Videos

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.

The overarching goal of early Reformed theology was the guarding of God’s glory. Early French-language reformers like Guillaume Farel and John Calvin focused their critique upon all teachings and practices that—whether directly or indirectly—in their view detracted from God’s glory. Late medieval Christianity in particular had established practices that diverted recognition from God to the person. Farel and Calvin maintained that one must listen to God himself via Scripture in order to understand how God’s glory is robbed and how it ought to be acknowledged. Thus the conference will close with Soli Deo Gloria.

Liberal views of the Bible see it as a book that is meant merely to inform rather than as the Spirit’s tool and power to transform. But when we lose confidence in the dynamic character of Scripture we would do well to listen to how the reformers grasped the living power of God’s Word. For reformer Ulrich Zwingli, the Bible was alive with soul-piercing, heart-discerning, life-giving potency. He believed that even the simplest person that approached God’s word with humble sincerity could come away with a rich knowledge of God, a deep inner delight in his grace, and a lively hope for the future.

Martin Luther was the most important theologian since Aquinas and the most original thinker since Augustine. His writings divided the western church, sparked revolts, and produced the greatest flurry of literature the world had ever seen. Perhaps no single person ever had more people trying to destroy his work and yet Luther was easily the most published man in the sixteenth century: what Luther wrote, Europe read. It is rare that we get to glimpse a giant, but in this lecture we’ll look at Luther for who he really was: a great man whose greatest accomplishment was to persuade a dying world that its only hope was a fresh understanding of the sufficiency of Christ’s person and work.

Rev. Peter Feenstra describes his approach to Catechism teaching and the multi-year curriculum which he has developed over the years. Recorded during the 2017 January Interim semester.

Mr. Pieter Torenvliet (retired school principal, Abbotsford, BC) presents an evaluation form that could be used by elders who are called to visit and observe Catechism classes. Recorded during the 2017 January Interim semester.

To view the powerpoint presentation that goes with this video please see here.

To view the lesson plan on Lord’s Day 8, please see here. and here. To view the student worksheet on Lord’s Day 8, please see here.

Mr. Pieter Torenvliet presents the results of a survey he conducted among ministers in Canada and Australia, asking them about their approach to and experiences with Catechism teaching. Recorded during the 2017 January Interim semester.

The powerpoint presentation that goes with this video is available here.

Rev. Peter Holtvüwer describes the Psalms Project, a massive digital library of information and homiletical insights on the psalms, especially focussing on the lines that can be drawn to Christ. He uses Psalm 35 as an example. Recorded during the 2016 January Interim Semester.

Dr. Andrew H. Selle, Executive Director and counselor at Christian Counseling & Mediation, describes the factors that frequently lead to church conflict and the lays out some principles for peaceful decision-making and unity within the Christian church. Recorded during the 2016 January Interim Semester.

Rev. Clarence Vandervelde, pastor of the Rehoboth Canadian Reformed Church in Burlington-Waterdown, explores the merits of preaching from notes instead of a full manuscript. Recorded during the 2016 January Interim Semester.

Dr. Andrew H. Selle, Executive Director and counselor at Christian Counseling & Mediation, lays the theological foundation for a culture of peacemaking in the Christian church and life. Recorded during the 2016 January Interim Semester.