Conference 2023 Closing Thoughts

Closing thoughts on the 2023 conference

Everlasting Arms

Final chapel message from the 2020-2021 academic year from Deuteronomy 33:26-27, highlighting the “everlasting arms” of our God.

"Preaching the Gospel in Lands Beyond You”: Paul’s Vision for World Mission

The apostle Paul worked tirelessly among the churches he had planted but he never lost his zeal to take the gospel to new areas where Christ had not been proclaimed (2 Cor. 10:16). At the beginning of a conference on world mission it will be good to reflect on Paul’s missionary approach. We will focus especially on the balance he maintained between planting churches in new areas and nurturing the churches he had already planted.

Mission Organization of the CanRC: Time to revamp the model?

When the Canadian Reformed Churches launched their first foreign mission projects in the late 1950s, they decided that the work of foreign mission should not be organized by a central mission board (appointed by general synod) but rather through the initiative of local churches. Ever since, CanRC foreign mission projects have been initiated and supervised by "sending churches" such as Toronto, Hamilton and Surrey. In this presentation we will raise the question whether the time has come to revamp the model and move to a more centralized approach. Advantages and pitfalls of both approaches will be discussed.

13 Reasons Why

In this article, Dr. de Visser takes a look at Netflix's popular show "13 Reasons Why" and offers some insight for Christian viewers. Is there anything positive that can be said about this controversial new show?

Meeting the Most Powerful Man in the World

A chapel meditation on Genesis 47:7-10, Jacob blessing Pharaoh.

A Good Soldier of Christ

A chapel meditation on 2 Timothy 2:3: Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

A Spirit-Filled Church

A meditation on Acts 4:24-31.

Would Schilder Pass Classis?

At the 2016 CRTS Conference, Dr. Arjan de Visser describes the characteristics of the renowned preaching of the famous preacher and theologian Klaas Schilder—but considers whether some of those characteristics might have jeopardized his chances at passing a Canadian Reformed Classical Exam.

Lecture outline available here.

Paul and Epaphroditus: A Meditation on Philippians 2:25-30

Reflecting on the ministry of Epaphroditus helps us to appreciate the fact that the Lord uses a variety of servants for the spreading of the gospel.

Musical Instruments in Worship (Part 1)

Biblical foundations for the role of music in worship.

Tracing Guido de Brès in Doornik

Report on a visit to Doornik - including the place where Guido de Brès was imprisoned.

Lift Up your Hearts: Biblical Principles for Music in Worship

A presentation at the Church Music Conference held in Burlington, Ontario on October 24, 2014.

The Genevan Psalter – 450 Years

The history of the Genevan Psalter, with an analysis of its character and its significance.

"Until He Comes": Eschatological Aspects of Reformed Worship

Recorded during the 2015 CRTS Conference. Dr. de Visser begins by discussing Biblical foundations for the topic. Next he argues that faithful preaching should have a distinct eschatological quality. Then he examines what eschatological elements are found in the Reformed worship service, including psalms, hymns, and liturgical forms.

Evangelism according to the Scriptures

Discussion of the principles, history and practice of evangelism

Schilder’s views regarding the Reformed Hymnary

Why Dr. K. Schilder was in favour of singing (more) hymns

Schilder’s views regarding the Reformed Psalter

Why Dr. K. Schilder wanted to sing the Psalms in contemporary language

Honoured but Eclipsed: Beliefs about Christ in an African Church

Analysis of the Christology of the Zion Christian Church, the largest church in southern Africa

Musical Instruments in Worship (Part 2)

Historical background and practical advice for the role of music in worship.

The Character of the Afternoon Service

Why our afternoon services should have a teaching quality

Church Music in Calvin's Tradition

What we can learn from Calvin's view of music for today