Bill Peet. Trowel and Sword, January/February 1977 Preamble: What is our greatest wish for our sons and daughters? Undoubtedly it is for them to grow into Christian men and women who love and serve the Lord. But this doesn’t happen by us just wishing it, or praying for it, or taking them to church whenContinue reading “On Bridges To Sons – A Cadet Counsellor Speaks Up”
Category Archives: Church and Family
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”
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”
The Beauty Of God’s House – A Few Small Points
Trowel & Sword. A.I. De Graaf, October/November 1964 Preamble: In this article, published over two months, Rev. de Graaf sets out to clarify what may be regarded as two of the lesser, albeit solemn “traditions” of the worship service of the day. It may well be that some churches today no longer even follow theseContinue reading “The Beauty Of God’s House – A Few Small Points”
The Work Of The F.C.Y.A.
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.”
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”
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”
T&S Revisited 