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- EDV Volumes I-II | Nsmpress LLC
Holy Bible English Dort Version (EDV) 1657 Two Volumes BulK Invoice Register Wholly Accurate! Forever True! Here presented is the first-ever publication of the historic English Dort Version of Holy Scripture, without its running commentary. Introductions. fresh outlines and references included. In dignified Elizabethan English, here Scripture is translated with the highest degree of accuracy possible by men fully qualified and uncompromisingly committed to its infallible truth, the Whole Counsel of God. Without a doubt, the English Dort Version stands with the Genevan Bible and the King James Version on equal, perhaps greater, footing. The EDV is for the hearty student of the Bible. In other words, not for those with an appetite for drive-by translations or paraphrases of Scripture. Volume I covers Genesis – Psalms. Volume II: Proverbs - Revelation, While it is well-known that the Synod of Dordrecht (1618-1619) and the Westminster Assembly (1645), in the confessional documents each produced, are both solidly Reformed, the English Dort Bible is the only project produced in an historic partnership of both. Here discover the historical link between Presbyterian and Reformed believers. Here, Calvinists on both side of the Channel are joined at the hip in the publishing of God’s Word—all beginning in the Dutch city of Dordrecht. Volume I: 8x10 Pp, 602 Soft-Cover Volume II: 8x10 Pp. 542 Soft-Cover Available world-wide from our global and local distribution partners Buy Now - US Buy Now - CA Buy Now - UK Buy Now - AU Home About Us Catalog Bibles Videos MS Inquiries Contact More...
- Dort1010 | Nsmpress LLC
The Dordrecht Bible Commentary Volume VI: The Epistles & Revelation For 400 years, the Dort Bible [Statenvertaling] has blessed the universal church not only with a tried and true translation but also a revered running commentary from the best and most godly pastor-theologians of the 17th Century Golden Age. This special gift for God’s people, covering all of Scripture, was approved by both the Synod of Dordrecht 1618-1619 and the Westminster Assembly 1645. This final offering in the six-volume set, preserving the original, Early-Modern 17th Century text, consists of the books of Romans - Revelation. Epistolary Literature of the New Testament can be compared to the Prophetical Books in the Old Testament. As the latter provide the writings of the primary messengers of the covenant throughout the history recorded in the previous books, so the apostles are the primary messengers and interpreters of covenant history recorded in the Gospels and Acts. Instruction for God’s people runs from personal holiness to Christian worldview, pastoral guidance to combating heresy, ecclesiastical problem-solving to expansive vision-casting, comfort for the afflicted to affliction for the comfortable, living in the now to living in what is to come, reaching the lost to retaining the antithesis, Christian freedom to considerate abstinence—and countless more vital themes are covered with clarity and illumination. In this the last volume, particularly rich are Rembrandt’s portrayals of our apostolic fathers who laid the firm foundation of the church. Also inspiring are the final two biographies of the scholars who contributed to the over 58,000 comments in this gift to the church. The seven appointed theologians of the Great Synod of Dort 1618-1619, as well as their numerous revisors and consultants, provided perhaps the most complete and competent Bible version and commentary in the history of the Church, 8 x 10 - Pp. 436 Soft-Cover & E-Book Buy Six-Volume Set The Apostle Paul in Prison (Rembrandt) Home About Us Catalog Bibles Videos MS Inquiries Contact More... Nsmpress Copyright (c) 2019-2020 North Star Ministry Press LLC All Rights Resereved
- Maldonado | Nsmpress LLC
In the King's Presence How Christ's Royal Majesty Enriches Corporate Worship Hexon J. Maldonado O Worship the King! That Christ is our glorious King should compel us to scour the Scriptures to see how he desires to be approached and worshipped. Not because we worry about what he might do to us. But because we love and adore him, and we desire to please and honor him in all that we do, particularly in how we engage in corporate worship. This book is about the meaning and spiritual reality of biblical worship. It’s about how we should respond when we find ourselves in the presence of our King. See worship transformed from "anything goes" to "everything God." Pp. 223 Soft-cover & E-book Available through our global and regional distributors Listen to Hexon's interview on Iron Sharpens Iron radio broadcast Also on the Basic Bible Podcast Hexon J. Maldonado is the founding pastor and Pastor for Preaching at Tapestry Community Church (Belton, Texas, USA). He holds an M.Div. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, KY) and a B.A. in Religion from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton, TX). He and his wife, and their four children, reside in central Texas. Endorsements In many cases the Church has caved to the entertainment, consumer, and political pressures of our culture. The temptation to accommodate is great but, in his book, Hexon Maldonado will help us recover the joy, blessing, honor, and reverence of entering into the King’s presence in corporate worship. -- Rev. Jack Smith, Pastor Emeritus, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Austin, TX Why do we go to church? This simple answer: we’ve been invited. It’s not our initiative but God’s. He is the King and we are his people who have free access through the mediation of his Son. Exploring this amazing reality with solid biblical insight, this book offers a bracing, winsome and convincing adjustment in our approach. If all of our churches followed the wisdom here, the fruit would be enormous! —Michael Horton, Ph.D. Professor of Systematic Theology Westminster Seminary California The holiness and majesty of God informs everything that Hexon Maldonado writes regarding corporate worship. God is actually present among His people when we gather together. We join in with the heavenly worship already taking place around His throne. Since God is the ultimate sovereign, he must not to be treated lightly, but approached with reverence. This is a concise biblical theology of worship that will ignite in your soul a desire to draw near to the very presence of God with the church.” —Allan Kenitz, Pastor Reformed Baptist Church, Kalamazoo, MI Guided by the Reformation principle of Sola Scriptura, Maldonado relentlessly pursues the truth that God is the author of His own worship. Although cognizant of the New Testament’s primacy in shaping the public worship of the Church in keeping with the Gospel, Maldonado, to his credit, is not dismissive of the Old Testament—as if to regulate it almost to a ‘non-essential status.’ If one is looking for a primer on the corporate worship of the Christian Church, this book would be an excellent starting point.” —Joe W. Kelley, Th.M., D.Min. Pastor and Seminary Professor, Emeritus Providence Theological Seminary Hexon Maldonado’s wonderful new book unfolds the spiritual reality of corporate worship from the clear teachings of God’s word. It is at the same time both theologically rich and accessibly practical. I highly recommend it to my fellow pastors and fellow believers alike. If taken to heart, the wisdom found within these pages is a gift which will deepen our weekly services by preparing and equipping the local church to gather together in reverence and awe into the very throne room of His Majesty the King for the purpose of glorifying and enjoying Him. —Greg Van Court, Pastor Dayspring Fellowship, Austin, TX Pastor Maldonado sets out the elements of corporate worship as found in Scripture and then goes on to examine our responsibility as Christians to worship in light of the Lordship of Christ. As an Anglican Priest, I greatly appreciated his emphasis on the sacramental aspects of worship, something that is too often neglected, if not completely left behind. A great help and obvious labor of love.” —Fr. Rogers Meredith St Francis Anglican Church Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth Exegetically rich and Christ-centered, this study covers the sweep of redemptive history to show the significance of the church’s assembly under the rule of King Jesus. Whether you are a pastor or a church goer, this book will help you recapture the awesome thing that is happening when believers gather for worship. If you want to make Sunday mornings count for the glory of God, read this! —Daniel Drake, Preaching Elder Killeen Bible Church, Killeen, TX 6x9 - Soft-Cover - pp. 223 Available through our global and regional distributors Buy Now - US Buy Now - CA Buy Now - UK Buy Now - AU Listen Listen Home About Us Catalog Bibles Videos MS Inquiries Contact More
- Heidelberger | Nsmpress LLC
Heidelberger Q&A Growing in Grace for youth and new believers Buy Now Why I Need You Now in eighteen crisp lessons, the Heidelberger, edited and revitalized, comes alive for another generation. Here is offered not only the answers but also the questions for life’s most important issues. The vitality of the church thrives on the spiritual health of its members. The Heidelberger Q&A, or Compendium of the Christian religion, was designed to prepare covenant youth and new believers for lively participation in the church and society. This Shorter Heidelberger, tried and tested since 1618-1619, has proven to be a treasure beyond measure. In fact, its spiritual mother, the Heidelberg Catechism of 1563, is the third best-selling book of all time, after the Bible and Pilgrim’s Progress. Pp. 54 - Soft-cover Faith Formation for Adult Church Participation Available through our global and regional distributors Discounted Bulk Orders Available in the Dort Store
- Wisz | Nsmpress LLC
The Lord's Prayer and the Prayers of Believers For Thine Is the Kingdom Kingdom - Power - Glory Wisz writes not as a pastor or theologian, but as an informed layman, a Christian journalist and writer. For him, the Lord’s Prayer teaches us something about the all-encompassing nature of this kingdom. As believers, we learn, as we align ourselves with the prayer’s petitions, that God’s kingdom is an altogether sweeping dominion, leaving no “big idea” or the smallest nook or cranny untouched or unaffected in the world. In prayer, we bow down before Him to Whom all-of-life belongs, including every square inch of our hearts and lives. Publisher's Choice Edition I have been privileged over the years to read a fair number of commentaries on the Lord’s Prayer…. But, rarely have I read anything like this that has prompted me to implore