Category: Westminster Larger Catechism Study

Thanks Mike. I probably over repost your work. But you do articulate well the points that if I were a better witness I would make. And it makes for thoughtful reflection and dialogue. I only wish I could persuade others to follow.

We all fall short of what Peter encourages. It’s a common Strawman argument today to ignore doctrine and focus on one aspect of the Bible’s teaching. It’s rare and hardwork to pursue all it’s teachings.

Some four thousand years ago we read about that in Judges.

“In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6)

But it didn’t begin there. But we have to try…

Jesus said:

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)

A more complete knowledge and understanding is critical.

2Pe 1:5  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
2Pe 1:6  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
2Pe 1:7  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

Mike makes good points about judging in a Biblical way. One rarely hears this explained so well. In today”s world where any Judgment is rapidly rebuked. Yet hypocritical today the cry’s for Justice abound. “Everybody wants Justice and nobody wants Judgment” is the way I characterize it. I read the Bible in the old KJV where I’ve noted in the Old Testament the word translated in the modern versions as Justice is still overwhelming translated a Judgment.

I am curious about the subject and particularly Scriptural support for the ministry of discernment….and will for one read the ebook he mentions at the end.

I do note that Solomon did ask God for good discernment. But recognized God’s sovereignty in ultimate Judgment.

1Ki 3:9  Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Ecc 3:17  I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

I consider John 6:66 one of the saddest verses in the Bible.

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” (John 6:66)

But earlier John wrote down for us what Jesus taught.

Joh 6:37  All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Joh 6:38  For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Joh 6:39  And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
Joh 6:40  And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Btw, I’m glad there were no verse numbers in the original Greek text otherwise somebody would tie John 6:66 to the other book John gave us.