PreCon 09: Serving the Lord

Third, do you declare ... that it is your heartfelt desire to serve him according to his Word ...? As a Christian you don't live for yourself, but you live for the Lord. The Bible is very clear on this. The most celebrated people in the Bible called themselves "servants" of God. Who are these … Continue reading PreCon 09: Serving the Lord →

Catechism lesson 36: Respect for human life (LD 40)

Because all humans are created in the image of God, we must respect them and protect their life as much as our own. LD 40 q&a 105. What does God require in the sixth commandment? I am not to dishonour, hate, injure, or kill my neighbourby thoughts, words, or gestures,and much less by deeds,whether personally … Continue reading Catechism lesson 36: Respect for human life (LD 40) →

PreCon 08: A response of love

"Third, do you declare that you love the Lord God ...?" The Christian faith is very personal. When you make profession of your faith, you publicly announce: "I love the Lord!" It is similar to what you do when you get married: that, too, is a public declaration of love. It would be strange to … Continue reading PreCon 08: A response of love →

PreCon 07: Salvation

"Do you ... seek your life outside of yourself in Jesus Christ?" Our salvation is the work of the God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Throughout our lives (and even before!) they work with us and in us and for us to give us complete salvation. We can distinguish several aspects or … Continue reading PreCon 07: Salvation →

Catechism lesson 35: Respect for authority (LD 39)

We owe parents and other authority figures respect, because God has created and appointed our social relationships. LD 39 q&a 104. What does God requirein the fifth commandment? That I show all honour, love, and faithfulnessto my father and motherand to all those in authority over me,submit myself with due obedienceto their good instruction and … Continue reading Catechism lesson 35: Respect for authority (LD 39) →

Catechism lesson 34: The Lord’s Day (LD 38)

As people belonging to the Jesus Christ, we must worship him regularly together with other believers. This is a reminder and a picture of the spiritual rest he is giving us. LD 38 q&a 103 What does God requirein the fourth commandment? First,that the ministry of the gospeland the schools be maintainedand that, especially on … Continue reading Catechism lesson 34: The Lord’s Day (LD 38) →

Catechism lesson 33: The Holy Name (LD 36, 37)

Because the LORD is holy, we must speak of him with reverence, and be careful not to give him a bad reputation. LD 36 q&a 99. What is required in the third commandment? We are not to blaspheme or to abuse the name of Godby cursing, perjury, or unnecessary oaths,nor to share in such horrible … Continue reading Catechism lesson 33: The Holy Name (LD 36, 37) →

CanRC and FRC (1): Pursuing our Unity

In Chatham, ON, there are several “Dutch Reformed” churches. Two of them are the Canadian Reformed Church, called “Eben-Ezer”, and the Free Reformed Church, “Living Hope”. These churches are similar in many respects, but the contact between them is very limited. In my mind, this is a sad state of affairs. I believe that we … Continue reading CanRC and FRC (1): Pursuing our Unity →

Covenantal and experiential preaching

In the preaching of the gospel, who are addressed and in what way?

The Bible as the Word of God

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and must therefore have a central place in our lives. The Bible is God's revelation, the norm for our faith, and to be interpreted in the community of the confessing church.