Shall We Co-operate With Dr. Billy Graham. (Question Box)

J.W. Deenick. Trowel & Sword, September 1958. Preamble: Following on from last week’s article from Rev. van Groningen we have a second article, from Rev. J.W. Deenick regarding the visit by Dr. Graham. He is responding to a question from an unnamed subscriber who asks what to many would appear to be a reasonable question.Continue reading “Shall We Co-operate With Dr. Billy Graham. (Question Box)”

The Billy Graham Crusade – What Shall Our Attitude Be?

Rev. G. Van Groningen. Trowel & Sword, November 1958 Preamble: Consider the context. A mere seven years previously, Calvinist migrants from the Netherlands had established the Reformed Churches of Australia as they had not been satisfied with any of the existing denominations. Now they were faced with the prospect of an evangelist from the SouthernContinue reading “The Billy Graham Crusade – What Shall Our Attitude Be?”

The Telly: A Spiritual Health Hazard

Rev. Raymond O. Zorn. Trowel & Sword, June 1996 Preamble: Just under thirty years ago when this article was written, life was so much simpler than it is today. We only had the “evils of television” to worry about. Today we also have the internet, mobile phones and social media platforms multiplying rapidly. So whileContinue reading “The Telly: A Spiritual Health Hazard”

What Does Our Church Teach?

C. Schaveling. Trowel & Sword, June/July 1959. Preamble: This article was originally published across two editions as shown above. It begins with a brief introduction, presumably written by Dr. K. Runia, in which he invites readers to share their copies of Trowel & Sword to people who may be interested in learning more about theContinue reading “What Does Our Church Teach?”

Spiritual Effects Of Rock Music

Bill van Schie. Trowel & Sword. April 1975 Preamble: Has there ever been a more contentious topic of discussion between parents and and their offspring than music? As a general rule each generation has a preference for the music that they grew up with. The advent of Rock and Roll in the second half ofContinue reading “Spiritual Effects Of Rock Music”

Should We Still Commemorate October 31?

Is Rome Really Changing? Dr. K. Runia. Trowel & Sword, October 1964 Preamble: Is Reformation day still remembered and celebrated by your local church? In our church, Reformation day was always celebrated with a combined service with the Presbyterian and Reformed Presbyterian churches. Then came the covid lockdowns and the service had to be cancelled.Continue reading “Should We Still Commemorate October 31?”

At home With One Another In The Church

Rev. John Westerdorp. Trowel & Sword, April 1996 Preamble: On reading this article from John Westendorp the thought struck me, have we learned anything in the last thirty years? Worse still, are we going backwards? Have you come across any Reformed recluses lately; or Reformed church surfers, looking for that perfect church just as aContinue reading “At home With One Another In The Church”

Living By Faith

Rev. Don Baird, Trowel & Sword, April 1996 Preamble: This short article by Don Baird would seem to be stating the obvious to a Reformed Christian. Salvation is by faith alone. This seems straight forward enough, but Don takes it one step further. Faith in what? Faith in God? Read on to see where DonContinue reading “Living By Faith”

Calvinism And 1959

Prof. K. Runia. Trowel & Sword, April 1959 Preamble: It seems somewhat ironic that while we worship an unchanging and unchangeable God, Christians, including Reformed Christians, are constantly trying to change the church and themselves on the pretext of “keeping up with the times”. Last week our post looked at whether we should be callingContinue reading “Calvinism And 1959”

“Calvinist” or “Christian”

Rev. Ray O. Zorn. Trowel & Sword, March 1975 Preamble: What’s in a name? This could well be considered a subtitle to this week’s post. In the early days of the Reformed Church, its leaders went to great lengths to proclaim to its members and indeed to the world that here was a church whichContinue reading ““Calvinist” or “Christian””