All Articles For Blankespoor, James

This subject, and consequently this article, deals with one of the practical things of life. And then with one of those things of life which we usually enjoy, and is often classified with the bright side of life—banquets, feasts, festivals, eating and drinking together to our contentment. Such is often considered as one of the optimistic, cheerful aspects of our life on this earth. Who does not like to attend a banquet occasionally? Due to this it often becomes a means of great sin and abusing the good gifts of our heavenly Father. More about this later. With a practical...

The above-mentioned title immediately suggests that this article is mainly for our covenant youth. Most of them are members of a society, and if not, certainly should be. And I don’t think that it is unknown to most of us that in our smaller congregations these societies consist of both young men and young women, whereas we often find one of each in larger congregations. But whether combined or separate, this article is naturally intended for both. Before treating the subject as such the writer wants to remark that he certainly does not think that he with this article has...

Expository preaching is today rapidly on the decline. I think I can safely say that never in the history of the Church has the pulpit become such a means for the public as in our day. Tell me what is not treated on the pulpit today in modern circles, and Pm sure that I would receive an answer much quicker, than if I asked what is treated on the pulpit. Social problems, political, moral, economic, international and many others are treated there and supposedly solved. Even the discussion of a popular Hollywood movie star with all his Godless vices and...

The very subject of this article suggests that it deals with the means of grace, and more particularly with the most important means of grace,—the preaching of the Word. To be still more specific it treats not the preaching itself as to idea, requisites, methods, etc., but the method and manner in respect to the subject matter of the preaching. Series preaching. And the purpose of this article is to show the value of such preaching. This indicates that the first question is not how we like series preaching, but what is its value, its spiritual value. Only too often...

Singing is a prominent part of our divine worship. It also finds a place in the daily life of the Christian. Many a song is sung by God’s children in their homes, and many a soul loves to utter itself in this manner. In our Divine worship it certainly is an integral part. The redeemed child of God immediately feels that his serving God would be incomplete without it. How our older members love those Holland psalms! And I’m sure that the Psalter finds as much favor with many of us. This truth certainly is not a phenomenon. God has...

The Christian is solemnly called upon to walk in the way of sanctification. Sanctification certainly is an earmark of the redeemed child of God. By the fruits shall the tree be known. It is, however, not our purpose to write on the subject of sanctification proper, but as is evident from the title the incentive of such a walk. In particular we will try to show that such a holy walk stands in direct relation with doctrine. Occasionally we hear, and some of us perhaps even bosom the thought that sanctification has very little to do with doctrine. To be...

One of the labors expected from the ministers of the Word, according to his call letter, is to visit the sick and afflicted. Naturally, this does not free the elders from this obligation even though many in small congregations seem to think so. The duty of this work rests upon the shoulders of the elders (the minister also being an elder). From history it is evident that this work has been done throughout the centuries. Not only did our Reformed Fathers manifest this in their writings, but Scripture itself speaks of it. Of Job we read that his friends, brethren...

Most of us have at some time of other heard or read these words. A few of us have perhaps given them some thought, inquisitive as to their meaning. How is Christ crucified afresh? How is He crucified today? But we are all the more interested in the question: who crucifies Him afresh? Are Christians also guilty of that sin? That He is crucified by the world we readily believe, but what about the church? Many a child of God, yea every one, often denies His Lord in His walk and ways, not seldom is He ashamed of His Savior,...

My topic implies that this article is written mainly for our young men now serving in the armed forces of our country. Therefore I consider it quite appropriate to address this article directly to them. Perhaps you young men say: What does a spectator or one who stands on the sidelines know about our problems? After all there is no comparison between the views of one sitting in an easy chair and one who is confronted by these things in actual warfare. My answer to this is twofold. In the first place I would readily admit to be at a...

Perhaps some of our readers consider this a some­what peculiar subject. The very title may create some inquisitiveness as to the contents of the article. The Minister and Himself. The reader must, however, not read this subject in the wrong light or from a wrong viewpoint. This article is not a report of the self-examination of a minister, nor a minister’s confession of his many weaknesses and sins. Such an article would not only be out of place but would also fail to present the peculiar distinctiveness between a minister and the common Christian. From that viewpoint the minister is...