We are a community of Christian believers, who are in association with John Knox Presbyterian Church. We are committed to:
- The Bible as our only rule of faith and practice. It is inerrant, infallible, inspired by God in its original autographs, and preserved by Him for His people throughout the ages.
- The Westminster Standards, which include the doctrines of grace, which are known by the acronym T.U.L.I.P
- The preaching of The Word, the exercise of Church discipline, and the right celebration of the sacraments.
| WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM QUESTION OF THE WEEK |
Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, with the assistance of commissioners from the Church of Scotland, as a part of the covenanted uniformity in religion between the Churches of Christ in the kingdoms of Scotland, England, and Ireland and approved Anno 1648, by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to be a directory for catechising such as have made some proficiency in the knowledge of the grounds of religion, with The Proofs from the Scripture. Assembly at Edinburgh, July 2, 1648. Sess. 10. Act approving the Larger Catechism.
Question 182
How doth the Spirit help us to pray?
We not knowing what to pray for as we ought, the Spirit helpeth our infirmities, by enabling us to understand both for whom, and what, and how prayer is to be made; and by working and quickening in our hearts (although not in all persons, nor at all times, in the same measure) those apprehensions, affections, and graces which are requisite for the right performance of that duty. (Rom. 8:26–27, Ps. 10:17, Zech. 12:10)
Question 183
For whom are we to pray?
We are to pray for the whole church of Christ upon earth; (Eph. 6:18, Ps. 28:9) for magistrates, (1 Tim. 2:1–2) and ministers; (Col. 4:3) for ourselves, (Gen. 32:11) our brethren, (James 5:16) yea, our enemies; (Matt. 5:44) and for all sorts of men living, (1 Tim. 2:1–2) or that shall live hereafter; (John 17:20, 2 Sam. 7:29) but not for the dead, (2 Sam. 12:21–23) nor for those that are known to have sinned the sin unto death. (1 John 5:16)
Question 184
For what things are we to pray?
We are to pray for all things tending to the glory of God, (Matt. 6:9) the welfare of the church, (Ps. 51:18, Ps. 122:6) our own (Matt. 7:11) or others, good; (Ps. 125:4) but not for any thing that is unlawful. (1 John 5:14)
Question 185
How are we to pray?
We are to pray with an awful apprehension of the majesty of God, (Eccl. 5:1) and deep sense of our own unworthiness, (Gen. 18:27, Gen. 32:10) necessities, (Luke 15:17–19) and sins; (Luke 18:13–14) with penitent, (Ps. 51:17) thankful, (Phil. 4:6) and enlarged hearts; (1 Sam. 1:15, 1 Sam. 2:1) with understanding, (1 Cor. 14:15) faith, (Mark 11:24, James 1:6) sincerity, (Ps. 145:18, Ps. 17:1) fervency, (James 5:16) love, (1 Tim. 2:8) and perseverance, (Eph. 6:18) waiting upon him, (Micah 7:7) with humble submission to his will. (Matt. 26:39)
Question 186
What rule hath God given for our direction in the duty of prayer?
The whole word of God is of use to direct us in the duty of prayer; (1 John 5:14) but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which our Savior Christ taught his disciples, commonly called The Lord’ s prayer. (Matt. 6:9–13, Luke 11:2–4)
Question 187
How is the Lord’ s prayer to be used?
The Lord’ s prayer is not only for direction, as a pattern, according to which we are to make other prayers; but may also be used as a prayer, so that it be done with understanding, faith, reverence, and other graces necessary to the right performance of the duty of prayer. (Matt. 6:9, Luke 11:2)
| The Apostles’ Creed
The basic creed of Reformed churches, as most familiarly known, is called the Apostles’ Creed. It has received this title because of its great antiquity; it dates from very early times in the Church, a half century or so from the last writings of the New Testament |
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;
He descended into hell. [See Calvin]
The third day He arose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.
Amen.