On April 27, 2019, the Chabad of Poway, a synagogue in California, was attacked by a shooter who is alleged to have posted an anti-semitic manifesto online. The shooter was a current member of Escondido Orthodox Presbyterian Church, a congregation with which we share fellowship. --Following the shooting, much commentary explored the question of whether the Reformed faith tolerates or encourages anti-semitism and racism. --The elders of Christ Reformed encouraged Pastor Brian Lee to explore this question in a special catechism lesson, using Heidelberg Catechism Question 54 to explore racism in the light of the catholicity of the church---54 Q. What do you believe concerning -the holy catholic church-- --A. I believe that the Son of God through his Spirit and Word, out of the entire human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. And of this community I am and always will be a living member.

Mark 1-1-3--The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.--As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,---Behold, I send my messenger before your face,- who will prepare your way,-the voice of one crying in the wilderness-- 'Prepare the way of the Lord,- make his paths straight,'-

Mark 16-1-8--When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, -Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb-- And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back-it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, -Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen- he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.- And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

For a special Good Friday service, Brian preaches through Psalm 22.

Psalm 22--My God, my God, why have you forsaken me-- Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning--O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,- and by night, but I find no rest.-Yet you are holy,- enthroned on the praises of Israel.-In you our fathers trusted-- they trusted, and you delivered them.-To you they cried and were rescued-- in you they trusted and were not put to shame.-But I am a worm and not a man,- scorned by mankind and despised by the people.-All who see me mock me-- they make mouths at me- they wag their heads---He trusts in the Lord- let him deliver him-- let him rescue him, for he delights in him---Yet you are he who took me from the womb-- you made me trust you at my mother's breasts.-On you was I cast from my birth,- and from my mother's womb you have been my God.-Be not far from me,- for trouble is near,- and there is none to help.-Many bulls encompass me-- strong bulls of Bashan surround me--they open wide their mouths at me,- like a ravening and roaring lion.-I am poured out like water,- and all my bones are out of joint--my heart is like wax-- it is melted within my breast--my strength is dried up like a potsherd,- and my tongue sticks to my jaws-- you lay me in the dust of death.-For dogs encompass me-- a company of evildoers encircles me--they have pierced my hands and feet--I can count all my bones--they stare and gloat over me--they divide my garments among them,- and for my clothing they cast lots.-But you, O Lord, do not be far off-- O you my help, come quickly to my aid--Deliver my soul from the sword,- my precious life from the power of the dog-

1 Peter 5-1-5--So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed- shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you- not for shameful gain, but eagerly- not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for -God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.-

1 Peter 4-12-19--Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God- and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God- And---If the righteous is scarcely saved,- what will become of the ungodly and the sinner----Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

1 Peter 4-7 - 11 --The end of all things is at hand- therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace- whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God- whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies-in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

This talk and Q-A session took place in Indianapolis, Indiana, and was hosted by Indy Reformed study -www.indyreformed.org-.--The talk explores how the Law - Gospel distinction is taught in the Heidelberg Catechism and how it provides the structure for that classic work of Christian instruction.

1 Peter 4-1 - 6--Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you- but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.