http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/rss?p_l_id=PUB.1.1&p_p_id=62_INSTANCE_ItT1 resources http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=345&version=1.0 Your Church Is Too Small: Why Unity in Christ's Mission is Vital to the Future of the Church   by WRF Member Dr. John Armstrong [NOTE: Posted here is the Forward and Chapter Six of Dr. Armstrong's book. ]  Foreword (by Dr. J. I. Packer) My friend John arMstrong is a church leader who has traveled  the distance from the separatist, sectarian fixity of fundamentalism to embrace the kingdom-centered vision of the church and the call issued by a number of Bibl Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:48:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=345&version=1.0 2010-09-08T01:48:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=343&version=1.0 Tainted Legacy: Islam, Colonialism, and Slavery in Northern Nigeria by WRF Member Yusufu Turaki, Ph.D.  In recent years violent attacks by Muslims in Nigeria have left thousands of Christians dead. Much of the conflict has occurred in the Middle Belt, and also in the North where the Church is a small and vulnerable minority. Islamic sharia is the main source of law in the North, and some Islamists there are calling for the establishing of an Islamic state. In this important study Prof Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:47:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=343&version=1.0 2010-09-01T23:47:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=342&version=1.0 The link below will take you to a website on which are posted a series of videos that are being used as preparation for the Lausanne Congress in Cape Town in October of this year (2010). The Executive Producer of these videos is Andy Crouch and the Director is Nathan Clarke.  I know both of these men and highly respect their work. Sam Logan   http://vimeo.com/user2335876/videos/sort:date   Sat, 28 Aug 2010 15:19:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=342&version=1.0 2010-08-28T15:19:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=341&version=1.0 African Anglicans Must Rise Up and Bring life to Ailing Global Anglicanism The following is the opening speech delivered by Ugandan Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi to the CAPA All African Bishops Conference being held in Entebbe, Uganda.  Archbishop Orombi is a member of the Board of Directors of the World Reformed Fellowship The church of Uganda and the Nation with open arms receive you to Entebbe. This is a unique place where both the International Airport and the state House are situa Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:41:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=341&version=1.0 2010-08-26T11:41:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=338&version=1.0 Question and Answers Regarding Bible Doctrine Materials for Middle/High Schoolers On July 1, 2010, the message below was sent to all WRF members and, in the past six weeks, many responses have been received. Because of the excellence of these responses, we are posting both the original request and the responses on the WRF website. This is the kind of thing the WRF exists to do. We hope that, as any WRF members have questions like this one, they will share them with Sam Logan, and, as appro Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:11:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=338&version=1.0 2010-08-12T17:11:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=312&version=1.0 A Necessary Gift: Ordained Leaders and the Transmission of Wisdom Paige Britton             Four years ago, my family and I found it necessary to leave the little local evangelical church where we had been members for about thirteen years. [i]  We arrived like refugees at the Presbyterian church a few hundred yards farther up the street, finding a friendly congregation that was lively with families, sound in doctrine, and Wed, 12 May 2010 21:48:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=312&version=1.0 2010-05-12T21:48:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=311&version=1.0 Self-Injury in the Body of Christ by WRF Board member, Dr. Diane Langberg (First Published in Christian Counseling Today 2005 Vol. 13 No.1) Through my work with those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, I have come across an issue that has only recently been discussed publicly – self-injury. It is an area full of shame for those who struggle with it and as a result it has been kept well hidden. It also can be somewhat intractable partly because the client seems to view sel Wed, 12 May 2010 21:39:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=311&version=1.0 2010-05-12T21:39:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=310&version=1.0 The Global South to South Encounter "The Fourth Blast of the Trumpet" A Response by Archbishop Peter Jensen General Secretary of the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans The image of the trumpet blast seems to be an over-dramatic description of the communique issued from the latest Global South Encounter. In fact, the response to it has been somewhat muted. But as a guest at the conference, I believe that it fully deserves the title “trumpet” and will in time be regard Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:55:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=310&version=1.0 2010-04-30T08:55:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=308&version=1.0 A new book, Continental Calvinian Influences on the Scottish Reformation , argues for seeing the Calvinian influnce as the most significant influnece for the Scottish reform movement of 1560. It examines John Calvin's understanding of discipline and interpretations of it by the wider continental Calvinian family, particularly John a Lasco, Valerand Poullain and the French Reformed Church, and their contributions and influneces on the Scottish Reformation.  