How to Handle Differences Related to Worldly Employments and Recreations Report of the Study Committee of Central Carolina Presbytery October 26, 2017
|
|
- Kelley Cobb
- 11 months ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 I. Introduction How to Handle Differences Related to Worldly Employments and Recreations Report of the Study Committee of Central Carolina Presbytery October 26, 2017 Central Carolina Presbytery (CCP) has wrestled for many years with how to handle differences with the phrase worldly employments and recreations in our confessional teaching on the Lord s Day or Christian Sabbath (WCF 21.8, WLC 117, WSC 60). Even in the last year, candidates with very similar views have been received in three different ways (one no difference, one merely semantic and one more than semantic but not out of accord with any fundamental of our system of doctrine ). Given this inconsistency, and in order to increase our understanding of the teaching of the Scriptures summarized in the Westminster Standards regarding the Lord s Day in general and worldly employments and recreations in particular, on February 25, 2017 Central Carolina Presbytery instructed its Exam Committee to form a Study Committee to consider and report on this issue. This brief study is the work of that committee. The paper contains three sections, the first regarding the historical background of the phrase worldly employments and recreations, the second regarding Isaiah 58:13-14, a commonly referenced passage of scripture related to this issue, and the third regarding practical suggestions for how CCP might think about handling differences to our confessional teaching. The prayer of the Study Committee is that this paper will encourage CCP in its desire to observe the Lord s Day by refraining from worldly employments and recreations, that greater clarity will reduce the frequency of differences to our confessional understanding of biblical teaching, and that when differences do arise this paper will help CCP to handle them more consistently. II. Historical background to the confessional teaching According to the Westminster Divines, worldly employments and recreations are those human actions which pertain to life in this world (the present age), and spiritual employments and recreations are those human actions which pertain to life in the kingdom of heaven (the age to come). The phrase wordly employments and recreations reflects the consensus of the Westminster Divines that there is a distinction between the six ordinary days of the week, and the first day of the week, which, since the resurrection of Christ is a holy day. In other words, the phrase worldly employments and recreations depends upon a distinction between time that is holy (i.e. sacred, set apart for the Lord and his eternal kingdom in the age to come) and time that is profane (i.e. secular, common, pertaining to the things of this age). The consensus of the Westminster Divines, expressed in the Westminster Standards, was that with the exception of works of necessity and mercy, worldly employments and recreations of other kinds were to be avoided on the Lord s Day. In principle, this view is relatively simple and easy to understand. However, there also was significant diversity at the Assembly when it came to defining necessity and mercy, as well as the precise nature of worldly employments and recreations. 1 Therefore the Westminster Divines were reticent to define these terms in the documents that they produced, leaving intentional room for ambiguity and freedom of conscience in application. Interestingly, in 1644 the English Parliament (the same Parliament that called the Westminster 1 This diversity is illustrated easily by comparing the narrower prescriptions of Westminster Divines Daniel Cawdry and Herbert Palmer in their jointly authored Sabbatum Redivivum (London, 1645) with the broader prescriptions of Nicholas Bownde s The Doctrine of the Sabbath (London, 1595), a work widely celebrated and endorsed by members of the Assembly.
2 Assembly) passed an Ordinance for the Better Observance of the Lord s Day, which identified many acts of necessity and mercy that were permitted expressly, including the preparation of food in both private homes and inns as well as the selling of milk in the morning and evening. 2 Not all worldly employments and recreations were forbidden, only those that were not necessary or acts of mercy. It also should be remembered that the infamous Book of Sports was the primary engine driving debate about recreation on the Lord s Day during the years in which the Westminster Assembly was at work. First published by Bishop Thomas Morton under James I in 1617, and subsequently reissued under Charles I in 1633, in large part as a result of the influence of Archbishop William Laud, the meaning and reception of the Book of Sports is a complicated subject. One reason for this complexity is that, according to most historians of the period, the subject of the Book of Sports (permitted recreations on the Lord s Day) was not on either occasion the primary reason for its publication (which in fact was to assert and define the authority to answer such questions). 3 In other words, in England during the 17 th century, although on the surface people were debating the kinds of recreations permitted on the Lord s Day, below the surface, and often by proxy, people also were debating the nature of ecclesiastical authority and its relationship to civil authority. Historical theologians who ignore this reality often miss the fact that what appear on the surface to be expressions of disagreement about what kinds of recreations were or were not permitted are in reality disagreements about who possessed the authority to say so. It is important to make these historical observations about how different debates intermingled, because it highlights how important it is not only to take the Westminster Assembly s prohibition of recreations seriously, but also to interpret its absolute nature and blunt force with a grain of salt. Indeed, the consensus of the Assembly was that the kind of organized recreations endorsed in the Book of Sports were violations of the Lord s Day. The lack of nuance in the expression of this prohibition, however, was shaped by their polemical context and by what they perceived as the need to react strongly to improper royal meddling with ecclesiastical affairs. Having observed above already the kinds of employments expressly allowed by the contemporary Parliament, it is also worth noting the kinds of recreations expressly prohibited: That no person or persons shall hereafter upon the Lords-day, use, exercise, keep, maintain, or be present at any wrastlings, Shooting, Bowling, Ringing of Bells for Pleasure or Pastime, Masque, Wake, otherwise called Feasts, Church-Ale, Dancing, Games, Sport or Pastime whatsoever; upon pain, That every person so offending, being above the age of fourteen years, shall lose, and forfeit five shillings for every such offence. 4 Here it is clear that the emphasis falls upon corporate, organized pastimes rather than every type of recreation. There is no evidence that Parliamentary enforcement of Westminster s theology lead to the prohibition of all recreations. Noticeably absent from the list above are those recreations especially conducive to private worship and reflection, such as going for a walk, or those necessary for caring for small children, such as playing with them at home. Practically speaking, how should our historical awareness of these realities shape our interpretation and application of Westminster s prohibition of wordly employments and 2 C. H. Firth and R. S. Rait, eds., Acts and Ordinances of the Interregnum: , 3 vols. (London, 1911), I, Kenneth L. Parker, The English Sabbath: A Study of Doctrine and Discipline from the Reformation to the Civil War (New York: Cambridge, 1988), Firth and Rait, Acts and Ordinances of the Interregnum: , I,
