Reformed Presbyterian Church Shorter Catechism Scriptures

Shorter Catechism Illustration: … Enabled from the heart …

In a school at Youghall, Ireland, during the master’s accidental absence, one boy having been provoked, struck another. On hearing the complaint, the master determined to punish the culprit, when the aggrieved entreated pardon for the offender.

On being asked why he would interpose to prevent a just example, he said, “I was reading in the New Testament lately, that Jesus Christ said we should forgive our enemies, and I wish to forgive him, and I beg he may not be punished for my sake.”

This Christian plea was too powerful to be resisted. The offender was pardoned, and the parent of the boy was highly pleased at the circumstance. — John Whitecross, 1828

Shorter Catechism Scriptures

O my God, incline Thine ear, and hear; open Thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by Thy name: for we do not present our supplications before Thee for our righteousness, but for Thy great mercies. — Daniel 9:18

And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us. — Luke 11:4

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. — Matthew 18:35

Next week we will answer Shorter Catechism Q. 106: What do we pray for in the sixth petition [of the Lord’s prayer]?

A. In the sixth petition (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil), we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.

Among the adult Sabbath school classes that will begin Sept. 6, one requires a signup commitment. Capt. Rick Hepburn will conduct a couples’ class studying the Biblical pattern for marriage, using several texts and materials. This class requires pre-registration (helpful in knowing how many books are needed), reading, homework, and serious participation.

The Shorter Catechism class that meets at 9 each Sabbath morning is for adults and teenagers wishing to begin a systematic basic study. New students may begin at any time, but currently the class is just starting at the beginning of the catechism.