with the disciples, “Lord, teach us to pray.” - Dr. George Grant Parish Presbyterian Church Take the journey with Gerry to a more complete understanding of God’s outline of special communication to enhance our communion with our Father – the King of kings and Lord of lords. - Editor John Van Dyk Christian Renewal Magazine Gerry Wisz, B.A., M.A., has spent his career not only in journalism and communications, but also public relations and marketing in the New York City area. An avid student of Scripture and a popular college professor, he has been married to his wife, Betty, for over 40 years. They gratefully enjoy their seven living children and seven grandchildren. pp. 122 - Soft-Cover Available through our global and regional distributors Buy Now - US Buy Now - Canada Home About Us Catalog Bibles Videos MS Inquiries Contact More
- Enter | Nsmpress LLC
Dandelion Child Elizabeth Enter Desperate Journeys Fleeing the orphanage in the slums of 19th century London, Eden Davies finds hope in the British Home Child program. Grappling with demons of the past, Eden carries a secret with her that threatens to destroy her future, while questions of self-worth plague the young girl craving a normal life. When the reality of harsh life in rural Canada shatters the dreams she clings to, Eden struggles to find acceptance within the community and discovers that changing life circumstances cannot change who she is. Eventually, Eden crosses paths with a grief-stricken mother, Anna Burke, who finds herself sinking into a deep depression, failing to find purpose as she adapts to life without her son. Discovering a common bond of despair, the lives of these two women are intertwined. These pages take you on a journey of raw human emotion evoking sadness, anger, and heartbreak but also joy, hope and gladness. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, and by the end you’ll wish there were more pages to turn.… Elizabeth Enter i s a wife and mother of five. When not helping the children with homework, she is part time in the office of her husband's landscape company, enjoys being outdoors, and finds immense satisfaction in a well-written story. “I have been writing for many years but only recently have chosen to exp ose my soul to the world. This is my debut novel.” Pp. 410 Soft-Cover & E-book Available through our global and regional distributors Buy Now - US Buy Now - CA Home About Us Catalog Bibles Videos MS Inquiries Contact More
- Church History | Nsmpress LLC
Church History Free - Bible History White Paper Home About Us Catalog Bibles Videos MS Inquiries Contact More
- Bible History | North Star Ministry Press Llc
History of the English Dort Bible The six volumes of The Dordrecht Bible Commentary are published upon the occasion of the 400th Anniversary of the Great Synod of Dordrecht 1618-1619. While the value of the early church councils such as Chalcedon may not be undervalued, when it comes to a system of doctrine in full-gear, Dort and the subsequent Westminster Assembly were arguably the most significant official meetings of the church since the days of Apostles to the present. Both were involved with the material contained in these special volumes that trace their origin to the historic Dutch city. The international character of the Synod of Dort was evident by the presence of delegates from The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Britain. In the remodeling of the Kloveniersdoelen building[1] for the occasion empty pews were included in honor of the French delegates who were unable to secure their government’s approval to attend. In that the general editor is also the compilation author of this work, the reader may appreciate even more the availability of The Dordrecht Bible Commentary knowing something as to its origin, development and a description of its distinctives, including enhancements for optimum appreciation and comprehension. The Dort Bible Ordered 1618 Following an inaugural worship service at the Grote Kerk in Dordrecht, on November 13, 1618, the august Synod convened to answer the grave threat to the faith by the Remonstrants regarding the heart and soul of salvation in Jesus Christ. Following careful deliberations, the delegates crafted the Canons of Dort, which came to be known as the Five Points of Calvinism, or TULIP, as treasured in the hearts of English-speaking believers for more than a century. These five points were not intended to explain every point of Calvinism, but carefully and clearly to articulate its central doctrine of the absolute sovereignty of God in the redemption of his people. That said, like a mighty oak flourishing for centuries that sprouts from a single acorn, from Dort shoots the trunk and branches of sound theology and true religion for the Calvinist world-and-life view. Lesser known are many other important decisions by the Synod for the life and worship of the church. In fact, most significant and highly appropriate to the occasion, the first order of business consisted of more than a week of deliberations (Nov. 19-26, Sessions 6-13) regarding Bible translation. The Dort Fathers agreed to produce a translation in the Dutch language, inspired in part by the English Authorized Version (King James Version) of 1611. Up to this point, with the Reformation still in recent history, the Dutch churches had not yet had a “pure” translation of their own—the