Confession: Heidelberg Catechism, QA 22, 32, 84, 123

Scripture: Genesis 4:26; Hebrews 11:40; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Jude 3; 2 Timothy 1:13; Romans 11:5-6; Acts 2:38-39, 14:23, 15:1-2; Matthew 16:18, 19 (Read from ESV)

Preacher: Rev. David Inks

Introduction

Q. WHAT THEN MUST A CHRISTIAN BELIEVE?

Q. BUT WHY ARE YOU CALLED A CHRISTIAN?

Q. HOW DOES PREACHING THE GOSPEL OPEN AND CLOSE THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?

The kingdom of heaven is opened by proclaiming and publicly declaring to each and every believer that, as often as he accepts the gospel promise in true faith, God, because of what Christ has done, truly forgives all his sins.

The kingdom of heaven is closed, however, by proclaiming and publicly declaring to unbelievers and hypocrites that, as long as they do not repent, the anger of God and eternal condemnation rest on them.

God’s judgment, both in this life and in the life to come, is based on this gospel testimony.

Q. WHAT DOES THE SECOND REQUEST MEAN?

Rule us by your Word and Spirit in such a way that more and more we submit to you.

Keep your church strong, and add to it.

Destroy the devil’s work; destroy every force which revolts against you and every conspiracy against your Word.

Do this until your kingdom is so complete and perfect that in it you are all in all.

26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the Lord.

40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

15 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. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

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