Recently a URC minister shared with me some fascinating comments on a cappella worship. On the way home from synod he had visited a congregation that sings psalms exclusively and without musical accompaniment. Comparing it with the norm of organ- or piano-accompanied singing across our own federation, he observed that the non-accompanied congregational singing at […]
n two previous articles, we looked at how archaeology can aid our understanding and interpretation of God’s Word. The first article presented the topic methodologically. It sketched out big-picture questions related to archaeology and the Bible so that readers might have necessary categories. In the second article, we applied that methodology to some specific examples […]
As They Pertain to the Corrupted Elements of Culture We’ve been thinking about several of the underlying corrupt elements within American society that led IRBC’s founding elders to join their hearts in prayer before the face of the Lord in the sanctuary of the Cornerstone URC one afternoon. These and many of their, as well […]
By: Simonetta Carr Michelangelo for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities (Chicago Review Press, 2016) Reviewed by: Rev. William Boekestein Chicago Review Press does not publish Christian books. Their publishing submission guidelines explicitly state that they do not publish books in the area of religion. But in Michelangelo for Kids: His Life and […]
It is widely believed that when the British surrendered at Yorktown near the end of the American War of Independence, the British band played “The World Turned Upside Down,” A new form of republican government, with the philosophy of everyone being equal, was about to take shape on the world stage. Now, just imagine Luther […]
Scripture Reading: Ezra 3:7–4:5 Background Reading: 2 Chronicles 5; 7:1–6; 2 Kings 17:24–41 Discussion Starters 1. After the Feast of Tabernacles was finished, what did the Israelites immediately undertake? Did they confine their activities to the community of believers, or did they also work closely with nonbelievers? (See note 6:7.1.) 2. Was it wrong for […]
Scripture Reading: Ezra 3:1–7 Background Reading: Numbers 20:12–40; Leviticus 23:33–44 Discussion Starters 1. What was it that prompted all the children of Israel to leave their homes and gather in Jerusalem? (See note 5:1.1.) 2. What does it mean that they “gathered as one man”? Was this typical of the Israelites prior to the time […]
We continue our study of the seven “I Am” statements of Christ. We have seen that He is the bread of life, the light of the world, and now the gate for the sheep. As we think about sheep, there are likely a number of different images that come to mind, but much of the […]
Salt is good, but if salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. —Mark 9:50 This is my third year at the RYS Youth Convention. I can undoubtedly say that it is a tremendous blessing as a young Christian to […]
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver —Prov. 25:11 This year at convention we learned how to live the salt life. Our main sessions taught about being at peace with one another. As Christians, “we are broken to bless, to bless the broken.” “We are a rock that needs […]