longing for which was documented already at a previous Synod of Dordrecht in 1578—that was complete, and based entirely and strictly upon the original languages of Scripture. They not only wanted a reliable Bible for a believer’s daily study, they also desired the Scriptures—the Whole Counsel of God—to be preached and not in any way bound to some specified sections of Holy Writ dictated by availability or a liturgical calendar. Included for ministers and parishioners alike would be a scholarly, understandable and yet compact commentary to elucidate the inspired text. The historic and primary basis for the translation would be the Masoretic Text (with a close eye on the Septuagint) for the Old Testament and for the New Testament, the Textus Receptus and Majority Text. Recent scholarship has shown these sources to serve with considerable, abiding value for the church. However, in the larger picture, even significant variants in textual traditions pale in importance compared to the presuppositions and commitment of the translators and commentators themselves. These men, according to the Synod, were not only to be noted scholars in their particular field, but also devout believers in God’s truth. Like the English Authorized Version, the Dort Bible was approved and financed by the civil magistrates. The labor would immediately shower manifold blessings upon believers, beginning in the churches of the province of Groningen, throughout Holland, and soon into the English-speaking world for centuries that followed. The Dort Bible Created 1637 Synod had adopted precise criteria for the production of a translation that would be true to the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek languages of the autographa. In the thirteenth session of the Synod, the delegates appointed esteemed theologians to the project who had the requisite “intellect and heart,” beginning with Johannes Bogerman, Willem Baudartius and Gerson Bucerus for the Old Testament and Hermannus Faukelius, Jacobus Rolandus, and Petrus Cornelisz for the New Testament. The scholars would first labor in their studies and then gather together for their work at the famed University of Leiden. Faukelius and Cornelisz passed away before the translation work got underway and so were replaced with the noteworthy New Testament scholars, Antonius Walaeus and Festus Hommius. The Synod had appointed sixteen other theologians as advisors to the project, including Franciscus Gomarus and Johannes Polyander. Numerous scholars in addition were consulted as well to ensure a Bible that would deliver God’s truth with utmost reliability and contain constructive explanation. Brief but intriguing biographies on each of the contributors entitled, “The Dort Scholars,” are interspersed in the Editor’s Forward in subsequent volumes of this work. Not only did the Dort Scholars have impeccable academic credentials for creating the new translation, they also served many years among God’s people as faithful ministers of the church. These were men of a period of church history that has come to be known as the Further Reformation [Dutch: Nadere Reformatie] which emphasized not only certain knowledge recovered at the Reformation, but also the personal experience of that truth [Dutch: belijden and beleven]. In fact, the dawning of this stage was evident in the Dort Scholars themselves including the youngest delegate to the Synod who was none other than Gisbertius Voetius. In distinction from the King James Version, Synod determined that the new translation would include exegetical notations [verklarende kanttekeningen][2] throughout, to provide elucidation of the text by the Reformed theologians who would be charged with the translating. However, while comments on the text were to be conducive for increased understanding, they were also to be concise enough so as to advance and not impede the message of the inspired text itself. Exposition includes matters such as analysis, clarification and alternative translations of Hebrew and Greek words, descriptions of literary, historical or geographical contexts, insights into approaching particularly difficult passages, as well references to the early church fathers and observations of other scholars, but all without lecturing the readers. They also inserted voluminous cross references that not only shed further light on passages but also clearly indicate these scholars’ commitment to the doctrines of the sufficiency and perspicuity of God’s Word, allowing the Scriptures to interpret the Scriptures. Their detailed handling of, and high respect for, the text is unmatched. In 1637, then, the Statenvertaling met kanttekenaren[3] was first published. The more than 58,000 comments that the contributors produced for the 66 books of the Bible have proven not only to be practical enough for blessing saints in the pew but also academic enough for benefiting ministers in the pulpit and scholars in the ivory tower. That means theologians, pastors and parishioners are able to profit from this historic resource with continued relevance, something rather unique in the history of Bible translations and commentaries. The Westminster Translation 1657 The publication was widely recognized as profoundly reliable, true to the Scriptures, and as an immense benefit for the universal church. As the English Authorized Version played an important role in Dordrecht, so