LD 1A - Our Greatest Need

This morning we begin a year-long study on the Christian faith as summarized by the Heidelberg Catechism that will usually happen in our evening service. Part of the purpose of this sermon is to invite you to join us.

Some of you may be excited to return to the Heidelberg. We're glad you are here.

But this sermon is especially for everyone else, for those who wonder why they should be excited to hear the word of God preached "as summarized in the Three Forms of Unity, with special attention given to the Heidelberg Catechism by treating its Lord's Days in sequence" (CO art 40)? And perhaps more specifically, why should you begin a new habit of joining the congregation for this Sunday evening study?

Before we study this important biblical theme of Christian comfort heed this warning: Those who memorize this question or nod their head to its truths without believing them will receive greater condemnation. That is the danger of familiarity with the beautiful truths of the Bible. We must believe them or they become witnesses against us.

To appreciate the catechism's enduring benefit we must understand the theme of comfort.