The Shorter Catechism is generally divided into two parts, reflected in the response to Question 3: "What do the Scriptures principally teach? The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man." Questions 1 to38 address what we are to believe concerning God. Pastor James Thomson's sermon notes on these questions compiled the first part of this collection. Here in the second part we are able to read Pastor Thomson's sermon notes on Questions 39 to 107, what our duty is before God. This second section could be subdivided as well into two parts, namely Questions 45 to 85 which deal with the Ten Commandments, and Questions 85 to 107, which deal with repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.In the Preface to the first part of this collection Pastor Thomson provided a brief background on the history of the Shorter Catechism, and pointed out its value for theology, catechizing, and practice. He continues exhorting readers on these values in the remaining sections of the Catechism. As he pointed out then, and as we repeat now, "Presbyterians armed, fed, and taught by the Catechism are 'ready to give an answer for our hope.' That is why I wrote, preached, and now publish these studies."It is hoped that readers will be nourished by these sermons, as we who have heard them preached can attest to how they have already benefited us. The gospel message is for all who seek to know God and to worship Him in spirit and in truth. The Bread of Life is found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As Peter said to Jesus in John 6:68-9, "Lord, to whom should we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Pastor James A. Thomson, a 1974 graduate of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, has pastored churches in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. He has ministered to the people of Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Hammond, Indiana since 2002. Details about the Presbyterian Church in America, including its message of good news, its beliefs, history, and vision may be found at http: //www.pcanet.org. A directory of the almost 2,000 PCA churches throughout the United States may also be found at this site.
