Rev. J. de Jonge. Trowel & Sword. Dec. 2010 Preamble: Christmas can mean many different things for different people. In this article Rev. de Jonge takes us through his own experiences growing up and ultimately, what Christmas means for the Gospel story and the message of salvation. I Love Christmas! “For [God] chose us inContinue reading “I Love Christmas!”
Category Archives: Christian Life
Christianity or Churchianity?
Rev. J.W. Deenick. Trowel & Sword. Jan/Feb 1955 Preamble: This is the last of four articles John Westendorp looked at in his walk back through history. In it Rev J.W. Deenick responds to the suggestion by an unnamed but apparently well-known Christian worker that the world needs Christianity but not the plethora of denominations whichContinue reading “Christianity or Churchianity?”
Catechism Classes
Rev. Prof. K. Runia. Trowel & Sword. Jan/Feb. 1965 Preamble: This is the third instalment of John Westendorp’s look back through time in 1995, “This Month in Trowel And Sword History” and he found that thirty years earlier, in the Jan/Feb. 65 edition, Prof. K. Runia wrote this article about Catechism classed. In it RuniaContinue reading “Catechism Classes”
The Agony Of Our World and Our Lifestyle
Rev. J.J. Van Wageningen. Trowel & Sword. Jan/Feb 1975 Preamble: In Jan/Feb 1975, the second decade of John Westendorp’s walk back through history, we encounter this offering by Rev. J.J. Van Wageningen which even today gives us much to think about. Did we get caught up this weekend in the great money splurge euphemistically referredContinue reading “The Agony Of Our World and Our Lifestyle”
New Zealand Elders Conference Labour Weekend 1984
Jack E. de Graaf. Trowel & Sword. Jan/Feb 1985 Preamble: In 1995 Rev. John Westendorp looked back through old Trowel & Sword magazines to see what had been written about back then. Ten years earlier T&S reported on a New Zealand Elders conference and the wide variety of topics discussed make for interesting reading. ItContinue reading “New Zealand Elders Conference Labour Weekend 1984”
Christmas – Its Origin And Its History
J.W. Deenick. Trowel & Sword. December 1963 Preamble: Once again the countdown has begun – “ONLY SIX WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS”. “Avoid the last minute rush and get your Christmas shopping done early”. Cost of living crisis? There’s no such thing when it comes to Christmas – that comes later when the credit card has toContinue reading “Christmas – Its Origin And Its History”
Reflections On Life And Faith
Harry Burggraaf. Trowel & Sword. August 2000 Preamble: What does the future hold? This question may well have been on the minds of Adam and Eve as they were “shown the gates” of Eden. It may also have been on Harry’s mind as he wrote this reflection. Does Leonard Cohen, (I’ve heard of him), haveContinue reading “Reflections On Life And Faith”
Sheep and Shepherds
John Westendorp. Trowel & Sword. June 1999 Preamble: While he is obviously trying to make a point, John’s opening statement that, “The Lord God isn’t paying us a compliment when He calls us ‘sheep’, would seem to be rather unfair, not only to sheep, but also to His people. Yes, in the 20th/21st centuries, sheepContinue reading “Sheep and Shepherds”
The Cadets.
The Van Groningens. Trowel & Sword, September 1965 Preamble: Four week’s ago we published “Jesus Christ Lord of Life and Cadets” by Prof. George van Groningen, which appeared in T&S in November 1967. It was a passionate defence of the Cadet movement introduced into Australia two years earlier, also by Prof V.G. This article tellsContinue reading “The Cadets. “
What Marriage Does Not Give
John Haartsen. Trowel & Sword, Jan/Feb 1985 Preamble: “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:15). This verse came to mind as I read through this article from John Haartsen on marriage breakdowns, particularly between Christian men andContinue reading “What Marriage Does Not Give”
T&S Revisited 