Christ’s Return: “Happiness to Our Conscience” (Calvin)

Christ's return should not be a frightening thing for Christians. Hebrews 9:28 says that "He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him" (NLT). For Christians facing persecution, Christ's return means a decisive end to persecution: God will provide rest for you …

The Shorter Catechism in Modern English

Early on in my pastoral ministry I recognized the need for Christian resources in plain, readable English. As a young man, it never really occurred to me that sometimes it was necessary to avoid complex phrases and archaic language in certain ministry settings. However, after doing some evangelistic work, including a church plant, I realized …

Creeds, Confessions, & Catechisms: A Reader’s Edition (Short Review)

Here's a new publication for Protestant Christians who appreciate and utilize confessions: Creeds, Confessions, & Catechisms: A Reader's Edition. It's a hardcover that contains thirteen creeds, Reformed catechisms, and Protestant confessions. Specifically, it has the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian creeds. It also has the Chalcedonian Definition. As for confessions, it has the Augsburg (Lutheran), Belgic …

A Catechism of the Heart and Head (Good)

Around one hundred years ago, James Good wrote the following about the Heidelberg Catechism and its practical value for the Christian life: But there was a third significance in the Heidelberg at the time of its birth. It was an experimental catechism — a catechism of the heart as well as of the head. It …

First Catechism: For Kids!

 I'm guessing that quite a few of our readers know about the First Catechism, a simple catechism that is something like a kids' version of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.  Although the Shorter Catechism is concise, some of the language and grammar are dated and the concepts can be difficult for younger children.  The First Catechism is a …