John Piening, Trowel and Sword. Jan./Feb. 1963 Preamble: I am constantly in awe of the early pioneers of the Reformed Church in Australia. They achieved so much in such a short space of time that the only conclusion that one can draw is that God was with them and guiding them in each step ofContinue reading “The Work Of The F.C.Y.A.”
Author Archives: Bert Moritz & Pieter Stok
A Life For God
Rev. Pieter Stok. Trowel and Sword, October 1994. Preamble: In the movie, “Dead Poet’s Society,” Robin Williams, who plays the part of teacher John Keating, tells his class of boys, “We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the humanContinue reading “A Life For God”
Film Review – The Passion of the Christ
David Groenenboom. Trowel and Sword, March 2004. Preamble: Many movies have been made based on the Bible, a large number of them about the life (and death), of Jesus. Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” is one that has stirred up much debate, and often criticism in many quarters so we considered it appropriateContinue reading “Film Review – The Passion of the Christ”
A Contemporary Defence of the Resurrection
Dirk J. van Garderen, Trowel & Sword. April 1995. Preamble: Back in April 1995 (Easter issue) T&S carried an article from the pen of Rev. Dirk van Garderen (N.Z.) showing that, while the idea of a resurrection might be regarded as unscientific, it is not more difficult to believe the Easter story today than itContinue reading “A Contemporary Defence of the Resurrection”
Life Wasn’t Meant To Be Easy.
John Westerdorp, Trowel and Sword, March 1999. Preamble: In his article “Annus Liturgicus” (TSR Jan. 1 ’24) Bill Deenick wrote about the church calendar as not being big in Reformed circles but nevertheless being useful in planning his preaching. Lent is that period before Easter which lends itself to this. As we are now inContinue reading “Life Wasn’t Meant To Be Easy.”
Australian Gleanings
Including “Encouragements and Aspirations” by Pastor Verlan Van Ee of the Reformed Church of North America at the end of an eight month pastoral Exchange with Rev. Martin de Graaf of Tecoma. Rev. Fred Vanderbom, Trowel & Sword, Jan./Feb. 1997 Preamble written by Rev. Fred Vanderbom: December’s (last week’s) Gleanings pages were drawn from theContinue reading “Australian Gleanings”
Australian Gleanings – Part 1
Rev. Fred Vanderbom, Trowel & Sword, December 1996 Preamble: On Friday February 16, a stalwart of the Christian Reformed Church, Fred Vanderbom, passed into glory. We remember his wife Helen and the wider family at this time of grief. Fred served the church faithfully over many years and even in his retirement he served as a locumContinue reading “Australian Gleanings – Part 1”
Shepherds Flock Together
OFFICIAL REPORT ON THE MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE OF THE REFORMED CHURCHES OF AUSTRALIA, HELD AT DANDENONG, VICTORIA, SEPTEMBER 2nd, 3rd AND 4th, 1958 Arent de Graaf, Trowel & Sword, October 1958 Preamble: Have you ever wondered what ministers do and talk about at ministers’ conferences. Wonder no more. Aren’t de Graaf give a very comprehensive accountContinue reading “Shepherds Flock Together”
The Future Of The Christian University In Indonesia
HENK DeWAARD, Trowel and Sword, October 1975 Preamble: While Christian Schools have flourished in recent years due in a large part to the efforts of Reformed Churches and their members, the establishment of Christian universities has been much more difficult to achieve. No doubt there are many factors at play preventing this from happening. ItContinue reading “The Future Of The Christian University In Indonesia”
“I Was Born Again Because Of Minka”
Paksu Mat, Trowel and Sword, April 1976 Preamble: “LEST WE FORGET”. Australians and New Zealanders should be familiar with these words as they are repeated around both countries every ANZAC and every Remembrance Day. The message they send is that we should never forget those who lost their lives in the defence of their countries.Continue reading ““I Was Born Again Because Of Minka””
T&S Revisited 