De Magistratu: A Probe into the Textual History of Article 36 of the Confessio Belgica
This article is a probe into the textual history of Article 36 of the Belgic Confession.
God's Word and Women in Office
This is an article about what the Word of God says about women in office.
A Sketch of the Ministry of Jesus
This article is a sketch of the ministry of Jesus.
1 Corinthians 14:34 – "The Women Should Keep Silence in the Churches!"
This is an article about 1 Corinthians 14:34.
Laying On of Hands at the Ordination of Elders
Should office-bearers receive the laying on of hands at their ordination? This article reflects the teaching of the Old and New Testament on the subject. The author then looks at the church order and liturgical forms, discussing the meaning and relevance of this symbolic act.
The Death Penalty in God’s Law
Entrusted with the Oracles of God...
Christians are entrusted with the word of God. This article makes a plea to believers to treat God's word with respect and honour by reading and obeying it.
Righteousness
Looking at Philippians 3:8-9, this article shows what it means to be considered righteous in Christ. Righteousness is not equivalent to innocence.
Regeneration
This article looks at the use of the word 'regeneration' in the Bible and the confessions, showing that this word highlights the wonder of the life-giving work of the Holy Spirit.
Aspects of the New Testament Sabbath
Acts 2:38-39: Peter's Pentecost Appeal
This article looks at the relationship between circumcision and baptism, with a focus on the baptism of children under God's covenant promise. This paedobaptism is supported by Peter's appeal in Acts 2:38-39.
Jews, Judaisers and Paul
The influence of the Jews and Judaisers was significant in the life of the early church. Understanding their ideas helps us to understand the background behind many of Paul's epistles.
Hosea 11:1-11
This article has extensive exegetical notes on Hosea 11:1-11 based on the original Hebrew.
Old Covenant vs. New Testament
The doctrine of the covenant is important in order to understand God's work of salvation in Christ, the relationship between the Old and New Testament, and God's justice. This article is about the theme of the covenant throughout the Old and New Testament.
Paul’s Use of “Allegory” in Galatians 4:21 to Galatians 5:1 - A Method of Interpretation?
Paul uses the word 'allegory' in Galatians 5:24. Does this mean that the allegorical method of Scripture interpretation is therefore an acceptable or good hermeneutical method?
Galatians 3 - An Argumentation Analysis
This article is an analysis of Galatians 3, discussing Paul's argument concerning the relationship between faith and works in justification.
Fathers of the Early Church on the Special Gifts of the Holy Spirit
This article looks at the early church fathers' convictions regarding the gifts of tongues, prophecy and miracles.
Ephesians 3:14-16 - Paul’s Prayer
This article on Ephesians 3:14-16 is about praying for the strength of the Spirit.
Ephesians 1:3-8
This article gives an exegetical analysis of Ephesians 1:3-8, pointing to the wonder of God's election.
Church Boundaries: Keeping Christ Whole!
Regardless of the size of the church, every church within the church federation forms the body of Christ. Therefore, no church should accept members from another church without the consent of the church where the members are coming from. In this way the boundaries of churches in the federation are respected. Looking at Belgic Confession Article 28, this article emphasizes the importance of being a member of your local church.
Christ's Church and Our Calling
Article 28 of the Belgic Confession states that each believer is accountable to Christ for their choice of church. Why is this decision so important?
Article 31 of Our Church Order
This article is on Article 31 of the Church Order, discussing the structure of the Church federation and communication within this structure.
Are Deacons Members of the Consistory?
This article makes a plea to be consistent in separating the function of elders and deacons, thus excluding deacons from the consistory (except when they are specifically required, as stipulated by the church order). This will help each office to concentrate on their own work and calling.
Reformed Church Polity concerning Withdrawal of Church Membership
How should the church deal with cases of withdrawal of membership? This article begins with looking at how the Reformed church has dealt with this throughout history. The author also looks at the character of church membership and the role of church council in relation to membership withdrawal.
