Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

176 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE(e) Lovingly, that the people may see his ministry springing from a genuinelove for the Lord and a deep desire to do them good.(f) Solemnly, as appropriate to the Word of God; avoiding the kind ofgestures, tone of voice, and expressions, that give opportunity for people todespise him and his ministry.(g) As taught by God, and convinced in his own heart, that all that heteaches is the truth of Christ; and living before the congregation, as anexample to them; earnestly, both in private and public, recommending hislabors to the blessing of God, and watchfully looking to himself, and to theflock of which the Lord has made him an overseer. In this way, the truth willbe faithfully preserved, many people converted to Christ and built up in theChristian faith and life, and he himself will receive many encouragements inhis ministry in this life, and afterward a crown of glory in the world to come.27. The worshippers in the fact and manner of their attention have a partin the preaching of the Word. They should listen with "diligence,preparation, and prayer, receive it with faith and love, lay it up in theirhearts, and practiceit in their lives" (Shorter Catechism, A. 90).The Benediction28. Public worship should be concluded with a solemn blessing upon thepeople by the one who has preached the Word. The common form is "Thegrace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion ofthe Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen" (2 Cor. 13:14). Scripture suppliesseveral suitable benedictions (for example, Heb. 13:20-21, 1 Cor. 1:3, Eph.6:23-24, 2 Thess. 3:16; Num. 6:24-26).29. The benediction is a pronouncement, not a prayer of adjournment,and should never become a mere formality for dismissing the congregation.The bestowing of the blessing of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is ahigh and holy privilege for those who pronounce it in God's name and thosewho receiveit as faithful worshippers of God. Accordingly, the congregationshould wait quietly and reverently to receive the benediction.Chapter 3The Administration of the SacramentsI. The sacraments ordained by the Lord Jesus Christ in the NewTestament are two in number: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. They are tobe administered according to Christ's appointment, and only by ministers ofChrist, who are called to be stewards of the mysteries of God. They arenormally to be administered in the house of worship and in connection withthe public worship of the church. Nevertheless, if a Session judges that veryunusual circumstances obtain in a particular instance, the sacraments may be