The Belgic Confession

(DE NEDERLANDSE GELOOFSBELIJDENIS). 1561 – 1961 Dr. K. Runia. Trowel & Sword, November 1961 Preamble: Beginning with a history lesson, Dr, Runia moves almost imperceptibly into a discussion of what it means to be “Reformed”, until at last he comes to the real reason for writing this editorial. What is it? Read on and itContinue reading “The Belgic Confession”

The Impact Of Television

Rev. John Westendorp. Trowel & Sword, June 1996 Preamble: At the time this article was written, television was at the peak of its powers. Today that power is on the wane – to a large extent superseded by newer technologies and the advent of “social media”. However the issues raised by John remain. The differenceContinue reading “The Impact Of Television”

Dr. Billy Graham Came, Preached and Went… What Now?

Dr. K. Runia. Trowel & Sword, April 1959 Preamble: After all the hopes, doubts and even scepticism expressed by various writers in T&S in the previous months leading up to the Billy Graham Crusade, Dr. Runia’s assessment and hopes make for interesting reading. No doubt many others had varying opinions of the success or otherwiseContinue reading “Dr. Billy Graham Came, Preached and Went… What Now?”

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”

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”

“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””

Children’s Ministry

Helen Vanderbom. Trowel & Sword, February 2003 Preamble: The growth of Christian Schools in the last fifty years or sons an indication that Christians take the raising of their children in a Godly environment very seriously. But is it the case that an unintended consequence may be that parents today may not be as diligentContinue reading “Children’s Ministry”