Saturday: July 31, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

Question 101: What do we pray for in the first petition?

Answer: In the first petition, which is, "Hallowed be thy name," we pray, That God would enable us and others to glorify him in all that whereby he maketh himself known; and that he would dispose all things to his own glory.

It is for the glory of God and the Lamb that we pray. What is the purpose of all things? The purpose for all things is the glory of God. The very first question and answer in the Westminster Shorter Catechism:

Question 1: What is the chief end of man?

Answer: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him for ever.

Man was created to glorify God, and to enjoy God forever, but man sinned and fell short of his glory. However, it is for the glory of God, that God justified man. We are justified as a gift, by the grace of God alone, through faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone, for the glory of God alone, as it is written in Scripture alone. (cf. Rom. 3:10-26)

We who are redeemed are, therefore, to pray for God’s glory before pray for anything else!

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ sake

Friday: July 30, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

Question 100: What doth the preface of the Lord's prayer teach us?

Answer: The preface of the Lord's prayer, which is, "Our Father which art in heaven," teacheth us to draw near to God with all holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us; and that we should pray with and for others.

When Jesus meet Mary Madeline in the garden, he said to her: “Go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” (Jn. 20:17b) This indicates a change in covenant, for God’s covenant name in Israel was Yahweh or Jehovah, but we should understand God, not as the God who took us out of slavery in Egypt, but as a loving Father who elected us and Jesus Christ as a loving brother who died for us. Therefore, when you pray, pray to your Father who loves you, for he elected you before the foundation of the earth and adopted you as a son or daughter of God. However, we should not think of God as being like an earthly father, limited in power, limited in knowledge and having faults. Our heavenly Father is all powerful, all knowing and all good. He is above earthly things, for his throne is in heaven. The Westminster Puritans are correct to say that we should pray with and for others. We are not single children, but we are a family and a household with many many children.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Thursday: July 29, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

Question 99: What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer?

Answer: The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called The Lord's Prayer.

Yesterday I mentioned that the pastor of Sylvania Church often reads Puritan prayers from The Valley of Vision. He also does something else that I think is very interesting; he prays from the psalms. He will take one of the psalms and pray it aloud, adapting it to the congregation for which he is praying. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, says: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Therefore, the Westminster Puritans are correct in their assertion that the whole Word of God is useful to direct us in prayer.

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, (cf. Luke 11:1-4) And He said to them, 

“When you pray, say:

‘Father, hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

‘Give us each day our daily bread.

‘And forgive us our sins,

For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.

And lead us not into temptation.’”

In Matthew 6:1-15, the Lord teaches the disciples more extensively about prayer; when, where and how to pray. When the Lord gives the module prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, he adds to Lukes version between praying for God’s kingdom and our needs, the Lord adds to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. It is the version that is recorded in Matthew that the Westminster Puritans expound upon in the final questions and answers of the Shorter Catechism. I look forward to exploring each of these.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ sake

Wednesday: July 28, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

My personal devotional time begins each morning with a recitation of a chapter out of the Gospel According to John; after this, I write a write a letter to God; after this, I read a portion of Scripture; after this, I write a letter to you. Prayer is very very important to me. I surround my prayer time with the Scriptures. The Puritans have much to teach us about prayer, for they were a prayerful people. In the liturgy of the worship service, at Sylvania Church, our pastor often reads a Puritan Prayer from the Valley of Vision; therefore, I believe that the Puritans have much that they can teach us about prayer. 

The Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 98: What is prayer?

Answer: Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies.

I do not always do so, but several years ago, someone suggested to me to use the acronym A.C.T.S. while praying. 

• Adoration
• Confession
• Thanksgiving
• Supplication

Praying in this way has been very helpful. I once read The Life & Testament of Jim Elliot. Jim Elliot was a young missionary in Ecuador who died at the hands of natives that he was attempting to reach with the gospel. In his journal, Jim Elliot wrote, based on the Lord’s prayer:

• Pray for God’s name
• Pray for God’s kingdom
• Pray for God’s will
• Pray for our needs
• Pray for our debts
• Pray for our debtors
• Pray for our deliverance

Both of these suggestions: the acronym acts and praying for these seven, have been useful in my prayer life. In the remaining questions and answers given in the Westminster Shorter Catechism, we will be exploring what the Puritans suggest. May your prayer life abound to the glory of God in Jesus Christ.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

July 27, 2021

Question 97: What is required to be the worthy receiving of the Lord's supper?

Answer: It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord's supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgement to themselves.

This is a good and biblical answer, however, there is something missing from this answer. The thing missing is church membership. I do not mean membership in the particular local church in which a traveler might take part in the Lord’s Supper, but I mean membership in the church universal. We do not believe in Baptismal regeneration; therefore, this is not of which I am speaking. However, we do believe that Baptism is a church ordinance; therefore, Baptism is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and the Lord’s Supper. Faith in Jesus Christ is the prerequisite to Baptism, believers Baptism is the prerequisite to church membership and church membership is the prerequisite to participation in the Lord’s Supper. 