3 recreations? First, it should lead us to identify the specific kinds of recreations and employments that actually were prohibited by the Parliament, rather than speculating in the abstract as to what the Divines may have meant. Second, it should lead us to pay careful attention to the kinds of recreations and employments that were allowed expressly (cited above), as we begin to make the move to contemporary application. Third, as we progress from historical interpretation to present day application it should lead us to be careful, that in our (appropriate) zeal to spend the day focusing on public and private acts of devotion by prohibiting worldly employments and recreations, we do not prohibit unintentionally those acts of necessity and mercy which in fact are part and parcel of human existence and restful worship. III. Exegesis of Isaiah 58:13-14 How does the phrase doing your pleasure (Isa. 58:13; ESV) relate to the recreation clause in WCF 21.8? The Hebrew word חפץ can mean any of the following: joy, delight, wish, matter, or business. The word occurs 20 times in Isaiah, including 4 times in chapter 58. The vast majority of these occurrences refer to God s delight, pleasure or will. For example, it appears in Isa. 55:11, referring to the Word of God which will not return empty but will accomplish that which I purpose. It also regularly refers to the things that God delights in. It also, on one occasion, is used to refer to precious stones (54:12). It seems then to be a general word to describe those things in which one delights. An important parallel to its use in Isaiah 58 comes two chapters earlier in Isaiah 56. There God addresses the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant (56:4). The implicit contrast is between doing things that please God versus doing those things that please humanity. That seems to be the point in Isaiah 58:13. The phrase seeking your own pleasure most likely means doing as you please, as opposed to doing what pleases God. In other words, God was calling the Israelites not to use the Sabbath for themselves, a command comprising a number of activities, including both work and various recreations. God refers to the Sabbath as my holy day, meaning that he has set it aside from its everyday common use and has made it to be a day primarily devoted to worship. The context from earlier in Isaiah 58 indicates that the Israelites were going through the motions of worship and religious exercises without devoting themselves to them with a pure heart. They were clinging to their sins and were oppressing their workers. Their heart was not in it. They were serving only themselves and seeking to advance their own interests. Instead, God commands them to call the Sabbath a delight. One lexicon defines delight as exquisite pleasure. Instead of being satisfied with lesser pleasures, God calls them to seek greater ones. They are to seek God, not self, finding their greatest delight in the worship and enjoyment of him. IV. Practical Suggestions In order to encourage greater consistency in handling stated differences regarding worldly employments and recreations, our committee recommends that we as a Presbytery think about each candidate s view in three distinct steps: A. Step 1: Isolate the issue The first step is to clarify a candidate s specific difference. The issues related to worldly recreations and employments are often conflated with other aspects of our Confession s teachings.
4 In WCF , our confessional belief regarding the Lord s Day includes the following elements: WCF 21.7, As it is the law of nature, that, in general, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in His Word, by a positive, moral, and perpetual commandment binding all men in all ages, He hath particularly appointed one day in seven, for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto Him: which, from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and, from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week, which, in Scripture, is called the Lord's Day, and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath. WCF 21.8, This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations; but also are taken up, the whole time, in the public and private exercises of His worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy. To summarize: 1) Since the resurrection of Christ, the first day of the week is a holy day and the Christian Sabbath or Lord s Day. 2) The Sabbath or Lord s Day requires resting not only from sin but also from employment and recreation that is otherwise lawful on other days. [the specific primary issue before this committee] 3) The entire Sabbath or Lord s Day is to be spent in public and private worship (with the exception of works of necessity and mercy). 4) The Sabbath or Lord s Day requires advance preparation for its proper observance. B. Step 2: Instruct the candidate: Having clarified which specific aspect(s) of our confessional beliefs relate(s) to the candidate s difference, the second step is to make sure the candidate understands the meaning of the phrases worldly employments and recreations and necessity and mercy. 1) The prohibition of worldly employments and recreations does not preclude the duties of necessity and mercy. The committee acknowledges the need for some freedom of interpretation regarding what constitutes acts of necessity and mercy. For example, a family with young children may of necessity encourage recreation unnecessary for adults (letting them work off some energy in between worship activities to help them focus). Candidates may legitimately differ on their views of the appropriate extent of such play. 2) The prohibition of worldly employments and recreations does not preclude all recreations, but rather merely worldly ones that are not conducive to public and private exercises of worship. The committee acknowledges the need for some freedom of interpretation regarding what recreations conflict with public and especially private exercises of worship. For example, going for a walk may be a recreation that actually is conducive to private exercises of worship. Candidates may legitimately differ on their views of the appropriate length and rigor of such a walk.
