Previous article in this series: July 2025, p. 375. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind—2 Timothy 1:7 God has not given us the spirit of fear. Those were encouraging words for young Timothy. He was a young pastor who labored in the hostile city of Ephesus. Not only did he contend with the general pagan population, but he also had to confront the false teachers within the church. In the midst of all his good Christian ministry, Timothy was understandably fearful. It’s not easy...
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Let’s begin with a question: how much have you carefully thought about being a good asker of questions? This is a worthwhile matter to ponder, considering that being a good question asker is evidence of wisdom and spiritual strength. The Lord makes it very clear that the wise young man or woman is “quick to hear, slow to speak” (Jam. 1:19). What encourages both attentive listening and wise communication is being conscious of asking thoughtful questions. Why do we ask questions? On the surface, the purpose may seem obvious: to gain information that is unknown. In our everyday lives, this...
When reading the title of this article, what came to your mind? For many young people in our Protestant Reformed denomination, confession of faith brings to mind that nerve-racking experience of demonstrating your faith by answering questions before the elders. Some of you are anxiously anticipating this and others have already passed through the consistory room with relief. Closely connected to this exercise is your public profession of faith. During a worship service, you swear before God and His church your commitment to Christ as it relates to sound doctrine, godly living, and church government. This solemn activity is your...
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind—2 Timothy 1:7 The fear of which 2 Timothy 1:7 speaks is not the healthy reverential fear of God spoken of in Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” We want that fear. May God grant that fear and that we would live with the fear of God in our hearts whereby we love and serve and worship Him. The “fear” spoken of in 2 Timothy 1:7 refers to a spirit of a fearfulness,...
How much do you know about locusts? Let’s go over some facts. Locusts are a kind of insect. More technically, locusts are acridids in the Acrididae family in the Orthoptera order. Locusts have hind legs for jumping and wings for flying. Adult locusts can grow to around two and a half inches long. The creature can be found all around the world. The Bible has much to say about locusts. Scripture especially points out the ability of locusts to gather together in a large group and leave widespread destruction in their path. Exodus 10:14-15 record the plague of locusts that...
Previous article in this series: May 1, 2025, p. 287 For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more—Luke 12:48 In the previous two articles we have been considering managing money in a wise and stewardly way. The Lord has given unto us many earthly goods and with the earthly goods we have the responsibility to use them wisely and to press them all into the service of God’s name and His covenant in the midst of this world. We noted in the...
The hearing ear, the willing heart, Thou givest unto me— Psalter 40B How discouraging this is for a pastor: After spending hours of his week crafting a sermon, he notices that many in his congregation look distracted, bored, or sleepy as he preaches. That which is supposed to be “the power of God unto salvation” floats like carbon monoxide upon young Eutychus, nodding not in agreement but in slumber. That which is called “good news” seems stale to those who stare ahead like zombies. That which we confess to be “the wisdom of God” does not seem to stimulate...
pastor of Heritage PRC in Sioux Falls, South Dakota Psalm 25:4-5, penned by the psalmist David, is a beautiful prayer for young men and women to make daily: “Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” We can organize these two verses around three “Ps”: paths, problems, and prayer. PATHS Young people, you are in a busy time of your life. Depending on your age, you have a set of wheels and the...
pastor of Southeast PRC in Wyoming, Michigan The strength of youth is Jesus Christ. He is our strength and song, and He is become our salvation (Ex. 15:2; Is. 12:2). And into Him we have been baptized (Rom. 6:3). This article is about remembering our baptism, which Jesus has appointed for our strengthening in Him. When is the last time you remembered yours? The story is told: [Martin Luther] had hours during which he was confused about everything—about the Reformation, about his faith, even about the work of Jesus Christ Himself—hours when he knew of nothing else to help...
pastor of Immanuel PRC in Lacombe, Alberta, Canada Previous article in this series: December 2024, p. 127. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more—Luke 12:48 We are called to be wise stewards of all that the Lord has given us. Therefore it becomes the duty of every Christian to manage his money properly. Especially is this important in the consumer driven and affluent society in which we live. An honest evaluation of our lives reveals that the Lord has...