The book has an extended Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:23:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=308&version=1.0 2010-03-28T21:23:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=305&version=1.0 WRF member Leah Farish has, after years of research, just published an article on the relationship of the Westminster Confession of Faith and the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.  The article appears in the Journal of Religion and Society and it may be accessed at the following web address:   http://moses.creighton.edu/jrs/toc/2010.html Mrs. Farish may be contacted at:   leahfarish@gmail.com Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:14:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=305&version=1.0 2010-02-06T14:14:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=301&version=1.0 John Calvin as a Forerunner of World Missions This is a a collection of essays published upon the anniversary of Calvin's Birth. Calvin not only had the global proclamation of the message of God's grace in view. He also sent the first missionaries to Brazil. It is not by accident that churches in countries influenced by the Reformed faith such as The Netherlands, Scotland, England and, more recently, South Korea have played a leading role in world missions. That is at any rate the Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:32:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=301&version=1.0 2009-12-24T23:32:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=298&version=1.0 Thinking Twice about the Minaret Ban in Switzerland   In the last few days we have begun to hear the various international protests against the actions of Swiss voters, to not allow the construction of future minarets in their small alpine nation.   Very few thoughtful readers should be surprised that Aljazeera is complaining about “intolerance,” “extreme Islamophobia,” and “religious hatred.”   In this context, Aljazeera see Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:45:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=298&version=1.0 2009-12-07T23:45:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=168&version=1.0 Christianity, Constitutions and European Identity by Lord MacKay of Clashfern [Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, 1987 - 1997]  NOTE:  This paper was originally presented at the European Regional Meeting of the World Reformed Fellowship in the Netherlands, October 30 - November 1, 2007 When I was invited to participate by speaking at this conference, I indicated that I was willing and honoured but I would need to be given a title so that I might know how the organisers felt th Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:58:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=168&version=1.0 2009-12-02T02:58:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=243&version=1.0 Considering Homosexuality: A Biblical, Historical, and Cultural Analysis by Yusufu Turaki, Ph.D. (Author of Christianity and African Gods: A Method in Theology )  I. Introduction This article discusses homosexuality as a modern sexual phenomenon and socio-cultural, religious and political problem that needs biblical and creational definitions. Homosexuality has become a social, religious, cultural and political force to be reckoned with, especially in the West. It has found an a Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:14:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=243&version=1.0 2009-11-30T12:14:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=294&version=1.0 Sabbath, Work, and the Quest for Meaning [i]   by WRF Member, Thomas K. Johnson   “There is but one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide. Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy. . . . I therefore conclude that the meaning of life is the most urgent of questions.”   Albert Camus (1913—1960) in “The Myth of Sisyphus.” [1]   Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:08:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=294&version=1.0 2009-11-10T17:08:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=293&version=1.0 The Spirit of the Protestant Work Ethic and the World Economic Crisis [1] by WRF Member, Dr. Thomas Johnson   The world economic crisis has been painful. A Czech economist compares the pain with a hangover after a night of hard partying, implying that our developed economies have been drinking irresponsibly, that the changes needed are much deeper than merely taking some aspirin or buying a better brand of vodka. [2] Hardly any of us has been spared; many Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:01:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=293&version=1.0 2009-11-10T17:01:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=290&version=1.0 The Pew Foundation has just completed a new report on the location of Muslims around the world.   