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Russell J. Dykstra

Church History And New Testament Studies

  • Basic
  • Russell J. Dykstra

What are students for the ministry being taught at seminary? This article looks at two subjects that students must study: the New Testament, and church history.

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The Events Leading Up to the Great Synod

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This article looks at the rise of Jacob Arminius and Arminianism as events that necessitated the Synod of Dort.

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In Loco Parentis – Covenantal Schools In Action

  • Basic
  • Russell J. Dykstra

Who has the responsibility to educate children? This question can only be answered through listening to God’s call to parents. This is what the author argues for, that an understanding of the covenant has great bearing for the education of children. The author shows how Christian schools play a role in keeping the parents responsible for the education. It extends a call to all parents to heed to this rather than throw the responsibility to the government.

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The Christian Life as Calling

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

The Reformation taught that God gives each believer a calling that is distinct but not separate from the call unto salvation. Therefore the Christian life requires faithfulness to the specific calling that God gives each believer.

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Prayer: God’s Gift to His Covenant People

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

Prayer is a gift of God to his covenant people. Therefore, to understand the nature of prayer, one must understand the nature of the covenant. The article explains this, showing how this understanding shapes the practice of the believer in prayer.

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Why Reformed, Christian Schools?

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

God’s covenant of grace is the basis of Christian education. This article gives five things that should not be the basis of a Christian school. Then it shows how the covenant shapes an understanding of Christian education.

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Missionaries Sent Out from Antioch

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

From Acts 13:1-4 this article shows that the Holy Spirit is the one who prepares the church for mission work and gives the call to a missionary. This article also shows the character of the church that engages in mission work.

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Whence the Authority of the Bible? Or: Why the Great Reformers Preached with Confidence

  • Semi-Technical
  • Russell J. Dykstra

Regarding the authority of Scripture, some have argued that it depends on the Bible's content, and as such, the Bible is inspired only as far as its main message is concerned. This article defends the full authorith of God's Word, which meant for the Reformers that one may preach from any passage with the confidence that it is the inspired Word of God.

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Humanism Vs. Protestant Reformed Teachers: No R & R (Part 3)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

The biggest threat facing Christian education is the influence of humanism. Why is it a threat? It is because at the core of humanism is the belief that man is the measure of all things. This article shows that to face this enemy, the Christian teacher has been given faith, Scripture and the covenant as tools.

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Humanism Vs. Protestant Reformed Teachers: No R & R (Part 2)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This article explains that a big challenge facing Christian school teachers is the influence of humanism on students, parents, and teachers themselves.

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Humanism Vs. Protestant Reformed Teachers: No R & R (Part 1)

  • Semi-Technical
  • Russell J. Dykstra

The biggest threat facing Christian education is the influence of humanism. Why is it a threat? At the core of humanism is the belief that man is the measure of all things. Looking at the Humanist Manifesto, this article gives five characteristic of humanism.

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The Covenantal Character of the Heidelberg Catechism

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This article shows that the presupposition behind the writing of the Heidelberg Catechism was that God has determined a covenant of grace.

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Teacher Training

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

To have Christian schools, one must have Christian teachers. This article highlights the need for an institution to train such teachers for the purpose of Christian education.

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Financing Our Christian Schools (2)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This articles shows that Christian schools are necessitated by God's covenant call to parents to raise His children in the truth of His character and works. The responsibility for Christian education lies with parents, and therefore parents are called to contribute to the financing of Christian schools. The article supports this argument with scripture and the history of the Reformation.

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Financing Our Christian Schools (1)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This articles shows that Christian schools are necessitated by God's covenant call to parents to raise His children in the truth of His character and works. The responsibility for Christian education lies with parents, and therefore parents are called to contribute to the financing of Christian schools. The article supports this argument with scripture and the history of the Reformation.

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Pray For Us (3)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This trilogy of articles are an exposition of 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 about prayer. Those involved in the ministry must be prayed for. The nature of their work requires it, because of the importance of the work and the abundance of temptations and difficulties facing them.

