“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword: I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have […]

About this time of the year, when we contemplate the excitement of starting another school year and wonder aloud how we are going to payoff the tuition account, the necessity of Christian schools again begins to nag us. Are Christian schools really worth the cost of tuition? Is there enough difference between Christian and secular […]

If and when spiritual Christian revival occurs, what will it look like? Scriptures gives us a sure answer. The inspired Psalmist writes: “Revive us, oh Lord, according to your Word” (Ps. 119:107). Revival will be an awesome and unexpected fulfillment of the holy teachings and gracious promises of God as contained in the Scriptures. The […]

Let’s begin with the background of this fascinating book. Without some knowledge of this it will be little more than an impersonal piece of literature penned centuries ago. But when remembering the author, the circumstances and also the type of writing, we will be better able to see our way through what otherwise might seem […]

When attending a play, we expect to be involved, intrigued and exhilarated. That, of course, demands preparation on our part. The usher hands us a program. It announces title, author, main characters and, perhaps, a synopsis. All this we read carefully before the drama begins.               Much like Luke […]

Revelation 1:9–20 Believers in every age and life situation can become discouraged at times. The cause is usually not hard to detect. Remember Peter walking on the waves? As long as he was doing what seemed impossible, looking to the Lord Jesus, he was safe. But when he saw the surging waters he began to […]

Churches often receive “official” visitors. Among the hierarchical organizations this is the bishop; among the Reformed for several centuries, two neighboring pastors. These offer encouragement, advice and, if needed, also correction. When such a calling is discharged according to its original intent (d. John and Peter visiting Samaria, Acts 8:14f.), the benefits can be great. […]

Revelation 2:12–29 Do you remember the story of that little Dutch boy? Walking along the dike, he noticed a small break through which the waters were seeping. Bravely he put in his hand, then his fist, and finally his body to stem the flow. Only after some hours was he rescued. But his bravery spared […]

Revelation 3:1–22 Often we find strange statements in Scripture. One of these deals with judgment. Many suppose this happens only at death or on that great Day of days. Or if present, then usually only for those whose conscience has been seared. Far too often it is in~ terpreted only in a negative, punitive sense. […]

Revelation 4:1–10 For believers the visions found in Scripture are nothing strange. Often in a variety of such forms the Lord made known His word and work to mankind. Already Enoch, seventh from Adam, knew that the Lord would come with thousands of His holy ones to judge the world in righteousness. Also Jacob at […]