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 140
Which is the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal. (Exod. 20:15)
Question 141
What are the duties required in the eighth commandment?
The duties required in the eighth commandment are, truth, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man; (Ps. 15:2,4, Zech. 7:4,10, Zech. 8:16–17) restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof; (Lev. 6:2–5, Luke 19:8) giving and lending freely, according to our abilities, and the necessities of others; (Luke 6:30,38, 1 John 3:17, Eph. 4:28, Gal. 6:10) moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections concerning worldly goods; (1 Tim. 6:6–9, Gal. 6:14) a provident care and study to get, (1 Tim. 5:8) keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition; (Prov. 27:23–27, Eccl. 2:24, Eccl. 3:12–13, 1 Tim. 6:17–18, Isa. 38:1, Matt. 11:8) a lawful calling, (1 Cor. 7:20, Gen. 2:15, Gen. 3:19) and diligence in it; (Eph. 4:28, Prov. 10:4) frugality; (John 6:12, Prov. 21:20) avoiding unnecessary law-suits, (1 Cor. 6:1–9) and suretiship, or other like engagements; (Prov. 6:1–6, Prov. 11:15) and an endeavor, by all just and lawful means, to procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own. (Lev. 25:35, Deut. 22:1–4, Exod. 23:4–5, Gen. 47:14,20, Phil. 2:4, Matt. 22:39)
Question 142
What are the sins forbidden in the eighth commandment?
The sins forbidden in the eighth commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, (James 2:15–16, 1 John 3:17) are, theft, (Eph. 4:28) robbery, (Ps. 62:10) man-stealing, (1 Tim. 1:10) and receiving any thing that is stolen; (Prov. 29:24, Ps. 50:18) fraudulent dealing, (1 Thess. 4:6) false weights and measures, (Prov. 11:1, Prov. 20:10) removing landmarks, (Deut. 19:14, Prov. 23:10) injustice and unfaithfulness in contracts between man and man, (Amos 8:5, Ps. 37:21) or in matters of trust; (Luke 16:10–12) oppression, (Ezek. 22:29, Lev. 25:17) extortion, (Matt. 23:25, Ezek. 22:12) usury, (Ps. 15:5) bribery, (Job 15:34) vexatious law-suits, (1 Cor. 6:6–8, Prov. 3:29–30) unjust inclosures and depopulations; (Isa. 5:8, Micah 2:2) ingrossing commodities to enhance the price; (Prov. 11:26) unlawful callings, (Acts 19:19,24–25) and all other unjust or sinful ways of taking or withholding from our neighbour what belongs to him, or of enriching ourselves; (Job 20:19, James 5:4, Prov. 21:6) covetousness; (Luke 12:15) inordinate prizing and affecting worldly goods; (1 Tim. 6:5, Col. 3:2, Prov. 23:5, Ps. 62:10) distrustful and distracting cares and studies in getting, keeping, and using them; (Matt. 6:25,31,34, Eccl. 5:12) envying at the prosperity of others; (Ps. 73:3, Ps. 37:1,7) as likewise idleness, (2 Thess. 3:11, Prov. 18:9) prodigality, wasteful gaming; and all other ways whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate, (Prov. 21:17, Prov. 23:20–21, Prov. 28:19) and defrauding ourselves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God hath given us. (Eccl. 4:8, Eccl. 6:2, 1 Tim. 5:8)
| 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.