too the Dort Bible, in turn, impressed the Westminster Divines. In fact, the explanations of the text in Dort’s Bible were considered by them, “a rich treasure of knowledge and spiritual understanding; the work of so many eminent theologians.” And there was a “sincere and devout longing” among the British and Scottish people for their direct access to this excellent and thoroughly Reformed work. As “the most influential pastors of the Dutch churches and leading Puritan divines” are reported to have been very close (Grell, 77), this desire for its broader availability was affirmed by divines of such stature as John Dury, William Greenhill, Samuel Rutherford, Thomas Goodwin and many others. And they knew just the man who would be perfect for the job: Theodore Haak (1605-1690). “In 1645, Haak was requested by the Westminster Assembly” to translate the Statenvertaling 1637, including its exposition, into English (van de Kamp, 51f.). Parliament itself had encouraged the Assembly to make the Dort Bible available, and so in 1646 Haak was certified for approval by the House of Lords and House of Commons, praising him as in “every way fitted for such a task” (Barnett, 72). Twenty divines were appointed to oversee the translation work. The landmark undertaking was massively entitled, in the original Henry Hills publication of London 1657, The Dutch Annotations upon the Whole Bible, or, All the holy canonical scriptures of the Old and New Testament: together with, and according to their own translation of all the text, as both the one and the other were ordered and appointed by the Synod of Dort, 1618 and published by authority, 1637, now faithfully communicated to the use of Great Britain, in English. In its dedication to the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, Haak recommended the work, with no small measure of understatement, “as a means to spread God’s truth.” Subsequently, the Bible would become known for short by some as the Dutch Annotations or the Haak Bible. Born in 1605, Theodore Haak was raised as a Calvinist, the son of a father who was a Professor of Theology at the University of Heidelberg where he would have certainly matriculated had it not been for the war which devastated the city. He did, however, study at Oxford, Cambridge, and the University of Leiden. A German scholar, he lived in England for over twenty years. Haak had the distinction of being ordained by the renowned Bishop of Exeter, Joseph Hall (one of the British delegates to the Great Synod). However, he was not restricted to his parish but free to carry out his multi-faceted calling in Britain and on the Continent as a linguist, theologian, philosopher, scientist, political correspondent and philanthropist. Well-documented is Haak’s extensive correspondence and relationships with noted personages all across Europe, including the preservation of close ties to the Dutch refugee congregation in London. Having been engaged in translation work already in his twenties, that of his voluminous works for which he is most remembered, with the exception of the present volumes, is his making of John Milton’s Paradise Lost available on the Continent. All said, Haak contributed significantly to the extensive cross-fertilization between Calvinists in Britain, Scotland and the Netherlands that served as an incalculable blessing for the church world-wide. In 1656, at almost fifty-one years of age, nearing completion of the Dort Bible, he married Elizabeth (Pell) Genue, a widow who had an Utrecht-born daughter, Kateryne. Haak maintained good health throughout his adventurous life, in his last years requiring only an ear trumpet to mitigate growing deafness. This highly-gifted man of God died in 1690 having made bequests in his will to “the poor of his parish and the French and Dutch London Reformed Churches.” Distinctives of the 2019 Edition The Dordrecht Bible Commentary delivers the historic 1657 English translation of the 1637 Dort Bible - in its earliest known text = ordered by the Synod of Dort 1618 and commissioned by the Westminster Assembly 1645, to Bible students, pastors and scholars of the church in the 21st Century. The following distinctives will familiarize the reader with the newly released publication: 1. This 400th Anniversary Edition provides an entirely unique translation of Scripture containing the complete Dort text and its expositions. Since the Dort Bible and the KJV were based on similar textual traditions, one might wonder why Haak did not simply add the Dort commentary to the already translated Authorized Version. That is not only because there were attempts in progress to produce their own “English Annotations” for the KJV, but also they were fully aware that the Dort Bible was a different translation and that attaching the notes to their KJV Bible could not be accomplished without considerable misconstruction. Besides, the English readers were interested in exactly what the Dort Bible had to say. Although in other works Haak exercised some translator prerogatives, his translation of the Dort Bible stuck closely to his source, virtually word-for-word, reflecting also the high degree of accuracy by the authors. And the learned scholars of Dort at important points did venture into a different direction than that of the sister translation. Thus, lacking a one-for-one correspondence between the EDV and KJV, correlating the explanatory comments of the one with the other, while of some value, would be unviable. In fact, the Dort Scholars’ precision work demonstrates such careful analysis of the Hebrew and Greek, that this presentation is certainly the next best thing to knowing the original languages for oneself. 