5 C. Step 3: Clarify the difference After isolating the issues related to a candidate s stated difference (step 1), and making sure the candidate understands the meaning of the phrases worldly employments and recreations and necessity and mercy (step 2), the third step is to ask the candidate enough practical and theological questions to enable the Presbytery to rule on the nature of the candidate s difference (in accordance with RAO ). The committee believes firmly that it would be inappropriate to develop a list of acceptable and unacceptable recreations for the Lord s Day, for this is precisely the sort of Pharisaism that Jesus warned against (Matt 12; Mark 3; Luke 14; John 9). Instead, we merely describe our current thinking regarding how we as a committee intend to handle stated differences regarding worldly employments and recreations on the Lord s Day: 1) That candidates be encouraged to study the meaning of the phrases worldly employments and recreations and necessity and mercy in order to avoid stating a difference with our Confession when in reality there is an acceptable range of beliefs and practices that fall under the umbrella of these terms. Understanding these terms properly may lead Presbytery to conclude that some stated differences should be considered no difference or even lead candidates to withdraw their differences. 2) That candidates who affirm that the whole Lord s Day is a holy day to be set aside for worship, and whose practice reflects these beliefs, but who nevertheless remain uncomfortable with the language of the Confession regarding recreations, should have their differences ruled as merely semantic. 3) That candidates who affirm that worship is to be prioritized on the Lord s Day, and who also make some effort to distinguish between their activities on the Lord s Day and other days of the week, but do not prohibit or avoid all regular, organized recreations that are not necessary nor conducive to public and private acts of worship, should have their differences ruled as more than semantic but not out of accord with any fundamental of our system of doctrine. 4) That candidates who appear to make no difference at all between recreation on the Lord s Day and the other days of the week be carefully interviewed to ascertain whether their difference is in fact out of accord or hostile to the system of doctrine contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith. V. Conclusion As stated in the introduction, the prayer of the Study Committee is that this paper will encourage CCP in its desire to observe the Lord s Day by refraining from worldly employments and recreations, that greater clarity will reduce the frequency of differences to our confessional understanding of biblical teaching, and that when differences do arise this paper will help CCP to handle them more consistently. Members of the Committee: TE Bill Barcley (Chair), TE Douglas Kelly, TE Drew Martin, RE Jason McArthur, RE Drew Peterson, RE Tom Queen.
The Lord's Day as Our Sabbath Delight and Rest
T The Lord's Day as Our Sabbath Delight and Rest Genesis 2:1-3; Isaiah 58:13-14 (text); Hebrews 4:1-4 Rev. Nollie Malabuyo August 26, 2012 oday is the Lord s Day. The Bible commands believers to remember
THE FEASTS, NEW MOONS AND SABBATHS OF THE HEBREWS. By J. N. Andrews (Chapter 7 of the book History of the Sabbath)
THE FEASTS, NEW MOONS AND SABBATHS OF THE HEBREWS. By J. N. Andrews (Chapter 7 of the book History of the Sabbath) Enumeration of the Hebrew festivals - The passover - The pentecost - The feast of tabernacles
Lord of the Sabbath. L e s s o n 7. *February (page 56 of Standard Edition)
L e s s o n 7 *February 11 17 (page 56 of Standard Edition) Lord of the Sabbath Sab b a t h Af t e r n o o n Read for This Week s Study: Gen. 2:1 3, Exod. 20:8 12, Deut. 5:12 15, Matt. 12:1 13, John 9,
1. What is man s primary purpose? Man s primary purpose is to glorify God 1 and to enjoy Him forever. 2
The Westminster Shorter Catechism 1 1. What is man s primary purpose? Man s primary purpose is to glorify God 1 and to enjoy Him forever. 2 2. What authority from God directs us how to glorify and enjoy
PURPOSE OF THE COUNCIL
PURPOSE OF THE COUNCIL The purpose of the District credentialing council is to understand and evaluate all aspects of the candidate's life, ministry and beliefs (calling, character and theology [which
Priest. Reference Form for Beginning Teachers. Sponsored by: The Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association
Priest Reference Form for Beginning Teachers AN INTEGRAL ASPECT OF THE HIRING PROCESS OF MANY CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARDS OF ONTARIO Sponsored by: The Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association In partnership
The Apostles (Teachers; Leaders) and the Law
11 Easy Reading Edition June 7 13 The Apostles (Teachers; Leaders) and the Law SABBATH JUNE 7 READ FOR THIS WEEK S LESSON: Romans 3:31; Romans 6:15; Acts 10:9 14; John 15:1 11; James 2:1 26; Hebrews 3:7
Same-Sex Marriage, Just War, and the Social Principles
Same-Sex Marriage, Just War, and the Social Principles Grappling with the Incompatible 1 L. Edward Phillips Item one: The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers
2. Public Forum Debate seeks to encourage the development of the following skills in the debaters: d. Reasonable demeanor and style of presentation
VI. RULES OF PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE A. General 1. Public Forum Debate is a form of two-on-two debate which ask debaters to discuss a current events issue. 2. Public Forum Debate seeks to encourage the development
SANDEL ON RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE
SANDEL ON RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE Hugh Baxter For Boston University School of Law s Conference on Michael Sandel s Justice October 14, 2010 In the final chapter of Justice, Sandel calls for a new
love thy neighbor as thyself.
