Warning against the danger of separating the work of the Holy Spirit from the Father and Son, this article shows that the work of the Holy Spirit can only be understood in unity to the Father and Son.
Looking at the time of John Calvin and his works, this article shows how Calvin understood piety to be a life of sacrifice dedicated in its totality to God in response to God's work. This is the secret to godliness.
Looking at Augustine and his work on the City Of God, this article shows how he presented the Christian faith as encompassing all of life. The author shows that this aspiration continued in the work of Abraham Kuyper and Klaas Schilder.
Was Naaman asking to worship another god when he asked for permission to accompany the king in the house of Rimmon? Looking at 2 Kings 5:18-19, this article gives the answer.
Looking at the faith of the centurion as recorded in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10, this article demonstrates how this story can help one believe that God created through the Word, and that Christians have to demonstrate the same faith in the power of God's Word, and deny theistic evolution.
This article looks at the similarities and differences in the four Gospels, and gives a way of explaining and viewing them, shedding light on what is called the synoptic problem.
Looking at Deuteronomy 7 this article shows how texts dealing with violence and the idea of genocide should be understood in the Old Testament. They reveal the judgment of God, that God is the one who acts. The author shows how Christians should deal with these texts today through the eyes of Christ's work.
Looking at Jeremiah 18:6, this article shows how God uses the image of clay in the hand of the potter to show us how in his sovereignty he shapes his people.
This article gives the exegesis of 1 Corinthians 15:29, and reveals the meaning of baptism for the dead and how it fits into Paul's argument about the resurrection.
This article shows that the Christian tradition preceded the New Testament, and that the NT was built upon this tradition. The author also explains that the Apostles' Creed, while a later creation, was the point of departure for the apostles in their letters.
Listening to the different voices that call for the renewing or retaining of the Heidelberg Catechism, this article looks at the place of the catechism in school, church, and catechesis, and shows the challenges facing the aforementioned voices.
Stating that a catechism must serve the purpose of initiating believers into the theological tradition, teaching the basics of faith, and helping them to defend the faith, this article argues that though the Heidelberg Catechism can stand as a confessional document, the church needs today a new catechism.
Looking for spirituality in the Heidelberg Catechism, this article shows that it is rooted in an understanding of the work of the Triune God in the death and resurrection of Christ, the daily renewal of the Spirit, and a life characterized by personal sacrifice to the glory of the Father.
With consideration to the impact of secularization in society and the privatization of life, this article shows how the church was before and after Constantine, then draws some lessons for the life of the church in a post-Christian culture.
Looking at the exegesis and message of Jeremiah 29:4-9, this article shows how this can be instructive for Christians as they seek to live their life in a land that is not their home.
This article looks at Article 18 and Article 19 of the Belgic Confession in the light of the struggle with the Anabaptists and the discussions with the Lutherans as to how the person of Christ is presented, and what relevance this has for the church today.
This article on Joel 2:18-32 is about the demand that the jealousy of God has on the lives of his children, and the victory of that jealousy through the outpouring of his Spirit.
This article shows how the Old Testament can be of practical use for Christians today provided they take it as it is, because it reveals the work of God with his people in Christ.
Looking at the historical context of the Belgic Confession, this article shows how and where Article 36 is relevant today in addressing the relationship between church and state.
In this article the author shows that the four Gospels should be understood in the context of the gospel. The work of Jesus Christ is examined in the light of the work of God the Father, and it is shown how Jesus as the bearer of good news brings restoration.
This article considers the role of tradition and experimentation within the Reformed churches by looking at the meaning of uniformity and conformity, showing that adhering to the same confession does not mean having the same practices, especially in worship. Keeping a balance is what is crucial for the church to be engaged in mission work.
Looking at the model of the Heidelberg Catechism, this article shows how the church can reach out in evangelism and mission work by spreading the message that touches both the mind and emotions.
This articles shows how in Jesus Christ the Bible presents a story that is able to combine the realities of life with a story that must be believed by all, which makes the Christian faith relevant to all people.
This article gives the historical development of the Reformed Churches that led to the Belgic Confession receiving its confessional status from the churches.
Arguing that Jerusalem is the mother church, this article looks at the role the Jerusalem church played in the book of Acts, the Catholic Epistles, and early church history.
What is the gospel? In this article the author shows that the four Gospels should be understood in the context of the gospel. The work of Jesus Christ is looked at in relation to the fulfillment of prophecies, and it is shown how Jesus comes as the bearer of good news.
Looking at the prevalence of wisdom in the Bible and in the ancient Near East, this article shows how wisdom was gained through tradition, experience, and revelation.
What is the gospel? In this article the author shows that the four Gospels should be understood in the context of the gospel. The work of Jesus Christ is looked at in relation to the work of John the Baptist, and it is shown how Jesus comes as the bearer of good news.