The apostle Paul wrote, 1 Corinthians 11:27-32

Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

The period of time before participating in and ingesting the Lord’s supper is a time to reflect on persistent personal sin, to confess it and forsake it. We should also reflect while taking the the Lord’s Supper that “ Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Cor. 15:3-4) It is the joy of a believer to participate in the ordinance of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Monday: July 26, 2021

Question 96: What is the Lord's supper?

Answer: The Lord's Supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worth receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace.

Dear Neighbor,

I do not believe that this answer is sufficient. I believe “The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.” (BFM, Article 7b) 

The Westminster Puritans believe that the Lord’s Supper is a sacrament but I believe that it is a symbolic act of obedience. Remember, the word sacrament implies that the act itself conveys grace to the believer. I do not believe that the act of receiving the Lord’s Supper conveys any grace to the believer. 

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

The Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of the last supper that the Lord Jesus Christ had with his disciples. At that supper, the Lord explained his atoning death to his disciples with the use of bread and wine. He used the bread to symbolize his body broken for believers and he used the wine to symbolize his blood shed for believers. 

Hebrews 9:22

And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Jesus commanded that his disciples do this in remembrance of him. (Luke 22:19)

The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience, whereby members of the church, memorialize the death of the Lord Jesus Christ and anticipate his second coming. It is at his second coming that we will celebrate the wedding supper of the Lamb. (Rev. 19:7) Regular observance of the Lord’s Supper is a teaching moment for the church and is a teaching moment for the parents of their unbelieving children. Unbelieving are not participants but witnesses of the symbolic act and the obedience demonstrated by their parents.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Lord’s Day: July 25, 2021

Dear Neighbor, 

This is the day that the Lord has made, so let us rejoice and be glad in it. God created everyday, but the first day of the week is a special day. The first day of the week is the Lord’s day! Christians regularly observe the first day of the week as being the Lord’s special day of the week. Not in observance of the Sabbath rest, commanded of Israel, in the covenant that he made with them at Mount Sinai in the desert, but because it commemorates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. Therefore, Christians come together on the first day of the week to worship God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 

It was on the first day of the week, when the doors were shut, where the disciples were, that Jesus first appeared to the disciples, bodily resurrected from the dead. Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you.” After saying this, he showed them that he was not a spirit but bodily resurrected. The disciples rejoiced when the saw the Lord Jesus Christ bodily resurrected from the dead. (Jn. 20:19-20)

After this, all who received the Word, thus, becoming believers of Jesus Christ were baptized. The believers continually devoted themselves to teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:41-42) The first Christian churches meet together on the first day of the week to break bread and listen to teaching from their elders. (Acts 20:7)

Do not forsake the meeting together as some have the habit of doing. (Heb. 10:25) I encourage you to meet other believers in regular Christian fellowship, on the first day of the week, just as believers have been doing for two millennia. Private devotion and study of the word is good but you have six other days of the week to do these disciplines. I encourage you this Lord’s day and every Lord’s day, hence forth; be devoted to Christian fellowship on the first day of the week.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Saturday: July 24, 2021

Acts 2:41-42

So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Dear Neighbor,

What is the church? 

The church is a fellowship of baptized believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, who devote themselves to teaching from the Scriptures, to eating meals together, especially the Lord’s supper, and to prayer.

At these fellowship meals, in the early church, there must have been women in attendance with their infants and small children. As the children grew, they would have heard the Word spoken but there would have been no necessity to baptize infants.

The eating of meals together denotes intimacy, it is, and always has been families who sit down together for a meal. At these fellowship meals there would have been discussion. Often, the discussion would have begun with a lecture by the elder. These early churches were house churches, thus, they were very intimate and small. The elder might have even suggested a topic for discussion at the table. I believe that early Christian fellowship was more intimate, sharing and learning the Scriptures than today in modern Western churches. Many who converted to Christianity would have lost their family, so the church became their family.

I have spent the past several weeks, writing in the early morning, as part of my devotional time; writing on the Westminster Shorter Catechism. I began doing this because I regret that I did not teach our children more thoroughly the Word. We had regular meals together as a family and it is at these times that I should have taught our children. As they matured, the discussions about the Word would have involved more and more of their participation.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Friday: July 23, 2021

Question 95: To whom is baptism to be administered?

Answer: Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptized.

Dear Neighbor,

I know by what means they came to this answer, but being men who spent much time in the Scripture, I do not understand how they held to it. There is much that we all do out of habit, and because others did it before us; but the truth is, the second part of this answer is fallacy. There is absolutely no instance of anyone being Baptized in Scripture except that of a believer. 