American Heritage Honor Code, Grades K 12 AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL HONOR CODE Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
Preamble. Article I: Name. Article II: Statement of Faith. Article III: Affiliation
Page 1 Table of Contents Preamble... 4 Article I: Name... 4 Article II: Statement of Faith... 4 Article III: Affiliation... 4 Section 1: Jurisdiction... 4 Section 2: Cooperation... 4 Article IV: Membership...
The Directory for Worship: A Study Guide for the Proposed Revision
The Directory for Worship: A Study Guide for the Proposed Revision This study guide is designed to facilitate understanding and discussion of the proposed revision to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Directory
40 Reasons Why The Sabbath Should Be Kept
B E Y T H - E L T E M P L E We re Putting back in..what they took out! 40 Reasons Why The Sabbath Should Be Kept Often the question is asked, why do people keep Saturday for Sunday? Of course they do not
International Sunday School Lesson Study Notes
International Sunday School Lesson Study Notes Lesson Text: Nehemiah 13:15-22 Lesson Title: Sanctifying the Lord's Day Introduction History records the sad and discouraging truth that spiritual renewals
Covenant Theology in Practice. 2. What do we mean by Covenant Theology? B. Historical comparisons: suzerain-vassal treaty
I. Introduction - Purpose How does your view of God s Covenant with man affect your day-to-day life? How does your view of the Covenant affect your worldview and your view of the institutions of family,
Pastoral Code of Conduct
Pastoral Code of Conduct ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON Office of the Moderator of the Curia P.O. Box 29260 Washington, DC 20017 childprotection@adw.org Table of Contents Section I: Preamble... 1 Section II:
MINISTRY OF HEALING. P a g e 1. Chapter 1: Our Example
P a g e 1 MINISTRY OF HEALING Chapter 1: Our Example 1. During His three-year ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching. However, His miracles were sermons in themselves.
Missionary Application Form
Missionary Application Form Survey How did you hear about LCMI? (Check all that apply) Website LCMI Missionary Name(s) LCMI Literature Church Name School Name Other How did you receive this application?
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments THE LAW OF GOD It is commonly believed by many Christians today that God s commandments were meant for those who lived in Old Testament times, and do not apply to Christians who are
THE ASSUMPTIONS OF THEOLOGY
THE ASSUMPTIONS OF THEOLOGY Rev. Neil Chambers Bundoora Presbyterian Church, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia The purpose of this session is to give 'non-theologians', a misleading term if it implies that
Answers. Questions. Deuteronomy 26:1-19
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.org 1 Answers to Questions on Deuteronomy 26:1-19 1. How does Hamilton outline Deuteronomy 26? A) The basic law (verses 1-11). B) An appendix (verses 12-15). C. An exhortation
Knowing Doing &C. S. L e w i s I n s t i t u t e
The Spiritual Discipline of Meditation: Reading Scripture with Isaac Ambrose by Tom Schwanda, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Christian Formation & Ministry,Wheaton College Knowing Doing &C. S. L e w i s
The Shorter Catechism 1647 Q. 1. What is the chief end of man? A. Man s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. Q. 2.