After showing that violence is something neither glorified nor encouraged in the Bible, this article shows the relation of violence in the Old Testament to God, and identifies how in Christ God changed this in the New Testament, while it distinguishes biblical violence from genocide and vengefulness.
Looking at the authorship, audience, and context of the letter to the Hebrews, this article seeks to come with some unifying answer to the questions relating to the origin, destiny, and recipients of the letter.
This article looks at the characteristics of biblical marriage and shows how the covenant structure informs the relationship between husband and wife, children and parents, and the public character of marriage.
With a view to the struggle in church history over the doctrine of the Trinity, this article shows how the Bible speaks about the Triune God in terms of his work, while showing the relevance on this doctrine for today.
This article looks at the arguments given for a second baptism, mainly considering the relationship between covenant baptism and faith baptism. Looking at the biblical evidence, the author concludes that infant baptism is the legitimate sign of the new covenant; hence, no need for second baptism.
Looking at the meaning and context of Romans 11:26, this article shows that on the basis of Christ being the Messiah for both Gentiles and Jews, Paul saw a future for the Jews by claiming that all Israel will be saved. This has implications for mission work towards Jews.
Looking at the meaning and context of Romans 11:26, this article shows that on the basis of Christ being the Messiah for both Gentiles and Jews, Paul saw a future for the Jews by claiming that all Israel will be saved. This has implications for mission work towards Jews.
Looking at cessationism through the eyes of Mark 16, Acts 5, and 1 Peter 2, this article shows that to claim the cessation of special gifts is not equal to claiming that God has ceased to do spectacular acts. God has the power and the liberty to call on spectacular ways.
This article looks at the theory of evolution in light of Genesis. It looks at Genesis 1 as revelation, history, and God's way of justifying himself against evil, and thereby shows that evolution has no room, but creation by God does.
Looking at the use of first person singular in the Psalms, this article shares some understanding as to how it may be understood and why it is not individualistic. Thus, the Psalms can be sung by the church. Applying this to the selection of hymns for church singing, the author shares some features that must characterize a church hymn.
This article looks at the impact that the separation of church and state in France has had on the Protestant churches in France in their involvement in social life and politics.
Through the eyes of the Council of Nicea, this article looks at the struggle between Christianity and Judaism, that the desire for Christianity to develop its identity away from Judaism has impacted the understanding of Old Testament feasts. Sabbath and Passover are used as examples.
Looking at the tale of Adapa from Akkadian literature and the story of Abraham from the Books of Jubilee, this article evaluates efforts to draw the parallel between Adapa and Adam.
Looking at the sermons and prayers of John Calvin, this article shows how he longed to see the church reformed. This article draws some lessons for the churches today in how they can share such a longing in the desire for ecumenical unity.
John Calvin was a man with great missionary zeal. This is what this article seeks to prove. The author does this by looking at the practical initiatives Calvin undertook in spreading the gospel, and the theological grounds by which he undertook the mission work.
With the availability of so many Reformed churches, is it still possible to apply the Belgic ConfessionArticle 29 in speaking about the true and false church? Looking at the three marks of the true church, this article shows that Article 29 is applicable even today, both to mark the true church and guide Christians in choosing the right church as they seek to obey the command of Christ.
This article looks at the thinking of Gustav Warneck, Hendrik Kraemer, and Lesslie Newbigin in relation to their development in their thinking about Christian mission in relation to world religions, while looking at the contribution they made to missiology.
Contextualizingtheological training for the ministry is what this article wants to do. Painting the context of India, this article shares characteristics of a theological training that can be used to equip ministers for a ministry that will be relevant to the needs of God's people in their context.
Looking at the relationship between the church and Israel, this article gives three models that are often used to explain this relationship: the church replacing Israel, the church incorporated into Israel, and Jesus as the Saviour of the world. This author is in favour of the third model.
Looking at the themes of the kingdom of God and justification, this article looks at the question of the relationship between Paul's and Jesus' preaching. Evaluating the paradigm shift in Pauline studies (e.g., by James Dunn), the author discusses the relationship between the kingdom and individual justification.
Looking at Ecclesiastes 11, this article shows what it means to live with the uncertainty of life while being certain of God who governs this life. The author applies this to someone investing while not falling into the trap of consumerism.
Looking at the changing character of the world and context in which Christians find themselves, this article considers what it means to be faithful to Scripture and confession. Arguing for the normative character of Scripture, this article shows how it relate to confession and tradition, and points to the way of working with Scripture in its context and the confession in our context.
