All Articles For II Samuel

Rev. Heys is a minister emeritus in the Protestant Reformed Churches. That which is preached in some churches, is written in some books or magazines, and is sung in church services and programs, may be scriptural, comforting, and encouraging. But the fact is that a very important element of our salvation, which is clearly and repeatedly presented in Scripture, is very seldom preached in the sermon, and is rarely written in books or sung in church services or programs. Salvation brings us some wonderful blessings. Thus, for example, in Romans 8 we read of many blessings which God has prepared for us,...

Prof. Hanko is professor of Church History and New Testament in the Protestant Reformed Seminary. Introduction In our last article, we left Peter Datheen in Frankenthal, in the Palatinate of Germany, busy as court preacher and as liturgist. It is especially his work in liturgy that is of interest to us. The liturgy in use in the Protestant Reformed Churches, and up until a few years ago in many Reformed churches, is an ancient liturgy. It goes all the way back to the Reformation in the Netherlands. In many Reformed churches this ancient liturgy has been abandoned. In its place...

Reformed Synods and Independency May I request clarification on the editorial titled, “The Binding Decisions of a Reformed Synod” (Standard Bearer, June 1, 1991)? It is clear that many Christian folk regard the whole matter of how the church is organized as a matter of little consequence. For this reason it is good to see church power and church polity being taken seriously. As it happens, a friend lent me the March, April, and May 1991 issues of the Outlook, which contain articles called ” Synod-ocracy: Cause and Cure.” The writer’s complaint is that the synod of his church (the...

Ronald J. Van Overloop is a missionary-pastor of the Protestant Reformed Churches in Northwest Chicago. (The thought patterns of this article are unashamedly based on an excellent book, which I would highly recommend all readers to obtain and read. It is A Vision For Missions, by Tom Wells, The Banner Of Truth Trust, 1985.) Evangelism and mission work are conducted and performed for a variety of reasons. Evangelism is performed because God and Jesus command that it be done. Also there is the need for the gospel on the part of those who are the object of the work. And, thirdly,...

Rev. Kortering is pastor of the Protestant Reformed Church of Grandville, Michigan. We now turn our attention to the next book in the section of the Old Testament designated as “The Former Prophets.” For this reason we do not treat Ruth now, but will take that up in connection with the section designated as “The Writings.” The Former Prophets include Joshua, Judges, both books of Samuel, and both of Kings. Name—Author—Date You may notice that in our King James Bibles there is inserted under the title, “The First Book of Samuel,” the words, “otherwise called the First Book of the...

Jason L. Kortering is pastor of the Protestant Reformed Church of Grandville, Michigan. We are in the midst of outlining the section of the Book of Numbers that covers the second numbering of the people and related events (beginning at chapter 30). Moses reminds the heads of each tribe that if a man vow or swear an oath, he must do as he has vowed, for the Lord’s honor is at stake (Num. 30:1-3). The same holds true for a woman, only her father or husband had the right to disallow the carrying out of the vow (Num. 30:4-8). The...

Let us consider just one of the several passages of the Word of God that are quoted in support of what nevertheless must be considered a very corrupt and carnal conception of prayer—a passage that is perhaps more often appealed to than any other. I am referring to the prayer of Hezekiah, the king of Judah. You are all acquainted, no doubt, with the incident in Hezekiah’s life that occasioned the prayer, as tie11 as with the prayer itself and its result. The king was sick. And his sickness was unto death.

Prof. Dykstra is professor of Church History and New Testament in the Protestant Reformed Seminary. Among the many monumental tasks confronting the church of the Reformation was that of restoring godly living to the members of the church. The people had learned immorality in the Romish church from the clergy. The Semi-Pelagian error of works righteousness taught that man’s works could merit with God. That naturally led to a stress on extraordinary, “holy” works, to the neglect of true godliness. Gradually a whole system grew up with church sanction. It was said that although all God’s people must keep the...

The consistory of Grand Haven has presented a trio from which the congregation will choose a minister-elect. The trio consists of the Revs. G. Lubbers, M. Schipper and G. VanBaren.  Hudsonville has for years held its second service in the evening instead of afternoon during the summer months. Recently the congregation decided to maintain that summer schedule throughout the entire year. This decision was precipitated by the pastor’s doctor who decreed that Rev. Vos should space his preaching to that extent.

“Whom shall I fear?”  That, indeed, is an interesting and important question.