I Recommend
This past week, I shared the following links on social media and I think they’re worth sharing here too:
Vaccines – some thoughts from a specialist
Dr. John Eikelboom, MBBS, MSc, is Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, McMaster University, and haematologist in the Thrombosis Service, Hamilton General Hospital. Originally hailing from Australia, he is a member in a Canadian Reformed church. Knowing him personally (I served with him on consistory at the Providence CanRC in Hamilton), I trust his word on these matters and you should too.
God’s Mercy in a New Malaria Vaccine
Also on the topic of vaccines, this is an encouraging medical development. Malaria is a terrible disease and difficult to treat. We can be thankful for this vaccine. Even though it’s effectiveness is limited (40%), it can still do a lot of good.
8 Warning Signs of Dating Abuse
I included this article in our local church bulletin for tomorrow. This was my introduction: Finally, the FRCA ministers conference in WA was a wonderful time of encouragement, learning, and fellowship. I want to thank the consistory for making it possible to attend. For me, one of the highlights was a presentation by two of the ministers’ wives, Kristen Alkema and Amanda Poppe. They spoke on “Oppression and Abuse in Marriage.” They shared real-life stories from Canadian Reformed and Free Reformed women who have experienced abusive marriages – it was sad and horrifying what some women have endured. Hearing that, I want to do everything I can to acknowledge this reality, be part of the solution to the problem, and also prevent these sorts of marriages from ever coming into existence. God does not want his people to suffer abuse – it is contrary to his moral will. With regard to prevention, I spoke with Kristen and Amanda afterwards, and they pointed me to a helpful resource written by Darby Strickland about abusive dating relationships. I’ve included it in today’s From the Pastor’s Study column. Perhaps we can more often nip this problem in the bud.
The video in this link was produced by a couple of my cousins in Western Australia for a film competition. “It shows the horrible reality of emotional abuse which many children experience from their own parents.” If you could watch (it’s only 1:38) and show your support with a vote, it would be appreciated!
Dr. John Byl has made a couple of his books available electronically: The Divine Challenge: On Matter, Mind, Math, and Meaning & How Should Christians View Origins?
Shutting Down Historical Debate, China Makes It a Crime to Mock Heroes
There’s some talk of Western countries like Canada and Australia becoming communist or totalitarian. While there have been some localized concerns, we still don’t face anything like what’s found in China.
Does It Really Matter Whether Adam Was the First Man?
Michael Reeves: “The historical reality of Adam is an essential means of preserving a Christian account of sin and evil, a Christian understanding of God, and the rationale for the incarnation, cross, and resurrection. His physical fatherhood of all humankind preserves God’s justice in condemning us in Adam (and, by inference, God’s justice in redeeming us in Christ), and it safeguards the logic of the incarnation. Neither belief can be reinterpreted without the most severe consequences.”
Stubborn Dutch Guy
For something lighthearted, here’s a classic from a few years back. Some of you may recognize the stereotype: wooden shoes, wooden head, wooden listen. 🙂
