For some years, I have complained about Baptist squatters in the Reformed house. These are those Baptists who insist on re-defining the adjective Reformed. As it turns out, however, this habit of squatting is not new at all. Indeed, one of the earliest examples occurred in 1680. I use theContinue Reading
John Piper has complained that the historic Reformed understanding of the Christian faith and life produces what he calls a “debtor’s ethic”. The assumption is that a “debtor’s ethic” is something that we are supposed to reject out of hand. I have previously criticized his rejection of Reformation theology, pietyContinue Reading
Pastor and church historian R. Scott Clark has completed a series of podcasts on the Apostles’ Creed. Dr Clark writes: “I chose the title for this series for two reasons: (1) Since I began pastoral ministry in 1987, it is one of the questions I have received most often. (2)Continue Reading
By Simon Jooste and Johannes Potgieter The question of driving concern in this article is whether there are historical–theological reasons to critique the 2012 Reformed Churches in South Africa (RCSA) Synod decision to revise Article 69 of the church order to read as follows (RCSA 2012): [I]n the churches onlyContinue Reading
By Simon Jooste and Johannes Potgieter The Synod of Dort that convened in the Dutch town of Dordrecht during 1618–1619 is best known for its formulation of the Canons of Dort. Not unrelated to, and arguably even more important than, this seminal Reformed creedal statement is the church order andContinue Reading
By Simon Jooste and Johannes Potgieter The key question to be explored in this article is whether the Reformed Churches in South Africa (RCSA) possess within her tradition the resources to perpetuate her predominating legacy of singing Scripture only. Did her 2012 General Synod decision to revise Article 69 ofContinue Reading
By Simon Jooste The Three Forms of Unity – the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of the Synod of Dort – represent a summary of what the Word of God teaches. They dedicate a significant amount of space to the official ministry of the Word in theContinue Reading
[Sermon audio here.] One of the greatest challenges in this life is to be subject to an unjust or corrupt government. The experience of living in a country where one’s basic human rights are constantly threatened can tempt us to all sorts of negative responses: such as rebellion, discouragement, depression,Continue Reading
[Audio for this sermon can be found here.] Most people are left struggling with a measure of guilt when they do something wrong, especially when their actions hurt someone else. The question is: How does one deal with this guilt? The answer our popular culture gives is either ignore itContinue Reading
In the last few weeks during adult Sunday School (which follows our worship service), we have been working through sections of the Heidelberg Catechism that deal with corporate worship. This past Sunday we looked at teachings (heads of doctrine) on the resurrection and ascension of Christ that help set theContinue Reading