Clarence Bouwman | Christian Library

This article discusses the background of the Canons of Dort by looking at the historical context of the Synod of Dort, the person of Jacobus Arminius and his articles, and the place of the national government in the Synod of Dort.

Yahweh or Allah: An Introduction to Islam

What is Islam? What does a Muslim believe? How do we evangelise Muslims?

Does God Punish the Christian's Sin?

If Christ received the punishment for the believer's sin, can God still punish the Christian for his sins? This article looks at the evidence of how God dealt with His people in the Bible. Then it shows that God does punish sins of Christians, hence Christians are called to live a life of repentance and fighting against sin.

A Historical Overview of Church Government

This article discusses the historical development of different types of church government and their characteristics. It looks at the papal church government, Lutheran church government, Reformed church government, congregationalism, and collegialism.

Principles behind Reformed Church Polity (4)

Church polity seeks to answer the question: how does Christ want things done in his church? This article shows that the fact that the church is one, holy, apostolic, and catholic has a beaning on the churches working together. These characteristics of the church call for a bond of churches. This article explains.

Principles behind Reformed Church Polity (3)

Church polity seeks to answer the question: how does Christ want things done in his church? This article discusses the independence of each church and the cooperation and interaction with other churches, showing that churches in the New Testament recognized each other as sister churches.

Principles behind Reformed Church Polity (2)

Church polity seeks to answer the question: how does Christ want things done in his church? This article shows that Jesus Christ rules his church through the office of elders. It discusses the shift of authority from the apostles to office-bearers.

The Role of the Older Christian Women

Older women have a role to play in the church. This article defines this role by looking at Titus 2:3-4

Principles behind Reformed Church Polity (1)

Church polity seeks to answer the question: how does Christ want things done in his church? To answer, this article looks at the biblical ground for church government, the office of all believers, and Christ's rule of his church.

Relating to Your Homosexual Neighbour

How should Christians relate to homosexuals? This article considers two fundamental things that must structure the way Christians relate to them: the reality of sin, and the victory in Christ.

Liturgy

This article explains the order of worship as outlined in the liturgy of many Reformed churches.

What's Wrong with Homosexuality?

This article explains that homosexuality is wrong because the Lord condemns and hates homosexual activity.

Infant Baptism and the Unity of Scripture

This article argues that fundamental to the question of infant baptism is the issue of hermeneutics. Is there continuity between the Old and New Testaments? This article addresses this question.

Infant Baptism and Children in the Old Covenant

Understanding the place of children in the Old Testament covenant as well as the continuity of the covenant is essential to embracing the biblical teaching on infant baptism. This article highlights this truth.

What Does It Mean to Be Reformed?

Are you Reformed? To answer this question you must know what it means to be Reformed. This article discusses some of the distinctives of Reformed doctrine, particularly its view of God, man, covenant, God's mercy, and human responsibility.

Sow Your Seed

This article looks at Ecclesiastes 11:6 and shows that from creation God intended man to work, but work was impacted by sin. In Christ the meaning of work is restored.

Needed: Teflon Men

Looking at the qualifications for office-bearers as detailed in Titus 1:6-9, this article shows that God's standard for this office is high. The author compares these qualifications to the requirements for a priest (Leviticus 21), making the point that men called to office are required to be holy and blameless.

Church Visitation

Church visitation serves the purpose of finding out how various congregations are doing in regard to their faith, and is a response to the desire to live in unity as God's people.

A Living Relation with God

Believing in God is not just a matter of knowing about God. Faith in God involves a life of trust and dependence in God, flowing from a living relationship with Him.

Christian Education and the Task of the Officebearer

Officebearers have the responsibility to ensure that parents, in accordance with their baptismal promise, seek as much as possible to pursue Christian education for their children. This duty is supported by Article 53 of the Church Order of the Free Reformed Churches of Australia.

Baptismal Promise and Education

This article discusses the link between the baptismal promise and Christian education, as is highlighted in Article 53 of the Church Order of the Free Reformed Churches of Australia.

Christian Education and the Church Order: A History

This article outlines the historical development of Article 53 of the Church Order of the Free Reformed Churches of Australia. Working from this history, the author shows that Christian education is the responsibility of both parents and consistory, and is in line with the promises made at baptism.

