Notes go hereIn episode 48 Pastor Jeff answers a question from a listener about how to keep churches from drifting into worldly doctrine or practices. The key text in this episode is 1 Corinthians 11:17-32, and 15:1-2, as well as Acts 2:38. For the "IX Marks" list healthy church click here:  9 Marks website. For the Belgic Confession Article 29 click here: Belgic Confession. To submit new questions email us at questions@generations.email.

In episode 47 Pastor Jeff responds to the interview about Torah Observant Christianity, providing a biblical view of the Torah Law and Festivals for the Christian. Lots of Scripture used in this episode: Matthew 5:17-20, Genesis 15:18, Genesis 17:1-8, Exodus 6:2-6, Exodus 19:1-9, Ephesians 2:11-22, Luke 22:15-20, Colossians 2:16-17, Mark 7:17-19, Hebrews 10:1, and Hebrews 8:1-13. To submit new questions email us at questions@generations.email.

This episode has a special guest interview about his time spent in Torah Observant Christianity.

In episode 45 Rob and Jeff talk disucss when committing one sin in right order to prevent a greater evil. The key text in this episode are Joshua 2:1–24, with some application from Philippians 2:3-8. To submit new questions email us at questions@generations.email.

Episode 44 Vaccines and God’s Sovereignty  In episode 44 Rob and Jeff answer a listener's question about Christians and the CoVid vaccine. Does it mean Christians don't trust in God's protection if they get vaccinated. Three passages used in this episode are Numbers 21:4-9, Matthew 4:5-7, and 1 Timothy 5:22-23. To submit new questions email us at questions@generations.email.

In episode 43 Pastor Jeff answers a question about live-streaming church services instead of attending in person. Two key texts in this episode are Hebrews 10:19-25 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-21. To submit new questions email us at questions@generations.email.

In episode 42 Rob and Jeff what it means to be committed to a church, when it is appropriate to leave a church, and what to look for in finding a church. Three key texts in this episode are Acts 2:42-47, Ephesians 5:22-32, and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. To submit new questions email us at questions@generations.email

In episode 41 we follow up on an earlier episode (24) about Christianity and Abortion. The question asked was if Christians who are pro-life are hypocritical if they support the death penalty. The key texts are Exodus 21:22-25 and Numbers 35:17-24. Also referenced are Jeremiah 1:4-5, Psalm, 139:13-14, and Exodus 20:13. To submit a new questions email us at questions@generations.email.

In episode 40 Rob and Jeff discuss how trauma can impact our lives, and how we respond to it. The key text is Genesis 38, with references to Genesis 49:9-10, Deuteronomy 25:5–10, and Matthew 1:1-3. We are also asking people to submit new questions to questions@generations.email.

This week we were asked about the "unpardonable sin" and what it means to grieve the Holy Spirit. The key texts are Mark 3:22-30 and Luke 12:8-10, with references to Isaiah 54:5-6 and Ephesians 4:29-32.

Our fourth and final Advent podcast brings Pastors Jeff Ludington and Steven Shaw to lyrics taken from William Walsham How’s hymn “Who Is This, So Weak and Helpless” about the despising and mocking of Jesus. We look at the following passages: John 1:10, Philippians 2:5-8, Luke 23:32-39, and Acts 2:22-41.

To hear the full song, click the following link: Who Is This?

Episode 3 of our Christmas series brings Pastors Jeff Ludington and Steven Shaw to verse 5 of William Walsham How’s hymn “Who Is This, So Weak and Helpless” using three key passages (Isaiah 53:1-12, Psalm 118:22, and Mark 12:1-11).

To hear a full version of the song "Who Is This, So Weak and Helpless" here is a link: Who Is This?

in episode 2 of our Christmas series Pastors Jeff Ludington and Steven Shaw talk about lyrics taken from William Walsham How’s hymn “Who Is This, So Weak and Helpless” using John 14:1-7 and Revelation 21:4. To hear the full song click the following link: Who Is This?

In episode 1 of our Christmas series we talk about a song lyric taken from Isaiah 53:2-4, using Scripture from Matthew 4:1-11, Matthew 2:13-15, and Genesis 3:15.