I believe that the reformers were on the path to abandon the practice of infant baptism but they chickened out. Throughout the middle ages, and during the time of the reformation, the way that governments counted its citizenry was through church baptismal records. If only believers were baptized, not all persons born in the country would be counted. In order to have governmental protection, the reformers attached themselves to the state, and the Westminster Puritans were no different.

An inference, therefore, was made on a text in Acts 16:31-34 and attached to circumcision in the Abrahamic covenant. There is no reference in Scripture that links baptism and circumcision. When one really looks at it, the whole thing is just crazy, but human emotion takes over and blinds reason.

The Phillipian Jailer asked Paul and Silas, Acts 16:30-34 (NASB)

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house. And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household.

I do not have time in the few minutes that I write this morning to explain and refute infant baptism as it relates to covenant theology, however, the Scripture only teaches believers baptism and not that of unbelievers, which includes a believers infant. There is no indiction in the aforementioned text that suggest infant baptism but only suggest that those who believed were baptized. In order to make such an inference, there must be other examples in Scripture but there simply is not any. 

What does the Scripture teach about Baptism?

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord’s Supper. (BFM, Article 7a)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Thursday: July 22, 2021

Question 94: What is baptism?

Answer: Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.

Dear Neighbor,

Baptism is not a sacrament, whereas, by calling Baptism a sacrament, the word implies conveyance of grace. No one has been or ever will be sealed our ingrafted into Christ through the act of Baptism. However, Baptism is required for church membership, that you a believer may then take part in the activities of the church, but it does not give us the benefits of the covenant of grace, for all was given to us when we first believed. 

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

All Christian works follow after faith, which comes to us by grace, which is the gift of God. Baptism is, therefore, a good work. Christian Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Baptism does not save anyone, nor seal anyone into Christ, nor convey grace, nor make us the Lord’s. Baptism is an act of obedience that symbolizes a believers faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, and was buried, and was raised again the third day. Christian Baptism also symbolizes the believers death to sin, the burial of his old self, and resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

Baptism is the testimony of a believers faith in the final, bodily, resurrection of the dead at Christ coming.

While Baptism is not required for salvation (see the thief on the cross, Luke 23:42-43) it is required for church membership. Since Baptism is a command of Christ, to refuse Baptism would negate entrance into the church community. The believer must be taught to observe all that the Lord Jesus Christ commanded. Baptism is the first act of obedience for the new believer, and is, therefore, a teaching moment for the church.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Wednesday: July 21, 2021

Question 93: Which are the sacraments of the New Testament?

Answer: The sacraments of the New Testament are, Baptism, and the Lord's supper.

Dear Neighbor,

I believe it of necessity that I once again define sacrament and ordinance. In answer to question 92, the Westminster Puritans said, “A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ.” I agree that the Baptism and the Lord’s supper are ordinances instituted by Christ, and they are Holy because Christ instituted them, but for what purpose and to whom? This is the purpose of the questions that follow, but for now, let us once again define sacrament and ordinance.

The authors of The Baptist Faith & Message define ordinance and sacrament thus:

• Ordinance means decree or command.
• The word sacrament implies that the act itself conveys grace to the believer.

Both the Westminster Puritans and Baptist agree that the Lord Jesus Christ instituted Baptism and the Lord’s supper, and there are none but these. (cf. Mt. 28:19 & 1 Co. 11:23) On Thursday and Friday we will explorer the questions of Baptism.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Tuesday: July 20, 2021

Question 92: What is a sacrament?

Answer: A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ, wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.

Dear Neighbor,

As I said yesterday, I do not like the word sacrament being used of baptism and the Lord’s supper because the word sacrament implies that the act itself conveys grace to the participant. I, however, prefer to call them ordinances because an ordinance is a decree or command; therefore, I am pleased to read in answer to question 92 that the Westminster Puritans said, “A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ.” However, I do not believe that the entire second half of the answer is correct: “wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.” I do not like the answer because it implies that the act itself conveys grace. 

I knew when I began to write about the questions and answers given in the Westminster Shorter Catechism that I would be in agreement with the Puritans up to this point but would be in disagreement with them regarding this subject. My convictions are Reformed with regard to soteriology but my convictions are Baptist with regard to ecclesiology; therefore, I am a Reformed Baptist. In systematic theology, soteriology is the study of the salvation of man and ecclesiology is the study of the church.

I do not believe that Christ, the benefits of the new covenant, are sealed and applied through the act of participation in the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s supper. I do not believe this because it is not biblical but comes from tradition. 