See the full 62-page report at the following location: http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=451 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:48:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=290&version=1.0 2009-10-23T13:48:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=288&version=1.0   THE WALK-- STEPS FOR NEW AND RENEWED FOLLOWERS OF JESUS     by Stephen Smallman stephensmallman@mac.com P&R Publishing (2009) http://www.prpbooks.com A word of Introduction:               How do you respond when you hear the call of Jesus to follow him, but you know very little about who he is or what he demands? This is the question I try to answer in a book that introduces disciplesh Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:27:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=288&version=1.0 2009-10-13T22:27:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=281&version=1.0 Get Outta My Face! How to Reach Angry, Unmotivated, Disinterested Teens with Biblical Counsel Rick Horne Shepherd Press Wapwallopen, Pennsylvania   All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, or by any information storage and retrieval system—except for brief quotations for the purpose of review, without written permission from th Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:06:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=281&version=1.0 2009-09-11T12:06:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=278&version=1.0 When Sinners Say “I Do” Discovering the Power of the Gospel For Marriage by WRF member Dave Harvey The Preface and Chapter One NOTE: This book is published by Shepherd Press of Wapwallopen, Pennsylvania.  For further details about this book and its author or to order copies of the book, go to: http://www.shepherdpress.com/product.php?productid=16136&cat=251&page=3   Preface You might be curious about a guy who would write a book called When Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:57:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=278&version=1.0 2009-07-24T22:57:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=276&version=1.0 What So Special About Sex? 1 by Thomas K. Johnson “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14 Why shouldn’t sex be treated like any other activity? Why should we consider it moral to play tennis with somebody we don’t love but immoral to have sex with somebody we don’t love?  Why should we consider it moral to eat lunch with somebody of the same sex but immoral to have sex with that same person? Why should we be permitted to go to a movie purely Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:38:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=276&version=1.0 2009-07-21T21:38:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=274&version=1.0 Building Donor Trust in Cross-Border Philanthropy    by WRF Member Dr. jur. Rollin A. van Broekhoven, LLM, DPhil*  NOTE: This paper was first delivered at at conference in Amsterdam sponsored by the International Committee on Fundraising Organizations (ICFO). There are several themes that are emerging from this conference today. The first is the subject of cross border fundraising. For those who attended this morning’s session, we looked at the European Court of Justice Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:19:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=274&version=1.0 2009-07-17T12:19:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=273&version=1.0 Reaping The Fruits of Redemptive-Historical Reading by WRF member Paige Britton                 The idea that one should read the Bible from beginning to end as if it were a unified whole is not a given in contemporary Christian circles.   To be sure, Christians of all stripes are quick to identify the entire Bible as “God’s Word,” naming it “inspired,” “inerrant,&r Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:37:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=273&version=1.0 2009-07-16T12:37:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=268&version=1.0 NOTE - We very rarely post on the WRF website materials from non-WRF members.  We are making an exception in this case. Many WRF members minister in an Islamic context and we thought that the article referenced below might be of interest to them . . . as well as to all other WRF members. I hope that many of you will read the article and will record your responses to the article here on the WRF website. Sam  Islamic Civilization in Peril by Alia Allawi From the Chronicl Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:54:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=268&version=1.0 2009-06-29T16:54:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=262&version=1.0 "The Apostle’s Creed: #2 -  I Believe in Jesus Christ . . . ." A Sermon by WRF Member Rev. Richard Tyson Calvary Presbyterian Church Willow Grove, PA June 14, 2009   We began a series last week on the Apostle’s Creed, and our focus was on the history of the creed and the first article, “I believe in God…” You cannot help but notice the creed is Trinitarian in its format. You will also notice the middle section states what we believe about G Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:39:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=262&version=1.0 2009-06-15T17:39:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=261&version=1.0     The link below will take you to an article written by WRF member Larry Sibley.  