In this twelfth and concluding article in his series, For Elders and Deacons, Rev. Harry C. Arnold, pastor of the First CRC of Lansing, Illinois, writes that “. . . office-bearers should realize that it is basically through their decisions that the church has manifested herself as Christ’s body at work. Thank God for your […]
In this eleventh article in his series, For Elders and Deacons, Harry G. Arnold writes: “Let our deacons be the conscience of the church to minister to the physical needs of a sorely distressed world. Thus, in conjunction with the ministry of the Word, the church will minister to the whole man—body and soul.” Arnold […]
In this tenth article in his series, For Elders and Deacons, Rev. Harry C. Arnold writes: “It is very clear that the Reformed church views the task of the deacons as that of ministering to the needy. While the members of the household of faith receive the priority in this ministry of mercy, there is […]
In this issue Rev. Harry G. Arnold presents the seventh in his series of articles under the heading, For Elders and Deacons. Because about 4,000 consistory members have been added to the list of those receiving THE OUTLOOK, this series is timely and should prove to be interesting and profitable for them as well as […]
In two previous articles we were taught that God’s sovereign control over all that takes place in our lives should teach us patience in adversity and thankfulness in prosperity. In this article we want to observe that God’s sovereign control over all things also teaches us “good confidence in our faithful God and Father’s love.” […]
In a recent article it was noted that the Heidelberg Catechism teaches us that we are to be “patient when things go against us.” In this article we want to discuss a second thing that God’s sovereign control over all things teaches us, namely, to be “thankful when things go well.” A third […]
One of the instructive features of the Heidelberg Catechism is that it often includes the benefit of one’s belief. For example, in Lord’s Day 10, after explaining the meaning of the providence of God it goes on to ask “how this knowledge can help us” (Q. 28). We find the same approaches elsewhere in the […]
When we talk about “purpose” we mean a desired result one wishes to achieve. Or, what is the aim or goal one has in mind for doing something? In plain terms we can say that all our acts are governed by purpose. For example, if we get in our car we have in mind to […]
Life is full of promises! We promise to pay an employee for agreed upon work. The employee agrees to do the work and, therefore, promises faithfulness to his employer. Couples make promises to each other in the covenant of marriage. And so one could go on and on telling of how promises are manifest in […]
“ For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer. 29:11) One frequently hears the words of Jeremiah 29:11 quoted by people to encourage others who are in despair. They quote the text as though […]