Heidelberg Catechism

Question 21. What is true faith?

Answer: True faith is not only a certain knowledge of the truth of all that God has revealed to us in his word, (a) but also an assured confidence, (b) created by the Holy Spirit (c) in my heart through the gospel, (d) that not only to others, but to me also, God has freely given forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and salvation, (e) out of mere grace, only for the sake of Christ’s merits. (f)

(Click through to see scriptural proofs.)

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Linked Together: Apologetics

Worldview
I’m waiting by the mailbox for my copy of What’s Your Worldview?: An Interactive Approach to Life’s Big Questions by James N. Anderson. Here’s a related series of posts in which Anderson explains what worldviews are and why they’re important (Crossway Blog): 

1. What in the World Is a Worldview? 

   Worldviews are like belly buttons. Everyone has one, but we don’t talk about them very often.

2. The Importance of Worldview Awareness 

   If we’re going to engage effectively both with individual unbelievers and with non-Christian belief-systems, it makes good sense to do so in terms of their underlying worldviews.

3. Why Think of Worldviews?  

   When we’re trained to think in terms of worldviews, we’re better equipped to challenge unbelievers at the root of their beliefs and actions rather than at the surface level … . 

4. What It Takes to Make a Worldview
   

   In teaching on this subject I’ve found it helpful to use a simple acronym—TAKES—to break down a worldview into five basic areas or subdivisions.

5. Added 2/5/1: 5 Ways to Discern Someone’s Worldview

There will also be a fifth post, the final one. I’ll update this with a link when it happens.

Bible and Science
I also recently listened to one of James Anderson’s lectures, Can I Trust the Bible Over Evolutionary Science?, from the Reformation Conference at Shiloh Presbyterian Church—and recommend it, too. (All the lectures from the Reformation Conference are here.) 

My Savior First of All

When my life work is ended, and I cross the swelling tide,
When the bright and glorious morning I shall see;
I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side,
And His smile will be the first to welcome me.

Refrain

I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
And redeemed by His side I shall stand,
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.

Oh, the soul thrilling rapture when I view His blessèd face,
And the luster of His kindly beaming eye;
How my full heart will praise Him for the mercy, love and grace,
That prepare for me a mansion in the sky.

Oh, the dear ones in glory, how they beckon me to come,
And our parting at the river I recall;
To the sweet vales of Eden they will sing my welcome home;
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.

Through the gates to the city in a robe of spotless white,
He will lead me where no tears will ever fall;
In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight;
But I long to meet my Savior first of all.

—Fanny Crosby

Other hymns, worship songs, sermons etc. posted today:

• Holy, Holy, Holy at By Grace Alone
• Fight the Good Fight at Graces Daily
• Forever Reign at Gospel Grace
• His Words Are True at The Happy Wonderer
• Lifting Up Our Hearts - 15 at The Upward Call
• Christ’s Resurrection at Tried With Fire
• Lord’s Day 5, 2014 at The Thirsty Theologian
• Your Weekly Dose of Spurgeon at Pyromaniacs: Mystical union
• Sunday Psalm: The Treasury of David - Psalm 11:4 at Theology for Girls

Have you posted a hymn (or sermon, sermon notes, prayer, etc.) today and I missed it? Let me know by leaving a link in the comments or by contacting me using the contact form linked above, and I’ll add your post to the list.