Vol 98 Issue 07

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away…. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear…. Matthew 14:22-33 Men of faith crying out for fear. How can that be? And yet...

Last time, (Dec. 15), I defined repentance as the believer’s sorrowful turn from sin unto God in the seeking of remission. Now I want to go to the Scriptures to elaborate. A right understanding First of all, genuine repentance begins in the renewed mind as the seat of true spiritual knowledge and understanding. This is evident from one of the key biblical words for repentance (metanoia) which, as you might recall, means, “change of mind.” The turning of repentance commences when the spiritually enlightened mind apprehends both the awful reality of sin and the wonder of God’s mercy in Christ....

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. Acts 18:2 Vocation—resurrected and restored during the time of the Protestant Reformation—was long ago used in the spread of the gospel. A simple trade—tent making— brought together a devout Jewish couple with the apostle Paul. Their names were Aquila and Priscilla—used by God to encourage Paul and assist in the work of the missionary program. Aquila was originally from Pontus, a Roman province east of northern Galatia,...

Once in a while, you will find a word in the Bible that surprises you because it seems it should not be there. Hap is such a word. The King James Version renders this word as chance, event, or haply. “Hap” refers to something that, from our human point of view, happens by chance, an accident, or a seemingly random event. “Hap” is indeed a strange word to find in the Word of the sovereign God! Yet when we read our Bibles, we run into this word more often than we might expect. When Ruth went out to glean in...

Previous article in this series: September 1, 2021, p. 470. Admonitions Are Not in Vain Because Salvation Proceeds from Election. Augustine also shows that both the grace of free election and predestination, and also salutary admonitions and doctrines, are to be preached (Lib. De Dono Perseverantiae, cap. 14 ff.). The matter of the relation between election and admonitions was broached in the preceding paragraph of the Second Helvetic Confession. There Bullinger voiced the objection often raised by the opponents of predestination that the doctrine obviates all warnings, admonitions, and threats. If predestination is true, nothing can hinder the salvation of...

Previous article in this series: December 15, 2020, p. 135. On December 10, 1520, Martin Luther burned the bull of Pope Leo X threatening Luther with excommunication. In these articles we are answering the question how this event is relevant for us.1 The last article explained why Luther did what he did. Luther understood that Rome was not the church of which Christ was the Head and in which He worked for the salvation of His people. A proper understanding of the doctrine of the church is necessary for us to appreciate the discipline of elders (in the case of...

Dalton is my friend, though he never talks to me. Perhaps I should qualify that statement. Once in a while he says, “Skid loader.” Usually he holds up his necktie and gives me a big smile. He might like ties as much as skid loaders. Even so, they make great conversation openers. Hard to miss, built like a linebacker with boundless enthusiasm to connect with others, he has landed a soft spot with everyone at church. Dalton is special, but that is not what makes him really special. Dalton is blessed to have been raised by his loving Christian parents...

Dark clouds were above the horizon of Asia Pacific, specifically in the islands of the Philippines, when the storm of schism hit the Protestant Reformed Churches in America (PRCA). The schism that has crept into the PRCA due to the controversy that started back in 2016 made a great wave of impact that reached the ears of God’s people here in the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines (PRCP hereafter). Since then, many of the brethren and sisters in Christ waited for the development and eagerly anticipated the conclusion of the controversy. For that reason we know and understand that...

Trivia question: An SB reader in the UK sent in a note asking about the role of the rector in the PRC seminary (answer at the end of the news). PRC news (Denominational) Minister calls: From her trio of Revs. N. Decker, M. Kortus, and C. Spronk, Doon PRC (IA) extended a call to Rev. Spronk on November 29. Hudsonville PRC called Rev. C. Spronk on November 21 from a new trio of Revs. R. Barnhill, D. Noorman, and C. Spronk. He was to give his reply on December 19. Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA) announced a new trio...