Why then baptize and participate in the Lord’s supper at all? Because the Lord Jesus Christ commanded us to. It is our obedience to Christ’s commandments that testifies to God’s grace. I read this morning in James that “faith without works is dead.” (Jam. 2:29) The ordinances are pictures and remembrances of grace. The act does not convey grace but we do receive grace and blessing when we obey Christ’s commandments and remember what he has done for us.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Monday: July 19, 2021

Question 91: How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

Answer: The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them; but only by the blessing of Christ, and the working of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them.

Dear Neighbor,

The word sacrament is derived from the ancient Roman religions of making and oath to and worshiping the gods; for this reason the Roman Catholic church adopted this word into the Christian faith. The Westminster puritans continued to use the word in their confession and catechisms; both longer and shorter catechisms. The Baptist decided to make a change and call them ordinances. It became excepted in Roman Catholicism that there was virtue in the ordinances and in the priest who administered them.

I do not believe this to be true. I do not believe that Baptism and the Lord’s supper are acts that convey grace but are commands given by Christ as pictures and affirmation of grace. Baptist do not observe Baptism and the Lord’s supper because they convey grace, an effectual means of salvation, but because Christ commanded that we do so.

The ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s supper are illustrations and remembrances of grace. Believers do not receive grace and blessing through sacramental grace, but by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and obeying all that Christ commanded.

Once again I encourage you to consider Acts 2:41-42 as the bases:

So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Lord’s Day: July 18, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

I am concerned about the unrighteousness and ungodliness among Christians in the present age. “Χριστιανός, christianos (Christian), a word formed after the Roman style, signifying an adherent of Jesus, was first applied to such by the Gentiles and is found in Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16.” (Vines) Christians are followers of Christ. A Christian believes that Jesus of Nazareth in Galilee, the Son of Mary, is in fact the Christ, the Son of God. 

The apostle Paul wrote to Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Paul is not preaching universal salvation but salvation available to all men. Those who name the name of Christ are to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age. Jesus redeemed us from our sin to purify us for himself. He is our great God and Savior, He gave himself to redeem us from sin; therefore, we should be zealous to live righteously and godly in the present age, doing good deeds. 

It is common today for people to live immoral lives and call themselves a Christian. Adultery, fornication and homosexuality were all forbidden in the Law; these are also spoken against by the apostles of Jesus Christ in their letters to the churches. The Christian is not to live an immoral life. Divorce, homosexuality and living with ones boy friend or girl friend is so very common among those who name the name of Christ. Are you a Christian or are you an American? 

As the apostle Paul urged Titus to speak the things fitting for sound doctrine, (Titus 2:1) I am writing these things on this Lord’s Day; whether you be an older man, an older woman, a young woman, or young man; believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Saturday: July 17, 2021

Question 90: How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation?

Answer: The the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practise it in our lives.

Dear Neighbor,

The bases for these final questions and answers is Acts 2:41-42

So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Those who received the Word began to practice the Christian life!

In the parable of the Sower and the Soils; (Mark 4:1-20) Jesus explained that there are four ways in which people receive the Word:

1. People who hear, but do not receive the Word.
2. People who hear, receive the Word, but do not lay it up in their hearts.
3. People who hear, receive the Word, lay it up in their hearts, but do not practice it in their lives.
4. People who hear, receive the Word, lay it up in their hearts, and practice it in their lives.

In Matthew 13:16, Jesus said to his disciples: “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.”

The Word of God must not be heard only but must be received with faith and love, laid up in our hearts, and practiced in our lives. The apostle James wrote, James 1:23-24

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

Do not take the reading our hearing of the Word lightly, but attend to it with diligence, prayerfully prepare yourself and others to receive the Word with faith and love, that you may lay it up in your hearts, and practice what the Word says in your lives.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Friday: July 16, 2021

Question 89: How is the Word made effectual to salvation?

Answer: The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation.

Dear Neighbor,

Yesterday, I wrote that the bases for these final questions in the Westminster Shorter Catechism were set in the answer to question 88; therefore, even if the answers deviate, we will not, for this is the bases, the establishment of the church of Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:41-42

So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

The apostle Paul wrote to his apprentice Timothy: “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.” (1 Tim. 4:13) Why? Because the apostle Paul understood, “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul.” (Ps. 19:7) The Hebrew word, תּוֹרָה (torah) translated into English, Law, means direction or instruction. Therefore, the Word is made effectual to salvation by directing the hearer to the incarnate Word, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Matthew 28:18-20

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, Law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless. (1 Tim 1:8-9) Whoever walks according to the flesh, is unrighteous, for the righteous man shall live by faith. (Rom. 1:17) For this reason the apostle Paul wrote, Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” It is through preaching the Word that we ensure salvation both for ourselves and for those who hear. (1 Tim. 4:16)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Thursday: July 15, 2021

Question 88 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:

“What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?”

Answer:

“The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption, are his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.”

