CHS on Shorter Catechism

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 Although a Baptist with a greater affinity to the Calvinistic 1689 Baptist Confession for obvious reasons, yet CH Spurgeon spoke highly of the Westminster Confession of Faith on a number of occasions (as did other Baptists like BH Carroll) Spurgeon followed through his sentiments here by virtually republishing the Shorter Catechism but with a different answer to the question: Who is to be baptised? and some other minor adaptions. However, the basic and fundamental truths of the Catechism are left intact. The Shorter Catechism is a verifiable gem in the history of theological literature. Those who have the ability to memorise its contents have at their finger tips the best of sound Christian, Calvinist and (drawing on Spurgeon as my witness) even Baptist theology. #RealMeat #NoFluffStuff

   

For my part, I am more and more persuaded that the study of a good Scriptural catechism is of infinite value to our children, and I shall see that it is reprinted as cheaply as possible for your use. Even if the youngsters do not understand all the questions and answers in the “Westminster Assembly’s Catechism,” yet, abiding in their memories, it will be of infinite service when the time of understanding comes, to have known those very excellent, wise, and judicious definitions of the things of God. If we would maintain orthodoxy in our midst, and see good old Calvinistic doctrines handed down from father to son, I think we must use the method of catechising, and endeavour with all our might to impregnate their minds with the things of God. It will be a blessing to them-the greatest of all blessings-a blessing in life and death, in time and eternity, the best of blessings God himself can give.

   

* CALVINIST INDEX
* PROTESTANT INDEX
* CH SPURGEON INDEX
* EVANGELISM INDEX
* HERE AND THERE INDEX
* YOUTUBE VIDEO INDEX
* 3 MINUTE AUDIOBOO INDEX

De Witt Talmadge

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* CALVINIST INDEX
* PROTESTANT INDEX
* CH SPURGEON INDEX
* EVANGELISM INDEX
* HERE AND THERE INDEX
* 3 MINUTE AUDIOBOO INDEX

Ulster Scots

 An appreciation of the Ulster Scots (Scotch Irish) by Calvinist, Baptist scholar, BH Carroll
  

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 More by BH Carroll:


* The Calvinism of BH Carroll * BH Carroll post in graphic form 
* BH Carroll on God having many people in Corinth (Acts 18:10)
 * BH Carroll rejecting PreMillennialism
* Baptist, BH Carroll on the Presbyterians and their Catechism
 
* CALVINIST INDEX
* PROTESTANT INDEX
* CH SPURGEON INDEX
* EVANGELISM INDEX
* HERE AND THERE INDEX
* YOUTUBE VIDEO INDEX
* 3 MINUTE AUDIOBOO INDEX

bhccatechism

 

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 INDEXES:

* CALVINIST INDEX
* PROTESTANT INDEX
* CH SPURGEON INDEX
* EVANGELISM INDEX
* HERE AND THERE INDEX

fpc

 Having already looked at the Presbyterian end of things, the following is the precis of a message preached on the "Free" of Free Presbyterian:

 INTRODUCTION:

 Because we uphold the doctrines and practices of Presbyterianism, we looked briefly at the origins of our denomination. Being convinced of the rampant apostasy of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, a group of men in 1951 decided against the relatively useless tactic of "staying in to fight" and obeyed God and separated from the apostate body (2 Corinthians 6:14-18/Ephesians 5:11 etc.)

We are Free Presbyterian because:

A/ WE ARE FREE FROM MODERNISM:

We uphold and preach and contend for the fundamentals of the Christian faith - which we listed - and actively and aggressively oppose modernism especially that represented by Professor J.E. Davey who was acquitted in the famous 1926 Heresy Trial in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Professor Davey shamelessly denied the Virgin Birth, attacked the Westminster Confession of Faith (although he swore before God and men at his ordination to uphold it ) and some of the major Christian doctrines e.g. the blood atonement of Jesus Christ and admitted to Unitarianism.

A modernist would not be tolerated in the FPC (Titus 3:10) never mind elevated to the Moderator's chair as Davey later was in his denomination.

B/ WE ARE FREE FROM ECUMENISM:

I gave the proper interpretation of the prayer of the Lord Jesus in John 17 which has been hi jacked by the ecumenists.

The Presbyterian Church of Ireland were heavily involved in the World Council of Churches - although they left direct membership, yet they are still in membership of associate bodies (i.e. nothing has substantially changed).

The FPC actively opposes the co-operative ecumenical evangelism of the likes of Billy Graham who sends his converts back into the Church of Rome (Matthew 23:15)

C/ WE ARE FREE FROM WORLDLINESS:

Admittedly, this is the hardest thing to be free from!

Every FPC minister at his ordination vows to oppose "the social vices of: drinking, gambling and dancing" The Church does not approve of smoking and worldly attire which, among other things, breaks down the God given distinctions between modesty and immodesty.

THE END 

 The above is only a brief outline of a sermon. More information on the FPC available here

presbyterianism

Note: These are the sermon notes from a message I preached many years ago. As suggested by the overall title, I intend to follow it up with several other distinctives. 

