Can you glorify God in your work? The Dutch Reformed are well aware of Abraham Kuyper’s quote: “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’”1 The Presbyterians would proclaim a similar position, beginning with the first answer […]
Introduction Fifty-five years ago, Reformed Fellowship published an edited book commemorating the Synod of Dort of 1618–19. This synod was an international gathering of theologians, ministers, and elders to deal with a number of pressing issues in the Reformed church, including translating the Bible, organizing and governing the Reformed churches in the Netherlands, and—its most […]
A reader encouraged me to follow up on the topic I introduced in the March/April issue of The Outlook—the five Walloon or Walcheren Articles of 1693. I focused on the first article, but what about the other four? Before answering that question, I offer a confession that suggests why this document continues to hold […]
We are approaching the time of year when many American families will rewatch the 1946 holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life. The movie tells the story of George Bailey, a self-sacrificing father and husband whose life begins to unravel on a fateful Christmas Eve. Viewers who persist through some fast-and-loose Hollywood theology about how people […]
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39, English Standard Version). It is a cardinal commandment of the Christian life and, at first glance, a simple one. But what should we make of Jesus’ comparison to self-love? Most children, whether raised in a Christian home or not, are taught that selfishness is bad. So […]
Have you ever noticed a change in your church’s youth group right after attending a Reformed Youth Services (RYS) convention or participating in a Reformed Mission Services trip? In addition to gushing with enthusiasm for their favorite memories of the week or the countless new friends they made, there’s often a euphoria that’s harder to […]
Why do you go to church? All right, this may be a silly question. There are plenty of obvious answers: to worship God, to strengthen your faith, to fellowship with other believers—all good motives. If you’re honest with yourself, maybe there are other reasons too: because the rest of your family does it, because it’s […]
The familiar words of the Apostles’ Creed have embedded themselves in the minds of many Christians: “The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.” The orthodox faith has always affirmed Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, so these truths are familiar […]
As I write this, two important ecclesiastical assemblies have just met: the ninth synod of the United Reformed Churches in North America in Visalia, California (June 3–5), and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church’s eighty-first General Assembly in Grand Rapids, Michigan (June 4–9). Both assemblies included a vote regarding the final collection of psalm settings for the […]
Do you plan to go to college? If you’re in high school, your search for the place to continue your education has likely already begun. Maybe you’ve already visited a few campuses and experienced the typical sales pitches from tour guides and admissions counselors. Maybe your mailbox is starting to sag with the weight of shiny brochures […]