Acts 2:41-42

“So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

All of the remaining questions in the Westminster Shorter Catechism deal with the ordinances of the Word, sacraments and prayer. The proof text given for their answer to question 88 is Acts 2:41-42; therefore, I think it prudent that we return to this text when considering every answer to the end of the catechism.

In Acts 2:41-42 we can see the workings of the early church. These are not things that are historically based or tied to a specific culture in time and place, but are universal in practice for all who believe. Some of the things that the early church were doing, following this text in Acts 2:43-47 are historical-culturally based, and may be debated by some, but those practices found in Acts 2:41-42 are universal in their application. 

I believe that we should note from the text, those who received the word were baptized and added to the church; it is these who were devoting themselves to the apostles teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

Wednesday: July 14, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

Question 87 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: What is repentance unto life?

Answer: Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavour after, new obedience.

In several spots around the city of Tyler, Texas, someone has paid for billboards that read:

“The ABC’s of salvation:

• Admit that you are a sinner.
• Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Call on the name of the Lord.”

None of these are wrong but they do not say enough. The biblical and historical way of salvation is to turn from sin to God in Jesus Christ. However, repentance for the the forgiveness of sins does not make for a catchy billboard, with blocks that one may recall from their childhood, along with the ABC’s. 

Repentance is not something that a man can do, yet he must do it to see the kingdom of God. Jesus answered and said to Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) The Pharisee Nicodemus understood that a man cannot cause himself to be born, much-less, born again. This is the reason that he inquired, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” (John 3:4) Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:5-8)

Therefore, the Westminster Puritans are correct to say that repentance unto life is a saving grace because repentance unto life is the gift of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul said, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Tuesday: July 13, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

Question 86: What is faith in Jesus Christ?

Answer: Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.

The apostle Paul wrote of both Jew and Greek, Romans 10:13 “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” Then he asked in Romans 10:14, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” Then he said in Romans 10:16, “However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?” Nonetheless, he said in Romans 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

In the book, All of Grace, Charles Spurgeon said, “Faith is the simplest of all things, and perhaps because of its simplicity it is the more difficult to explain.” Then he explained faith in this way: “It is made up of three things--knowledge, belief, and trust.” Knowledge comes first, then the mind goes on to believe that these things are true, finally one puts his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. “Faith is not a blind thing; for faith begins with knowledge. It is not a speculative thing; for faith believes facts of which it is sure. It is not an unpractical, dreamy thing; for faith trusts, and stakes its destiny upon the truth of revelation.” He goes on to say, “Faith is believing that Christ is what He is said to be, and that He will do what He has promised to do, and then to expect this of Him.”

The apostle Paul wrote that faith expresses itself outwardly in confession and inwardly in the heart. (cf. Rom. 10:9) It is in the heart that a person holds what is precious to him and Jesus said, Matthew 12:34 “For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.”

Lastly, the writer of Hebrews 11:1, said, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Many have knowledge of the gospel but do not believe. Many believe but do not really trust. Faith is having knowledge, believing and trusting. This I believe is the best definition of faith.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Monday: July 12, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

Question 85: What doth God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for sin?

Answer: To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requireth of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption.

You ought to know by now that there are some differences in my understanding of Scripture from that of the Westminster Puritans. The Westminster Puritans understood the Scriptures through the lens of Covenantal Theology. Covenantal Theology views all of Scripture through the Abrahamic covenant. However, I see several covenants throughout Scripture. There is the covenant that God made with Adam but Adam broke that covenant; however, God made a promise, that the seed of the woman would defeat the seed of the serpent, though he would be injured. (cf. Gn. 3:15) 

There is also the covenant that God made with Noah and all of creation. The covenant that God made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. There is the covenant that God made with Moses and all of Israel in the desert. There is the covenant that God made with David, that one of his sons would sit on the throne forever. Lastly, there is a promise of a New Covenant in the book of Jeremiah. I believe that all of these covenants are fulfilled in Christ Jesus. 

After rising from the dead, the eleven disciples went to the mountain in Galilee which Jesus designated. (Mt. 28:16-17) And Jesus came up and spoke to them. “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:18-20, NASB)

Jesus is the seed of the woman who defeated the Serpent. Jesus is the seed of Abraham through his wife Sarah. Jesus is the son of David, who is to sit perpetually on the throne. The apostle Peter wanted to make tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. (Mt. 17:4) Moses represents the Law and Elijah represents the prophets. In other words, Moses and Elijah represent the Old Testament; however, God said of Jesus, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” (Mt. 17:5, NASB)

The covenantal theologian wants you to come to Christ then sends you back to the Law to observe it; however, this is not what the New Testament writers taught. The Law is the tutor to lead us to Christ so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. We are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:24-26) “The Law can bring us to Christ but no further.” (Comfort) 

Yes, have repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21) However, this does not mean turning to the Law as a guide. This does mean putting to death the deeds of the flesh with its passions and desires. It means to walk by the Spirit of God. (Gal. 5:16-25)

To escape the wrath of God, do us because of sin; change your mind and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and observe all that Jesus taught in the writings of the apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, given to you as a pledge of your inheritance. (Eph. 1:14)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Lord’s Day: July 11, 2021

Today I would like to write an open-letter to my 36 year old nephew, Dustin Chance Weeks. An open-letter because Dustin was found dead on the morning of July 6, 2021 and you may glean something from my letter to Dustin.

