Religion
Loved by the Father
By Submitted Article on September 12th, 2020
Children and teenagers in the Bible Last of three parts Jacob M. Van Zyl The inspiring good news of the New Testament – Baby Jesus in a manger, Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, and wise men – was soon followed by the bad news of King Herod’s massacre of the babies in Bethlehem, and the flight ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Prepared for victory
By Submitted Article on September 5th, 2020
Children and teenagers in the Bible Second of three parts Jacob M. Van Zyl In western democracies, we are proud of our freedom of choice, opinion, speech, association and religion. However, about the most important influence in our lives we have no choice: our genes. We did not choose our parents, the Giver of life ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Chosen for a purpose
By Submitted Article on August 29th, 2020
Children and teenagers in the Bible First of three parts Jacob M. Van Zyl Children and teens will be in the limelight for the immediate future. Let us study some of them in the Bible. In today’s value system, what Abraham did to his son Isaac (Gen. 22) would be considered cruel abuse. Abraham bound ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!The believer’s privilege
By Submitted Article on August 22nd, 2020
THE BRANCHES Last of four parts Jacob M. Van Zyl The apostle John jubilated, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1). In the context of John 15, we may rephrase it: “Look what privilege the triune God bestowed on us ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!The Spirit’s indwelling
By Submitted Article on August 15th, 2020
The sap Third of four parts Jacob M. Van Zyl The Holy Spirit is likened to the oil of the olive tree, dripping into the lampstand (Zech. 4:1-6, 11-14). The menorah in the Tabernacle was filled with special olive oil every day, enabling it to give endless light (Ex. 27:20-21), symbolizing that believers are the ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!The Son’s sacrifice
By Submitted Article on August 8th, 2020
The vine Second of four parts Jacob M. Van Zyl In John 15:1-8, Jesus used farmer, vine, sap and branches to depict Father, Son, Spirit and believers, respectively. We have looked at the Father’s role as farmer; today, we study Jesus, the vine. The vine is the stem of the plant. It is not visually ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!The Father’s initiative
By Submitted Article on August 1st, 2020
The farmer First of four parts Jacob M. Van Zyl Jesus often used farming activities as metaphors for spiritual truth. As the sower (Christian) sows the seed (gospel), it may land on four kinds of soil (hearts): the path (hardened), the rocks (burdened), the thorns (tempted) and good soil (fruitful). Jesus explained the parable himself ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Burdened nature groans
By Submitted Article on July 25th, 2020
Creation speaks Last of three parts Jacob M. Van Zyl Gold and diamonds are carefully guarded because precious things incite covetous minds. Our precious planet is also threatened. As God proceeded with creation, he reiterated that his handiwork was excellent. Satan stained it with sin. Then God cursed his own good creation, and it sprouted ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!The wonders of nature
By Submitted Article on July 18th, 2020
Creation speaks Second of three parts Jacob M. Van Zyl Since the Renaissance, science has made meaningful progress to understand creation better, from the micro- to the macro-cosmos. The complexity of structure and the intricacy of function of physical reality suggest that it did not develop by chance, but that an intelligent Mastermind planned and ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Trees known by their fruit
By Submitted Article on July 11th, 2020
Creation speaks First of three parts Jacob M. Van Zyl Although some try to make the best of the Canadian winter with snowmobiles, skiing or travelling to warmer regions, most people probably enjoy summer more with its great variety of outdoor activities. It brings us closer to nature with all its beautiful scenery and animals. ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Do we radiate hope?
By Submitted Article on July 4th, 2020
Faith, love, hope Last of three parts Jacob M. Van Zyl A cross, heart and anchor are the icons for faith, love and hope, respectively. Hebrews 6:19 describes hope as an anchor. The anchor and its chain secure a ship to the seabed, keeping its bow toward the wind and oncoming waves. Therefore, ships do ... Read More »
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