In this episode of Larger for Life, our hosts continue their study and discussion through the Catechism, this time examining Westminster Larger Catechism Questions #163-164:

Q. 163. What are the parts of a sacrament? A. The parts of a sacrament are two; the one an outward and sensible sign, used according to Christ’s own appointment; the other an inward and spiritual grace thereby signified.

Q. 164. How many sacraments hath Christ instituted in his church under the New Testament? A. Under the New Testament Christ hath instituted in his church only two sacraments, baptism and the Lord’s supper.

A few weeks ago, Derrick and Sean had the privilege of recording a conversation with our good friend, Camden Bucey, Executive Director of Reformed Forum and host of RF's flagship podcast, Christ the Center. If you haven't had a chance to listen to this podcast episode, we hope our L4L friends will enjoy it! Many thanks to our friends at Reformed Forum for the courtesy of this content. Here's the description from the CtC website and a link to their page:

Pastoral ministry requires more than competence, productivity, or weekly sermon preparation. It requires deep theological roots and the kind of real friendship that helps a man endure, grow, and remain faithful over time. In this conversation, Camden Bucey is joined by Derrick Brite and Sean Morris to explore why theological formation and pastoral brotherhood are essential for long-term ministry health.

Together, they reflect on the value of places like Twin Lakes Fellowship, the dangers of pastoral isolation, and the way meaningful friendships can provide encouragement, accountability, and spiritual strength. They also make the case that deep theology is not a luxury for academics or large churches, but a necessity for faithful ministry in every context. This episode is a reminder that pastors are not meant to serve alone, and that rich doctrine and honest friendship are two of God’s ordinary means for sustaining those called to shepherd his people.

Check out the Larger for Life podcast.

https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/ctc955/

In this episode of Larger for Life, our hosts (including a special guest this week!) continue their study and discussion through the Catechism, this time examining Westminster Larger Catechism Question #162:

Q. 162. What is a sacrament? A. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his church, to signify, seal, and exhibit unto those that are within the covenant of grace, the benefits of his mediation; to strengthen and increase their faith, and all other graces; to oblige them to obedience; to testify and cherish their love and communion one with another; and to distinguish them from those that are without.

In this episode of Larger for Life, our hosts continue their study and discussion through the Catechism, this time examining Westminster Larger Catechism Question #161:

Q. 161. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation? A. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not by any power in themselves, or any virtue derived from the piety or intention of him by whom they are administered, but only by the working of the Holy Ghost, and the blessing of Christ, by whom they are instituted.

In this episode of Larger for Life, our hosts continue their study and discussion through the Catechism, this time examining Westminster Larger Catechism Question #160:

Q. 160. What is required of those that hear the word preached? A. It is required of those that hear the word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer; examine what they hear by the Scriptures; receive the truth with faith, love, meekness, and readiness of mind, as the Word of God; meditate, and confer of it; hide it in their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives.

Be sure to like and share this podcast episode in order to be entered to win a copy of this week's book giveaway: Why Johnny Can't Preach

In this episode of Larger for Life, our hosts continue their study and discussion through the Catechism, this time examining Westminster Larger Catechism Question #159:

Q. 159. How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto? A. They that are called to labor in the ministry of the word, are to preach sound doctrine, diligently, in season and out of season; plainly, not in the enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; faithfully, making known the whole counsel of God; wisely, applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers; zealously, with fervent love to God and the souls of his people; sincerely, aiming at his glory, and their conversion, edification, and salvation. Be sure to like and share this podcast episode in order to be entered to win a copy of this week's book giveaway: Why Johnny Can't Preach

In this episode of Larger for Life, our hosts continue their study and discussion through the Catechism, this time examining Westminster Larger Catechism Question #158:

Q. 158. By whom is the Word of God to be preached? A. The Word of God is to be preached only by such as are sufficiently gifted, and also duly approved and called to that office.

In this episode of Larger for Life, our hosts continue their study and discussion through the Catechism, this time examining Westminster Larger Catechism Questions #156-157:

Q. 156. Is the Word of God to be read by all? A. Although all are not to be permitted to read the word publicly to the congregation, yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves, and with their families: to which end, the holy Scriptures are to be translated out of the original into vulgar languages.

Q. 157. How is the Word of God to be read? A. The holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverent esteem of them; with a firm persuasion that they are the very Word of God, and that he only can enable us to understand them; with desire to know, believe, and obey the will of God revealed in them; with diligence, and attention to the matter and scope of them; with meditation, application, self-denial, and prayer.

Be sure to like and share this podcast episode in order to be entered to win a copy of this week's 3 book giveaways:

• A Little Book on the Christian Life: John Calvin
• Glorifying and Enjoying God: 52 Devotions through the Westminster Shorter Catechism
• Long Before Luther: Tracing the Heart of the Gospel from Christ to the Reformation