Although everything on the Agenda for the CRC Synod is significant, not every item is of equal importance. Going through the 568-page Agenda leaves me with the impression that there is one issue of supreme importance and that it should be kept clearly in focus. The purpose of these lines is to zero in on […]
A day-long meeting was held recently in The Netherlands to discuss the subject, The Christian and Communism. Five excellent addresses were delivered, followed by open discussion periods. This comment came out of the audience: “I speak here, of course, as a Christian, but I want you to know that I have not always fellowshipped in […]
Outlook Editor: The March, 1979 issue of the Outlook contained an article by the Rev. Peter De Jong entitled “Are Christian Schools Teaching the Bible?” The article claims to present some of the observations of the author based on a critical comparison of two Bible curricula that we publish, the older Historical Study (in gr. […]
Several months ago, in the aftermath of the Guyana carnage, a cartoon appeared in the Los Angeles Times. It featured a large human monster named cults. The monster held the Bible in one hand, the other hand clutching a number of strings attached to human puppets. The caption said, “Give me your rootless souls.” […]
Recently a special Sunday was observed throughout the denomination. Christian Schools International provided bulletin covers, the BANNER had a complete issue devoted to Christian Education and the OUTLOOK carried a couple of articles concerning the Reformed emphasis of Christian education. I’m sure that most of us appreciate a special emphasis on Christian education. It is […]
“Jesus Christ is Lord” based on Philippians 2:9–11, was the theme of the 53rd annual Conference on Reformed Evangelism. The two–day conference was held in the beautiful facilities of the Calvin College Campus of Grand Rapids, Michigan on April3 and 4. About three hundred people registered. Mr. Ken Navis, president, led in a song service […]
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God , with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Pentecost, can be grieved. He can also be quenched., says Paul in another place. And Stephen, in his defense, accuses the unbelieving Jews of always resisting the […]
It is difficult to give an appropriate title to this article. The designation “conservative” is generally accepted and in a general way better understood than more suitable terms. If there were a consensus as to the meaning of terms such as reformed, calvinistic, confessional and historic faith, these would be preferable. Lamentably, the philosophical dialectic […]
Through the centuries Christians using the words of the Apostles’ Creed have confessed their faith “in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord.” While the term “only-begotten” is very familiar and definitely Scriptural (John 1:14, 18, 3:16, 18; I John 4:9), it is often misunderstood. Usually, we think that the word means simply that […]
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us.” 2 Cor. 5:20(a) Not Just Talking, But Preaching! Those who attend church services nowadays often experience ver y strange things, not only with respect to the organization of the service liturgically but also the manner with which some believe that […]