What is the Heidelberg Catechism? CalvaryURC 2018-03-10T02:14:35+00:00

What is the Heidelberg Catechism?

Interview with Mark Vander Pol, Christ URC (Santee, CA)

Used by permission of Leon Brown.

Morning Sermon Series

In our morning series we are studying the Gospel of John. The most unique of the four gospels, John is relentless in fixing our eyes on Jesus. From the introduction (chapter 1), to the Book of Jesus’ Signs (chapters 2-12), to the Book of Jesus’ Hour (chapters 13-20), to the conclusion (chapter 21), John proclaims Jesus. Luther once said that through Jesus we may look into God’s Fatherly heart and sense how boundlessly he loves us. John writes his gospel “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). Come join us in studying the Fourth Gospel, and rejoice with us in the love of God for sinners, and the life that is given to all who believe in Jesus. ”

Evening Sermon Series

In our evening services we are studying the Belgic Confession, written by Guido de Bres in 1561, and one of the Three Forms of Unity to which our church and federation subscribe. What a privilege is ours to join our hearts and our voices with brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before us, as we confess our common Christian faith with them in the Lord Jesus Christ as the only Savior of sinners. May the Lord strengthen our faith through the ministry of His Word enabling us to confess boldly and winsomely the articles of the faith once for all entrusted to the saints.

What is the Gospel?

(For a more lengthy discussion, listen to the "What is the Gospel?" video on our Suggested Reading and Media page.) The gospel means 'good report' or 'good news.' The gospel is not just good news because of its content. It is good news because of the form of its delivery. It is not good advice. The gospel never tells us something to do. The gospel tells us about something that has already been done. The form which Christ has chosen for the delivery for this saving message is through the means of preaching. Throughout the scriptures God's Word is described as mighty and powerful -- living and active. It will not return unto God void without accomplishing every purpose for which He sent it. God's Word is not a textbook or a mere historical record of what God did once upon a time. God's Word, here and now, is killing and making alive; condemning and justifying. This is the nature of the word of God. That is why the apostle Paul says that faith comes by hearing the word of Christ preached. How shall they hear without a preacher? How shall he preach unless he is sent? Preaching is the chosen means of grace bringing life out of death. We find this all the way from Genesis to Revelation. (Dr. Michael Horton)

Why Creeds and Confessions?

The Short Answer: The English word ‘creed’ comes from the Greek credo, which simply means ‘I believe.’ Everyone has beliefs about what the Bible teaches. Though people sometimes claim to have ‘no creed but Christ,’ we find on closer questioning they often have very different ideas about who Jesus was and what he did for us. We believe having written statements of essential beliefs—creeds as well as their longer cousins, confessions—help us clarify our convictions and distinguish ourselves from others who profess Christ but perhaps believe wrongly. From ancient times Christians have expressed themselves in writing as a way to prevent confusion, pass on truth and hold the Church accountable to the historic landmarks of our catholic (one true Church) and Protestant heritage. Our doctrinal standards are not above the Bible but simply relate how we have interpreted the Bible on key issues. (Rev. Danny Hyde)