If you have been following us, you know that we have been treading for almost a year now. We have had much encouragement from your comments. What a year it has been! We have had stories of times gone by, we have learned that there is A LOT of things we fear and we have learned how to combat those fears with scripture. We have given you poems, songs, testimonies and share from our hearts words and feelings. You have been faithful to read, comment and share. The treadin’ partners are thankful and pray for you each time we write. God is good and we love you. Thank you one and all.

This year I have had series on children’s stories, meals with Jesus, dreams, a study in Philippians and a few poems. To begin this year, I am going to tackle something I am nowhere qualified to write about. God has laid it on my heart to step outside my box and get back to the basics.

In our world today, we find that truth is so often compromised by error. The laying down of a little truth and mixing in whatever theology fits our present daily life has invaded our lives like Kudzu.

In 1648, the Westminster Assembly wrote The Westminster Catechism. Protestants for the most part agreed. While several denominations still use it for their children to learn about the inerrancy and infallibility of scripture, it seems few know that the Baptist also have a version of the Shorter Catechism. They have revised it in someplace to make the meaning a bit clearer from the language of the 1600’s.
For the most part it retains the proof texts used in the original edition. (You can google: The Shorter Catechism: A Baptist Version for all the questions and proof text.)

We are going to walk through some of the 115 questions and text of the writings. The hope is that we will find why we believe what we believe. The inerrancy and infallibility of scripture has been  questioned by  some denominations. That is a very scary place to be spiritually. We need to know the truths found in God’s Word about how to live .

I am taking a deep breath and I pray for God’s wisdom to lead.

Question 1.
What is the chief end of man?
My version of the question-Why were we created by God in the first place? What is my purpose?
Most of us want to live a “purposed filled” life. We want to know that what we accomplished while we were here meant something. It may be to be a good mother and have children that make the world a better place. It may be to lead others through this life in the midst of many struggles. But is that God’s purpose for man or woman? It may be if doing it brings glory to God the creator.

So what does scripture tell us?
1 Corinthians 10:31 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Romans 11:36 “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom to glory forever. Amen
Psalms 73:25-28 “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all You works.

Answer to question #1…. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.

So what’s the truth, the real truth of our lives? Are we glorifying God in whatever we do? Or are we glorifying our selfish desires. The world tells us to do whatever makes you happy! Because you know God wants you to be happy!!!!
I am not so sure God is interested in my happiness. He wants me to be holy as he is holy! Understand, not perfect, but striving to be all He has made me to be. Happiness depends on my circumstances being perfectly aligned with my heart’s desires. Holiness depends upon trusting my God to “grant to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Peter 1:3-8 NASB

So friends what is the chief end of man? Why are we here?
Glorify God and enjoy Him today and forever!   Be blessed and know “then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

Do we enjoy God? I know when we get to heaven and are in His presence we will have joy unspeakable. But how do you “enjoy” God now?
To enjoy is to take delight or pleasure in something or someone. We should appreciate and take delight in all that God provides us everyday. We enjoy God’s blessings daily. We can enjoy Him because we feel his presence when our hearts are filled with worship. We enjoy Him because of the sacrifice Jesus made at Calvary. We can enjoy Him by using the gifts given that energizes us as a Christian. Being used to fulfill your purpose will bring you pleasure which gives honor to God.
We glorify God when we use the gift which he gave us. He placed within us the need to bring Him glory with our lives. It was Augustine who said, “Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless til they find rest in Thee.” We are never happier and fulfilled until we are totally and fully sold out to Him.

Enjoy Him Forever! He is worthy of our praise!

https://youtu.be/6nUVpWS5BDc