Dear Dustin,

Today, your our family and friends are holding a memorial service in honor of your life. You are worthy of honor, as are all men, because you were created in the image of God. I first meet you at another man’s funeral service, that of your grandfather’s, whom you called Paw. I meet Paw once before his death but I feel as though I know him through the eyes of his daughter, my wife, and your Aunt Darlene. She has trained your children, since the time that they were very little, to call her Aunt Favorite. You were but five years old when Darlene and I married. 

During the early years of our marriage I saw and played with you often. We lived just a few miles away, as I was stationed at Fort Polk in Louisiana. We would come up to Stanley to see Maw and all of Darlene’s family, and you would often come down to us, and stay with us. I remember how you went squirrel hunting with me. It had been raining, so the creek was running swiftly. We attempted to cross the creek, balancing ourselves on a log, and you fell in the creek. I had to go in and get you out and carry you on my back, back to the house. Darlene reminded me of another time that we were fishing and you were about to step on a water-moccasin snake, but I pushed you out of the way. Everyone recalls the story of how you put your big fish back, at your Aunt Kayla’s house, because you thought that I said it had Aides, when I actually said, “That fish is full of eggs.” That is a good memory and everyone gets a chuckle from it.

Yesterday, I was looking for something else, when I found the plastic holder in which I use to carry pictures in my wallet. In this were pictures of Darlene, our children (Bethany and Daniel), something of my grandfather’s, and a picture of you. In the pre-smartphone days, one carried pictures in his wallet incase someone asked about his family; also, that he could see them when far away. I believe that that picture was in my wallet, when I went away to Korea. You were also in the Army, during a time of war, and you went away to Iraq. I do not know what you saw there but I know that it changed you in some way.

Your family dynamics parallel our own. Darlene came into our marriage with Daniel and I adopted him as my own son. Your mother Rayleen came into marriage to Ricky with you and he adopted you as his son. Darlene gave birth to our daughter Bethany and your mother gave birth to your sister Brianne; you and Daniel are four years and some change apart in age; Brianne and Bethany are two years and some change apart in age. When we were first married, your mother and aunt Darlene were sisters, but they have really really become close during the past few years. As they have gotten older, the few years in age between them as dwindled away. 

I remember seeing you and your Stanley high school team when the state baseball championship and I remember you staying with us as you tried out for a college team. You stayed with us often at Ft. Polk, in our home in Garland, TX, but I did not see you for 3 years when we went away to Colorado. When we returned and moved to Whitehouse, TX, you were a teenager and becoming a man. You stayed with us a few times at our home in Whitehouse for varying reasons: when trying out for a college baseball team and the last time was for some training for your job. The desk and chair in my study from which I am writing this letter, is in the very spot in which you laid while staying with us.

Dustin, I am writing this letter to you because I miss you and want to tell you that I love you and have fond memories of you. Your father, mother, daughters, uncles, aunts, cousins, daughters and friends miss you. Your nephew is to young to even know that you are gone but we will not forget you and will hold the memories of you all the days that we walk on the earth. Good bye Dustin! I love you and miss you, but I hope to see in in the resurrection of all the dead on the last day.

In Jesus Christ,

Uncle Mike

Saturday: July 10, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

In my letter to you yesterday morning, I wrote that I agreed with the Westminster Puritans on their answer to question 83, that God sees some sins more heinous than others. I agreed based on Scripture alone, but  I warned to not think that God sees as we see.

Question 84: What doth every sin deserve?

Answer: Every sin deserveth God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come.

This morning I read:

Galatians 3:10

For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM.”

There in lies a huge problem for all of us. Question 82 asked, “Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?” We agreed with the Westminster Puritans, that know one is able, but all breaks them daily in thought, word and deed. 

A question that is often spoken during times of distress: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” 

Romans 3:10-12

as it is written,

“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;

THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,

THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;

ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;

THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,

THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”

We are not good people. We all deserve God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come. Therefore, any good thing that we have in this life is because the Lord God is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.” (Ex. 34:6) We have a tendency to measure ourselves by ourselves and measure others by our own standard. But God measures all of mankind by his perfect Law (Jam. 1:25) and all fail the test. (Rom. 3:23)

On Monday morning we will explore how we may escape the wrath and curse that is to come!

