It has often been observed that the dignity and splendor of original man can in part be discerned in the startling character of his ruin. Just as something of the grandeur that once belonged to ancient civilizations still is traceable in their desolate remains, so humankind, even in its fallen state, carries vestiges of its original […]
DEACONS MAY EVEN HAVE TO VISIT THE WELL-TO-DO In the Christian Reformed formulary used in the ordination of deacons we read that the work of the deacons consists of three things plus this: “the relief of the distressed both with kindly deeds, and words of consolation and cheer from Scripture.” The Church Order (old), article 25, […]
The first Protestant missionaries ever to come to Japan were mostly from the U.S.A. When they came to this strange land of Buddhists and sun-worshippers they found no Christians. Today, 100 years after their arrival, one out of every 200 persons is a Christian. I agree, one half of one per cent is a small amount. […]
In this article we seek to give our readers a preview of some of the matters which will come up for discussion next month at the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church to convene in Grand Rapids. We have not had the time to read the reports contained in the 307.page Agenda. Our comments will be […]
Upon first reading of the proposed revision of our Church Order its clarity of style and language in comparison with the older document are at once apparent. These improvements are carried pretty well throughout, with a few notable exceptions. Where sentence structure has been kept simple, the content and meaning are easily understood. Attempts at too […]
Does the Scripture or Reformed theology have anything to say directly or indirectly about where the pulpit is to be placed in the church? This question has received some attention lately. A bit of added attention is possibly in order. The question has become divided into two closely related questions. In the first place we […]
QUESTION: At sixteen and a half years of age I have a problem with which I would like some help. After Young People’s Society we usually go for coffee at a member’s house. My deadline used to be 10:15 p.m., but recently it has become 10:00 p.m. I don’t see the reason why I have […]
Although the Bible cannot be said to stress the divine omnipotence more strongly than it stresses such divine attributes as holiness and love, the truth that God is almighty looms exceedingly large in his self-revelation. So it does also in that confession of the faith of the historic Christian church which is known as the Apostles’ […]
The Church of Christ has been commissioned to make disciples of all nations. This command holds for all nations and generations, until the end of time when the Savior-King shall return in great glory upon the clouds of heaven. Throughout the centuries the church has always taken seriously, at least in theory, that the method by […]
Man’s greatest embarrassment in education today is his failure to find a satisfactory relation between religion and learning. Man is naturally, ineradicably religious. Yet he wants to free education completely from sectarian influences and therefore takes it out from under the aegis of religion. When he dismisses religion by sending it out the front door, however, […]