Chapter 1 explores the history behind the Heidelberg Catechism. The author notes the reformation of the Palatinate, the purpose of the Catechism, and the primary author of the Catechism, Zacharias Ursinus.
Chapter 2 introduces the function and purpose of Jesus’ parables. The author makes use of Matthew 13:10–17 to focus on the mystery aspect of the parables.
Depression is a kind of emotional disorder. Associated with depression are anxiety and panic attacks. In this chapter the author give eight reasons for studying this subject.
Chapter 1 introduces what came to be known as Reformed Scholasticism. This was a way in which theology was discussed in the seventeenth century following the Reformation. It is also known as Reformed Orthodoxy.
Chapter 1 is a popular exposition of Ecclesiastes 1:1-11. The main theme addressed is the futility of life. At the end of the chapter are a number of study questions.
How does regeneration and the believer’s justification by faith relate to the believer’s union with Christ? Chapter 30 explores how the Puritans answered this question. The authors consider the chief blessing that Christians receive, faith, and thus union with Christ as it relates to the ordo salutis (order of salvation).
In this chapter the author first shows that prayer is an important key to understanding Martin Luther as a Reformer and theologian. He further addresses Luther’s basic theology of prayer, his emphasis on the Trinity in prayer, and his personal prayer life.
Beeke argues from Joshua 24:14-15 that God requires heads of households to lead their families in family worship. He further considers how this worship should be conducted.
In this chapter Beeke considers some theological foundations of family worship. These foundations, he argues, are rooted in the very being of God.
Chapter 1 provides an overview of the historical context and the history of the production of the Westminster Larger Catechism.
Why is John Calvin important today? What did he teach and does that encourage remembrance in the church of Jesus Christ? Beeke identifies twelve roles of Calvin that make him relevant for the church today: his role as educator, socio-theologian, evangelist, pastor, pietist, commentator, churchman, trinitarian, preacher, Christian, theologian, and exegete.
In Chapter 1 the author wants to provide insight into the historical and theological context of John Calvin’s Institutes. Beach reflects on Calvin’s prefatory address to King Francis I of France and his defence of the Protestant faith against cardinal Jacopo Sadoleto, Bishop of Carpentras in southern France. He also provides a sketch of Calvin’s life and the nature of the Institutes.
John Wycliffe was without a doubt one of the most important forerunners of the Reformation. Chapter 2 provides a popular overview of his life and his significance in church history. Reference is made to his Bible translation into English and his followers who were called Lollards.
Chapter 1 treats the life and times of Peter Waldo (c. 1140-1217). He was a wealthy merchant who lived in Lyons, France. Waldo learned that he could approach God through the Mediator, Jesus Christ. Some of Waldo’s followers worked to spread the gospel and were persecuted. A remnant of his followers were later called “the Waldensians.”
The Introduction provides an overview of the history of the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition. Church polity receives focused attention.
The Heidelberg Catechism cannot be detached from history. If the historical context of this confessional statement is ignored, its special character will not be recognized. Chapter 7 places the Catechism in its historical and theological context. It is compared with the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and other catechisms. Finally, criticism of the Catechism and the continued relevance of the Catechism are considered.
Chapter 1 divides the first century of church history into roughly three periods.
Chapter 1 is a study about the person and work of the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.
How should we understand biblical texts that speak of development and struggle in the life of Jesus Christ? Luke 2:40, 52, for example, speak of Jesus growing and maturing, and increasing in favour with both God and man. Hebrews makes it clear that the dynamism of Christ’s life is essential to his role as the believer’s heavenly high priest (Hebrews 2:18, Hebrews 5:14-16).
Christians are at war, and this war is of the most serious nature. Spiritual warfare is not with flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Chapter 1 indicates where Christians find their strength in this battle. The author uses Ephesians 6:10-20 to indicate that all strength is to be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christians are at war, and this war is of the most serious nature. Spiritual warfare is not with flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.
The Introduction is a reminder of the historic Synod Utrecht of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands in 1905 and the contributions of Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck’s theology to the debates at that time. Bavinck’s book on calling and regeneration is placed in its historic and theological context.
Chapter 1 gives a summary and short discussion of Scripture passages relevant to Adam and Eve and human origins. The author wants to provide his readers with God’s revelation on human origins.
This essay considers the love of the Father for the Son (John 3:35). It explores how the Gospel of John views the relationship between the Father and the Son and the significance of this relation for man as son of God. This leads to a consideration of the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ as God’s beloved Son.
This chapter introduces the biblical doctrine that every true Christian is God’s adopted child. Its main focus is on correcting the widespread perception that adoption did not find an important place in Reformed theology’s consideration of the order of salvation.
Many believers use the Psalms as a prayer book. It is also primarily God’s hymn book. From the early church the Psalter has been both the prayer and hymn book of the church. The author indicates this for the apostolic church and the church of the early church fathers. He continues with the Middle Ages and the Reformed tradition.
