Jason Van Vliet
In Reformed churches catechism preaching, as it is often called, has been a staple in one of the weekly worship service for centuries. Long-standing practices, though, often need a fresh look. Why do we have this agreement in our church order? What questions have been raised about it, both in the past and the present? This speech explores the practice of preaching the doctrine of God’s Word, using the time-honoured Heidelberg Catechism. It looks at the rationale underlying it and makes suggestions about how this kind of preaching can best serve God’s people in our day and age.
January 11, 2024
Should children be baptized and so receive the sign of God’s covenant? The Reformed say “yes”; Baptists say “no.” How can these two groups, who both love the Bible, come to such different conclusions? Much depends on answering two questions correctly. First, to what exactly is the sign pointing? Second, what is the character of the promise-conveying language that is sealed in the sacraments, including baptism? Giving due attention to the OT and NT, this speech will seek to provide relevant answers to these critical questions.
February 22, 2019
Shortly after the miracle of feeding the 5000 Jesus’ disciples stood at a crossroads. Would they continue to follow the Lord or leave like others had done (John 6:66)? Peter fervently declares he will stay because Jesus Christ has the “words of eternal life.” What are these words? Why do we need them?
September 11, 2018
Election. Limited Atonement. Perseverance of the saints. These can be difficult doctrines, both to understand and to apply. Questions multiply. Is it fair that God only chooses some and limits the atoning work of Christ to them? How can we confess perseverance when we know people—even those close to us—who once worshipped with us but have now turned away from the Lord? And here are some more, but slightly different, questions. What if election is viewed through the lens of adoption? What if the saints only persevere because God is a Father who will not give up on his very own children? In short, what happens when we remember that the real, sovereign grace of God is a thoroughly paternal mercy? May “God’s fatherly face” shine upon us as we explore this truth together (Canons of Dort, V:5).
NOTE: This speech was given at the CRTS Conference 2018 but recorded at a later date due to technical difficulties at the conference.
To view the handout that goes with this video please see here.
January 24, 2018The Reformation made it abundantly clear that we are saved by faith, not by works. At the same time, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for” (Heb. 11:1). But what if I don’t always feel so assured in my faith? Must I be certain in my faith to be certain of my salvation? Following John Calvin as our theological guide, we will explore the challenging terrain of faith, assurance, and justification, with a special focus on comforting those who struggle “with various doubts of the flesh” (Canons of Dort, 5.11). Audio only.
July 6, 2017
What does springtime have to do with the gospel? Is botany connected to theology? Dr. J. Van Vliet explores these questions in a meditation on Col. 1:5-6.
May 3, 2017
Do you want to delve into the riches of the gospel more deeply and live out of them more consistently? This three-volume set explores the central truths of Scripture so that those who are already familiar with the basics of the Christian faith continue to grow in understanding the height, breadth, and depth of God’s Holy Word. At the same time, our God gave us sound doctrine for daily living. Thus, each chapter draws connections to everyday life as it is experienced by moms and dads, teens and young adults, married and unmarried, as well as people who are healthy, sick, happy, and distressed–in short, real people living real lives in a really broken world.
Author: J. Van Vliet. Publisher: Lucerna: CRTS Publications, 2016. ISBN 9780994805935
June 14, 2016
Have you ever wondered what life will be like on the new creation? In this meditation on Rev 21:7, Dr. Van Vliet explores one aspect of eternal glory.
February 16, 2016
A chapel delivered by Dr. Jason Van Vliet in which he deals with the busyness of our lives. The Preacher offers another, more beautiful, and more encouraging view of time than we often have as we work to complete our many tasks.
June 8, 2015
In this chapel message, Dr. J. Van Vliet explores the implications of Isaiah 40:26 where the Holy Spirit reveals that our God knows all the stars by name. How many stars are there? And consequently, how many names does God hold in mind? And most importantly, what does this teach us about the glory and power of the God whom we serve?
May 27, 2015
Which fountains of wisdom, which never-failing streams, which wells of joy-filled salvation are we missing out on, if we neglect the Old Testament? In this celebratory volume, fifteen scholars collaborate to explain diverse aspects of the Christian life, with a special focus on drawing lines from the Old Testament.
Editor: J. Van Vliet. Publisher: Pickwick Publications, 2011. ISBN 9781608999491
May 13, 2015
