Introductory speech to Reformation Day Event on October 30, 2025 at Eben-Ezer Church in Chatham, ON. What was the Reformation? One day in 1517, Professor Martin Luther published 95 discussion points on the door of his church, to start a scholarly debate about the true meaning of repentance. He believed that some of the practices … Continue reading What was the Reformation
Category: Miscellaneous
The Greatest Reformer
Speech delivered at the Reformation Day Rally of Eben-Ezer CanRC, Living Hope FRC, and Trinity ARP in Chatham, Ontario, on October 31, 2023. Today we celebrate and commemorate the Great Reformation. In the 1500s, the Lord used men like Luther and Zwingli and Calvin to point out error and corruption in the church, and to … Continue reading The Greatest Reformer
Christ’s two natures after his resurrection
When he came to earth, the Son of God took upon himself our humanity. We speak of the two natures of Christ: he is both fully God and fully human, two natures perfectly united in one Person. In his glorification, the Son of God did not push away his human nature. The risen Lord appeared … Continue reading Christ’s two natures after his resurrection
Risen or raised?
“Jesus rose from the dead.”“God raised Jesus from the dead.” Which of these statements is the most correct? In the first sentence, the intransitive verb “rise” is used. Jesus is the one acting here: he himself came out of death. But in the second sentence, we have the transitive verb “raise”. God the Father is … Continue reading Risen or raised?
Biblical words for “hell”
In older Bible versions, the word “hell” occurs more often than in modern versions. The reason is simply that the original text uses different words, with at least two distinct meanings. Sheol (OT Hebrew). The cords of Sheol coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. (Ps. 18:5) Sheol is the realm of the … Continue reading Biblical words for “hell”
Jesus’ burial
In our Western culture, the dead are customarily buried or cremated. It does not surprise us that Jesus’ body was buried. But it was surprising, giving the culture and customs of that time. The Romans did not usually allow crucified criminals to be buried. Crucifixion was meant to be horrific and shameful until the very … Continue reading Jesus’ burial
Who was Pontius Pilate?
“He suffered under Pontius Pilate.” The Apostles’ Creed give the full name of the Roman governor who had Jesus tortured and crucified. Who was this man, and why is he so important? In New Testament times, the Holy Land was part of the Roman Empire. Judea was a notoriously province: many Jews never accepted the … Continue reading Who was Pontius Pilate?
Jesus Christ emptied himself
Though he was in the form of God, [he] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself. (Phil. 2:6f) Theologians speak of kenôsis, Greek for “emptying”, to describe how the Son of God lay aside his divine glory and majesty when he became a man. Philippians 2 points out … Continue reading Jesus Christ emptied himself
“One and Only” or “Only-Begotten”?
From early on, the church has emphasized that Jesus is the only-begotten Son of God. We find this phrase in the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed. Until recently, it was also found in English Bibles, for instance in the well-known verse, John 3:16: God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son. … Continue reading “One and Only” or “Only-Begotten”?
Anointing in the Old Testament
In Old Testament times, it was common practice to anoint officials: prophets, priests, and kings. But even the patriarchs (Abram, Isaac, Jacob) are called God’s “anointed ones” in Ps. 105:15. The ritual of anointing with oil is, first of all, a sign of dedication to God. In Gen. 28:18 we read that Jacob poured oil … Continue reading Anointing in the Old Testament