What Does it Mean to be “Reformed?”

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

Sermon Outline:

Introduction
I. Historical – Gen 4:26/Heb 11:40
II. Biblical – 2 Tim 3:15-17/Jude 3
III. Confessional – 2 Tim 1:13
IV. Calvinistic – Rom 11:5-6
V. Covenantal – Acts 2:38-39
VI. Presbyterian – Acts 14:23, 15:1-2
VII. Ekklesial – Matt 16:18
VIII. Kingdom – Matt 16:19
Conclusion

Sermon Video:

https://youtu.be/8jdH6bsgwvY

Confession:

The Heidelberg Catechism

Q&A 22

Q. WHAT THEN MUST A CHRISTIAN BELIEVE?
A. Everything God promises us in the gospel. That gospel is summarized for us in the articles of our Christian faith—a creed beyond doubt, and confessed throughout the world.

Q&A 32

Q. BUT WHY ARE YOU CALLED A CHRISTIAN?
A. Because by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in his anointing. I am anointed to confess his name, to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a good conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation for all eternity.

Q&A 84

Q. HOW DOES PREACHING THE GOSPEL OPEN AND CLOSE THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
A. According to the command of Christ:

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&A 123

Q. WHAT DOES THE SECOND REQUEST MEAN?
A. Thy kingdom come means,

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.

Scripture Reading:

Genesis 4:26 King James Version (KJV)

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.

Hebrews 11:40 King James Version (KJV)

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

2 Timothy 3:15-17 King James Version (KJV)

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.

Jude 3 King James Version (KJV)

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.

2 Timothy 1:13 King James Version (KJV)

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

Romans 11:5-6 King James Version (KJV)

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.

Acts 2:38-39 King James Version (KJV)

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.

Acts 14:23 King James Version (KJV)

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.

Acts 15:1-2 King James Version (KJV)

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.

Matthew 16:18 King James Version (KJV)

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.

Matthew 16:19 King James Version (KJV)

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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