Heidelberg Catechism

Question 19. From where do you know this?

Answer: From the holy gospel, which God himself first revealed in Paradise; (a) and later proclaimed through the patriarchs (b) and prophets, (c) and represented by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; (d) and lastly, he fulfilled it through his only begotten Son. (e)

(Click through to see scriptural proofs.)

Click to read more ...

Sunday's Hymn: For All the Saints

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress and their might;
Thou, Lord, their captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the apostles’ glorious company,
Who bearing forth the cross o’er land and sea,
Shook all the mighty world, we sing to Thee:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the evangelists, by whose blest word,
Like fourfold streams, the garden of the Lord,
Is fair and fruitful, be Thy name adored.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For martyrs, who with rapture kindled eye,
Saw the bright crown descending from the sky,
And seeing, grasped it, Thee we glorify.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
And singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

—William W. How

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

• Blessed Assurance at Graces Daily
• Hallelujah! What a Savior! at Theology for Girls
• A Mighty Fortress Is Our God at Gospel Grace
• Faithful Shepherd, Feed Me at The Happy Wonderer
• Lifting Up Our Hearts - 13 at The Upward Call
• A Bitter Righteousness at Tried With Fire
• Lord’s Day 3, 2014 at The Thirsty Theologian
• Your Weekly Dose of Spurgeon at Pyromaniacs: Wonders!

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.

Thankful Thursday

I’m thankful for

• that the month of January is half over. I usually love January, but this year, not so much. I suppose that’s back-handed thanksgiving, but I really am thankful that God has sustained me through two weeks of short, stressful days. 
• for warm days to play outdoors with the grandchildren. It’s hard on kids to spend everyday indoors because it’s too cold to go out. When it’s nice enough to enjoy slow walks and snow angels, it’s a blessing.
• for lamps and candles to curse the darkness. 
• for Vitamin D capsules to help make up for the lack of sun.
• for a few good books.
• for time to work on a secret project.
• for the evening prayers in Valley of Vision.