commandments? The memory answer is: Fourth, that on the Sabbath day we spend time in public and private worship of God, rest from routine employment, serve the Lord and others, and so anticipate the eternal Sabbath. Fifth, that we love and honor our father and our mother, submitting to their godly discipline and direction.