2. Specifically ordered by the Synod of Dort was that their exposition be embedded within the text itself [indicated by brackets] and that these comments be printed in a different font so that they may be differentiated from the words of the Bible text.[4] Curious is that the beloved Statenvertalen failed to follow through on this mandate of Synod and relegated the commentary to the margins and in massive footnotes. In fact, Haak had begun his translation replicating the deviation, but he was instructed by the divines to start over despite that he had already gotten to the books of Kings. 3. Remaining historically faithful (though considerable adjustments have been made to the manuscript to enhance accessibility), the essential, received text has itself not been tampered with by the compilation author. Thus, readers do well to bear in mind that they are dealing with 17th century document in Early-Modern Elizabethan English, printing not yet up to modern standards. The Early-Modern irregularities were also true of Dutch literature at the time, including the 1637 Statenvertaling. 4. The only updating of the text itself in the 2019 edition by the general editor regards Haak’s translation of the Dutch word, kanttekeningen as “Annotations,” the singular, “Annotate” and its abbreviation, “Annot.”—adequate for the 17th century—for which here are employed instead the labels “Commentary” or “Comment.” These terms more accurately reflect today the substantial character of the over 58,000 expository notations in the Dort Bible’s 3,100 pages that, in stark contrast to lesser works, were and are considered “revered running commentary” (Muller, 28), a style in between “notes” as in the usual study Bible on the one hand, and protracted hermeneutical discourse on the other. Such is readily evident in what an six-volume work such as this contains and entails. In a lively sense, then, the reader is treated to a play-by-play commentary on the grand redemptive unfolding from Genesis to Revelation. 5. As a literal rendering of text is involved rather than resorting to dynamic equivalence, let alone paraphrasing, Haak’s precise translation may serve better for the Bible scholar’s study than for liturgical usage. The student should also be aware that the Dort Bible occasionally contains a different chapter and verse numbering in the Old Testament (such as including the psalm heading as the first verse of a chapter) as well as a few alternative versifications in the New Testament, and so, differs slightly here and there from most extant English translations. Chapter and verse divisions were not part of the original manuscripts and so their subsequent inclusion in history took on a measure of variability in various translations. 6. Fresh and original outlines have been created by the general editor to illumine the overall content, purpose and structure of each of the 66 books of the Bible. They are intentionally lucid and compact as it is not unknown how some Bible-book outlines tend to miss the forest for the trees. While more complex outlines certainly have their place, they can hinder rather than assist in comprehending the book as a unit, how it flows, and its main ideas. So these have been constructed intentionally for portraying how each section contributes to the book as a whole. The goal is for the student of the to get a clear view of the main regions of the forest in a manner to be especially blessed and informed by the Dort Scholars’ meticulous and painstaking examination of the trees (and bushes). To be sure, the outlines have been inserted to enrich, not intrude upon, the 17th century text. 7. In addition to the outlines, the editor has included in the forward to each volume his own introductions to the Bible books contained therein. Each succinctly describes the historical-redemptive place, texture and content overview of the Scripture contained in that volume. While the sixty-six books of the Bible are divided among six volumes, the introductions clearly demonstrate how the written Word of God is perfectly ordered into one book, from Genesis to Revelation. 8. The set also presents three galleries of art exhibits tastefully inserted by the general editor. First, distributed throughout the volumes are fifty sacred paintings attributed to the renowned painter, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669), a contemporary of Theodore Haak. These sacred works of Rembrandt are not original to Dordrecht’s or Haak’s volumes. They have been added as a bonus, not merely for the Bible student’s appreciation, but especially for reinforcement of Scripture’s message itself in coordination with the richness of the entire work. Including figures within the text was and is not an uncommon practice. The last distinctive warrants further elucidation. Widely regarded as the most significant artist in history, Rembrandt’s illustrations were produced during the same historical period as the formation and distribution of both the Dutch and English editions of the Dordrecht Scriptures. While the artist was by no means a student of