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Pray For Us (2)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This trilogy of articles are an exposition of 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 about prayer. Those involved in the ministry must be prayed for. The nature of their work requires it, because of the importance of the work and the abundance of temptations and difficulties facing them.

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Pray For Us (1)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This trilogy of articles are an exposition of 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 about prayer. Those involved in the ministry must be prayed for. The nature of their work requires it, because of the importance of the work and the abundance of temptations and difficulties facing them.

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Improving the Psalter: Has the Time Come?

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This article lays the foundation for things to consider when structuring the Psalms for singing in corporate worship. Rhyming, melodies, poetic language and singability are some elements to be considered.

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Punctual Attendance on Family Worship

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

Family worship is what distinguishes a Christian home from other homes. In this article, the author shows that the place of the Bible, prayer and praise at home is crucial. The author also shows that Christian schools are not meant to replace family instruction.

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Unity in Diversity: The Ecumenical Spirit of the Great Synod

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

In striving against the Remonstrants - the heirs of Arminian heresy - the synod that met in Dordrecht in 1618/19 was fighting for church unity. False doctrine divides the church. The synod understood that church unity can only be attained on the basis of the truth. This truth must be embraced and confessed by the true church.

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The Ecumenical Spirit of the Reformation: Unity in the Truth

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

"I believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic church." This confession was wholeheartedly embraced by the reformers. The reformers confessed that true unity can only be found in the truth of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. This article calls today’s church to follow in the reformers' footsteps.

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To Be or Not to Be Reformed (4): Upholding the Formula of Subscription

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

It is a common practice in many Reformed Churches that elders and deacons sign the Formula of Subscription. Why practice this tradition? Two reasons: the adoption of and adherence to Reformed confessions, and to maintain and promote Reformed church government. If this is so, then the confessions must be binding, and discipline must be exercised on those who depart from them.

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To Be or Not to Be Reformed (3): Upholding the Formula of Subscription

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

It is a common practice in many Reformed Churches that elders and deacons sign the Formula of Subscription. Why practice this tradition? Two reasons: the adoption of and adherence to Reformed confessions, and to maintain and promote Reformed church government. This article focuses on what the Form of Subscription requires from individuals.

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To Be or Not to Be Reformed (2): Upholding the Formula of Subscription

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

It is a common practice in many Reformed Churches that elders and deacons sign the Formula of Subscription. Why practice this tradition? Two reasons: the adoption of and adherence to Reformed confessions, and to maintain and promote Reformed church government. This article focuses on the history behind the Form of Subscription.

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To Be or Not to Be Reformed (1): Upholding the Formula of Subscription

  • Popular
  • Russell J. Dykstra

It is a common practice in many Reformed Churches that elders and deacons sign the Formula of Subscription. Why practice this tradition? Two reasons: the adoption of and adherence to Reformed confessions, and to maintain and promote Reformed church government. This article focuses on the importance of adhering to the Reformed confessions.

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The Coming of King Jesus

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

How can believers be certain that Jesus will return? It is certain that Jesus will come again, because Jesus is controlling everything in this world to advance the day of His coming. Secondly, Jesus' first coming serves as a sign, since it was a fulfillment of prophesy. Similarly, the second coming of Jesus and judgment day has been prophesied.

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John Calvin, the Church Reformer (2)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

How did God prepare John Calvin to be a reformer? The article looks at Calvin's life, his education in law and theology, his experience in the Roman Catholic Church, and his conversion. God used each of these to prepare him to stand against the heretics of the Roman Catholic Church.

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John Calvin, the Church Reformer (1)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

How did God prepare John Calvin to be a reformer? The article looks at Calvin's life, his education in law and theology, his experience in the Roman Catholic Church, and his conversion. God used each of these to prepare him to stand against the heretics of the Roman Catholic Church.

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Marriage, Divorce, and Children (3)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This trilogy of articles looks at marriage, divorce, and the effects of divorce on children. This article focuses on the church's responsibility toward children of divorce.

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Marriage, Divorce, and Children (2)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This trilogy of articles looks at marriage, divorce, and the effects of divorce on children. This article looks at specific ways in which divorce does damage to children.

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Marriage, Divorce, and Children (1)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This trilogy of articles looks at marriage, divorce, and the effects of divorce on children. The author looks at the social, spiritual, and emotional impacts of divorce by looking at the stories of two adults.

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Seminary and Saints: A Reciprocal Sine Qua Non (2)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

What is the relationship between believers and the seminary? The author makes it clear that believers serve the seminary and the seminary serves believers. The one cannot exist without the other. The seminary is the work of the church preparing ministers of the Gospel, and true faith depends on the preaching of the Gospel, which is what makes the believer. In this sense seminary and saints are sine qua non.

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Seminary and Saints: A Reciprocal Sine Qua Non (1)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

What is the relationship between believers and the seminary? The author makes it clear that believers serve the seminary and the seminary serves believers. The one cannot exist without the other. The seminary is the work of the church preparing ministers of the Gospel, and true faith depends on the preaching of the Gospel, which is what makes the believer. In this sense seminary and saints are sine qua non.

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Seeking the Unity of the Church (6)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

Christians confess with one voice that they "believe in a holy catholic church" - a confession which highlights the importance of pursuing church unity. Why is church unity so crucial? Why must it be pursued? This article discusses the benefits of church unity.

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Seeking the Unity of the Church (5)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

Christians confess with one voice that they "believe in a holy catholic church" - a confession which highlights the importance of pursuing church unity. Church unity must be pursued based on the truth of scripture and the confessional foundation of the church. In seeking unity, a distinction must be made between essential and non-essential doctrines. Examples from John Calvin are given to demonstrate this.

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Seeking the Unity of the Church (4)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

Christians confess with one voice that they "believe in a holy catholic church" - a confession which highlights the importance of pursuing church unity. Church unity is found in the truth of scripture and is based on the confessional foundation of the church. However, subscribing to the same confessions does not guarantee church unity.

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Seeking the Unity of the Church (3)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

Christians confess with one voice that they "believe in a holy catholic church" - a confession which highlights the importance of pursuing church unity. At the time of the Reformation, the reformers strove for unity in the church. However, the church still divided. Why did this occur?

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Seeking the Unity of the Church (2)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

Christians confess with one voice that they "believe in a holy catholic church" - a confession which highlights the importance of pursuing church unity. The reformers Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli loved  and laboured for church unity. In their struggle with the Roman Catholic Church, especially in relation to the doctrine of the Lord’s Supper, these men were always motivated by a desire for the unity of the church.

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Seeking the Unity of the Church (1)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

Christians confess with one voice that they "believe in a holy catholic church" - a confession which highlights the importance of pursuing church unity. This article lays out the biblical grounds behind the Christian's obligation to seek church unity. The author also provides a historical survey of the early church and how she sought this unity.

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Why the Secession of 1834?

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

There is nothing so painful to Christians as witnessing the separation of Christ church. This author maintains, however, that sometimes separation is the way to obey Christ. This article looks at the influence of rationalism, biblical criticism and the church and state relationship in the Netherlands leading up to the Secession of 1834.

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The Meekness Required in the Servant of God (2)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

Humility is crucial for the making of the minister. These two articles define meekness and highlight the dangers of pride. Here the author discusses how meekness is obtained, and how it is a blessing to the pastor.

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The Meekness Required in the Servant of God (1)

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

Humility is crucial for the making of the minister. These two articles define meekness and highlight the dangers of pride. Here the author stresses the importance of meekness in the life of the pastor.

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Church History and New Testament Studies

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

What are pastors being taught at seminary? This article looks at two subjects which pastors in training must study: 1. The Greek of the New Testament and the appropriate exegesis of the New Testament, and 2. Church history.

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The Church of Christ: The Company of the Elect

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

John Wycliffe was called the forerunner of the Reformation. What caused him to have that title? This article focuses on the struggle Wycliffe faced within the Roman Catholic Church. His view of the church and God’s predestination caused him to stand up against the heresy and corruption within the Roman Catholic Church.

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In Loco Parentis – Covenantal Schools in Action

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

Who has the responsibility to educate children? A proper understanding of the covenant has great implications for the education of children. This article shows how Christian schools play a role in keeping parents responsible for education. The author extends a call to parents to heed to this call rather than leave the responsibility to government.

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Praying: To Mary or To Christ?

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This article is about the place of Mary in the Roman Catholic faith. The author specifically looks at the Mediator of our prayers: Mary or Jesus Christ?

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Can we Talk? Can we Listen to Each other?

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This article is about communication in the church. The author looks at differences in the church, listening and our convictions, pride, and suspicions in the church.

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John Calvin and Women Deacons

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  • Russell J. Dykstra

This article looks at John Calvin's idea of women in the office of deacon (deaconess).

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      • Work of Christ - Resurrection
      • Work of Christ - Ascension
      • Offices of Jesus - General
      • Offices of Jesus - Prophet
      • Offices of Jesus - Priest
      • Offices of Jesus - King
      • Jesus' Titles - General
      • Jesus' Titles - Son of God
      • Jesus' Titles - Son of man
      • Jesus' Titles - Messiah
      • Salvation (General)
      • Reconciliation - God and man
      • Reconciliation and atonement - General
      • Reconciliation - Man and man
      • Grace/Merit
    • Covenant
      • Covenant - General
      • Covenant in paradise
      • Covenant with Noah
      • Covenant with Abraham
      • Covenant at Sinai/Moses
      • Covenant with David
      • New Covenant
      • Aspects of the covenant - Promises
      • Aspects of the covenant - Conditions
      • Aspects of the covenant - Faithfulness
      • Aspects of the covenant - Covenant people
      • Covenant and Election
    • Israel
      • Israel (General)
      • Israel and church
      • Covenant and land
      • Israel and prophecy
      • Israel and Romans 9-11
      • Anti-Semitism
    • Order of salvation
      • Application of redemption
      • Calling
      • Regeneration
      • Faith (General)
      • Doubt and Assurance
      • Repentance (General)
      • Repentance - Sorrow
      • Justification (Right with God)
      • Adoption (in the family of God)
      • Sanctification (Grow in Christ)
      • Perseverance of the Believer (Remaining a Christian)
    • Holy Spirit
      • Person of the Holy Spirit
      • Work of the Holy Spirit
      • Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
      • Holy Spirit as Paraclete
      • Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ
      • Baptism with the Holy Spirit
      • Filled with the Holy Spirit
      • Sealed with the Holy Spirit
      • Gifts of the Holy Spirit (General)
      • Fruit of the Holy Spirit (General)
      • Gifts of the Holy Spirit - Speaking in tongues
      • The Unforgivable sin (Sin against the Holy Spirit)
      • Signs and miracles
    • Church
      • Church - General
      • Images for the church
      • Church and Jesus Christ
      • Attributes of the church - General
      • Attributes of the church - Unity
      • Attributes of the church - Holiness
      • Attributes of the church - Apostolic
      • Attributes of the church - Catholic/Universal
      • Marks of the church (Pure preaching, sacraments, discipline)
      • Functions of the church - General
      • Functions of the church - Believing
      • Functions of the church - Celebrating
      • Functions of the church - Teaching
      • Functions of the church - Witnessing
      • Functions of the church - Service and Charity
      • Church membership
      • Church fellowship
      • Church government
      • Church discipline
      • Church federation
      • Reformation of the church
    • Sacraments
      • Sacraments (General)
      • Circumcision and baptism
      • Passover and Lord's supper
    • Kingdom of God
    • Last things (Future)
      • Expectation and return of Christ
      • Dispensationalism
      • Life after death (Intermediate state)
      • Signs of the times
      • Death and Resurrection of the body
      • Final Judgment
      • New Heaven and New Earth & Hell
  • Creeds & Confessions
    • Authority and binding to the Confessions
    • Character of the Confessions
    • Apostolic Creed
    • Belgic Confession
      • General
      • Article 1
      • Article 2
      • Article 3
      • Article 4
      • Article 5
      • Article 6
      • Article 7
      • Article 8
      • Article 9
      • Article 10
      • Article 11
      • Article 12
      • Article 13
      • Article 14
      • Article 15
      • Article 16
      • Article 17
      • Article 18
      • Article 19
      • Article 20
      • Article 21
      • Article 22
      • Article 23
      • Article 24
      • Article 25
      • Article 26
      • Article 27
      • Article 28
      • Article 29
      • Article 30
      • Article 31
      • Article 32
      • Article 33
      • Article 34
      • Article 35
      • Article 36
      • Article 37
    • Westminster Confession
      • General
      • Chapter 1
      • Chapter 2
      • Chapter 3
      • Chapter 4
      • Chapter 5
      • Chapter 6
      • Chapter 7
      • Chapter 8
      • Chapter 9
      • Chapter 10
      • Chapter 11
      • Chapter 12
      • Chapter 13
      • Chapter 14
      • Chapter 15
      • Chapter 16
      • Chapter 17
      • Chapter 18
      • Chapter 19
      • Chapter 20
      • Chapter 21
      • Chapter 22
      • Chapter 23
      • Chapter 24
      • Chapter 25
      • Chapter 26
      • Chapter 27
      • Chapter 28
      • Chapter 29
      • Chapter 30
      • Chapter 31
      • Chapter 32
      • Chapter 33
    • Canons of Dordt
      • General
      • Chapter 1
      • Chapter 2
      • Chapter 3/4
      • Chapter 5
    • Heidelberg Catechism
      • General
      • Lord's Day 1
      • Lord's Day 2
      • Lord's Day 3
      • Lord's Day 4
      • Lord's Day 5
      • Lord's Day 6
      • Lord's Day 7
      • Lord's Day 8
      • Lord's Day 9
      • Lord's Day 10
      • Lord's Day 11
      • Lord's Day 12
      • Lord's Day 13
      • Lord's Day 14
      • Lord's Day 15
      • Lord's Day 16
      • Lord's Day 17
      • Lord's Day 18
      • Lord's Day 19
      • Lord's Day 20
      • Lord's Day 21
      • Lord's Day 22
      • Lord's Day 23
      • Lord's Day 24
      • Lord's Day 25
      • Lord's Day 26
      • Lord's Day 27
      • Lord's Day 28
      • Lord's Day 29
      • Lord's Day 30
      • Lord's Day 31
      • Lord's Day 32
      • Lord's Day 33
      • Lord's Day 34
      • Lord's Day 35
      • Lord's Day 36
      • Lord's Day 37
      • Lord's Day 38
      • Lord's Day 39
      • Lord's Day 40
      • Lord's Day 41
      • Lord's Day 42
      • Lord's Day 43
      • Lord's Day 44
      • Lord's Day 45
      • Lord's Day 46
      • Lord's Day 47
      • Lord's Day 48
      • Lord's Day 49
      • Lord's Day 50
      • Lord's Day 51
      • Lord's Day 52
    • Thirty Nine Articles of Religion
    • Different Confessions
    • Preaching of the Confessions
  • Doctrine of life - Ethical principles
    • Christ and the Christian life
    • Purpose of Christian life
    • Discovering the will of God - General
    • Use of Scripture in ethics
    • Seeking the kingdom of heaven
    • Christian freedom
    • Discipleship
    • Following and Imitation of Christ
    • Old Testament Ethics
    • Ten Commandments
      • Ten Commandments (General)
      • First commandment
      • Second commandment
      • Third commandment
      • Fourth commandment
      • Fifth commandment
      • Sixth commandment
      • Seventh commandment
      • Eight commandment
      • Ninth commandment
      • Tenth commandment
    • Law
      • Law (General)
      • Fulfillment of the Law
      • Legalism
      • Law and Gospel
      • Theonomy
    • Case Laws
    • Natural Law
    • Creation order
    • Sermon on the Mount and Ethics
    • Guidance of the Spirit
    • Identity of God's people
    • Love and hate
    • Common good
    • Authority
    • Position of the Christian in this world
    • Christian mind
    • Conviction and tolerance
    • Discernment
    • Christian lifestyle
    • Responsibility & Collective Responsibility
    • Compromise
    • Conflicting obligation
    • Conscience
    • Impartiality
    • Justice
    • Tradition and accomodation
    • Wisdom and prudence
    • Ethics of Christian Community
    • Indifferent things (Adiaphora)
    • Submission
    • Self-denial and Hedonism
    • Temperance and Abstinence
    • Virtue
    • Worldview
    • Vocation
    • Truth and lying
  • Doctrine of life - Ethical themes
    • Gender - Role of manhood and womanhood
    • Sexual Ethics
      • Sexual Ethics - General
      • Homosexuality
      • Premarital Sex
      • Sex Education
      • Lustfulness and Chastity
      • Pornography
    • Dating and Singleness
    • Marriage and Family
      • Marriage (General)
      • Family (General)
      • Adoption
      • Procreation and Family Planning
      • Adultery
      • Celibacy
      • Childhood
      • Adolescence
      • Young Adulthood (Twenties and Thirties)
      • Middle-Age (Forties and Fifties)
    • Divorce and remarriage
    • Education (General)
      • Christian education
      • Purpose of Education
      • Discipline
      • The child
      • Child development
      • Theories of Education
      • History of Christian Education
    • Parenting
    • Schooling
      • Teaching and Learning (General)
      • The Christian school
      • Home schooling
      • Teaching methods
      • The Curriculum and Evaluation
      • The Teacher
      • The School Board
      • Parents and the School
      • Church and the School
      • Place of Government in Education
    • Friendship
    • Hospitality
    • Economics
      • Economics (General)
      • Code of ethics for economists
      • Economic Theories
      • Development
      • Income Distribution
      • Inequality
      • Scarcity
      • Sustainability
    • Work & Employment
    • Business Ethics
      • Trade Unions and Strikes
      • Wages and Salaries
      • Prices
      • Labour Standards
      • Minimum Wages
      • Business Ethics (General)
      • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Wealth & Poverty
      • Money and Possessions
      • Tithing
      • Generosity
      • Borrowing and Lending
      • Poverty
      • Consumerism
      • Taxes
      • Gambling
      • Prosperity gospel
    • Environmental Ethics
      • Environmental Ethics (General)
      • Energy and Energy Consumption
      • Global Warming
    • Public Ethics
      • Public Ethics (General)
      • Human Rights
      • Equality and Discrimination
      • Race and Racism
      • Nationalism and Patriotism
      • Judicial System
      • Crime and Punishment
      • Capital Punishment
      • Social welfare
      • Social gospel
    • Political Ethics
      • Government - Role and Responsibility
      • Democracy
      • Civil Disobedience and Revolution
      • State and Church Relationship
      • War and Peace
      • Terrorism
      • Genocide
      • Pacifism
      • Nuclear Weapons
      • Interrogation and Torture
      • Refugees and Genocide
      • Political involvement
    • Christ and Culture
    • Bioethics
      • Bioethics (General)
      • Genetic Engineering
      • Cloning
      • Reproductive Technologies
      • Prenatal Diagnosis
      • Contraception
      • Surrogate Father/Mother
    • Medical ethics
      • Medical Ethics (General)
      • Health
      • Illness
      • Disabilities
      • Health Care
      • Forgoing and Withdrawing Treatment
      • Organ Donation and Transplantation
      • Definition of Death
      • Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide and Letting Die
      • Abortion
      • Sterilization
      • Late Miscarriage & Stillbirth
      • Epidemics
    • Beauty and Arts (General)
    • Appearance
    • Visual Arts
    • Music
    • Drama and Cinema
    • Food and Food Consumption
    • Media and Censorship
    • Sabbath and Sunday
    • Recreation and entertainment
    • Speech and Communication
    • Sport
    • Time Consumption and Priorities
    • Other topics
  • Spirituality & Godliness
    • Fear of the Lord & Godliness
    • Spiritual exercises
    • Means of grace
    • Prayer
      • Prayer - General
      • Intercession
      • God answering prayers
      • Practice of prayer
      • Bodily posture in prayer
      • Private prayer
    • The Lord's Prayer
      • Lord's prayer - General
      • Beginning and Conclusion of Lord's prayer
      • First petition - Hallowed your Name
      • Second petition - Your Kingdom come
      • Third petition - Your will be done
      • Fourth petition - Give us today our daily bread
      • Fifth petition - Forgive us our debts
      • Sixth petition - And lead us not into temptation
    • Fasting
    • Meditation
    • Singing
    • Listening to sermons
    • Personal Devotions (General)
    • Reading of Spiritual Literature
    • Family worship
    • Preparation for home visitation
    • Christ and the new life
    • Personal relationship with God
    • Walking with God
    • Spiritual warfare & struggle against sin
      • Spiritual warfare (General)
      • Struggle against Temptation
      • Living with Hope
      • Desertion by God
      • Place of sin in the believer's life
      • Spiritual growth and backsliding
    • Sanctification of the whole life
    • Spirituality and experience
    • Gratitude
    • Blessedness
    • Different Fruit of the Holy Spirit
    • Different Fruit of the flesh
    • Heavenly mindedness
    • Joy in the Lord
    • History of Spirituality
  • Worship & Liturgy
    • Principles of Worship
      • Principles of Worship (General)
      • Worship as Communion with the Triune God
      • Worship as Communion with the People of God (General)
      • Worship as Gathering and Communion of the Local Church
      • Worship as Communion with Young and Old
      • Worship as Communion with the Church of all Ages and Places
    • Elements of the worship service
      • Liturgy - General
      • Call to worship and Salutation
      • Confessing of sin and assurance of pardon
      • Praise in music and song (General)
      • Public Prayer
      • Scripture reading
      • Preaching (place in worship service)
      • Gifts and offerings
      • Corporate confession of faith
      • The Amen
      • Sacraments in the worship service
      • Benediction
    • Different Liturgies
    • Church music
      • Musical instruments
      • Character and principles of church music
      • Musicians
      • Psalms as songs
      • Hymns
      • Church choir
      • History of church music
    • Liturgical year
      • Liturgical year (General)
      • Christmas
      • Good Friday
      • Easter Sunday
      • Ascension Day
      • Pentecost
    • Church architecture
  • Church Leadership and Offices
    • Church leadership (General)
    • Offices - General
    • Pastor/Preacher - General
    • Pastor/Preacher - Qualifications
    • Pastor/Preacher - Task
    • Pastor and his wife and family
    • Theological Training
    • Elder - General
    • Elder - Qualifications
    • Elder - Task
    • Deacon - General
    • Deacon - Qualifications
    • Deacon - Task
  • Preaching
    • Preaching (General)
      • Preaching, election and the free offer of the gospel
    • Principles of Preaching
    • Purpose and Function of Preaching
    • Types of Preaching
    • Preaching Method and Sermon Preparation Process
    • Sermon Evaluation
    • History of Preaching
    • Preaching style and delivery
    • Steps for making a sermon
  • Pastoral care
    • Principles of Pastorate
    • House Visitation
    • Confidentiality
    • Psychology
    • Care in Abuse and Neglect
      • Abuse - General
      • Spiritual Abuse
      • Sexual Abuse - General
      • Child Sexual Abuse
      • Clergy Sexual Abuse
      • Spousal Abuse
      • Elder Abuse
      • Emotional and Verbal Abuse
      • Ministry to Abusers
    • Care in Addictions
    • Care in Conflict and Bad Relations
    • Care in Depression
    • Care in Self-Esteem and Inferiority
    • Care in Anger
    • Care in Anxiety
    • Care in Crisis
    • Care in Psychological illnesses
    • Care in Autism
    • Care in Loneliness
    • Care in Aging
    • Care in the Dying Process
    • Care in Grief
    • Care in Burial Practices
    • Care with Last Will and Testament
    • Care in Honouring and Grieving the Dead
    • Care in Suicide
    • Other themes of Pastorate
  • Youth ministry and catechism
    • Principles of Youth ministry
    • Material for Youth ministry and catechism
      • In Thy Hands Children Material
        • In Thy Hands Part 1
        • In Thy Hands Part 2
    • Public profession of faith
  • Church Government
    • General Principles of Church government
    • Church Order
      • Purpose and observance of the Church order
      • Offices
      • Church Assemblies - General
      • Church Assemblies - Consistory
      • Oversight of doctrine and worship
      • Church Discipline
      • No Lording
    • Different systems of Church government
    • Church government and civil government
  • History & Church History
    • Church history - General
      • Historical writing
    • Church history - Early Church
      • Ignatius of Antioch
      • Constantine the Great
      • Council of Nicea
      • Cyprian
      • Cyril of Alexandria
      • Didache
      • Early Church (general)
      • Gregory of Nazianzus
      • Irenaeus of Lyons
      • Basil the Great
      • Jerome
      • John Chrysostom
      • John of Damascus
      • Justin Martyr
      • Marcion
      • Melito of Sardis
      • Clement of Alexandria
      • Augustine
      • Polycarp
      • Athanasius
      • Patrick of Ireland
      • Origen
      • Tertullian
    • Church history - Middle Ages
    • Church history - Reformation
      • Theodore Beza
      • Ulrich Zwingli
      • William Tyndale
      • Reformation in The Netherlands
      • Renaissance
      • Zacharius Ursinus
      • Reformation in Germany
      • Reformation in France
      • Reformation in England
      • Reformation in Eastern Europe
      • Reformation (General)
      • Philipp Melanchthon
      • Peter Vermigli
      • Martin Luther
      • John Knox
      • John Calvin
      • John a Lasco
      • Hugh Latimer
      • Heinrich Bullinger
      • Guido de Bres
    • Modern Church History
      • Church history - Asia
      • Church history - Europe
      • Church history - Africa
      • Church history - South America
      • Church history - North America
      • Church history - Oceania
    • Different theologies
      • Charismatic theology
      • Evangelical
      • Roman Catholic
      • Reformed
      • Five points of Calvinism
  • Defending the faith (Apologetics)
  • Mission & Evangelism
    • Biblical Basis of Missions
    • Missions and Evangelism
    • God as Missionary God
    • Missions as Work of God
    • Missions and the Glory of God
    • The Great Commission
    • Missions and local church
    • Missions and every believer
    • Church growth
    • The Missionary
    • The Mission Board
    • The Sending Church
    • Missions and Money
    • Short-term Missions
    • Mission Training
    • Missions to Children and Youth
    • Different Mission Approaches
    • Trends in Missions
    • History of Missions
    • Missionary and Culture
    • Missionary and Politics
    • Missions - Word and Deed
    • Missions and the Social Gospel
    • Mission, election and the free offer of the gospel
    • The Message in Missions
    • Mission and the Point of Contact
    • Prayer and Missions
    • The Mission Encounter
    • Boldness in Missions
    • Material to use in Missions
    • Missions and the New Convert
    • Worship in the Mission Field
  • Other religions
    • Relationship between Christianity and other religions
    • Islam
    • Cults
    • Judaism
    • Jehovah's Witnesses
    • New Age
    • African Traditional Religions
    • Atheism
    • Other religions (General)
    • Sects (General)
  • Faith & Science
    • Faith & Science (General)
    • Evolution
  • Philosophy & Culture
The Christian stops making spiritual progress as soon as he stops repenting. Maurice Roberts
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