The article was originally published by the "Calvin Institute for Christian Worship." http://www.calvin.edu/worship/idis/history/jcalvin_topten.php?source=hiliter Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:46:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=261&version=1.0 2009-06-11T14:46:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=260&version=1.0 The Apostle’s Creed: Confess and Believe A Sermon on Romans 10:8-10 by The Rev. Richard Tyson Calvary Presbyterian Church Willow Grove, Pennsylvania June 7, 2009 Today we begin a series on the Apostle’s Creed. Why would we want to do that? Let me give me several good reasons. In Romans 10:8-10 we are told to confess with our mouths, and believe in our hearts. Faith springs from the heart and is expressed with our lips. This is a rich passage, but what I want to point out ar Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:42:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=260&version=1.0 2009-06-10T10:42:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=253&version=1.0 Your Walk with God is a Community Project by WRF member Dr. Paul David Tripp   For information about Paul Tripp Ministries, go to www.paultrippministries.org     The old Beatles song says, “All of those lonely people, where do they all come from?” One way or another, many around us are choosing to live alone. “I think it’s the best way to live,” said James, 35, a musician who after years of living with others spent a morning hunting for a Wed, 20 May 2009 21:19:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=253&version=1.0 2009-05-20T21:19:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=250&version=1.0 The Ministry of Small Things   A Talk Given by (WRF Member) Dr. Diane Langberg at Biblical Seminary  March 2009  We live in a society that has certain expectations for those in leadership and sadly parts of Christendom have adopted the world’s definition of a good leader. Edwin Friedman, in his 1985 book Generation To Generation writes about two qualities of leadership he believes the culture demands of those who lead us - expertise and charisma. Expertise is that qu Thu, 07 May 2009 23:49:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=250&version=1.0 2009-05-07T23:49:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=244&version=1.0 “The Widow’s Might” I Timothy 5:9-16 April 6, 2009  By WRF member, Rev. Richard Tyson In I Timothy 5 , the Apostle Paul is addressing personal relationships within the church. The focus of verses 3-8 is on the care of widows who are true widows – the women with no other means of support. The government did not provide social services. Many pagan families would abandon a new convert. These widows are to receive support from the church but only after it is determin Sun, 03 May 2009 13:37:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=244&version=1.0 2009-05-03T13:37:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=242&version=1.0 Late Great Planet Church A Brief Review by Joel McDurmon Director of Research, American Vision The long-awaited critical review of dispensational theology has finally arrived: a bit Later than expected, yet even Greater as well. In this information-packed, two-hour DVD, "Late Great Planet Church," host and producer Jerry Johnson of NiceneCouncil.com and ApologeticsGroup.com interviews several scholars and leads you through an eye-opening review of dispensationalism’ Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:51:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=242&version=1.0 2009-04-30T14:51:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=238&version=1.0 CORNELIUS VAN TIL: REFORMED APOLOGIST AND CHURCHMAN by John R. Muether (Phillipsburg: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2008), 288pp.  Review by WRF member and Board Member Dr. Allan Harman This book is different from the others written about Van Til and the title indicates wherein the difference lies. Van Til was not just an apologist but a churchman as well. Coming from a Dutch family that emigrated to the United States in 1905, Van Til at the age of ten was set down in an totally new envi Sat, 25 Apr 2009 11:56:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=238&version=1.0 2009-04-25T11:56:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=233&version=1.0 Major Issues in Asian Theological Education   Global Theological Education Conference, World Reformed Fellowship  Global Theological Education Conference Jakarta, Indonesia March 21-22, 2009  by Dr. Carver T. Yu, President China Graduate School of Theology  Asia by itself is already a highly complicated place, with diverse cultures and religions as well as socio-political issues. Globalization has made it even more complicated. Different Asian cultures find the Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:59:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=233&version=1.0 2009-04-13T10:59:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=232&version=1.0 Reformed Theology and Missions: Reviving the Basics* A Paper Delivered at the WRF Conference on Global Theological Education Jakarta, Indonesia March 18, 2009 by Matthew Ebenezer, Ph. D.   * The version of Dr. Ebenezer's paper posted here omits the footnotes.  Anyone desiring the full version, including all of the footnotes should make this request of Dr. Samuel Logan - samueltlogan@aol.com .  The full version will be provided free of charge to any member of the WRF.& Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:53:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=232&version=1.0 2009-04-07T19:53:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=230&version=1.0 Christian Worldview in an Age in Flight from God   by Dr. William Edgar Professor of Apologetics Westminster Theological Seminary ( wedgar@wts.edu )               Where is the world headed today? There is so much going on it is hard to be sure. One place I like to begin looking, whether at home or abroad, is in the arts, particularly the visual arts. They always tell an important story. Today, strangely, the arts have bec Sat, 04 Apr 2009 11:47:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=230&version=1.0 2009-04-04T11:47:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=223&version=1.0 Reformed Theology and Spiritual Formation   A Paper Presented to the Conference on Global Theological Education of The World Reformed Fellowship Jakarta, Indonesia March 18, 2009 by Dr. Kin Yip Louie  Hong Kong Spirituality is a popular word these days. Books about spirituality can be found in most popular book stores. There are also generic spiritual counselors emerging in the West. Supposedly, these counselors can help us to mobilize our faith to conquer our hurdles, whate Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:41:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=223&version=1.0 2009-04-03T10:41:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=222&version=1.0 REFORMED THEOLOGY AND THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN AFRICA   Paper presented at the Global Theological Education Conference  Jakarta, Indonesia  March 21-23, 2009  by  Professor Victor Babajide Cole  Nairobi, Kenya The Reformation Principles The attempt here is to place at the fore the cardinal principles by which the Reformed faith has been known, with a view to using these as criteria for assessing some salient issues confronting theological education on the c Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:12:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=222&version=1.0 2009-04-03T10:12:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=207&version=1.0 WRF member Dr. Richard Mouw, President of Fuller Theological Seminary, recently published a review of John Muether's biography of Cornelius Van Til. To see that review, go to  http://www.christianitytoday.com/bc/2009/marapr/4.9.html Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:14:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=207&version=1.0 2009-03-11T22:14:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=203&version=1.0 NOTE:  Normally, sermons by WRF members or sermons delivered at WRF member churches are posted in the "Sermons" section of the website.  Because of the nature of the subject addressed in the sermon below (which was delivered by a WRF member in a WRF member church), we are posting this sermon temporarily on the homepage of the website.  After all WRF members have an opportunity to interact with the sermon, it will be moved to the "Sermons" section of the website Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:53:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=203&version=1.0 2009-02-26T15:53:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=197&version=1.0 CALVINISM AND RACISM: A South African Perspective by Dr. P.J. (Flip) Buys INTRODUCTION The major part of this essay was published in 1985 under the title: Calvinism does not teach Apartheid. Perhaps it contributed in some small way to influence the hearts and minds of some to participate and accept the transition from the political dispensation of racial suppression and injustice to a democratically elected government in 1994. Looking back over a period of 25 ye Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:06:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=197&version=1.0 2009-01-31T19:06:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=196&version=1.0     Making Sense of Inspiration: Some Notes for the Nervous by Paige Britton First, a quiz: 1.        True or False: The Gospel of John was written by John son of Zebedee, one of the Twelve. 2.        True or False: A section of the Book of Proverbs was previously published in Egypt. 3.        True or False: Studying the human origins of the Christian Scriptures Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:48:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=196&version=1.0 2009-01-30T03:48:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=185&version=1.0 Praying for Mission by Dr. John Nicholls  Chief Executive The London City Mission Chair of the Missions Commission of the World Reformed Fellowship Prayer is a good idea. We’re all agreed about that. It makes a difference – at least, we believe it does – even when we can’t see the results we were hoping for. It’s something we’re commanded to do, something that Jesus did, something that we’d love to do better than we do. Prayer is awesome. We b Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:20:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=185&version=1.0 2008-11-29T13:20:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=184&version=1.0 The Use of the Heidelberg Catechism with Israeli Christians by WRF Member David Zadok Director Christian Witness to Israel HeGefen Publishing Company 21 October, 2008   Introduction I think that in many ways today is a very important and historical day in the life of the church in Israel. It is a day that one of the more important documents written for the Believers’ edification has been made available in the Hebrew language. The church in Israel is young but growing. There Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:11:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=184&version=1.0 2008-11-29T13:11:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=183&version=1.0 Engaging Public Trust: La Fidelizzazione del Donatore in Una Prospettiva Internazionale  by Dr. jur. Rollin A. van Broekhoven, DPhil  [NOTE:  The following paper was delivered by WRF member, the Honorable Rollin Van Broekhoven, at a conference on philanthropy in Milan, Italy, in mid-November, 2008.  