Word of Salvation - Vol.51 No.8 - February 2006   The Almighty God Is My Faithful Father A Sermon by Rev Sjirk Bajema on Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 9   Scripture Reading: Luke 12:22-34   Congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ. We begin our confession of faith in the opening words of the Apostles' Creed. These words are very familiar, aren't they? Nearly every Sunday we say or sing these words. They are words completely different from the vast majority of words publicly declared in this world today. The language of the media, of politics, and of finance, is so twisted...

Word of Salvation – Vol. 51 No.32 – December 2006   He Was Guilty As We Were Charged!   A Sermon by Rev Sjirk Bajema on Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 15 Scripture Readings:  1 Peter 2:20-25; John 19:1-16   Brothers and sisters, young people, boys and girls. Let me begin by asking you this question: "When was the last time you felt guilty?" Perhaps you remember it very clearly. It was just yesterday, or the day before. It's still clearly in your memory. You see, it's an awkward moment for you. What you thought or said or did then really bugs...

Word of Salvation – Vol. 51 No.12 – March 2006   The Perfect Parent!   A Sermon by Rev Sjirk Bajema on Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 10 Scripture Reading:  Romans 8:28-39   Congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ. What was on the news this past week? A bomb-blast in one place, a murder in the next suburb, another major train crash somewhere else? What else? Nothing has changed in man's basic nature. The news won't be any different next year. The Middle East will still be a hotbed of unrest, and so will dozens of other places around the globe; there'll...

Word of Salvation – Vol.51 No.24 – June 2006   The Only Son Makes Each Of Us A Son   A Sermon by Rev Sjirk Bajema on Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 13 Scripture Reading:  John 1:1-18   Congregation in our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Confession in the Heidelberg Catechism continues looking at the titles of the second person of the triune Godhead stated in the Apostles' Creed. So after having considered the name "Jesus", which means "Saviour", and which tells us about His mission; and after considering the name "Christ", which is His "Office", His anointing; we now look at God...

Word of Salvation – Vol.51 No.44 – November 2006   Our Lord is Up There - and Everywhere!   A Sermon by Rev Sjirk Bajema on Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 18 Scripture Reading:  Acts 1:1-11   Congregation in our Lord Jesus Christ... What do we mean by saying, "He ascended into heaven?" That actual Ascension Day happened long ago. Haven't two thousand years or so gone since Christ Jesus was taken up to His Father's right hand? How is it relevant to us today? Although it's been a long time, we still have a very clear picture of what happened. It's...

Word of Salvation – Vol.50 No.2 – January 2005   Why Are We Called Christians?   Sermon by Rev J Joubert on Q/A 32 of Lord's Day 12 Scripture Readings:  Isaiah 40:28-31; Acts 11:19-26 Suggested Hymns:  BoW: 211; 331; 210; 169; 452; 63A; 241   Congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ... Some time ago I had discussions with parents about their spiritual walk and that of their children and what it means to be Christians. They said to me that they and their children believe in Jesus and are therefore Christians. We had a long discussion about this. Among other things...

Word of Salvation – Vol.51 No.20 – April 2006   All In Him Is Now In Me!   A Sermon by Rev Sjirk Bajema on Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 12 Scripture Reading:  John 15:1-17   Congregation in our Lord Jesus Christ. The picture before us in Lord's Day 12 is quite phenomenal. And I'm not talking here about the obvious word pictures which are here. There are three pictures which we will come to. Rather, there is a bigger picture which is showing us something incredible! All that the name "Christ" represents - and it represents the fulfilment of all the...

Word of Salvation – Vol.51 No.28 - July 2006   God Came Down!   A Sermon by Rev Sjirk Bajema on Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 14 Scripture Readings:  Luke 1:26-38; Romans 1:1-7   Fellow saints... Think of the most powerful person you know. Picture in your mind how important that person is. He can do so much. He goes places - he's seen with all the famous faces. He has so much power and wealth. Now - what would he want with you? Not much! It's true, isn't it? We've all felt this immense difference at some time. Boys and girls,...

Word of Salvation – Vol.51 No.36 - July 2006   Who's Dead and Buried? A Sermon by Rev Sjirk Bajema on Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 16 Scripture Reading:  Luke 23:26-47   Congregation in our Lord Jesus Christ. Death is often called the great divider. It removes us from each other in the most conclusive way. In this world it is the last and final goodbye. That's why funerals take on the character they do. There could be nothing more separating than standing beside the open grave of a loved one. Death brings a terrible sadness and grief. Physically speaking, it is...

Word of Salvation – Vol.51 No.40 - October 2006   Arise With Him! A Sermon by Rev Sjirk Bajema on Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 17 Scripture Readings:  Matthew 27:57-28:10; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20   Beloved congregation. As we consider what happened with Christ's suffering, crucifixion, death, and resurrection, we know that His followers were confused. Our Lord had told them what was going to happen. But when it actually took place it took them by surprise. So they couldn't immediately work out what had happened. In fact, it wasn't really until after Christ's Ascension and Pentecost that they were able to put...

Word of Salvation – Vol.52 No.4 - January 2007   My King Rules! A Sermon by Rev Sjirk Bajema on Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 19 Scripture Reading: Psalm 110; Colossians 1:15-23   Congregation... At first sight, it might seem that Lord's Day 19 doesn't hold together very well. We may wonder why the article in the Apostles' Creed about Jesus being seated at the right hand of God is "lumped in" with the article about Him coming back to judge the living and the dead. What is the connection between the two articles? Just think a little more about this: What...

BOW: 9 vv 1-3, 6; "Whole hearted thanksgiving" BOW: 206 "In God the Father I believe" BOW: 119a "How shall the young direct their way?" Scripture Reading: Rom 1:8-17; John 20:19-31; Sermon. "What is the content of your faith" BOW 465 "My Hope is built on nothing less" Benediction: BOW: 530 "Praise God, you angel hosts above" Brothers and Sisters, Those of you who know me a little know that one of my favourite "tongue in cheek" comments when people quote a Scripture verses, is "Chapter and verse please." Now I know I push the envelope in this area, but to...