Worship Elements: Confession (Psalm 19)

We have a time of confession at the beginning of our worship service.  As we join together in this time we might wonder why we would engage in such a practice.  Why would we confess our sins if we are forgiven in the Lord?  Why would we join together to confess our sins in a worship service? 

The Absurdity of Prayer (Psalm 50 (LD 45)

Our catechism moves from the law of God that we obey out of gratitude to teaching us about prayer.  It does seem a bit strange that as Calvinists we would pray and that our confessional documents would have strong language regarding the necessity of prayer.  Why pray if everything is determined?  What can prayer do for us in our Christian life?  Do we pray to change the will of God or do we pray for another reason?

A Nagging or Nudging Spirit? (Psalm 32 (LD 21; COD Head 5 Article 5)

As a Reformed person I believe that the Holy Spirit will not leave the people that God has chosen.  When someone who is not persuaded of perseverance of the saints hears such talk they immediately think that the Reformed view teaches that God leads people around on a string.  The concern with Reformed Theology is that man becomes a puppet, an empty shell, or a blind follower who has been deprived of a will.  Is Reformed Theology teaching that the Holy Spirit is merely God’s string? Do Reformed people really believe that man is emptied or relieved of his will/desires/decision making ability?  How can Reformed People account for man’s will while God overwhelms His elect people by His Spirit?

We Really Need Redemption (Psalm 51; LD 3)

David has done a very bad thing in the midst of the community.  He is the one who has been born in sin.  Does this mean that David is not that guilty because he is a sinner anyway?  Where does David turn for his hope and assurance of his sin being taken away?