The Shorter Catechism 1647 Q. 1. What is the chief end of man? A. Man s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
S A B B A T H F A C T S
Search the Scriptures, Can You Find One Text... 1. That says the Sabbath (seventh day) was ever changed from the seventh to the first day of the week? 2. Where the first day of the week (Sunday) is ever
Missionary Discipline Policy
Missionary Discipline Policy Assemblies of God World Missions Board April 7-8, 2004 Page 2 MISSIONARY DISCIPLINE Our greatest resources are our missionaries who have effective Pentecostal ministry and
THE GOSPEL AGE Br. David S. Doran
THE GOSPEL AGE Br. David S. Doran The term, The Gospel Age, seems to mean many things to many brethren. Too often we fail to explain ourselves clearly because we assume that all understand what we mean
Are Christians Obliged to Keep the Sabbath? by Raymond C. Faircloth
Are Christians Obliged to Keep the Sabbath? by Raymond C. Faircloth Adam Was Not Given a Sabbath Keeping Ordinance Volume 4 - Study 6 By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He
Understanding the Book of Hebrews: Portraits of Jesus. Prepared by Bob Young
Understanding the Book of Hebrews: Portraits of Jesus Prepared by Bob Young www.bobyoungresources.com bro.bobyoung@yahoo.com Adult Bible Studies Fall 2010, Wednesday Evening Main and Oklahoma Church of
CARING FOR CHURCH LEADERS
CARING FOR CHURCH LEADERS P A S T O R A L W E L L - B E I N G CREATING A CULTURE OF CARE Introduction Churches that thrive spiritually are led by leaders who are thriving spiritually When the relationship
REFORMED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY DALLAS HEBREWS TO REVELATION (05NT522) Spring Dr. Ben Dunson
REFORMED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY DALLAS HEBREWS TO REVELATION (05NT522) Spring 2018 Dr. Ben Dunson PROFESSOR CONTACT INFORMATION Email: bdunson@rts.edu Phone: 214.295.8599 COURSE DESCRIPTION An introduction
ORDINATION SERVICE THE MISSIONARY CHURCH INTERNATIONAL ROBERT J. COULTER SENIOR BISHOP
ORDINATION SERVICE THE MISSIONARY CHURCH INTERNATIONAL ROBERT J. COULTER SENIOR BISHOP (NAME), your faithful servant(s) that (NAME) may daily increase in love and devotion for Your Divine Majesty - going
AN OUTLINE OF CRITICAL THINKING
AN OUTLINE OF CRITICAL THINKING LEVELS OF INQUIRY 1. Information: correct understanding of basic information. 2. Understanding basic ideas: correct understanding of the basic meaning of key ideas. 3. Probing:
Written by Calvin Fox Tuesday, 03 February :58 - Last Updated Tuesday, 03 February :16
Genesis 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested When
Testimony on ENDA and the Religious Exemption. Rabbi David Saperstein. Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Testimony on ENDA and the Religious Exemption Rabbi David Saperstein Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism House Committee on Education and Labor September 23, 2009 Thank you for inviting
PRESS DEFINITION AND THE RELIGION ANALOGY
PRESS DEFINITION AND THE RELIGION ANALOGY RonNell Andersen Jones In her Article, Press Exceptionalism, 1 Professor Sonja R. West urges the Court to differentiate a specially protected sub-category of the
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments 1 God was establishing a new nation and found it necessary to establish laws so the people would know how to function. God showed the people the beauty and function of the laws. The
When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.
Jesus and Wisdom Proverbs 8:22-31 is famous for its description of the wisdom of God as a person or entity a deity-level figure who assists God in some way with the creation of the world. The passage is
DEACONS TOOL KIT. DISTINCTIVE DEACONS: MINISTRY IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE Rev Deacon Terry Drummond
Pray Grow Serve with joy DEACONS TOOL KIT DISTINCTIVE DEACONS: MINISTRY IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE Rev Deacon Terry Drummond Introduction The ministry of the Distinctive Deacon is one that requires greater understanding
Scottish and English Reformations: John Knox & the English Royals
Scottish and English Reformations: John Knox & the English Royals From the Reformation to the Constitution Bill Petro your friendly neighborhood historian billpetro.com/v7pc 04/18/2010 1 Objectives By
BIBLICAL AND CONFESSIONAL WORSHIP
BIBLICAL AND CONFESSIONAL WORSHIP Eric Frank Among the many articles written in the Westminster Confession of Faith is a segment devoted to worship in the Church. The twenty-first chapter lays down guidelines
Thoughts on the Sabbath
Thoughts on the Sabbath J. N. Andrews THOSE who observe the Sabbath of the Bible, are able to present as its foundation, a divine institution. "God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it." Gen.ii,3.
Systematic Theology III Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology. Syllabus ST522 Spring 2015 Dr. Douglas F. Kelly Reformed Theological Seminary
Systematic Theology III Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology Syllabus ST522 Spring 2015 Dr. Douglas F. Kelly Reformed Theological Seminary Course Overview Systematic Theology III ST522 Dr. Kelly TEXTBOOKS:
REVIEW OF OBJECTIONS. TO THE SEVENTH-DAY SABBATH. p. 1, Para. 1, [REVIEW].
REVIEW OF OBJECTIONS. TO THE SEVENTH-DAY SABBATH. p. 1, Para. 1, WE have ever doubted the right of any man, or body of men, to make a purely human assertion the basis of an argument for changing the word
When we choose to look in these directions, we experience grounding hope instead of aimless despair.
