Question 123 - What is the second petition?

Answer - Thy kingdom come. That is: So rule us by Thy Word and Spirit that more and more we submit to Thee.¹ Preserve and increase Thy church.² Destroy the works of the devil, every power that raises itself against Thee, and every conspiracy against Thy holy Word.³ Do all this until the fulness of Thy kingdom comes, wherein Thou shalt be all in all.⁴

¹ Ps. 119:5, 105; 143:10; Matt. 6:33. ² Ps. 51:18; 122:6-9; Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:42-47. ³ Rom. 16:20; 1 John 3:8. ⁴ Rom. 8:22- 23; 1 Cor. 15:28; Rev. 22:17-20.

An Interview with Dr. Sam Storms

In the book Signs of the Spirit by Dr. Sam Storms we see articulation of many things about Jonathan Edwards' view of the spiritual life. Edwards' Religious Affections were written in the time of Revival or what folks might call a Holy Ghost Party. The outcome from Dr. Storms book is a fresh and encouraging look at getting to really understand one of the greatest works by an American theologian. This book is in no way trying to help people police the work of the Holy Spirit. In fact the attempt is to get people understanding Edwards' thoughts on believers who love Jesus to have a heart aflame for God and life. By staying biblically grounded one can truly embrace full humanity, emotions, intellect, spiritual affections in the redeemed image of God. Please take a listen to Sam Storms thoughts.

On September 17 and 18 Mars Hill Church hosted the Resurgence Fall Conference title: Continuous Worship. In this, the third of four main sessions, listen as Dr. Harold Best explains Jesus role at the Great High Priest and the only one qualified and able to lead worship.

Question 120 - Why has Christ commanded us to address God as Our Father?

Answer - To awaken in us at the very beginning of our prayer that childlike reverence and trust toward God which should be basic to our prayer: God has become our Father through Christ and will much less deny us what we ask of Him in faith than our fathers would refuse us earthly things.¹

¹ Matt. 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13.

On September 17 and 18 Mars Hill Church hosted the Resurgence Fall Conference title: Continuous Worship. In this, the second of four main sessions, listen as Dr. Harold Best unpacks what we really mean when we say "worship" and underlying issues of the heart when it comes to worship and idolatry.

Question 116 - Why is prayer necessary for Christians?

Answer - Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness which God requires of us.¹ Moreover, God will give His grace and the Holy Spirit only to those who constantly and with heartfelt longing ask Him for these gifts and thank Him for them.²

¹ Ps. 50:14-15; 116:12-19; 1 Thess. 5:16-18. ² Matt. 7:7-8; Luke 11:9-13.

Question 117 - What belongs to a prayer which pleases God and is heard by Him?

Answer - First, we must from the heart call upon the one true God only, who has revealed Himself in His Word, for all that He has commanded us to pray.¹ Second, we must thoroughly know our need and misery, so that we may humble ourselves before God.² Third, we must rest on this firm foundation that, although we do not deserve it, God will certainly hear our prayer for the sake of Christ our Lord, as He has promised us in His Word.³

On September 17 and 18 Mars Hill Church hosted the Resurgence Fall Conference title: Continuous Worship. In this, the first of four main sessions, listen as Pastor Mark Driscoll discusses the underlying sin of all men: Idolatry. Humanity was created to worship. However, in our fallen state, we tend to worship created things, rather than the creator of those things. Listen as Mark discusses the subtle ways that we all give in to idolatry at one time or another.

Who wants to read about stuffy old law, anyway? Jesus came and we have grace and love now, right? Jani Ortlund, the wife of Ray Ortland Jr., and author of His Loving Law, Our Lasting Legacy would graciously counter that grace was given to the Israelites before the law, and that the law was a gift of love from God, not slavery. In her interview she discusses her love of the Bible and commands that are not only in the Old Testament, but the New. She informs us that the law is meant to point us to Jesus as we cannot live up to its standards. Jesus cleanses us and frees us to love him back, and the law is a picture of what God is like. Formerly a school teacher, Jani saw the removal of the Ten Commandments from the walls of her school. With a deep love for Jesus and the law that God gave, she was burdened to share with families the practical teaching of the Ten Commandments as conduits to Christ and a gift of life to be passed on to the next generation. This wise and gracious woman clearly loves Jesus and clearly loves the Word.

Question 113 - What does the tenth commandment require of us?

Answer - That not even the slightest thought or desire contrary to any of God's commandments should ever arise in our heart. Rather, we should always hate all sin with all our heart, and delight in all righteousness.¹

Question 112 - What is required in the ninth commandment?

Answer - I must not give false testimony against anyone, twist no one's words, not gossip or slander, nor condemn or join in condemning anyone rashly and unheard.¹ Rather, I must avoid all lying and deceit as the devil's own works, under penalty of God's heavy wrath.² In court and everywhere else, I must love the truth,³ speak and confess it honestly, and do what I can to defend and promote my neighbour's honour and reputation.⁴

¹ Ps. 15; Prov. 19:5-9; 21:28; Matt. 7:1; Luke 6:37; Rom. 1:28-32. ² Lev. 19:11-12; Prov. 12:22; 13:5; John 8:44; Rev. 21:8. ³ 1 Cor. 13:6; Eph. 4:25. ⁴ 1 Pet. 3:8-9; 4:8.