Intentionally or unconsciously, this argument can often be used by Christians in an attempt to justify one’s actions. A young Christian may rationalize under-age drinking, wrongful sharing of schoolwork, attending movies, telling dirty jokes, or disobedience to parents. The older Christian may justify (a little) excess drinking, coveting material things, watching movies or television sitcoms […]
When I was a young man back in early 1950, smoking was the cool thing to do, however, we were warned not to start smoking until we reached the age of 21, otherwise it might stunt our growth. Now 50 years later we learn that smoking is a devastating health problem. Smoking of tobacco products […]
A Story from the Time of the Afscheiding translated by Rev. Cornelius Hanko Chapter 19 Sunday Morning Rev. Buddingh had been brought to Hilversum during the night so that his presence in the village would not be detected. He was to preach to the Secessionist congregation the next morning, and the congregation knew that, if […]
Rev. Michael De Vries hails from “the tall corn state” of Iowa. He was born on July 31, 1953, during very troubled times in the Protestant Reformed Churches. He was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the first child of Vernon and Marilyn De Vries. He and his family were originally members of the Pella Protestant Reformed […]
One of the hardest barriers to overcome when knowing that we are the elect of God, is the knowledge that our family members may not be. When we truly have heart conviction from God, we acknowledge that apart from Him it is impossible to know peace, joy and hope. It’s one thing to tell of […]
If you have been following the Music articles, you have noticed that we have brought the brief historical sketch of music up until the present. This means that we are to start to consider a different sphere of music. What I would like to consider next is the psychological effects of music. Music plays a […]
I had a close encounter some time ago with some reclusive fellows of the strong silent type. I’m sure you know some people like that. They keep their thoughts to themselves. They rarely speak or let their feelings show with a smile. They usually look like they have a frown. Once you get to know […]
A poem found by one of our readers in a “real old book.” The caption reads: “This one was the prayer of an unknown Confederate soldier. He found it, I believe, in an old church in South Carolina.” I asked God for strength that I might achieve I was made weak that I might learn […]
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Young people, we were reminded that in our spiritual journey, we […]
Trumpets blew. Banners flew. A new Queen for England—Hooray! But the crown weighed heavily upon the head of the sixteen-year-old girl. It was a time of great upheaval in government and religion. A King ruled here and promoted the cause of the Reformation. A Queen ruled there and promoted the cause of the Catholic Church. […]