Link to the song that was referenced in this week's podcast: https://anewband.bandcamp.com/track/who-is-this-bonus-track

This week we talk about how to strengthen our faith. The text is Matthew 4:1-11, and we reference 1 Corinthians 9:25-27. Suggested resources for spiritual disciplines:

• "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster
• "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" by Donald Whitney

If you have any questions you want us to address please email us at Questions@generations.emai.

This week the question we were asked was about how to share the gospel. Though there are many ways, we know that sharing your own gospel story is something everyone can do. The main Scripture in this episode is Acts 22:3-16, and we also look at Romans 10:13-15.

If you have any questions you want us to address please email us at Questions@generations.email.

This week Pastor Jeff answers a question about how to talk about sin with others without being judgmental or superior. The text is Romans 1:18-32.

If you have any questions please email us at Questions@generations.email.

This week Pastor Jeff deals with a culturally hot topic about a biblical perspective on transgenderism. Some Scriptures referenced are Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:24-25, Genesis 3:6-7, Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 22:5, and 1 Corinthians 11:13-16.

If you have any questions please email us at Questions@generations.email.

This week we discuss whether or not Christians can celebrate Halloween. Scripture references in this episode are Colossians 2:16–18 and 1 Corinthians 10:23–31.

Additional sources: 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samhain  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween .

If you have any questions please email us at Questions@generations.email.

This week Rob and Jeff talk about foot-washing in the Old and New Testaments. The main passage is John 13:1-17, but they also talk about 1 Samuel 25:40-41, Matthew 20:24-28, and Philippians 2:5–8.

If you have any questions please email us at Questions@generations.email.

This week we answer the question "do spiritual beings have freewill?" What abilities do angels, demons, and humans, have relating to their will? The key passages for this episode are Genesis 2:4, 15-17, Genesis 3:19, Ezekiel 28:12–19, Revelation 12:3-4, Revelation 20:10, Romans 3:10-12, Ephesians 2:1-5, Romans 7:18, 2 Corinthians 3:17, Psalm 148:1-2, Matthew 22:29–30, and Romans 6:9–11. If you have a question please email us at questions@Generations.email.

This week we ask an often controversial question about "free will" and what abilities humans had before sin, have now with sin, and even what changes with faith in Jesus Christ. There is lots of Scripture in this episode, here is a list: Ezra 2:68, Genesis 2:15–17 , Gen 3:6, Romans 5:12, Ephesians 2:1-5, Joshua 24:15-23, 2 Corinthians 3:17 , Romans 7:15-18, and 1 Corinthians 15:22.

If you have any questions please email us at Questions@generations.email.

This week we talk about some common questions about tithing, giving, and generosity. Some passages used are Leviticus 27:30-32, Matthew 23:23, and Malachi chapters 1 and 3.

If you have a question that you would like answered on the show, please email Questions@generations.email.

This week Pastor Jeff Ludington tackles the very challenging issue of suicide. Biblical examples look at David (1 Samuel 11, 17, 20, 2 Samuel 6, Psalms 3, 4, and 6) as well as Job (Job 7). You can see more about the blog references at JeffLudington.com. 

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, please email us at Questions@generations.email.

This week we answer the questions "Why does God choose to heal some people, but not others?" and "why do some people who do such good work for the Lord, die young?". We use passages from Matthew 9:20–22, 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, Genesis 2:15-17, and 1 Samuel 1:12, 15.

If we can pray for you, or if you have any questions, please email us at Questions@generations.email.

This week we continue our conversation about what divides various Christian groups and how we can choose a church in the midst of those differences. This episode discusses how a church is led using passages from Exodus 3:1-10, Exodus 18:13–23, Exodus 32:1–4, Titus 1:5–9, and Acts 15:22–23.

If you have any questions please email us at Questions@generations.email.

This week we look at what commonly divides various Christian groups and how we can choose a church in the midst of those differences. Our first example is various beliefs on baptism using passages from Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:37-41, 8:12, 16:14-15, and Colossians 2:11-13.

If you have any questions please email us at Questions@generations.email.

This week we tackle a question that hits home with all Christians today, “How can you tell if you’re more than just a “lukewarm” Christian?” We take a look at the words of Jesus to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-20.

If you have a question please email us at Questions@generations.email.

This week we tackle a challenging question “Can you be pro-choice and Christian?”

