New City Catechism with Pastor Bryan - Q1

“What is our only hope in life and death?” This is the first question of the New City Catechism. The answer, “That we are not our own but belong to God” (kid’s answer). The Scripture reference is Romans 14:7-8.

I’d like to invite you to join me on a journey through the catechism. Here’s a little more on the New City Catechism, how to use a Catechism, and the first question:

Whether in life or death in Romans 14:7-8 makes the statement an all-encompassing one. In everything, every aspect of the human existence we live for God, in God’s will. We are not our own. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, “You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.” We should live in God’s will, not our own. John Calvin said, “For, as consulting our self-interest is the pestilence that most effectively leads to our destruction, so the sole haven of salvation is to be wise in nothing and to will nothing through ourselves but to follow the leading of the Lord alone.”

What encouragement of hope Romans 14:7-8 provides us! We don’t live for what’s right in our own eyes, but for God’s will, relying on God’s Word. We rest in God’s hands and live for him.

For the Kingdom!
Pastor Bryan