Proclaiming the Doctrine of the God's Word: Using the Catechism Well in Worship

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.

Let the Children Receive the Sign of the Covenant

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.

The Words of Eternal Life

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?

God the Father and the Real Gospel of Sovereign Grace for You

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.

Calvin on Sola Fide: Justified by an Assured Faith Alone? (Audio Only)

The 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.

Gospel Growth

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.

Godliness with Contentment

Are you truly content? Also with the material blessings God has given you? This meditation explores this topic in light of 1 Timothy 6:6.

Growing in the Gospel: Sound Doctrine for Daily Living

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

From Father to Children: What an Inheritance! A Meditation on Revelation 21:7

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.

Daily Trials, Genuine Joy, and Final Perfection

A meditation on James 1:2-4.

One Day's Trouble at a Time. A Meditation on Matthew 6:34

In this meditation, Dr. Van Vliet focuses on our inclination to worry about the future. Why do we not have to worry about tomorrow? And how do we resist our inclination to worry about what lies in store for us?

Have Anxiety? Consider the Chickadee. A Meditation on Matthew 6:25-26

A meditation on the well-known command of the Lord Jesus Christ: do not worry. Is it wrong before the Lord to worry, or is worry just a natural part of life in this world? How does Jesus teach us to overcome the anxieties in our lives?

Ecclesiastes 3:11 "The Tapestry of Time"

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.

He Knows Them All by Name

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?

Look! A rainbow!

A meditation on Rev 4:3

Living Waters from Ancient Springs: Essays in Honor of Cornelis Van Dam

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

Children of God: the Imago Dei in John Calvin and His Context

Jason Van Vliet examines Calvin's explanation of the image of God within the times and ecclesiastical circumstances in which he lived. He aims at giving a satisfactory answer to the question of whether Calvin's teaching on this subject can be considered one of the stronger or weaker points of his reformatory work.

Author: J. Van Vliet. Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2009. ISBN 9783525569184

Love Never Ends

When Christians hear the word "love," they quickly think of 1 Corinthians 13, and rightly so. However, how can the Apostle Paul say that "love never ends," when in reality we see many different situations in which love is put under stress and, at times, even seems to come to an end. God's Word in 1 Corinthians 13:8 forms the basis for this speech by Dr. Van Vliet, given to a youth rally in Ontario in 2014.

The Threefold Office of Christ and the Believer (Video)

A close look at Christ as our chief Prophet, only High Priest, and eternal King. Also, the implications of this for the lives of Christians is explored.

Discussion Guide concerning The Heidelberg Catechism

The Comforted I in the Catechism (Video)

The Heidelberg Catechism is known for its warm, personal tone. In this speech the author explores why this Catechism uses personal pronouns, such as I, me, and my when it does.

Catechism Preaching: Keeping it Fresh and Relevant

The Heidelberg Catechism, as a summary of God's Word, is used regularly in the afternoon worship service of many Reformed churches. How can the preacher keep his catechism sermons vibrant when he comes back to the same Lord's Days year after year?

Off to Work? Don't Forget your Doctrine

An article exploring the intersection of well-known doctrines and daily work.

Who's Really in the Class?

A speech delivered at the International Conference of Reformed Education (2013), hosted in Orillia, Ontario. Reformed educators, especially principals, from different countries gathered to explore various facets of Reformed education, including this topic of the identity of the students in the classroom and how that affects the teaching that goes on in that room.

Psalm 51:7 "Hyssop and White Snow"

A chapel message delivered by Dr. Jason Van Vliet which gives insight into the full extent of our forgiveness, based on what is revealed in Psalm 51.

2 Timothy 1:11 "Preachers as Heralds"

A chapel delivered by Dr. Jason Van Vliet which explores why the Apostle Paul refers to himself as a herald in order to encourage a young preacher named Timothy.

The Threefold Office of Christ and the Christian (Audio)

A close look at Christ as our chief Prophet, only High Priest, and eternal King. Also, the implications of this for the lives of Christians is explored.

The Threefold Office of Christ and Christians

An article commemorating the 450th anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism and focusing on LD 12

The Two Books Debate: What if Scripture and Science seem to say Different Things?

Recorded during Conference 2014: "Correctly Handling the Word of Truth: Reformed Hermeneutics Today." It is common to speak of the two books of God's revelation: the book of Scripture (special revelation) and the book of creation (general revelation). Support for this approach has been found in Article 2 of the Belgic Confession. However, should the book of creation, and scientific discoveries from it, impact how we interpret the book of Scripture? Or should it be the other way around? Dr. B. Kamphuis responds to this speech.

The Comforted I in the Catechism (Audio)

The Heidelberg Catechism is known for its warm, personal tone. In this speech the author explores why this Catechism uses personal pronouns, such as I, me, and my when it does.

New Confessions: Do We Need Them?

An evaluation of need for, and process involved in, updating our confessions or writing new ones.

Infant Baptism: Should We Agree to Disagree?

Is infant baptism a non-essential doctrine that is open to various interpretations? This article counters that notion.

A Blessed Commemoration: The Heidelberg Catechism is turning 450

A survey of some of the events and initiatives surrounding the 450th anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism

Why Frederick III wanted the Heidelberg Catechism and why we should too

A survey of the original preface of the Heidelberg Catechism, including the original motivation for writing it, and how this still applies today.

Teaching Sound Doctrine as Redeemed Servants

A condensed version of the author's inaugural address as Professor of Dogmatics at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary.

Is Hell Obsolete? The Place of Eternal Punishment in Preaching Today

Recorded during the 2015 CRTS Conference. Some people believe that hell doesn’t exist, and that in the end, everyone will be saved. Other people believe that hell needs to be redefined. What exactly should we believe about hell? What does the Bible say about it? And doesn’t preaching about hell teach people to live in fear rather than faith? These questions, and more, are explored in this presentation.

Calvin's Teaching on the Image of God

An article summarizing some of the key points of the author's doctoral dissertation on the same topic, Children of God: The Imago Dei in John Calvin and his Context (V&R, 2009)