Biblical References: Jeremiah 1:4-5, Psalm 139:13-14, Exodus 21:22-25, and John 1:17.

If you have a question please email us at Questions@generations.email.

“Can you be a Christian and be pro LGBT?” This week we tackle questions about supporting the LGBT Community and Abortion.

Biblical References: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and Romans 1:24-32

Other References: "Frustrated: How the Bible Resolves Life's Tough Questions" by Pastor Jeff Ludington

This week we get asked the question “What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage?”. This episode focuses what Jesus and Paul say specifically.

Biblical References: Matthew 19:3-9, 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, and a quick reference to Old Testament passages like Leviticus 20:10.

This week we finish up answering the question asked, “What does the Bible say about slavery?” in part 2 of 2. This episode focuses on the New Testament, specifically the writings of Paul.

Biblical References: Ephesians 6:5-9, Philemon 1:10-19, 1 Timothy 1:9-10, and Romans 6:20-23.

This week we begin answering the question asked, “What does the Bible say about slavery?” in part 1 of 2. This episode focuses on the Old Testament, specifically the writing of Moses.

Biblical References: Exodus 1:12-14, 6:6-7, 21:1-6, and Deuteronomy 16:11-12. 

Stay tuned for next week's episode where we finish up answering the question about slavery in the Bible.

This week we tackle a great question asked, “Does God ever stop pursuing us if we consistently turn away from him?”

Biblical References: Revelation 3:19-21, Matthew 7:21-23, Exodus 32:7-10, Romans 2:3-5, 1 Samuel 16:14, John 10:25-30. 

Have a question? Get your question answered on the show by Jeff Ludington by emailing questions@generations.email.Episode Notes

In this episode we answer a common question, "Did God create the world in 6 literal days?”

Biblical References: Genesis 1:1 - 2:3, 2 Peter 3:8, and Hebrews 4:3-4.

Have a question? Get your question answered on the show by Jeff Ludington by emailing questions@generations.email.Episode Notes

This week we answer a student’s question, “If God is almighty why can’t he take sin away?”

Biblical References: Mark 10:27, Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 3:14-15, Hebrews 9:24–28, and Revelation 21:1-4 & 24–27. 

Have a question? Get your question answered on the show by Jeff Ludington by emailing questions@generations.email.Episode Notes

This week we tackle some challenging questions about the eternal destiny of infants who die, and those who severe mental disabilities.

Biblical references: Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:10-11, John 14:6, John 3:7-8, Acts 13:48, Ephesians 1:3-6, and 1 Corinthians 7:14. 

Have a question? Get your question answered on the show by Jeff Ludington by emailing questions@generations.email.

This week we answer a question asked on social media about if the Bible speaks about aliens at all. It is a fun episode with some surprising answers.

Biblical References: Exodus 23:12, Job 38:4-7, Psalm 148:1-6, 2 Peter 2:4, Hebrews 1:6-7, and Galatians 1:6-9.

Have a question? Get your question answered on the show by Jeff Ludington by emailing questions@generations.email.

This week we tackle part 2 of how to read the Book of Revelation. We look at specific questions asked about the Great Tribulation, Millennium, and Rapture. We look at several verses in Revelation (1:1-9, 2:22, 4:1-2, 7:13-14, and 20:1-7), as well as Matthew 24:21-24 and 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18.

Have questions? Get your questions answered by Pastor Jeff Ludington on the show by emailing your questions to questions@generations.email.

This week we answer part 1 of how to read the Book of Revelation. We look at Revelation 1:1-13, 5:4-10, and 7:9-11. A general principal of interpretation is using the clearer passages in Scripture to help us in interpreting the less clear passages of Scripture.

Join us again next week for part 2.

Have questions? Submit your questions to questions@generations.email to have them answered by Pastor Jeff Ludington.

This week we deal with the questions, “What parts of the Bible are meant to be taken literally?” and "Is everything in the Bible supposed to be believed 100%?”

Biblical references: Jonah 1-4, and Matthew 12:38–41.

For more info on the book recommendation by Pastor Jeff see Sam Storms “Kingdom Come”

Want your question answered on the show? Submit your questions to questions@generations.email.

This week we deal with the questions, “How can we trust that the Bible has been translated properly over the years?” and “Is the Bible complete? Is there any possibility that any books are missing or left out?” 