The Sinews of the Church
Church discipline is important for the health of the whole congregation. This article traces the practice of church discipline from the Old Testament to the New Testament, giving special attention to Matthew 18:15-20. The author also discusses the steps to follow in administering discipline.
The Consequences of Sex Before Marriage
God takes the sin of premarital sex seriously. This is a sin that grieves the Holy Spirit. It is a sin against your neighbour and others. This article discusses the consequences of having sex before marriage, but also shows how true repentance results in forgiveness.
Tithe Law Interpretations
Looking at Numbers 18 and Deuteronomy 14, this article shows how the tithe law functioned in Israel.
Biblical Principles Concerning Divorce
What does the Bible teach about divorce? Are there any situations which warrant divorce?
The Three Great Feasts in the Worship of Israel
This article discusses the Passover feast, the feast of weeks (feast of harvest/Pentecost), and the feast of booths. The author discusses how these three feasts were celebrated in the Old and New Testament and how they point to Christ.
The Laws for Uncleanness in the Pentateuch and New Testament Baptism
Understanding the Old Testament laws of uncleanness will promote a proper understanding of Christian baptism.
Numbers 5:11-31 - The Jealous Husband
The law of Numbers 5:11-31 was given by God to protect the socially weak among His people - in this case, to protect the woman from her suspicious husband.
A Short Chronology of Events in the Wilderness
This article chronologically records the events in the wilderness journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the crossing of the Jordan.
Exodus 20:22 to 23:19 - The Laws of the Book of the Covenant
Did Moses Write the Pentateuch?
The author looks at different texts in the Pentateuch and the whole of the Bible in order to discuss the authorship of the Pentateuch. A lot of the material in the Pentateuch was revealed to Moses by God, but there is significant evidence which points to authorship other than or in addition to Moses.
The Use of God's Law
This article looks at the relationship between the Ten Commandments and the other laws given by God. The author looks at the civil and ecclesiastical aspects of these laws, showing that these laws help us to understand and apply the Ten Commandments. The author also discusses how these laws are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Why are Ecclesiastical Feast Days in our Church Order?
Why does our church order contain a call to commemorate ecclesiastical feast days? This article discusses the historical development of this call, concluding that this should be left up to the discretion of each church council.
Should We Worship and Rest on Saturday or Sunday?
Experiencing the Day of Rest in the First Century
This article looks at the way the early church celebrated the Lord's Day. The author expels the myth that early church believers were not allowed to worship and rest on the Sunday.
The Use of the Word "Amen”
This article looks at the meaning and use of the word 'amen' in the Old and New Testament. The author then provides direction as to when to use the word 'amen' in the worship service. of God's people
What About the Lord's Supper?
Looking at the letter to the Corinthians, this article discusses the meaning of the Lord's Supper, the manner in which it must be celebrated, and who may come to the table. Christ gave this sacrament to His church so that she would remember that He died for her.
A Few Notes on Musical Instruments in Worship
What kind of music is appropriate in church? This article looks at the use of instruments to support congregational singing during the worship service. The author does this by examining John Calvin's reaction to the use of instruments.
Singing in the Corporate Worship of the Church
This article looks at the place of singing in the worship service. The author does this by looking first at the place of singing in the temple and synagogue services, and the role of the Psalms in shaping this singing. Singing takes a central place in corporate worship, and must be done in such a way that it is in accordance with God's word.
Liturgical Principles
The determining factor for liturgical principles is the conviction that God determines what happens during worship service. This article discusses worship in the Old and New Testament, looking at how the principles of Old Testament worship influenced the liturgy of the New Testament church. The author then draws conclusions for what this means for our worship today.
Exodus 21:12-14 - Looking for the Motive
This article on Exodus 21:12-14 is about the difference between murder and manslaughter, the intent to harm and accidents. This article looks at the importance of motive in a crime. Cities of refuge is also discussed.