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Friday: July 9, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

Question 83 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:

Are all transgression of the law equally heinous?

The answer given:

Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations are more heinous in the sight of God than others.

The Roman governor Pilate believed that he had authority to release or crucify Jesus. Jesus did consider it sin that Pilate should crucify him, but Jesus considered the sin of those who turned him over to Pilate to be greater. 

Jesus answered Pilot, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” (Jn. 19:11, NASB)

By this text, I agree with the puritans, that some sins are more heinous in the sight of God than others, but I do not think that we should believe that the sins we consider more heinous, are the sins that God considers more heinous. 

We should all consider that God sees sin differently than we do; for God sees anger and slander as murder, (Mt. 5:22) lust as adultery, (Mt. 5:28) and the making oaths by things that we have no control over as lying. (Mt. 5:37) Speaking against Jesus (seen) is forgivable, but speaking against the Holy Spirit (unseen) is unforgivable. (Mt. 12:32)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Thursday: July 8, 2021

Answer: No mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but doth daily break them in thought, word, and deed.

Dear Neighbor,

The preacher in Ecclesiastes 7:20 wrote:

Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.

This is not to say that it is ok to sin because sin is always wrong. We were created in the image of God; (Gn. 1:27) therefore, we are to be perfect, as our heavenly Father is perfect. (Mt. 5:48) But no one is perfect; all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:23) We all have evil thoughts, (Gn. 8:21) we all speak evil from the mouth, (Jam. 3:8) in many things we offend and we know that it ought not be this way. (Jam.3:10

If no one is able to perfectly keep the commandments of God and does daily break them in thought, word, and deed; what is the purpose of the law?

1. The Law closes the mouth from saying, “I am good.” (Rom. 3:19a)
2. The Law makes us accountable to God. (Rom. 3:19b)
3. The Law brings the knowledge that we have sinned. (Rom. 3:20, 7:7)
4. The Law shows us our need of Christ. (Gal. 3:24)

Many in our society and even in the church scoff at the commandments of God. Everyone knows in their heart that the law is God’s standard but they have fallen short of meeting the commands of God. However, there is good news, a man is justified in the sight of God by faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, apart from the works of the law. (Rom. 3:28) 

Does this mean that we should go on sinning? Are we to continue in sin because we are forgiven in Jesus Christ? “May it never be!” We have died to sin in Jesus Christ. (Rom. 6:1-2) We have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer we who live but Christ lives in us; therefore, the life that we now live in the flesh, we live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Gal. 3:20)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 81: What is forbidden in the Tenth Commandment?

Answer: The Tenth Commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his.

Dear Neighbor,

Are you content with all that you have, or do you look at your neighbor and envy what your neighbor has, grieving, even angry that your neighbor has such and such but you do not? The kingdom of God is not in our possessions, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 14:17) To envy and grieve what your neighbor has causes one to bite and devour ones neighbor. (Gal. 5:15) It is from covetousness that murders, adulteries, theft and lying against ones neighbor occurs.

This world is a very difficult place to live in and a great deal of bad things happen in it. Some people have a great deal and others have very little. Some people work hard and have little, and others work little and have a lot. However, do not think that this is necessarily the case with your neighbor, because it may appear that someone does not work hard but truly worked very hard to be in the place that they are now in, and their lives may not actually be what it appears to be. 

Each of us is to be concerned for the good of our neighbor, to our neighbors edification. As a follower of Jesus Christ, we must follow Christ’s example. Christ did not please himself but was reproached for the name of God and our sakes. (Rom. 15:2-3) Therefore, we are not to seek our good only, but the good of our neighbor. (1 Cor. 10:24) This means not being envious or grieving the good of our neighbor but being glad for them.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 80: What is required in the Tenth Commandment?

Answer: The Tenth Commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour, and all this is his.

Dear Neighbor,

Are you content with what you have and are you glad for your neighbor? The Westminster Puritans understood that the tenth commandment requires our full contentment with our own condition and a right spirit towards our neighbor, being glad for him in all that he has.

When we are unsatisfied with what God has given to us, this is sinning against God. When we do not have a charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbor, this is sinning against our neighbor. 

The great commandment is to love the Lord your God with your whole self and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and the prophets depend on these two commandments; (Mt. 22:37-40) therefore, being dissatisfied is not loving God who is the giver of all things and being jealous of your neighbor’s positions is not loving your neighbor as yourself.

Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul and mind by being content. Love your neighbor as yourself by having a right and charitable spirit toward your neighbor with regards to all that your neighbor has.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 79: Which is the Tenth Commandment?

Answer: The Tenth Commandment is, "thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."

Dear Neighbor,

The following two question ask what is required and what is forbidden in the tenth commandment but what is the tenth commandment? The tenth commandment is very often shortened, “You shall not covet.” What does it mean to covet?