Biblical References: Isaiah 53:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 1 Corinthians 11:2, and 2 Timothy 3:14–17.

For a further study on the authority, authenticity, and canonicity of Scripture, see RC Sproul’s “Everyone’s A Theologian”

If you want a short blog on choosing a Bible translation, see Pastor Jeff’s blog on Choosing A Bible Translation.

Want your question answered on the show? Submit your questions to questions@generations.email.

“When people die do they immediately go to heaven or hell, or are they in a sort of “waiting place” until Jesus comes back?"

This week we answer questions about the intermediary state between physical death and eternity. We cover several passages and cover topics including Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory.

“Will our lives in Heaven resemble our lives on earth at all?”

This week we answer questions about what eternity will look like, and our time with Jesus in Heaven. We read through Revelation 21 and talk about some modern themes and connections.

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Catch Steven Shaw at https://theshawsmusic.com https://1689studios.com https://misfitministry.com https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-shaws/416713379

Q&A 127 Q. What does the sixth petition mean? A. “And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one” means: By ourselves we are too weak to hold our own even for a moment.1 And our sworn enemies— the devil,2 the world,3 and our own flesh—4 never stop attacking us. And so, Lord, uphold us and make us strong with the strength of your Holy Spirit, so that we may not go down to defeat in this spiritual struggle,5 but may firmly resist our enemies until we finally win the complete victory.6 1 Ps. 103:14-16; John 15:1-5 2 2 Cor. 11:14; Eph. 6:10-13; 1 Pet. 5:8 3 John 15:18-21 4 Rom. 7:23; Gal. 5:17 5 Matt. 10:19-20; 26:41; Mark 13:33; Rom. 5:3-5 6 1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Thess. 3:13; 5:23

Q&A 128 Q. What does your conclusion to this prayer mean? A. “For the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours forever” means: We have made all these petitions of you because, as our all-powerful king, you are both willing and able to give us all that is good;1 and because your holy name, and not we ourselves, should receive all the praise, forever.2 1 Rom. 10:11-13; 2 Pet. 2:9 2 Ps. 115:1; John 14:13

Q&A 129 Q. What does that little word “Amen” express? A. “Amen” means: This shall truly and surely be! It is even more sure that God listens to my prayer than that I really desire what I pray for.1 1 Isa. 65:24; 2 Cor. 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:13

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers,[b] when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 5:12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

Q&A 126 Q. What does the fifth petition mean? A. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” means: Because of Christ’s blood, do not hold against us, poor sinners that we are, any of the sins we do or the evil that constantly clings to us.1 Forgive us just as we are fully determined, as evidence of your grace in us, to forgive our neighbors.2 1 Ps. 51:1-7; 143:2; Rom. 8:1; 1 John 2:1-2 2 Matt. 6:14-15; 18:21-35

Psalm 103:12 Doctrine of expiation 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

Acts 2:38 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 7:2 “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”

1 John 2:1-6 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

Psalm 51:1–4, 7, 9, 12, & 13 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.

Q&A 124 Q. What does the third petition mean? A. “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” means: Help us and all people to reject our own wills and to obey your will without any back talk. Your will alone is good.1 Help us one and all to carry out the work we are called to,2 as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven.3 1 Matt. 7:21; 16:24-26; Luke 22:42; Rom. 12:1-2; Tit. 2:11-12 2 1 Cor. 7:17-24; Eph. 6:5-9 3 Ps. 103:20-21

Matthew 26:39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

1 Samuel 8 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah 5 and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 8 According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you.

Q&A 124 Q. What does the third petition mean? A. “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” means: Help us and all people to reject our own wills and to obey your will without any back talk. Your will alone is good.1 Help us one and all to carry out the work we are called to,2 as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven.3 1 Matt. 7:21; 16:24-26; Luke 22:42; Rom. 12:1-2; Tit. 2:11-12 2 1 Cor. 7:17-24; Eph. 6:5-9 3 Ps. 103:20-21

Matthew 26:39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

1 Samuel 8 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah 5 and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 8 According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you.