 THE DISTINCTIVE DOCTRINES AND /PRACTICES OF THE FREE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ULSTER

FIRST MESSAGE: WHY ARE WE PRESBYTERIAN?  (READING: ACTS 15:1-16:4)

And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. (Acts 16:4)

The unique trait/Presbyterianism not: Calvinism or infant baptism but its form of Church Government.
Alternatives:
 [1] Episcopacy
 [2] Congregationalism
[3] Limited Congregationalism (Baptists)

 All work if undertook by spiritual people.
Although a secondary matter, yet important for Presbyterians to know where and why they stand.

1) RULE OF ELDERS - A COMMON BELIEF WITH OTHERS:

A/ Two main offices/congregation: Elder and Deacon
Key passage: Acts 6:1-4

Note: Dividing duties into the relatively "mundane" & the "spiritual"

Some were to be taken up/distinctly spiritual duties i.e. the elders. 1 Timothy 5:17 provides link along: idea/teaching elder i.e. minister.

B/ Elders: not self elected: Acts 20:28
 Also elected by a vote (Acts 14:23)
Ordain: stretch out/hand for purpose of giving a vote (Vincent)

Who can vote: not revealed but common vote among saved membership seems to present least problems.
Little room for complaint afterwards.

C/ Should be the aim of every church to have its own elders: Acts 14:23/Titus 1:5
At this stage we are in agreement with Baptists/Congregationalists &c.,

2) THE FIRST PRESBYTERY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT:

Before we explore this: Autonomous Church: not found/NT

Only argument: Individual epistles were written to individual congregations..
No argument at all…it does not overthrow Presbyterianism which also has individual congregations.
 We have a stronger argument again:

A/ Acts 15:1 We are in the congregation at Antioch. A good church! Acts 11:26/13:2

B/ A problem! Acts 15:1 False teaching (Galatians 1:8) & so v2 A serious row...

C/ What did this church do? Note: v2: "Elders" presbuterous
In v4ff the elders of the churches/Jerusalem came together to discuss/debate the matter.
Here we have a presbytery:

[1] Elders present (v6) Along/apostles - they discussed matter.
[2] Matter was debated (v7)
Really, this debate ought not to have been prolonged (Galatians 1:8) but remember: transitional period.
[3] What saith/Scriptures? Guiding star (v7-11/15-17)
[4] Thorough (v12) Presbytery business must be.
[5] James the Moderator summed up: (v13) Cp 12:17/21:18
[6] A decision was reached (v19-21) Carried (v22)
This decision was seen to be the mind/Spirit (v28)

D/ Authoritative? Crunch issue. Only advice? Recommendation?

A problem in one congregation being discussed/debated & an answer given by elders in others.
If only advice - autonomy is preserved.
If binding…autonomy gone:

 Are we looking here at Presbyterianism? Ans:- Acts 16:4 decrees to be kept:
Not merely in Jerusalem and/or Antioch…but in every city.

Word decree = dogma Same word: Luke 2:1/Acts 17:7 Law!
Word for to keep = phulasso 
A very strong word: 12:4/1 Timothy 6:20/2 Timothy 2:19/1 John 5:13/Jude 20
Nothing weak here!

E/ Some object: Ref: "the church" (v4/22) along with "multitude" (v12)
Is this Congregationalism?
Ans:- The "Church" may be understood = those in authority.
Whole is put for the part: Multitude = elders from many churches.
Perhaps whole church = all the believers.
There to welcome (v4)
There for the send off (v22)
The business in the middle was conducted by the elders/apostles (v6)
This was not a free for all.
This was for those called to rule/church.
Not fit for mere novices.

F/ This was not a one-off meeting: Acts 21:18
We are not told how often they met.
Evident from Bible…often individual church sessions met (Acts 20:17) with local matters/agenda.

G/ Presbytery not only solves disputes…but also ordained men to the ministry: 1 Timothy 4:14

3) THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ELDER:

A/ No light thing to be called to be an elder.
Humanly speaking: what if these men had fudged the issue/took side/Legalists?
[Might mention also: What if the Christians  had rejected Presbyterianism & ignored these binding decrees from Presbytery?]

B/ No less than 3 passages: 1 Timothy 3/Titus 1/1 Peter 5
Main qualification is:

 [1] Holy living
 [2] Soundness/doctrine
[3] Wisdom.
Although new converts are not ideal (1 Timothy 3:6) young men are not to be barred if they otherwise qualify (1 Timothy 4:12)

C/ Worth saying: Bishop = elder. 1 Peter 5:1-2   The address to the elders (v1) was to take the episcopacy (v2) of the flock.

RECAP:
[1] We believe in rule/elders. Ever pray for them. A church with good elders go places/God. Make/break witness.
[2] Presbyterian government is "founded on/agreeable to the word/God"
[3] Only those Biblically fit should serve as elders.

THE END