The Possibility of Prayer

Finding the Elders We Need

When the church needs to find new officebearers, she must focus on the spiritual qualifications as stipulated in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. She must also understand the nature of the work of the elder - that he is called to be an overseer, shepherd, steward, and leader.

Ecclesiastes 7:13 - God Made It Crooked

This article on Ecclesiastes 7:13 is about the crookedness and brokenness of life and the hope for the future.

Ecclesiastes 5:1 - Watch Your Foot

This article on Ecclesiastes 5:1 is about humility and worship.

The Role of Christian Older Men

In light of Titus 2:2, this article shows the role of older men in the church. These men have a task of mentoring younger men in the path of faith.

Stewards

What does it mean to be a steward? The author also looks at contentment and doing good and giving to others.

Collections at the Lord's Supper?

This article discusses the reasons why some churches have a collection at the Lord's Supper table. Is this a good practice to have?

The Mirror of Auschwitz

This article looks at the horror of Auschwitz, and how we can see ourselves today in the mirror of Auschwitz. This article looks at abortion and the depravity of man.

Luke 22:44 - Sweat as Blood

This article on Luke 22:44 is about the great agony of Jesus Christ on the cross.

The Spirits of the Air: Of Angels & Demons

This article looks at the fact that we are not always aware of the reality of angels and demons in our daily lives. The author discusses angels and their task, as well as demons and their influence.

John 20:19 - Peace

This article on John 20:19 is about peace: the restoration of a warm and wholesome relationship with God.

My Child Needs Discipline

This article looks at the need for discipline. Our children have sinful hearts and needs to be shown the seriousness of their errors.

1 John 4:7 - God's Example

This article on 1 John 4:7 is about the love of God as an example for loving our neighbour.

From Brokenness to Blessedness

This article looks at the road leading from brokenness to blessedness for the Christian.

Matthew 27:51 - Earthquake

This article on Matthew 27:51 and Matthew 28:2 is about the two earthquakes on Easter.

Romans 8:30 - Already Glorified?

This article on Romans 8:30b is about the glorification we have already in this life through faith.

Historical Context

This is an article on the historical context of the Belgic Confession.

The Possibility of Prayer

How is it possible to pray to God? Through Jesus Christ we have received the opportunity for prayer. God wants us to pray to Him, and teaches us what we should pray for.

The Focus of Prayer: For the Glory of God

This article is about the first petition of the Lord's Prayer ("Hallowed be thy Name").

Sexual Assault Happens

This article looks at the biblical references to sexual assault, the biblical ethics of sexuality in general, and the confessing and forgiveness of sins.

Prayer: To Whom Do I Pray?

This article looks at what it means to address God as Father in our prayer.

The Triangle of Marriage

This article is about the third party in marriage - God - and the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with God in your marriage. This article also discusses conflict, repentance, and forgiveness in marriage.

The Role of the Wife in Marriage

Men and women are equal, and yet each have their own role to fulfill. This article looks at the role of the woman as man's helper in a Christian marriage. The author also discusses what it means that the woman must respect the man.

Home Visiting

This article discusses the roles of the elder and the family in home visitation. The author also highlights key topics to be discussed at the home visit.

Children at the Lord’s Supper?

Can childen also celebrate the Lord's Supper? The author also looks at children and the Passover meal in the Old Testament.

Development of Church Polity in the Netherlands

This article gives some background on Reformed church polity, and also on the importance of Guido de Brès for the development of Reformed church polity.

Finding New Office-Bearers

This article is about the calling to office, and the nomination and the calling of the the office-bearers through the congregation.

Does a Christian Experience His Faith?

This article is about the relation of experience and faith, and of reason and emotion.

The Task of the Deacons

This article is about the deacon's task to comfort the congregation and to help them in their service to God and people. Their task is to show the relation of the love from God to the love of the neighbour. They must also work with the receiving and giving of goods, and help the congregation in their charity work.

Psalm 16 – Joy Unending Unreal

This article on Psalm 16 is about the path of life, fullness of joy, and our inheritance.