Q&A 123 Q. What does the second petition mean? A.“Your kingdom come” means: Rule us by your Word and Spirit in such a way that more and more we submit to you.1 Preserve your church and make it grow.2 Destroy the devil’s work; destroy every force which revolts against you and every conspiracy against your holy Word.3 Do this until your kingdom fully comes, when you will be all in all.4 1 Ps. 119:5, 105; 143:10; Matt. 6:33 2 Ps. 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

Mark 1:15 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Matthew 4:17 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Luke 4:18-19 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Luke 4:43 43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”

Q&A 122 Q. What does the first petition mean? A. “Hallowed be your name” means: Help us to truly know you,1to honor, glorify, and praise you for all your works and for all that shines forth from them: your almighty power, wisdom, kindness, justice, mercy, and truth.2 And it means, Help us to direct all our living— what we think, say, and do— so that your name will never be blasphemed because of us but always honored and praised.3 1 Jer. 9:23-24; 31:33-34; Matt. 16:17; John 17:3 2 Ex. 34:5-8; Ps. 145; Jer. 32:16-20; Luke 1:46-55, 68-75; Rom. 11:33-36 3 Ps. 115:1; Matt. 5:16

Nehemiah 1 5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned.

Isaiah 6:1-5 I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” 4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

Q&A 120 Q.Why did Christ command us to call God “our Father”? A.To awaken in us at the very beginning of our prayer what should be basic to our prayer— a childlike reverence and trust that through Christ God has become our Father, and that just as our parents do not refuse us the things of this life, even less will God our Father refuse to give us what we ask in faith. 1 Matt. 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13

Q&A 121 Q.Why the words “in heaven”? A.These words teach us not to think of God’s heavenly majesty as something earthly,1 and to expect everything needed for body and soul from God’s almighty power. 1 Jer. 23:23-24; Acts 17:24-25 2 Matt. 6:25-34; Rom. 8:31-32

Matthew 7:9–11 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Jeremiah 23:23–24 - 23 “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? 24 Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.

Acts 17:24–25 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

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

Q&A 117 Q. What is the kind of prayer that pleases God and that he listens to? A. First, we must pray from the heart to no other than the one true God, revealed to us in his Word, asking for everything God has commanded us to ask for.1 Second, we must fully recognize our need and misery, so that we humble ourselves in God’s majestic presence.2 Third, we must rest on this unshakable foundation: even though we do not deserve it, God will surely listen to our prayer because of Christ our Lord. That is what God promised us in his Word.

1 Ps. 145:18-20; John 4:22-24; Rom. 8:26-27; James 1:5; 1 John 5:14-15 2 2 Chron. 7:14; Ps. 2:11; 34:18; 62:8; Isa. 66:2; Rev. 4 3 Dan. 9:17-19; Matt. 7:8; John 14:13-14; 16:23; Rom. 10:13; James 1:6

Q&A 118 Q. What did God command us to pray for? A. Everything we need, spiritually and physically,1 as embraced in the prayer Christ our Lord himself taught us.

1 James 1:17; Matt. 6:33

Q&A 119 Q. What is this prayer? A. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.* For the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours forever. Amen.1

1 Matt. 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4

Psalm 116:12–19 12 What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, 14 I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.

Psalm 50:15 15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Romans 8:26–27 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

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Q&A 115
Q. Since no one in this life can obey the Ten Commandments perfectly, why does God want them preached so pointedly? A. First, so that the longer we live the more we may come to know our sinfulness and the more eagerly look to Christ for forgiveness of sins and righteousness.1 Second, so that we may never stop striving, and never stop praying to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to be renewed more and more after God’s image, until after this life we reach our goal: perfection.2 1 Ps. 32:5; Rom. 3:19-26; 7:7, 24-25; 1 John 1:9 2 1 Cor. 9:24; Phil. 3:12-14; 1 John 3:1-3

Romans 3:20 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Romans 7:15-20 vs. 15-20 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

1 Timothy 1:15 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

James 2:18 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”

Q&A 113
Q. What is the aim of the tenth commandment? A. That not even the slightest desire or thought contrary to any one of God’s commandments should ever arise in our hearts. Rather, with all our hearts we should always hate sin and take pleasure in whatever is right. Ps. 19:7-14; 139:23-24; Rom. 7:7-8

John D. Rockefeller quote: When asked how much money is enough, he replied "a little bit more.”