The conference was sponsored by the Instituto Italiano della Donazione and several foundations and NGO monitoring agencies in Italy.  The audience to which the paper was Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:47:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=183&version=1.0 2008-11-29T12:47:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=182&version=1.0 Deception: A Supporting Column for Addictions by Dr. Diane Langberg [An address delivered at the annual conference of CCEF in November, 2007] We are considering the topic of deception today and how it holds up or supports an addiction. It has been my experience throughout my years of counseling that God does not just bring people to me for the purpose of using me in their lives. He works both sides of the equation and uses them to teach me as well. So, as you will hear, in having me deal w Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:25:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=182&version=1.0 2008-11-20T22:25:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=173&version=1.0 Coping with Protestantism’s Dangerous Idea: A Rubric for Evaluating Competing Interpretations by Paige Britton   The title of this essay echoes the title of Alister McGrath’s newly published primer on the origins, influence, and implications of Protestantism, Christianity’s Dangerous Idea (HarperCollins, 2007). In his book, McGrath identifies this “dangerous idea” as the right of every Christian to read the Bible for him- or herself, q Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:56:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=173&version=1.0 2008-10-02T15:56:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=172&version=1.0 MISSION IN AFRICA: A RENEWED FOCUS Appreciating the Korean Church as a Missionary Partner in Africa   by Dr. Richard M. Verreynne Moderator of the Christian Reformed Church in South Africa (NOTE: This paper delivered at Stellenbosch to a conference of mission and church leaders of the Presbyterian Church of Korea) Introduction   This generation in Africa has been lauded as the one that would see sons and daughters of Africa rise up and take their place in the world as beare Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:11:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=172&version=1.0 2008-09-23T13:11:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=171&version=1.0 REACHING OUT AND MINISTERING TO PEOPLE INFECTED AND AFFECTED BY HIV/AIDS PANDAMIC IN AFRICA by Rev. Peterson Sozi NOTE: This paper was prepared for the WRF Africa Regional Conference in September of 2008   Introduction I would like to take this opportunity to thank the organizers of this Africa Regional Assembly-2008 who invited me to present a paper on Reaching out to people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. This is the area of ministry where by the grace of G Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:50:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=171&version=1.0 2008-09-22T13:50:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=167&version=1.0   Paganism, the Step-Child of Secularism        by      Peter Jones, Ph.D.   NOTE: This paper was delivered in the Netherlands at a conference sponsored by the European Regional Board of the World Reformed Fellowship, October 30 - November 1, 2007.   I. Introduction   Preparing for this lecture, the title of an article caught my attenti Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:26:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=167&version=1.0 2008-09-18T21:26:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=138&version=1.0 Reading Between the Trees: The Bible from Beginning to End   by Paige Britton   The Bible is book-ended by trees. Have you noticed them?  Over here is the tree in the garden, of which the people must not eat. Presumably they may climb it, or hang a swing in its branches, or lean against its trunk to eat a snack, so long as the meal doesn’t include its fruit. But before they think to do any of these things, the crafty serpent invites them on a d Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:35:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=138&version=1.0 2008-09-02T23:35:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=133&version=1.0   Assessing the Work of Missions by John Nicholls   "How are we doing?" Everyone asks the question at one time or another. The sprinter, training for the big event, wants to know if times are improving. The javelin-thrower wants to know if the throws are longer. The farmer checks the yields from his cornfields and the milk production of his cows. The soldier needs to know if his re-loading and targeting skills are becoming quicker and more accurate. "How are we Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:03:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=133&version=1.0 2008-08-26T16:03:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=128&version=1.0 MYTH, SCRIPTURE, AND ANCIENT LITERATURE  Paul R. Gilchrist, Ph. D. There have been several issues raised in recent years seeking to reevaluate the relationship of the Bible to the literature of the Ancient Near East (ANE), vis a vis, revelation, inspiration, infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture. It seems good to me to look at some of the claims being made seeking to emphasize the Bible as a human product in the image of ANE literature. The argument seems to be that since the Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:36:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=128&version=1.0 2008-08-13T01:36:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=127&version=1.0 Recent Trends in Brazilian Evangelicalism  by Augustus Nicodemus Lopes   Let’s start with a little bit of history: when did the Reformed faith first come to Brazil?   