After demonstrating the mission of Islam to make Europe an area of peace, this article shows that Islam brings with it a threat and a challenge. Through the doctrine of the Trinity, infant baptism, and the Christian view of the oneness of life, this article shows that the answers that Muslims seek are found here. Hence Christians must reach out to Muslims.
Giving a perspective from church history on what it means to be Reformed and the implication this has for church unity, this article shows how different Reformed churches can find a way of expressing this unity in their context.
Pointing to the reality that being Reformed and creative go hand-in-hand, this article shows that throughout church history, the Reformed faith has distinguished between form and content. It is through this distinguishing character of the Reformed and the desire to remain faithful to Scripture that creativeness in mission work can find room.
Looking at the biblical account of election, this article shows that from the Old Testament to the present day, God chooses his people so that they can be a blessing to others.
How does one become a false prophet? This article shows that you become a false prophet when you speak only what people want to hear and leave out things that are important to talk about. The article applies this to preaching and shows that true prophecy speaks what is of God, through God, and to God.
Looking at the command of God in Deuteronomy 7 to the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites, this article shows that this was not genocide nor motivated by fascism; it was God's justice and love at display.
This article looks at the translation of the Dutch Bible, demonstrating principles that lie behind the translation and the relation between translation and interpretation.
This article is about being a missionary church. The author discusses God’s relation to the church and the world, the kingship of Christ, the mission task of the church, and church planting.
This article looks at the connection between the fourth commandment and Sunday. After showing the transition of the day of rest from Saturday to Sunday, the article gives principles that guide the celebration of Sunday, and maps the ethical implications of this celebration in view of economic and social developments.
This article looks at the meaning of Habakkuk 2:4 in its context, and as it is used in the New Testament, as it points to the nature of biblical faith.
This article shows that understanding salvation as the restoration of identity is the path to helping those who struggle with homosexual feelings, and is a way of reaching them. This article also discusses principles for pastoral care to the same-sex attracted Christian.
This article paints a contrasts between the world of youth during the week and on a Sunday at church. It shows how young people struggle to fit in the church, and how the church can take steps to get the young people engaged.
Looking at the book of Chronicles, this article looks at the theme of joy as something the author of Chronicles wanted God's people to experience and realize. It is a book on the expression of joy for God's work.
Looking at the meaning of the word catholic, this article looks at the call to church unity in the light of the divisions within the Reformed churches. The article asks the question, "What does it mean to confess the catholicity of the church?"
What does the "style of Christ" and the "style of his kingdom" mean for the question about divorce and remarriage? Is adultery always grounds for divorce? The author also discusses 1 Corinthians 7 and divorce, and Matthew 19 and the phrase “hardness of hearts.”
From the life and work of Herman Bavinck, Christians can learn the courage to be Reformed, stand by the confessions and make them relevant for today, have a desire for the catholicity of the church, and seek to spread the gospel to all. Let this article explain these things.
Looking at the book of Psalms, this article shows that though each psalm has a message of its own, the Psalter as a whole teaches us how to speak with God.
When the words blameless, perfect, and innocent are used to describe God's people, they do not mean that they are without sin, but that they have made a radical choice for God through the grace of God. Let this article explain.
After surveying the biblical evidence on prophecy, this article shows that biblical prophecy is not mainly about foretelling the future. The prophet is a mouthpiece of God who for the most part spoke about the work of Jesus Christ.
After showing that in postmodernism and pluralism the church is not meeting a new enemy, this article shows how evangelism from a Reformed perspective can be undertaken based on the Reformed doctrines, keeping God at the centre.
John Wesley's perspective on faith influenced his understanding of justification and sanctification. This led to his idea of perfectionism. The author discusses the impact of Wesley's beliefs today.
The internet can be a world of opportunities for the church that wants to work with God in spreading the gospel. This article looks at the possibilities of using the internet for the service of the kingdom.
Looking at the prevalence of deliverance ministries and their portrayal of Satan, this article shows how these have altered the biblical teaching on spiritual struggle. The spiritual warfare in which we are engaged is different from that which is preached by deliverance ministries. Deliverance can only be found in Christ.
To confess that one has a sinful nature and is responsible for this inherited sin may be a hard thing to do. This article looks at the meaning of inherited sin and theories that attempt to explain its meaning.
This article describes how original sin is passed on since Adam through the generations. The author looks at some structural aspects and relationships that play a role in inheriting original sin, and the impact they have on everyone.
This article reviews the nature of original sin and the way in which it is transferred to us. The author also discusses how original sin impacts our view of ourselves and others.
Looking at original sin from God's perspective, this article shows that sin did not occur outside of God's boundaries. He allowed it to happen for a reason.
This article looks at the concept of praise throughout the Old and New Testament, showing that the foundation of praise is God. The author explains that praising God is the centre of the Christian life and is a response to the revelation of the Triune God.