1 Timothy 6:6-10 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and[c] we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Psalm 73:25-26 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength[b] of my heart and my portion forever.

Relativism: The doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality, exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute.

Romans 1:24-25 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

Frustrated: How the Bible Resolves Life’s Tough Questions by Jeff Ludington

John 18:38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

John 14:6 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 8:31-32 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 4:23-24 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

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Q&A110 Q. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment? A. God forbids not only outright theft and robbery, punishable by law.1 But in God’s sight theft also includes all scheming and swindling in order to get our neighbor’s goods for ourselves, whether by force or means that appear legitimate,2 such as inaccurate measurements of weight, size, or volume; fraudulent merchandising; counterfeit money; excessive interest; or any other means forbidden by God.3 In addition God forbids all greed4 and pointless squandering of his gifts.5 1 Ex. 22:1; 1 Cor. 5:9-10; 6:9-10 2 Mic. 6:9-11; Luke 3:14; James 5:1-6 3 Deut. 25:13-16; Ps. 15:5; Prov. 11:1; 12:22; Ezek. 45:9-12; Luke 6:35 4 Luke 12:15; Eph. 5:5 5 Prov. 21:20; 23:20-21; Luke 16:10-13

Q&A.111
Q.What does God require of you in this commandment? A.That I do whatever I can for my neighbor’s good, that I treat others as I would like them to treat me, and that I work faithfully so that I may share with those in need.1 1 Isa. 58:5-10; Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:9-10; Eph. 4:28

Ephesians 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one

Galatians 6:9–10 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

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Q&A 108 Q. What does the seventh commandment teach us? A. That God condemns all unchastity,1 and that therefore we should thoroughly detest it2 and live decent and chaste lives,3 within or outside of the holy state of marriage. 1 Lev. 18:30; Eph. 5:3-5 2 Jude 22-23 3 1 Cor. 7:1-9; 1 Thess. 4:3-8; Heb. 13:4

Q&A 109 Q. Does God, in this commandment, forbid only such scandalous sins as adultery? A. We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul, and God wants both to be kept clean and holy. That is why God forbids all unchaste actions, looks, talk, thoughts, or desires,1 and whatever may incite someone to them.2 1 Matt. 5:27-29; 1 Cor. 6:18-20; Eph. 5:3-4 2 1 Cor. 15:33; Eph. 5:18

Passage Referenced Romans 1:24-27 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

Book links to Amazon “Frustrated: How the Bible Resolves Life’s Tough Questions” - Jeff Ludington "The Law of Perfect Freedom” - Michael Horton

Website link: https://genfamily.church/prayer/

Q&A 105 Q. What is God’s will for you in the sixth commandment? A. I am not to belittle, hate, insult, or kill my neighbor— not by my thoughts, my words, my look or gesture, and certainly not by actual deeds—and I am not to be party to this in others;1 rather, I am to put away all desire for revenge.2 I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself either.3 Prevention of murder is also why government is armed with the sword.4 1 Gen. 9:6; Lev. 19:17-18; Matt. 5:21-22; 26:52 2 Prov. 25:21-22; Matt. 18:35; Rom. 12:19; Eph. 4:26 3 Matt. 4:7; 26:52; Rom. 13:11-14 4 Gen. 9:6; Ex. 21:14; Rom. 13:4

Q&A 106 Q. Does this commandment refer only to murder? A. By forbidding murder God teaches us that he hates the root of murder: envy, hatred, anger, vindictiveness.1 In God’s sight all such are disguised forms of murder.2 1 Prov. 14:30; Rom. 1:29; 12:19; Gal. 5:19-21; 1 John 2:9-11 2 1 John 3:15

Passages Leviticus 20 (whole chapter)

Psalms 82: 3-4 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

Luke 10:27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Exodus 20:12 12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Romans 13:1-2 1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

Daniel 1:3–9 3 Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, 4 youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. 6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. 7 And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. 8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. 9 And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs,

Daniel 3:1–6 1 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.”

Genesis 2:3 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

Exodus 20:8-11 8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Mark 2:27–28 27 And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

John 7:22–24 23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man’s whole body well? 24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

Romans 14:5-6 “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.”

Colossians 2:16–17 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

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