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”
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Hudson Taylor
Dr. K. Runia. Trowel & Sword, August 1959 Preamble: Books! Ecclesiastes 12 tells us that… “of the making of books there is no end”. If that was true 3000 years ago, assuming that its traditional authorship and date are correct, how much more true is it today? With so many books to choose from, howContinue reading “Hudson Taylor”
A Non-Apology From A Student Of Theology
Rev. Peter Koster. Trowel & Sword, August 1975 An Important Message From Bert & Pieter. “For the edification and Defence of the Reformed Presbyterian Faith and Life in Australia and New Zealand.” Why Revisit Trowel & Sword? The above statement, which appeared in every issue of T&S, clearly outlined the purpose of this magazine. ThroughContinue reading “A Non-Apology From A Student Of Theology”
Rumour Round The College
Rev. Bill Deenick. Trowel & Sword. November 1974 Preamble: I must begin by declaring my own interest in the events described in the following article. I was a student at the RTC at the time that these events took place and was recorded in the minutes of a student meeting as the lone voice opposingContinue reading “Rumour Round The College”
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”
Babel and Pentecost
God’s Multi-lingual Answers to Rebellious Ambition Rev. John de Hoog. Trowel and Sword, June 1995 Preamble: You may remember that in Dec. 1977 Bill Deenick wrote about the church year in his article “Annus Liturgicus” (see TSR, Jan. 1, 2024). Next Sunday, May 19, is Pentecost Sunday; another important event on the Christian calendar, celebratedContinue reading “Babel and Pentecost”
Prayer And Lack Of Concentration
Prof. K. Runia. Trowel and Sword, December 1962 Preamble: We had decided some weeks ago that this week should be an article on Jesus ascension as this week, Thursday 9, is recognised as ascension day, a day that often slips by without due recognition; often being overshadowed by Pentecost on the 19th. We were somewhatContinue reading “Prayer And Lack Of Concentration”
Temporary Office Closure
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”
The Deceitfulness Of The Heart
Rev. Martin P. Geluk, Trowel and Sword, September 1969 Preamble: In this article Rev. Geluk doesn’t pull any punches. As Christians we often use words like love, faith, caring, sharing, joy and peace. But Martin calls us to look at the darker side of man. The side that says that we are incapable of doingContinue reading “The Deceitfulness Of The Heart”
T&S Revisited 