Two Kinds of Observers There have always been two kinds of Calvin-biographies, and since the nineteenth century there have also been two kinds of observations on Calvin’s use of Scripture. Historians, investigators in the broad field of history, never are quite unbiased. They always approach the facts as children of their time and as men […]
“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1 When we confess our undoubted Christian faith, as we so often do when we recite the Apostles Creed, it is kind of like boasting about our God. He confesses that He is the great Creator […]
In chapter 2 Samuel shows us the savior of the story, or better yet, one should say that God Himself provides a redeemer. Yes, every detail of this profound little story drives us forward to the coming encounter with the kinsman redeemer, Boaz. It may go without saying, but this author will still remind the […]
The Encounter The apex and center of chapter 2 is the God-ordained encounter of Ruth and Boaz. Samuel designed their meeting to be dramatic, and he uses the dialogue, the structure, and virtually everything in the story to pull the reader closer and closer to the center of the chapter, where the hero meets the […]
This month we conclude the series of articles about the offices of our Savior, as we consider Christ Our King. As with the other two offices of Jesus (prophet and priest) this one, too, defines who you are and gives purpose and direction to your life. Like the offices of prophet and priest, the office […]
The year 2009 marked the celebration of the 500th birthday of John Calvin. Every denomination, every church with the name “Reformed” in it took note of this special occasion. Every religious periodical that has any affiliation with the churches of the Reformation honored John Calvin in one way or another. The Outlook, for example, ran […]
Come, Ye Children, A Bible Storybook for Young Children by Gertrude Hoeksema Reformed Free Publishing Assoc. Reviewed by Jeff Steenholdt “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord” are words that establish the tone of this Bible storybook, titled after this verse from Psalm 34:11. I had the […]