Welcome to this series on the sacraments. Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have recognized sacred acts that visibly proclaim the grace of God. These acts, often called sacraments or ordinances, stand at the center of Christian worship, discipleship, and community life. While different traditions understand them in different ways, nearly all Christians recognize... Read more »
The word “sacrament” refers to a sacred act instituted by Christ that visibly represents God’s grace. Christians throughout history have practiced rites such as baptism and communion, but Roman Catholics and Protestants differ in both the number of sacraments and their meaning. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that there are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, the... Read more »
The Lord’s Prayer begins with the words: “Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.” (Matt 6:9 NAS) This sets the tone for the entire prayer. Before asking for daily needs, petitions, or guidance, the focus is placed on God Himself. This opening request teaches us that sanctifying the name of God is the foundation... Read more »
When we pray, “Our Father who art in heaven,” we are not merely reciting words; we are being taught how to approach God rightly. Before we even ask anything of Him, we are instructed in the posture of prayer, the confidence we must have, and the object of our desire. Of all things required in... Read more »
The Lord’s Prayer is the framework Christ gave us to have a meaningful prayer relationship with God. Prayer requires humility. Prayer is not a display of religious pride, but a humble appeal for mercy before a holy God. “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer.... Read more »
Prayer is the humble, contrite, God-centered response of a redeemed servant to God’s revealed word. It is offering praise and thanksgiving for who He is and what He has done, trusting that He fully knows His people. We are to direct our prayers towards specific things. The Bible instructs us for whom we are to... Read more »
Prayer is a form of Worship. Prayer is not a neutral spiritual activity; it is an act of worship. For this reason, prayer must never be directed toward any created being. Scripture consistently binds prayer to the exclusive worship due to God alone. Jesus Himself establishes this boundary when He declares: “You shall worship the... Read more »
Biblical prayer begins with humility and repentance, recognizing God’s grace and our own unworthiness. “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer. “The Pharisee stood and was praying thus to himself, ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or... Read more »
This study guide explores the Lord’s Prayer as Scripture presents it not merely as a prayer to be repeated, but as a divine pattern that teaches God’s people how to think, speak, and live before Him. Each lesson builds carefully from the foundations of biblical prayer, examining who prayer is for, how prayer is offered,... Read more »
The Tenth Commandment, “You shall not covet,” calls people to honorable conduct in both heart and life. Coveting in Scripture is far more than a private inward feeling, it is a desire that inclines the heart toward taking what God has given to another. The Tenth Commandment was not given merely to regulate thoughts but... Read more »
The ninth commandment upholds the sacred duty to preserve truth and integrity in all areas of life. False witness is more than lying in court; it includes any form of deceit, slander, or misrepresentation that harms others. God commands His people to reflect His truthfulness in every word and deed. The Ninth Commandment declares, “You... Read more »
The Eighth Commandment declares that God forbids all deceit and demands honesty, fairness, and generosity in every aspect of life. The Eighth commandment is, “You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15 NAS) Theft in any form rejects God’s provision and exploits the livelihood of our neighbor and steals the blessing that God gave to another person.... Read more »
Adultery is the voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not his or her spouse. This also relates to fornication and other sexual behaviors that God has forbidden in His Word. The seventh commandment declares: “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14) This commandment is not limited to unfaithfulness to... Read more »
The sixth commandment is short, but it reaches into every part of life. God forbids the unjust taking of life and the neglect to preserve life. We are to preserve our own life as well as our neighbor’s. The commandment refers to the unjust killing of humans, animals, and destroying their property. The commandment is,... Read more »
The fifth commandment reaches far beyond the parent/child relationship. It sets a pattern for how we relate to every authority God places in our lives and how those authorities must care for the people under them. The commandment trains households, churches, and nations in honor, love, order, and justice. The fifth commandment is: “Honor your... Read more »
God set the Sabbath in creation. It is a moral statute commanding cessation from ordinary labor one day in seven. God set in creation the necessity for all people to rest and for the land to rest. The full command is, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and... Read more »
Welcome to this series on the sacraments. Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have recognized sacred acts that visibly proclaim the grace of God. These acts, often called sacraments or ordinances, stand at the center of Christian worship, discipleship, and community life. While different traditions understand them in different ways, nearly all Christians recognize... Read more » 
