Scripture: Esther 2:1–18 Background Reading: Genesis 38:1–30; Matthew 1:1–3 The Lapse of Time As we begin to look at Esther 2, we quickly notice a lapse of time. The events recorded for us in this chapter do not follow immediately after those in Esther 1. We are reminded that royal decrees from King Xerxes went […]
Scripture: Esther 2:19–3:15 Background reading: Exodus 17:8–16; Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1 Samuel 15:1–9, 32–33 As we continue our reading in the book of Esther, we might conclude that the events presented are nice, neat demonstrations of coincidence. It just so happens, by chance, that Mordecai happened to be in the right place at the right time […]
In the last article within the context of a discussion about IRBC’s third step of counseling (identifying and prioritizing problems), we touched upon the importance of sharing the gospel with those whom God brings us that are lost. Although ordained ministers have a particular responsibility to proclaim the gospel, every member of the body of […]
Introduction In my final year of seminary I did a lot of pulpit supply to the various churches in the Michigan Classis. Sometimes I served as pulpit supply for both morning service and evening service, and when that was the case, I typically saw poorer attendance in the evening service. Furthermore, this is not an […]
Brian Najapfour and Sarah Najapfour. Amazing Grace. Grand Rapids: Biblical Spirituality Press, 2018. 41 pages. Paperback. Amazing Grace is the first part of the series called “Stories behind Favorite Hymns for Ages 3 to 6.” This book recounts the story of John Newton and one of his most beloved hymns in an engaging way for […]
Book Review – A Colorful Past: A Coloring Book of Church History Rev Phillip Stoffregen Rev. William Boekestein. A Colorful Past: A Coloring Book of Church History. Illustrated by Naomi Kamphuis. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2018. Paperback. 88 pages Yes, a review for a coloring book! You may wonder how helpful a coloring book […]
Turning the Reformed Church Outward: The Potential for Side-Door Growth For years, North American churches have grown through what might be termed front-door growth. Churches worked hard on their street appeal and redesigned worship services that were welcoming and exciting to the unchurched. This approach proved extraordinarily successful with a large demographic of people who […]
Why We Work: What Is the Point? You shuffle into work. Clock in on the outdated computer. Report to your boss. “Morning,” you mutter; she grunts in reply. File. Arrange. Rearrange. Click. Shooo. “Ahggh.” Despite caffeine and a full REM cycle, your blurred eyes couldn’t distinguish the trash folder from the file folder on the […]
Faith and Fruit in a Post-Christian World: Hospitality One of the fascinating tidbits in the historical archives of my home church is a property map of the village of West Sayville, Long Island, dating from the year 1927. The recurring surnames of the property owners tell a story: Dykstra, Van Essendelft, Verbeke, Van Wyen. The […]
Practical Pieces of Advice Regarding Our Tongues 1. Acknowledge that you have a tongue that is prone to sin. One of my favorite hymns is “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” written by Robert Robinson in 1757 when he was only twenty-two years old. Listen to what he says in the fourth stanza: O to […]