The Reformed faith first arrived in Brazil in the 16 th century, when a ship sent by Coligny, a noble French protestant, came to the new land to establish a French colony, under the authority of the Catholic French admiral Villegaignon. There were many Huguenots in the ship who later wer Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:51:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=127&version=1.0 2008-08-12T01:51:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=57&version=1.0 Dr. Peter Jensen, Archbishop of Sydney “When the Gentiles heard they were glad and honoured the word of the Lord and all who were appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48) Last Christmas, a friend of mine gave a couple of the non-Christian friends a gift. They unwrapped it, and found that it was an evangelistic book, a book about Jesus. He was watching their faces and they were so disappointed it was as though they had rejected him and his gift. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:41:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=57&version=1.0 2008-07-29T19:41:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=89&version=1.0 Dr. John Franke Teaching Theology from a Missional Perspective by Dr. John Franke Professor of Theology Biblical Seminary Hatfield, PennsylvaniaTheological Rationale The impulse for a missional approach to teaching theology arises from the notion of mission as a central aspect of the character of God. This idea is captured by the term missio Dei, “mission of God.” It suggests that God has a particular concern in engagement with the world. The idea of mission is a Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:03:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=89&version=1.0 2008-04-07T12:03:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=87&version=1.0 A Study of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Malachi Dr. Paul Gilchrist Patterns for Global MinistryA Study of Ezra, Nehemiah, and MalachibyPaul R. Gilchrist, Ph. D.The purpose of this study is to look at Ezra in the context of the activities of Nehemiah and of the prophecy of Malachi who were contemporaries of the great Scribe. Most commentators look at each of these books without raising the question from a Biblical theological perspective, that is, of where and how it fi Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:10:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=87&version=1.0 2008-04-04T12:10:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=85&version=1.0 How to Read Old Testament Narratives: The Book of Genesis as a Case Study by Douglas Green, Ph.D. Imagine that you are channel surfing. You come across a movie. It looks interesting. You check the channel guide, and you discover that it’s already been running for an hour and it has another hour to run. You watch the movie for a few more minutes, but you notice that it will be replayed later in the week so you decide to move to another channel. You plan to watch the whole Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:16:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=85&version=1.0 2008-04-03T15:16:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=69&version=1.0 Dr. Victor Cole The challenges facing theological education include the need for balance between academic, spiritual and practical dimensions; or the need to balance head, heart and hands issues. However, in the usual discussion of theological education, focus is too often given to formal theological education to the neglect of vitally complementary aspects of the non-formal and informal. For a holistic approach, all three modes must be considered in a discussion of theologi Fri, 18 Jan 2008 02:50:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=69&version=1.0 2008-01-18T02:50:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=67&version=1.0 Rev. Walter Henegar "I think God had a PR problem."  So said a young investigator of Christianity to me recently in response to the question, "Why do you think Jesus came?"While certainly inadequate as a motive for the Incarnation, it’s a fair take on Christianity in the 21st century: God appears to have a public relations problem. Lots of people claim to speak for God, but those who get the most attention tend to make  Christianity, and t Fri, 18 Jan 2008 02:41:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=67&version=1.0 2008-01-18T02:41:00Z http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=38&version=1.0 What is [or should be] the evangelical, Reformed approach to environmental issues? October 2007 What is [or should be] the evangelical, Reformed approach to environmental issues? WRF member and Church of Scotland minister Ivor MacDonbald suggests that "Spiritual wholeness entails living in a three-fold relationship with God, humanity, and the creation." He then continues as follows; The effect of sin is to break these relationships and result in a threefol Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:19:00 GMT http://www.wrfnet.org/c/journal_articles/view_article_content?&groupId=1&articleId=38&version=1.0 2007-10-30T15:19:00Z