Theological Term of the Week

epistle
A New Testament letter from an apostle to a congregation or individual. Of the New Testament books, all but Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts and Revelation are epistles.

• From the Epistle to the Galatians, Paul’s greeting and closing blessing:

Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—and all the brothers who are with me, 

To the churches of Galatia: 

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Galatians 1:1-5 ESV)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. (Galatians 6:18 ESV)

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Linked Together: Trusting (x 2)

In the “Hard Sayings”
Rachael Starke reflects on Peter’s response to a “hard saying” from Jesus.

And Treasuring
What does it mean to “have faith”? 

[W]e often speak of faith in terms of “trusting and treasuring” God. We believe that God is who he said he is and as a result we believe (trust) him to do everything that he has promised. Further, because he is infinitely glorious, we treasure him above any and everything.

Read the whole piece from Erik Raymond.

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 35. What is the meaning of these words: “He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary”?

Answer: That God’s eternal Son, who is and continues to be (a) true and eternal God, (b) took upon himself true human nature from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, (c) by the operation of the Holy Spirit; (d)so that he is also be the true seed of David, (e) and like his brothers in every way, (f) except for sin. (g)

(Click through to see scriptural proofs.)

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