Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism

The Heidelberg Catechism takes its name from the City of Heidelberg, Germany, where it was written in the 16th century. During that time, the German province, or palatinate, was ruled by Elector Palatine, Frederick III. A pious leader, Frederick sought to promote unity in Protestant doctrine and strengthen the Reformed faith within his realm. To that end, he commissioned Zacharias Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus to draft a catechism designed both to instruct the youth and to guide pastors and teachers. The Catechism was officially published in 1563, after receiving the approval of the Heidelberg Synod. One of the Catechism’s most distinguishing features is its warm and heartfelt expression of Reformed theology. It contains a personal and spiritual depth. Because of its comforting and devotional tongue, it has often been affectionately called “The book of comfort for God’s people.” The sermons that follow, preached by Rev. Bartel Elshout, to his final congregation in Kalamazoo, Michigan, reflect the same spirit of comfort and instruction. It is our hope that these sermons will be a blessing to you.

Lord’s Day 40—Questions and Answers #105, #106, and #107. In this sermon, we will see the different aspects of the Fifth Commandment, and that the breaking of it is very offensive to God. But the Heidelberg Catechism also addresses the cause which leads to the heinous act of snuffing out the life of another human being; under three main headings: 1. It Forbids the Act of Murder. 2. It Addresses the Cause of Murder. 3. It Commands the Opposite of Murder.

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Bartel Elshout is pastor of the Kalamazoo Reformed Church of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He previously served as pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregations of Jordan (Ontario), Chilliwack (British Columbia), and Hull (Iowa). He continues to serve as a part-time instructor at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He previously served as the founding principal of the Netherlands Reformed Christian School in Pompton Plains, New Jersey and as an evangelist in Denver, Colorado. He is also the translator of Wilhelmus à Brakel’s The Christian’s Reasonable Service, The Christian’s Only Comfort in Life and Death by Theodorus van der Groe, and Alexander Comrie’s The Distinctive Marks of Saving Faith. He was previously married to Joan and has two children, David and Sarah, and seven grandchildren. He is presently married to Clarice.