CHRISTMAS 2017 Week One November 26, 2017 Hope Monday through WEdnEsday Spend some time alone in God s Word reading through Isaiah 61:1 11 and Luke 4:16 21. Pray that God would bring to life the truths
STATEMENT FROM THE APPOINTIVE CABINET OF THE IOWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE, REV. ANNA BLAEDEL, and BISHOP LAURIE HALLER
STATEMENT FROM THE APPOINTIVE CABINET OF THE IOWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE, REV. ANNA BLAEDEL, and BISHOP LAURIE HALLER On April 4, 2017, the appointive cabinet of the Iowa Annual Conference filed a complaint
EPC Governing Documents Constitution: Volume 1. The Book of Order THE EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
EPC Governing Documents Constitution: Volume 1 The Book of Order of THE EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The Book of Government The Book of Discipline The Book of Worship Including Rules for Assembly, Acts
SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE: HISTORICAL FACT AND CURRENT FICTION. By Robert L. Cord. New York: Lambeth Press Pp. xv, 302. $16.95.
Louisiana Law Review Volume 45 Number 1 September 1984 SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE: HISTORICAL FACT AND CURRENT FICTION. By Robert L. Cord. New York: Lambeth Press. 1982. Pp. xv, 302. $16.95. Mark Tushnet
Building Systematic Theology
1 Building Systematic Theology Study Guide LESSON TWO TECHNICAL TERMS IN SYSTEMATICS 2013 by Third Millennium Ministries www.thirdmill.org For videos, manuscripts, and other resources, visit Third Millennium
UNDERSTANDING PROCREATION AND CONTRACEPTION WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
Couples at Church of the Resurrection, both those who are married and those preparing for marriage, frequently bring questions to clergy and pastoral staff about the Church s position on various moral
A COVENANT BETWEEN WESTMINSTER COLLEGE AND THE SYNOD OF MID-AMERICA
Adopted in 1985 A COVENANT BETWEEN WESTMINSTER COLLEGE AND THE SYNOD OF MID-AMERICA I. THE NATURE OF THE COVENANT 1. The Parties Involved This covenant is a voluntary agreement between Westminster College
St Matthew s Westminster. A Guide to Leading Intercessions at the Sunday Mass
St Matthew s Westminster A Guide to Leading Intercessions at the Sunday Mass Thank you very much for offering to lead the Prayers of the People at the Sunday Mass. Hopefully you will find this guide helpful
Spiritual Life Reference Form
Spiritual Life Reference Form To be completed by the applicant. This form is to be completed by your pastor, youth minister, small group leader, spiritual mentor or other person in a position of spiritual
The Constitution of the Central Baptist Church of Jamestown, Rhode Island
The Constitution of the Central Baptist Church of Jamestown, Rhode Island Revised March 2010 THE CONSTITUTION OF THE CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH OF JAMESTOWN, RHODE ISLAND (Revised March 2010) TABLE OF CONTENTS
GOD. Our Ministry of Reconciliation
GOD Our Ministry of Reconciliation When we got born again, we became God s children. We are redeemed from the curse of the Law, we are set apart, and in God s eyes we are justified and righteous. We have
HOW SHALL WE NOW WORSHIP? APPLYING THE REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE
HOW SHALL WE NOW WORSHIP? APPLYING THE REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE E. Bennett Robinson In our time, this idea of the regulative principle is claimed by so many, and used by so many of different persuasion and
PRESCHOOL TEACHER APPLICATION. Best time to call you? Length of time at this address?
Summit Christian Academy 1500 SW Jefferson Lee s Summit, MO 64081 Phone: Elementary 816-524-0185 Secondary & Administrative 816-525-1480 Fax: Elementary 816-524-4105 Secondary & Administrative 816-525-5402
THE SON'S PRIESTLY MINISTRY SUPERIOR TO THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD Heb 7:11-28
S E S S I O N N I N E T E E N THE SON'S PRIESTLY MINISTRY SUPERIOR TO THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD Heb 7:11-28 I. ORIENTATION In Heb 7:1-10, Melchizedek was introduced as a foundation for presenting the Melchizedekian
Hebrews-Revelation/ NT-522 Spring, 2017
Hebrews-/ NT-522 Spring, 2017 I. Details A. Time: Mondays, 1-4PM B. Professor: Michael J. Kruger 1. Email: mkruger@rts.edu 2. Office: Main Admin Area 3. Office hours: Feel free to stop by, or make appointment.
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF TENNESSEE AT NASHVILLE June 11, 2009 Session
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF TENNESSEE AT NASHVILLE June 11, 2009 Session TWO RIVERS BAPTIST CHURCH, ET AL. v. JERRY SUTTON, ET AL. Appeal from the Chancery Court for Davidson County No. 07-2088-I Claudia
Ordination of Women to the Priesthood
Ordination of Women to the Priesthood (A Report to Synod) Introduction Ordination of Women to the Priesthood (1988) 1 1. The Standing Committee of the General Synod has asked the diocesan synods to comment
10. PERSONAL FAITH AND LIFE
As part of the process of seeking to be called as a pastor, in the OPC you are encouraged to fill out a "Ministerial Information Form" which the denomination can send out to congregations interested in
360 Demission of the Ministry. [APRIL. ART. VII. Demission of the Ministry.
360 Demission of the Ministry. [APRIL ART. VII. Demission of the Ministry. THE last General Assembly adopted the following overture, viz. Resolved, That it be referred to the Presbyteries whether the following
Why Study Christian Evidences?
