724

You Shall Love the Lord

Scripture References

Confessions and Statements of Faith References

Further Reflections on Confessions and Statements of Faith References

It is vitally important that worshipers understand the role of God’s law among us. God gives his law to us, not so that we can earn his favor by full obedience, for even those converted to God cannot obey this law perfectly. Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 44, Question and Answer 114 says, “In this life even the holiest have only a small beginning of this obedience.” Instead, says Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 2, Question and Answer 3, through this law “we come to know [our] misery.” 

 

Yet in their new life of gratitude, God’s children “with all seriousness of purpose, do begin to live according to all, not only some, of God’s commandments” (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 44, Question and Answer 114). They measure their good works of gratitude as “those which are done out of true faith, conform to God’s law, and are done for God’s glory” (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 33, Question and Answer 91). 

 

In other words, though Christ has fulfilled the law for us, “The truth and substance of these things remain for us in Jesus Christ…[and] we continue to use the witnesses drawn from the law and prophets to confirm us in the gospel and to regulate our lives with full integrity for the glory of God according to the will of God” (Belgic Confession, Article 25). Therefore, the Ten Commandments with explanation are included in the third section, “gratitude,” (Lord’s Days 34-44) of Heidelberg Catechism.

724

You Shall Love the Lord

Additional Prayers

A Prayer for Kindling our Loves
Spirit of God, you ignite holy desire within human hearts.  Make our hearts your hearth.  Light up our desire for the triune God in whom you are the Spirit of the Father, Spirit of the Son, Spirit of life-giving desire among all God’s children.  Spark our love for each other, which else grows cold.  Spirit of God, lighter of flames at Pentecost, kindle the fire of love in us all, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
— Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.
724

You Shall Love the Lord

Tune Information

Name
YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD
Key
D Major
724

You Shall Love the Lord

Author and Composer Information

Frank Hernandez is one of the leading voices in children’s music ministry. A lapsed Catholic teen battling drugs, alcohol and despair, he committed his life to Christ at age 21. Soon after, he joined Agape Force, specifically the music team Candle, where he met his wife, Betsy. Following this they both joined the contemporary music group Silverwind, Frank as a bassist and Betsy as a vocalist. They moved to Nashville and began writing for EMI Christian Music Group, working on Steve Green’s Hide ‘Em in Your Heart and The Adventures of Prayer Bear. Frank has served at Eastside Foursquare Church and Christian Faith Center. He and Betsy now live in Boise, Idaho, developing His & Hernandez Music.
— Laura de Jong

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