Genesis often uses genealogies to summarize previous generations stories, and provide a preview teasing where the story of the book would next focus attention. Often these transitions are introduced with phrases like “this is the account” (Genesis 2:4, 6:9, 10:1, 11:10, 11:27, 25:12, 25:19, 36:1, 36:9, 37:2) to signal the conclusion of one focus, and the introduction of a new focus for the narrative

What is the Catechism? When did it take place? What's the story? What's the history? What's the backdrop? All these questions should be answered for us to better understand d the Catechism. Upon doing research for his topic, I came across this piece written by Dr. Lyle Bierma, who is a professor of church history at Calvin. He does such a wonderful job of giving us a history of the Heidelberg Catechism that I am going to share his piece with you today.

This week we have a particularly apt set of chapters to consider and hear God's voice loud and clear on a number of topics. Highlights and lowlights. As we read the Bible, and as we live life, it is essential to ask good questions. Good questions help reveal our needs, open up opportunities for next steps, create bridges for shared relationships, expose malicious evil, and provide a foundation for ongoing relationships.

This brings us back to the beginning of our discussion and the question: what does it mean to be reformed. For us here at Redeeming Family, the definition that we use means to be reformed in a theological sense, having particularly defined distinctives regarding what the Bible says about who God is, what He's done, and why that matters.