Chapter I Why Study Christian Evidences? Introduction The purpose of this book is to survey in systematic and comprehensive fashion the many infallible proofs of the unique truth and authority of biblical
The Parable Of The Wedding Garment Text : Matt. 22: 1-14
Sermon : The Parable Of The Wedding Garment Matt. 22: 1-14 Page 1 The Parable Of The Wedding Garment Text : Matt. 22: 1-14 INTRODUCTION : A. Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a group where you
How to Enjoy Studying the Bible. Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart Jer. 15:16
How to Enjoy Studying the Bible Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart Jer. 15:16 1 Is this Your Experience with God s Word? Ps 119:103: How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than
To the Eminent, Most Excellent, and Reverend Ordinaries at their Sees
Vatican City, 30 April 2013 Prot. No. 20131348 To the Eminent, Most Excellent, and Reverend Ordinaries at their Sees Your Eminence, Your Excellency, The Congregation for the Clergy is aware of the significant
OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD LESSON 6: EXPERIENCING GOD S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
Essentials for Christian Living Leader s Guide OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD LESSON 6: EXPERIENCING GOD S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS INTRODUCTION This lesson is part of a Discipleship Essentials module titled. This
The Importance of Prayer
The Importance of Prayer By Rev. David Wallis New Believer s Course Lesson Seven PRAYER IS AN IMPORTANT KEY In the last two lessons we said that the Word of God was an important key in your Christian life.
UNDERSTANDING RATIONALITY IN HOBBES AND HUME
FILOZOFIA Roč. 69, 2014, č. 8 UNDERSTANDING RATIONALITY IN HOBBES AND HUME HUN CHUNG, Department of Philosophy, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA CHUNG, H.: Understanding Rationality
Rule of Life and Constitution of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate
Rule of Life and Constitution of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate This Rule of Life and Constitution was adopted on October 13, 1984 by the General Council of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate after study
Aquila, Priscilla, and Paul: The A.P.P. Evangelistic Society?
Aquila, Priscilla, and Paul: The A.P.P. Evangelistic Society? Acts 18:1-4 records Paul s visit to Corinth and his stay with Aquila and Priscilla. Some brethren are trying to use this passage to justify
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SINAI AND THE SAINTS
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SINAI AND THE SAINTS I have designed these discussion questions for small groups or classes who are reading Sinai and the Saints together. If a small group desires to use the book
Hebrews - Revelation 0NT522, 3 Credit Hours
Hebrews - Revelation 0NT522, 3 Credit Hours Lectures by Michael J. Kruger, Ph.D. RTS Distance Education This course notebook is for the coordination of your course materials, including reading assignments
Matthew Chapter 12. Matthew 12:3 "But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungered, and they that were with him;"
Matthew Chapter 12 Verses 1-9: The Sabbath day is the seventh day of the week, corresponding to our Saturday (Mark 2:23 3:6; Luke 6:1-11). However, it begins at sunset on Friday and lasts until the following
CALVARY CHAPEL WHAT WE AGREE ON
CALVARY CHAPEL WHAT WE AGREE ON PREAMBLE The pastors and ministers of the independent and self-governed churches-and related missions and ministries-of the Calvary Chapel movement world-wide, ultimately
"What It Means To Be a Jew"
"What It Means To Be a Jew" What does it mean to be a Jew? How do you define a Jew? Is a Jew anyone who holds to the religious teaching of our faith, accepts Torah, G-d, and that the Jewish people have
Women in the Word Bronze Altar and Bronze Laver. Exodus 27:1-8; 30:17-21; 38:1-8 // October 25, 2017
Bronze Altar and Bronze Laver Exodus 27:1-8; 30:17-21; 38:1-8 // October 25, 2017 1. Both God s intent and His expectation regarding His relationship with Israel is expressed fully in Exodus 25:8. Read
God s Desire. By Mark Mayberry 9/13/2009
God s Desire By Mark Mayberry 9/13/2009 Introduction An infant s entire existence centers upon the question, What do I want? As children grow toward physical maturity, they learn to contemplate, What do
SPRING HOLY DAYS DAYS OF UNLEAVENED BREAD SIN, PART 1 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON
SPRING HOLY DAYS DAYS OF UNLEAVENED BREAD SIN, PART 1 SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON Say - Welcome to Sabbath School and welcome to the Feast of Unleavened Bread! Let s bow our head and ask God for understanding
CARING FOR CHURCH LEADERS
CARING FOR CHURCH LEADERS P A S T O R A L W E L L - B E I N G A CODE OF BEST PRACTICE Introduction HEBREWS 13:17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, Churches that thrive spiritually
CONSTITUTION CAPITOL HILL BAPTIST CHURCH WASHINGTON, D.C. of the
