NEWS HEADLINES 06 Interview with Dr. Herman Selderhuis A Renewal exclusive with the world’s foremost reformation scholar and church historian, as well as Director of the global REfo500 initiative. Dr. Herman J. Selderhuis, including a review of his latest book on the Wittenberg Reformer.
10 Hope for Brampton with Pastor Installed by Glenda Mathes With the assistance of Revs. Harry Bout, Joel Dykstra and Matthew Van Dyken, Rev. John A. Bowers is encouraged to “push against the vain philosophies of our age with clear and compelling words.”
11 Jubilee Tour explores Reformation sites An intriguing, day-by-day account of Dr. Cornel Venema and his wife, Nancy, leading a tour group in Europe to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
13 Van’t Hoff family to settle into Brockville by John Van Dyk Inspired by “God’s glory and the salvation of His children,” Mid-America Seminary graduate, Mr. Peter Van’t Hoff, changes careers and answers the call to the pastorate at Brockville.
14 Orange City and the Longing for Home by Gerry Wisz Bomer’s report on The New Yorker’s left-wing, national coverage of what happens in a town like Orange City where Reformed principles are externalized as well as internalized.
FEATURES 24 Why less corruption in some countries than in others? by Christo Heiberg) Liberal’s despise the idea that Biblical Christianity is so unique in generating honesty, stewardship and (eventually) wealth. But here’s why it’s an indisputable fact.
28 The Biographies of Jesus by H. David Schuringa Many have heard the grand outline of the Savior’s life on earth in general. But what do the authorized, behind the scenes biographies of his life reveal in particular? No wonder, they are best sellers.
COLUMNS 18 Male and Female He Created Them by Marian Van Til Why getting from “male and female he created them” to “I’ll decide if I’m male or female” takes not only some extraordinary leaps of logic but also deep-seated emotional and spiritual illness.
20 Church Theology In-Formation Do new pastors have a clue? - Who persecutes Christians most brutally? How Reformed are we, really? - Tell Caesar to mind his own business - So anxious . . . to die.... 21 Is there a place for fasting today? by Doug Barnes Here’s why it’s high time for pastors and elders to start teaching their flock about fasting.
26 The Cedars of Ruin by Norm Bomer Valuable lessons for becoming better stewards of the earth can be learned from a “bad guy,” a scrubby tree called the saltcedar.
36 Foundations (Stares) Depending on where you live, the more severe the weather, the more secure and beneficial the foundation. Although, well-structured foundations often go unnoticed.
SERIES 02On Earth as in Heaven (on the Lord’s Prayer) by Gerry Wisz Certainly, God is interested in our aligning our wills with His—an exercise in discipleship that the Lord’s Prayer aims to accomplish.
17 Idolatry and the Best Approach by Nick Smith It’s not only about our witness to those outside the church; it’s also important for how we pass on the faith to the next generation.