The Oxford American Dictionary says that the word covet is a verb, which means to “yearn to possess or have something.” Therefore, shortening the commandment can be misleading. To covet, crave, set your heart on, want, wish for, long for, dream of, aspire to, hanker for, hunger for, thirst for, ache for, etc. is not in itself the commandment. The commandment specifies that which belongs to ones neighbor.

Jesus said, (Matthew 5:6) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” To hunger and thirst for righteousness is good.

This commandment regards the heart because it is in the heart (not blood pumping organ) that a person covets. Jesus spoke about this commandment and connected it to the previous four commandments. I look forward to thinking about what the tenth commandment requires and forbids.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Lord’s Day: July 4, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

Since the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ, to his disciples, on the first day of the week, (the day in which he rose from the dead) the disciples have been gathering together on the first day of the week, to break bread, to talk with one another and hear a message. (cf. Acts 20:7) Many churches in the East Texas area are caught up in Americanism and 4th of July celebrations on this Lord’s day. Let us not forget that “there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” (Rom. 13:1) A Christian should be in subjection to the governing authorities, pay taxes and respect the countries leaders. (Rom. 13:7) However, we should not forget that our citizenship is not in this world but in the kingdom of God. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. (1 Cor. 15:50) All authority has been given to Jesus in heaven and on earth; therefore, we are to make disciples of all the nations, baptize them in the name of the triune God and teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded, to the end of the age. (Mt. 28:16-20) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58) The kingdom of God is for every nation and tribe and tongue and people. (Rev. 14:6) Every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, will stand together and worship God and the Lamb as one voice. (Rev. 7:9-12)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 78: What is forbidden in the Ninth Commandment?

Answer: The Ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbour's good name, especially in witness-bearing.

Dear Neighbor,

A citizen of the Kingdom of God walks among men with integrity. All that he does on the earth is right. He speaks truth in his heart. He does not slander his neighbor or do any wrong to his neighbor. The citizen of the Kingdom thinks rightly, speaks rightly and does rightly by his neighbor. (cf. Ps. 15:1-5) 

However, in Romans 3:10-18, the apostle Paul wrote of all men:

THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;

THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,

THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;

ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;

THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,

THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”

“THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE,

WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,”

“THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS”;

“WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS”;

“THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD,

DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,

AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN.”

“THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.”

Have you ever told a lie? What do you call someone who tells lies? The answer is a liar. Most people do not want to think of themselves as a liar but even if you tell one lie, you are a liar. The bad news is that all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Rev. 21:8) However, there is good news for all who have lied. 

Even though what liars have earned for telling lies is death, the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 6:23) The grace of God is a free gift, you cannot earn it and you cannot pay the price for your past lies but God is offering eternal life to all who repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though we cannot earn eternal life, should we continue to tell lies? The answer is an emphatic NO! We must have repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21) This means as a citizen of the Kingdom of God, you are to tell the truth in all matters!

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 77: What is required in the Ninth Commandment?

Answer: The Ninth Commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbour's good name, especially in witness-bearing.

Dear Neighbor,

Proverbs 14:5, 25 says,

A trustworthy witness will not lie,

But a false witness utters lies.

A truthful witness saves lives,

But he who utters lies is treacherous.

This morning, in my daily recitation of John’s gospel, I recited John 19:35, “And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.”

The children of God speak truth because God’s nature is truth and the children of the devil speak lies because it is the devil’s nature to lie. Whenever a person lies, he makes himself a son of the devil, but when he tells the truth, he is a son of God. (Jn. 8:43-44) 

Above all else, the Christian must be truthful in all matters, because our Lord Jesus Christ is the truth of God. (Jn. 14:7) How can one represent our Lord in the world if he is a liar? People lie for many reasons but ultimately it is for selfish reasons that people lie.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 76: What is the Ninth Commandment?

Answer: The Ninth Commandment is, "thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."

Dear Neighbor,

Pilot directly asked Jesus: “Are you the the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered but after asking Pilot how he came to this knowledge. Jesus revealed to Pilot that he is in fact a king but his kingdom is not of this world. When Pilot understood that Jesus believed himself to be a king, he asked a clarifying question: “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate then said to Jesus, “What is truth?” (Jn. 18:33-38)

What is truth? In Prov 12:17, 19, truth is that which is opposed to falsehood. (EBD) Therefore, conversely, one could say, falsehood is that which is opposed to the truth. Psalm 116:11 says, “All men are liars.” and that is a terrorfying reality because Revelation 21:9 says, “all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

The good news is that there is forgiveness of sin in Jesus Christ. Psalms 32:1-2, says:

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,

Whose sin is covered!

How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,

And in whose spirit there is no deceit!

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake