These two articles are about Islam and the Muslim Brotherhood, jihad, militant Islam, Sayyid Qutb and human freedom.

This article is about Islamic law and the terrifying global implications of Islamic law.

This article is about the Insider movement, and mission approach to the Islam.

These articles are about the common ground between Islam and Christianity. It also discusses the Open Letter 2007 and Islam's view of freedom of religion.

How do you talk about spiritual decline without sounding negative? This is some­thing I've thought about a lot. But to find a solution we first need to lay bare the prob­lem. I've been a pastor in the Reformed Christian community for over 25 years, and so I'll look at where we are at and perhaps, by bringing the problem to light, that will help find a solution — a positive solution to spiritual decline.

THIS NOVEMBER WILL MARK THE 400TH anniversary of the first session of the Synod of Dort, convened November 13, 1618. Of course, the synod didn't close and promulgate its teachings until May 9th of 1619, presenting a conundrum for ecclesiastical an­niversary celebrants around the globe: Do you celebrate Dort's anniversary this year or next?

Most readers of this magazine will agree that God could have created the world in a split second or could have created it in mil­lions of years, if he so chose. How long did he take?

When postmodern deconstructionism came to roost in biblical studies, the historicity of the united monarchy, once accepted as factual by nearly everyone, was now called into question. Thus the modern-day postmodern critic will claim that even though the biblical authors spoke of a David who ruled from such places as Hebron and Jerusalem, these stories are insufficient to provide us with reliable historical information and thus cause us to doubt their reliability.

The Church's mandate to carry the gospel around the world has been dubbed "the great commission." It is my contention that the net effect of that outlook has been that the Church's main concern has shifted radically from God's glory to man's comfort, in the name of a passion for souls. That the Church in large measure has identified the conversion of man as its great commission is disconcerting enough; but the manner in which that commission has been implemented is even more objectionable.

What is experiential preaching? Sometimes called "experimen­tal" preaching, this kind of preaching tends to apply the preaching text to the personal spir­itual experience of listeners. Often the phrase "experiential preach­ing" refers to sermons addressed to the heart. The preacher's expla­nation of the Bible passage issues in calls for self-examination and warnings against presumption, accompanied by the summons to surrender to God and to fight the reflexes of the old nature.

Covenantal preaching is most fully and biblically evangelistic preaching. I want to be clear about our objective in this article. Please do not expect that this article on evangelistic preaching will say everything that needs to be said about evangel­ism — even Reformed (biblical) evangelism. We will not be dis­cussing the value of strategies like advertising, book tables, home Bible studies, tape ministry, newsletters, or prison ministry. Rather, our focus will be on the kind of preaching that may be called evangelistic preaching.

Biotechnology is emerging as the new darling of countless suitors within western culture, alluring many with her seductive potential for reshaping the global economy and remaking our society. Those falling at her feet in breathless adoration include farmers and fisheries, physicians and pharma­ceuticals, manufacturers and mili­tary.

From Gabriel's announcement in Nazareth to the crowded streets of Bethlehem, from the enthusiasm of the shepherds outside the town to the presentation at the Temple and Simeon's song of praise, the story of Jesus' birth is surrounded by Jewish hope. But Matthew, in his account of the nativity, introduces this puzzling band of worshipers from a foreign culture and a pagan priesthood; Matthew's Gospel brings a presence into the Messianic birth narrative that seems shockingly out of place. What interest did the magi have in the birth of a Jewish King?

This article will simply set forth a brief case for why this writer under­stands the days of Genesis one to be depicted in the Bible as real and ordinary days in terms of their length, though they be extraordinary because of what happened on them. It will then briefly note some of the dynamics of the context of the discus­sion.

The Christian Church cele­brates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost because it marks the ful­fillment of Jesus Christ's own promise to send the Spirit from the Father to us. We are not left as orphans in this world (John 14:18)! The Spirit of Jesus Christ quickens the dead hearts of God's elect, and the Spirit gives us new power for Christian living.

The American church world is changing. I don't know if the religion section of your local newspaper is like the one in our neighborhood. But even on a quick reading, one thing is abundantly clear. Denomina­tions are out. "Fellowships" are in. Traditional names for church­es are out. Trendy names are in. Oh, there are a few "United Methodist Church of...", "First Presbyterian Church of... ", "Messiah Lutheran Church," but their numbers are dwindling.

Does God matter as we enter the voting booth? Dr. H. Bavinck's stirring speech Christian and Neutral Politics reminded me again that we may not hide our Christian convictions in the rough and tumble political arena. And what Bavinck, internationally renowned Reformed theologian, said in his time is still applicable today.

When I reflect on my spiritual pilgrimage, Reformed thinkers come to mind who became my mentors. The Dutch theologian Dr. Herman Bavinck heads the list. I was introduced to his theol­ogy through his magisterial work, the four-volume Gereformeerde Dogmatiek (1906-1911) [Reform­ed Dogmatics], a gift from a gen­erous host at whose place I stayed for a weekend during my studies at the Free University of Amsterdam. And over the years I have added to my Bavinck collection.

The 19th century historian Henri-Raymond Casgrain said: "Let us make haste to write down the stories and tradi­tions of the people before they are forgotten." What Casgrain assert­ed holds true for the history of the church. We need to know where we came from in order to know where we are heading. But before we look at our roots or focus on the future, the contemporary scene should be considered.

Dr. Ling said that in 1979 Francis Schaeffer and Everett Koop considered that abortion was the keystone issue of medical ethics. They were, and still are, entirely right. Unless, and until, you have worked out your stance on abortion, you will settle little else in this realm. Issues, such as IVF, cloning, surrogacy, etc., are secondary to it. The world in which we live deliberately puts to death its own children. There are one and a half million abortions in USA every year, half a million in Japan. In the UK, we have put to death 5 million since the 1967 legalisation of abortion.

In the years leading up to the Protestant Reformation, the Christian Church had strayed far from the Biblical model Christ had set for His Body. This was true in many aspects of ecclesias­tical practice, including the preaching of a false gospel which included worship of images and the dead (a distortion of the Old Testament Prophetic Office), improper administration of the sacraments, particularly in the Mass (misinterpreting the Priestly Office) and in gross failures to properly administer Church disci­pline (thereby perverting the Kingly Office).

Some have defined miracles as violations of scientific laws. On the surface this seems like a work­able explanation, but looking deeper it becomes obvious the statement itself expresses a view­ hostile to the miraculous. To refer to "violating" scientific laws, after all, is to ascribe authority to those laws.

There is nothing quite so heartbreakingly sad as a child who leaves the godly teaching of a father and a mother and sets out on the well-worn path towards the Prodigal's pig sty. Many parents weep to see their children heading for the swine, and despair at seeing them sit comfortably among the swine's. Innumerable are the prayers that have risen before God's throne for such offspring. The story of one such child returning, one such prodigal bowing to God's com­mandments, should encourage the spirits of many parents who have almost lost hope.

What characterizes a reformed teacher? His love for God, His word, reformed confessions, children and learning. This is the love a reformed teacher brings in Reformed education. 

What role did the church play in the colonialism of Africa? This article explains the fight for freedom from colonial power, the rise of nationalism and the role of the church.

Were missionaries colonizers of Africa? This article looks at the impact of colonialism in Africa and the role of mission work. 

It is not getting any easier for us to live as Christians in the midst of a world that is no friend to grace. In the workaday world sin surrounds us and temptations bombard us from every direction. The challenges seemingly become stronger each day as we seek to take up our tasks in society as Christians. In the church, whether we be street-smart veterans with years of experience, or wet-behind-the-ears novices looking to the future wondering which path to take in the service of God, we must continually place ourselves before the question: How should we then live?

What is a "classis" really? Briefly summarized, "In Reformed church polity a classis is an official assembly of those delegated by neighboring churches to discharge ecclesiastical affairs which could not be properly and effectively settled in the local congre­gation." And now for every thoughtful Reformed believer the questions soon begin to multiply.

The purpose of the sermon is not a devotional or inspirational pep talk; nor is it a course in theology or an autobiographical account of the preacher's life and times. It is not a moral lesson in how to be good, nor is it a practical seminar on how to have a happy life. The purpose of the sermon is neither personal self-improvement nor national salvation, but to preach Christ and him crucified. But will that be perceived as relevant, with so many practical problems in our troubled world? Won't they consider such a message impractical and even foolish?

What role should the church play in the development of Africa? This article explains the African worldview and the impact it has for Christian development.

How should the moral law be preached? This article looks at the view of Martin Luther, John Calvin, and the Puritans on preaching the moral law. 

What are Genevan Tunes? What is their origin and purpose? 

Colossians 1:26-28 is a relevant text for explain what preaching is. It explains the content, purpose, method, and audience of preaching.

Adoption is an act of God’s grace in making you His child. This article explains that adoption comes with privileges rooted in the work of the Trinity. There are six privileges of adoption explained together with obligations and duties of adoption. 

When a ball gets involved in anything, emotions easily run high. Some Christian parents get fired up on behalf of their Little Leaguers, while oth­ers get spiritually stressed out at the very thought of competition. Is athletic competition right or wrong in itself? We must never forget that the Bible alone determines the boundaries of sin. Not once in Scripture is there a hint that athletic competition should be considered as immoral or sinful.

What happens when sin is turned into a disease? This article answers this question by looking at what happened to the seven deadly sins – lust, gluttony, anger, envy, sloth, and pride. 

All of us need to cultivate the discipline of limiting our assertions of what we "really know" to that which God's word — both his written word and the word which he reveals through his creation clearly expresses. I know even that doesn't settle every debate. But it does get us headed toward clarity, and away from false assumptions

Expository preaching must be faithful to scripture, fine-tuned, focuses, fixed and filled. What does it mean? 

Sermon-listening is something which every believer must not lose. Has the visual age we live in affected how we listen to sermons? This article evaluates how listening to preaching is affected by TV-watching and what the church can do about it.

What is forgiveness? How should we view it? God did not tell us about forgiveness He demonstrated forgiveness. This article looks at biblical stories that demonstrates forgiveness. Here focus is on Genesis 50:15-21 about Joseph and his brothers. 

Did the Old Testament speak about the resurrection of Jesus Christ? This article traces footprints of Christ’s resurrection in the Old Testament.

Which bible translation to use? Looking at different English bible translations, this article evaluates their strength and weaknesses and shows how one can find a better way in using bible translations. 

Christians are called to exercise stewardship in all areas of life, including time. How do you become a steward of time? The article explains that the problem is not time management but self-management. 

Should the language of old English hymns be change? Should the church today in her hymnal language use Thee and Thou? This article gives seven reasons for keeping these personal pronouns

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

What should the church’s answer be to the call to embrace homosexuality. The church has only one answer. No! The article explains why the church should say now and how she should minister to those struggling with homosexual temptations. 

The lyrics of the hymn "By Grace Alone"

Of what size ought a classis to be, in order that its assigned responsibility may be discharged effi­ciently and fruitfully for the welfare of one and all? No Reformed church, to the best of my knowledge, has ever decided on this. Always it was left to a classis to determine if, when and how it should be "divided" into two or more such assemblies, with synodical approval ordinarily given. After all, area congregations know their own needs best.

The start of a college year, much like the Christian life itself, always presents the college community with an opportunity and a challenge: an opportunity to make a fresh start in a new endeavour (which is especially true of new students); and a challenge to pursue the path which leads to the high calling we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. In short, our Lord calls us to pursue the path of excellence

In what can best be described as the gift of prophecy operating within the Reformed faith, Herman Bavinck, writing in (of all places!) the Methodist Review of November, 1901, "prophesied":

The topic of premarital sex is too often a taboo subject in our Christian circles because it isn't easy to speak of or read about. It also isn't spoken of enough from a practical point of view. I am hearing far more often than ever of young, unmarried Christian couples engaging in premarital sex. God is not just keeping us from having fun. He has good reasons for telling us not to have sex before marriage. I know this because I've learned the hard way.

Is the church year (or liturgical calendar) biblical? The answer to this question depends on what is meant by "liturgical calendar" and what is meant by "biblical."

In popular thinking, all of these unfortunate distinctions that easily arise from the very way our Bibles are arranged usually become — if we don't think carefully — spiritually fatal separations. Grace is separated from law, faith from works, the work of the Father from that of the Spirit, external form from internal intention. Among the earliest thinkers in church history who fell into this error was Marcion (2nd century). He taught that the OT came from the God of the Jews, who was also Creator and Lawgiver.

We hunger for sermons that throb with our Father's heartbeat. His pulsating heartbeat we have felt and heard in His very flesh-born Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Since Pentecost, their energizing Spirit now pumps divine life through the church (and thereby through individual believers); their Spirit regulates the rhythm of our own hearts, purges our impurities, strengthens weak members for the work of faith-obedience.

"How can I find a church where I will hear Christ preached from his Word, without all the fluff and distractions?" That is a question I have asked myself on many occasions. It is easy to understand the concern and even frustration that accompanies the search for the right place to worship. First, as with product labels, it is important to recognize what church labels mean and don't mean.

Divine miracles are worked in both the Old and the New Testament to accomplish healing. Some of these miracles use physical means, while others do not use any physical means at all. Some miracles are accomplished by speaking the word, a word that the LORD empowers to accomplish the restoration of body and soul. In such miracles of healing in the Bible, we are given both an insight into the marvels of the age to come as well as the experience of tasting the powers of that same age.

The words used in the Old and New Testaments to describe conversion are words that involve reorientation and redirection. They point to turning around and thinking in a new way. Conversion is like doing a 180degree reversal: a person is traveling in one direction, but then he turns around and goes in the opposite direction.

As we continue developing a biblically Reformed perspective on preaching, it may be useful to expose several common cultural expectations about preachers that surely influence Christ's church in North America. One of the most pervasive views about why we need preachers says: We'll always need preachers for their "golf course effect."

A Bible passage qualifies as a preaching text only if it is a thought unit, if it communicates a unified message. A sermon based on assorted verses throughout Scripture, strung together because they happen to share words or phrases about 'suffering' or 'mothers,' for example, generally lifts these verses out of their God-given, inspired, canonical contexts.

In the face of death, in the struggles of life, our faith still seeks understanding when we cry: "Lord if only?" Go with your questions to the passionate, powerful Saviour, resting in the fact that even when it seems He doesn't answer, He is working for our good that the Father may be glorified.

Jesus knows His sheep. We're taken back to the image of the shepherd coming into the sheepfold early in the morning to rouse his sheep and lead them out to pasture. Immediately they know his voice, and he calls them all by name. Christ knows His sheep well. He knows their weaknesses, their struggles and their fears.

So it with Christ as our door. The blessing we enjoy is not such that we are now locked up in our little cor­ners, cramped and quartered, muttering "I can't do this, I can't do that..." Through Christ, our door, we go in, and we go out and we say this is the life! The life in Christ is the life of perfect freedom, life as it was meant to be lived, in fellowship with God in Him.

Jesus uses the occasion to, confront them about what it is they're looking for, and takes the opportunity to reveal more about Himself. Jesus wasn't into the numbers game. Think about it: He had them eating out of His hand, hanging on His every word, following Him from pulpit to pulpit, and then He scares them away by preaching a sermon about the cross and election.

Is heaven real? The promise of the New Jerusalem points to the reality of the new community God is forming to inhabit the city. This speaks about the reality of heaven. H

Is heaven real? The promise of the restoration of paradise and the abolishment of sin points to the reality of heaven. 

How should Christian think about ageing in a culture that wants to remain young? This article explains the challenge of old age, the opportunities of aging and preparing for death in old age. 

What should be the Christian view of horoscopes? Following horoscopes is putting your trust in creation not in the Creator. Why do people still follow them? 

John in His gospel records the seven I am statements of Christ. These statements tell us something about the identity of Jesus. This article looks at the sixth one – I am the way the truth, and the life, based on John 14:6. 

John in His gospel records the seven I am statements of Christ. These statements tell us something about the identity of Jesus. This article looks at the seventh one – I am the true vine, based on John 15:1.

John in His gospel records the seven I am statements of Christ. These statements tell us something about the identity of Jesus. This article looks at the second one – I am the light of the world, based on John 8:12. 

How should Christians respond to the growth of neopaganism and its promotion of witchcraft? This article defines neopaganism, looks at the way it is promoted and it gives s Christian response. 

Is heaven real? The Lord’s Supper is a reminder of the reality of heaven, it gives us a foretaste of what is coming.

It is only in Christ that complete joy can be found. How? This article explains two things: Jesus is the source of joy and his joy can be shared. 

One major objective of this discussion of the congregation's role in preaching is to clarify expectations about the sermon, so that pew meets pulpit each Sunday. As stated last time, surely the pulpit's high view of preaching should be matched with the pew's high view of listening.

The sermon belongs to the church's worship. If we are unaware of what we should be hearing from the pulpit, if we are vague about what sermons are supposed to "do," then God will be robbed of sincere and glo­rifying worship. We dare not do anything in our worship out of ignorance. Ignorance in the pew about the preaching of the pulpit is nothing less than superstitious worship, an abomination to the Lord.

Listening to sermons is a topic which must be addressed in the church. Why? Because God chose preaching to be a means which He uses to administer grace. What does this mean for the church and how does this relate to personal witnessing? 

Can a revival of morals be done without the gospel? This article evaluates the Promise Keepers movement highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the movement.

Is the appeal to contemporary worship a revival of church worship? This article looks at how revivalism impacted church music. 

What does it mean to be an evangelical? This article looks at the history of the word evangelical and evangelicalism. What should you think when you hear these words? 

The times we live in present a great opportunity for being a reformed Christian. Why? There are two issues which presents the opportunity for the reformed church: lack of gospel clarity and family issues. How? The article explains…

Hell is a real and permanent place reserved for the unregenerate at enmity with God. Is this a biblical teaching? This article examines the claims of universalism and the biblical teaching about hell. 

Is heaven real? No one can imagine how heaven is like. It is totally other, and this is the strength for Christians

Is heaven real? The promise of the new earth and new heaven is a reality which points to the truth of heaven. 

Is heaven real? The church lives with a real expectation of Christ’s return. This expectation of the return of Christ attest to the reality of heaven. 

Is heaven real? The reality with which the bible speaks about our heavenly rewards, should motivate Christians to greater obedience. How? T

Is heaven real? The expectation of the resurrection speaks about the reality of heaven. 

One thing that cannot be denied about education is that there is no neutral ground in education. So, who is writing the curriculum of your child’s education? The fact that education is shaped by a worldview should make Christians think about Christian education because of it antithesis nature. 

At the tender age of eighteen, Henry, son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, became Henry VIII, king of England. The year was 1509. Henry, a rather obstinate young man, succeeded his father to the throne and married Catherine of Aragon, his dead brother's widow. Autocratic, egotistic and pleasure-seeking, Henry had been raised as a Roman Catholic and was content to remain a true son of that church — content, that is, until he bumped his self-seeking nose against that of the pope. The pope, Leo X, forbade him something you see, and that something was a divorce.

Is the third wave a revival brought by the Holy Spirit? This article evaluates the claims of the laughing revival and baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

Jonathan Edwards was used by God in bringing the great awakening which brought revival in England. This article looks at the strengths and weaknesses of this historical event and how this still has impact of the church.

How should Christians answer the call for a revival? This article explains how the church moved from revival to revivalism. Revivalism is rooted not in God but in man. How? The article explains the historical development and offers four questions to ask when thinking about a revival.

Jesus is called the firstborn of all creation. What does it mean? This article looks at the significance of firstborn in the bible and points to how this relates to Christ. 

Is heaven real? Will we recognize each other in heaven? The biblical language about heaven points to the reality that we will be able to recognize one another in heaven. 

Is heaven real? Heaven is real because it is the only place where man can be what he was created to be – to glorify and enjoy God. Therefore, Christians can look forward to it. 

Is heaven real? Every Sunday Christians are of the reality of heaven. It is a promise of the Sabbath rest. How? 

How can Christians take part in bringing cultural change? This article suggests three things that Christians can do to bring cultural transformation rooted in a worldview. 

The coming of the Holy Spirit in Pentecost brought with it the spread of the gospel. This article explains the link of Pentecost to the preaching of the gospel. It also gives a record of the apostles and areas they reached with the gospel.

What did the ascension mean to Jesus? This question if important because they ascension of Jesus meant that he going back to the Father’s house. This filled Him with joy, it ought to fill you with joy too.