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 CONSTITUTION of the CAPITOL HILL BAPTIST CHURCH WASHINGTON, D.C. Adopted by the membership on May 1, 1 Revised by the membership on May 1, 00, September 1, 00, November 1, 00,
This Message The Parable of the Wedding Banquet
Series Kingdom Parables This Message The Parable of the Wedding Banquet Scripture Matthew 22:1-14 The two previous parables are closely connected with the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. All three of the
Section A- Statement of Faith
Constitution of Eternity Christian Fellowship as of 05/08/06 updates 10/22/2014 Section A- Statement of Faith We believe: 1. In Jesus Christ as risen Lord, Savior, and Son of God as stated in the historic
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL CHARTER ST. AUSTIN CATHOLIC PARISH
Parish Mission Statement St. Austin Catholic Parish, guided and served by the Paulist Fathers, is a dynamic, urban, Roman Catholic faith community of the Diocese of Austin. Empowered by the Word of God,
A Holy Day, a Holy Place, a Holy Life
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel Volume 11 Number 2 Article 12 7-1-2010 A Holy Day, a Holy Place, a Holy Life P. Scott Ferguson Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/re
Philosophical Issues, vol. 8 (1997), pp
Philosophical Issues, vol. 8 (1997), pp. 313-323. Different Kinds of Kind Terms: A Reply to Sosa and Kim 1 by Geoffrey Sayre-McCord University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill In "'Good' on Twin Earth"
TABLE OF CONTENTS. Letter from the Bishop Page 4. I. Theological Content Page 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the Bishop Page 4 I. Theological Content Page 5 II. Diocesan Policy and Procedures Concerning Allegations and Incidents of Sexual Misconduct Page 7 i. Policy ii. Definitions
Diocese of Sacramento Employment/Ministry in the Church Pre-Application Statement
Diocese of Sacramento Employment/Ministry in the Church Pre-Application Statement Go out to the whole world and Proclaim the Good News to all creation. (Mark 16:15) MISSION STATEMENT OF THE DIOCESE OF
hdga tyb BAYT AGOODAH, INC. HEBREW ISRAELITE CONGREGATION & EDUCATIONAL CENTER ORGANIZATIONAL RULES, REGULATIONS & PROTOCOL
hdga tyb BAYT AGOODAH, INC. HEBREW ISRAELITE CONGREGATION & EDUCATIONAL CENTER ORGANIZATIONAL RULES, REGULATIONS & PROTOCOL RULES, REGULATIONS & STANDARDS PERTAINING TO RIGHTEOUSNESS COPYRIGHT 2010. ALL
Overture Proposal: On Clarifying Titles to Ordered Ministry
Overture Proposal: On Clarifying Titles to Ordered Ministry The Presbytery of Great Rivers respectfully overtures the 222th General Assembly (2016) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to direct the Stated
Clean and Unclean. Food and Faith
Clean and Unclean I n the Old Testament, Christ gave various laws to the nation of Israel. Some were civil, some ceremonial, some religious, and some hygienic. The laws that applied to diet were designed
BELIEVE SERIES Lesson One. The Bible
The Bible BELIEVE SERIES Lesson One Key Verse: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly
Partnership Precepts for Church Planting
Partnership Precepts for Church Planting The Church Planting Team (CPT) of the Church Planting and Missions Development Group under the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) accepts our assignment
How old is covenant theology?
How old is covenant theology? In one sense, I believe covenant theology is as old as the Bible. But church-historically speaking, when did Christian theologians begin to view the Bible as covenantally
The Directory for Worship: From the Sanctuary to the Street A Study Guide* for the Proposed Revision
The Directory for Worship: From the Sanctuary to the Street A Study Guide* for the Proposed Revision *This study guide is designed to facilitate conversation and feedback on the proposed revision to the
In short, the Six Pillars can dramatically improve the ethical quality of our decisions, and thus our character and lives.
The Six Pillars of Character Trustworthiness. Respect. Responsibility. Fairness. Caring. Citizenship. The Six Pillars of Character are ethical values to guide our choices. The standards of conduct that
Southside Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida Bylaws
Southside Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida Bylaws PREAMBLE These Bylaws have been developed through servant prayer under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, for
SINNERS BY CHOICE OR BY CONSTITUTION? By Jesse Morrell
SINNERS BY CHOICE OR BY CONSTITUTION? By Jesse Morrell May you know the truth and may the truth set you free! (John 8:32) Merriam-Webster s 11 th collegiate dictionary defines: Choice: the act of choosing:
Hebrews 9:1-10. A clean conscience. I. Introduction The ninth chapter of Hebrews is very detailed and to be quite honest for most of us,
1 I. Introduction II. Vs. 1-5 Better than the best III. Vs. 6-10 Three limitations Hebrews 9:1-10 A clean conscience I. Introduction The ninth chapter of Hebrews is very detailed and to be quite honest