reformed theology, it would be an understatement to say that so much of what he produced by divine providence is of inestimable value. That said, in deference to the convictions of the Dordrecht and Westminster divines, as well as those of the compilation author and general editor, Rembrandt’s depictions of Christ have generally not been included in this robust collection. While the Dort Commentary is replete with Rembrandt’s unforgettable work, included also is a second gallery entitled, “In Word and Worship, ” reflecting the 16th and 17th centuries of the Reformed churches. Among the Minor Prophets is a third gallery entitled, “Minor Prophets in the Reformed Tradition.” Strategic maps have been added to the volumes as well. The entire commentary is searchable by the indices of books, particular chapters, outline headings, as well as the numerous figures. The astute reader will quickly appropriate and master these distinctive features of this scholarly resource. Solemn effort expended will be immensely rewarded. The careful and prayerful student of the Word will feel as if the great theologians of church history were at his side, in his study, gently and meticulously guiding him, verse-by-verse, through Holy Scripture. All being said, of the publishing of study Bibles and commentaries, there appears no end. Undoubtedly, capable theologians have followed Dort and Westminster who have added ideas to the theological science of exegesis on matters such as the historical-redemptive unity of Scripture within the contours of the two-age construction, the structure of ancient treaty documents, the literary devices of diverse genres, the distinctiveness of “overlapping” historical literature in the Old and New Testaments, as well as theoretical insights from ongoing archeological excavations. And certainly, as with any discovery, when the wheat is separated from the chaff, there may be gain. Still, the church has been seriously compromised if along the way she has lost touch with the insights into Holy Writ as provided right here in plentitude by our spiritual forefathers in this extraordinary work approved by both Dort and Westminster. Here in full bloom is the Reformation’s return to the Scriptures with rock-solid explanations that significantly shaped the minds and hearts of Reformed believers for centuries. The thousands upon thousands of gems in the Dordrecht Bible Commentary are as timeless as they are priceless. Truth is, one might think of these volumes as our spiritual forefathers unfolding the Old Paths in stately language for all those with ears to hear. Looking back, the 17th Century was a Golden Age, even a Further Reformation, for the universal church. Joined at the hip with the 16th Century Reformation, this entire epoch marked a mountain-top in the history of the church and the world. And at the pinnacle of this mountain one discovers the Great Synod of Dort, as well as The Westminster Assembly, united not only by their confessional standards but also by this tried and true Bible translation and its revered running commentary engraved by the finger of divine providence. Dort Scholars - Resources Acta ofte handelinghen des Nationalen Synodi Gehouden door autoriteit der Hoogh: Mogh: Heeren Staten Generael des Vereenichden Nedeandts tot Dordrecht Anno 1618-1619. Dordrecht: Donner en Van Den Hoorn, 1621. Barnett, Pamela. Theodore Haak, F.R.S. (1605-1690): The First German Translator of “Paradise Lost.” The Hague, 1962. Biesterveld, P. and Hoekstra,T. Het Gereformeerde Kerkbook. Zutphen: J. B. Van den Brink, 1931. De Jong, O. J. et al. Het Eigene van de Nederlandse Nadere Reformatie. Den Hertog B.V., 1992. The Dutch Annotations upon the Whole Bible, or, All the holy canonical scriptures of the Old and New Testament… . Trans. Th. Haak. London: Henry Hills, John Rothwell, Joshua Kirton, Richard Tomlins, 1657. Grell, Ole Peter. Calvinist Exiles in Tudor and Stuart England. Hampshire: Scholar Press, 1996. Kuiper, H. H. De Post-acta of Handelingen van de Nationale Synode van Dordrecht in 1618 en 1619 gehouden. Amsterdam: Höveker & Worasf, 1899. Grosheide, F. W., et al. Christelijke Encyclopedie voor Het Nederlandsche Volk. Kampen: J. H. Kok, n.d. Grosheide, F. W., Van Itterzon, G. P. et al. Christelijke Encyclopedie. Vols. I-VI. Kampen: J. H. Kok, 1956. McKenzie, D. F. And Bell, Maureen. A Chronology and Caelndar of Documents Relating to the London Book Trade 1641-1300. I-III. Oxford, 2005. Muller, Richard A. and Ward, Rowland S. Scripture and Worship: Biblical Interpretation & The Directory for Worship. Phillipsburg: P & R Publishing, 2007. Nauta, D. Ed. Biographisch lexicon voor de geschiedenis van het Nederlands protestantism. Vols. I-VI. Kampen: J. H. Kok, 1978. Ruys, Th., Jr. Petrus Dathenus. Houten: Den Hertog B.V., 1988. Schuringa, Gregory D. Embracing Leer and Leven: The Theology of Simon Oomius in the Context of Nadere Reformatie Orthodoxy. Grand Rapids: Calvin Theological Seminary Ph.D. Dissertation, 2003. Selderhuis, Herman J., Sinnema, Donald, and Moser, Christian. Acta et Documenta Synodi Nationalis Dordrechtanae (1618-1619). I. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2014. Statenvertaling met kanttekeningen. Leiden: Druckers vande Hoogh-Mog: Heeren Staten Generael, 1637 (1657). Van de Kamp, Jan. “Networks and Translation within the Republic of Letters: The Case of Theodore Haak (1605–1690).” Enenkel, Karl, Fransen, Sietske and Hodson, Nial (Eds.). Translation and the Circulation of Knowledge in Early Modern Science. Leiden: Koninklijke Brill NV, 2017. Van’t Spijker, et al. De Synode van Dordrecht in 1618 en 1619. Houten: Den Hertog B.V., 1987. Notes [1] A klover was a type of musket and the Kloveniersdoelen building served as the headquarters for the local militia [kloveniers, or musketeers]. [2] Or Dutch, commentaar. [3] Statenvertaling, lit., States Translation, indicating its authorization also by the government. [4] As to these strict and clear requirements of embedding the explanatory comments within the text itself, Synod specifically declared: en deze in den tekst met een andere letter, en tusschen haakjes besluiten, opdat ze van de woorden van den tekst mogen onderscheiden worden (see Acta Nationale Synode van Dordrecht 1618-1619, Session 8, Criterium II). [Trans. “And that these (comments) be included in the text in another font, and enclosed by brackets, that they may be distinguished from the words of the text.”] __________________________________ Source: Johannes Bogerman, Willem Baudartius, Gerson Bucerus. The Dordrecht Bible Commentary: Volume I: The Pentateuch. Tr. Th. Haak (Otsego: Nsmpress, 2020), 1-11. English Dort Bible Project Acknowledgments Since this release is connected to both the Synod of Dordrecht and the Westminster Assembly, consulted were noted scholars today of both traditions and who represent a somewhat diverse spectrum in the confessional Reformed camp. The work is indebted to these historians who each provided unique and valued input on penultimate drafts, particularly regarding materials in the initial volume that lay the foundation for the presentation as a whole: Dr. James A. De Jong, Professor of Church History and President Emeritus, Calvin Theological Seminary; Dr. Herman J. Selderhuis, Professor of Church History and Director of Refo500, Theologische Universiteit Apeldoorn; Dr. Martyn C. Cowan, Church Historian at Union Theological College, Belfast; Prof. Russell J. Dykstra, Professor of Church History and New Testament Studies, Protestant Reformed Seminary; and Dr. Alan D. Strange, Professor of Church History, Mid-America Reformed Seminary. In addition, the Editor’s Foreword to each volume has been enriched and sharpened by contributions of the Rev. Dr. Gregory D. Schuringa, who studied under Historical Theologian Dr. Richard A. Muller and serves as Senior Minister at Faith Christian Reformed Church, Elmhurst, Ill. Historian William F. Oosterman, Oxford, PA, must also be mentioned whose knowledge of Th. Haak, and considerably more, ignited the undertaking. Noted is the Dutch Reformed Translation Society and, in particular, Dr. Joel R. Beeke, President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, for their role in advancing Post-Reformation studies in the Dordrecht-Westminster ways that are enjoying a renaissance which has paved the way for the release of the present volumes. And finally, but most affectionately, hereby acknowledged is one whose resume is chronicled in Proverbs 31:10-31. Naturally, the compilation author and general editor assumes full responsibility for the contents. The Dordrecht Bible Commentary , I:v. Home About Us Catalog Bibles Videos MS Inquiries Contact More... Nsmpress Copyright (c) 2019-2010 North Star Ministry Press LLC All Rights Resereved
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The Corner of His Garment Christine Farenhorst Christine Farenhorst once again impresses with her historical research, beautiful stories, and interesting characters. The tales quickly engage, taking you into the European and British world at the time of the 1500 and 1600s. The reader will not quickly forget the intriguing people and the issues of life that are presented. Christians are compelled to think about what living for Jesus in this world is all about. The stories also force the reader to deal with the tough questions of why a good God allows some terrible things to happen in this world and yet come to see that He is a great and compassionate God. I highly recommend this volume. - Rev. Al Bezuyen Covenant Reformed Church Toronto, Ontario, Canada Christine Farenhorst brings her characteristically honest, well-researched craft to the five novellas of this book. Set in the often-harsh realities of plague, famine, and persecution of the 16th and 17th centuries, these stories share one central theme: the “strange and wonderful” providence of God. The wonder of God’s grace and all-encompassing providence shines out the more brightly against the dark backdrop of man’s brokenness and despair. Read and be challenged, moved, and strengthened. - Cliff and Henrietta Van Dyken History, sound theology and crackerjack storytelling come wonderfully together in Christine Farenhorst’s newest book, The Corner of His Garment. Five different stories unfold dramatically and yet beautifully communicate the same message of the love of God for His people. Perfect to curl up with on a rainy afternoon when you might desire to get lost in gripping tales from the past while also getting encouraged in the historic Christian faith! - Pastor Greg and Charity Bylsma, Living Water URC, Brantford, Ontario The Bible comes to us as a story and is filled with stories of God’s dealings with His people. In a variety of ways, (historical narrative, poetry, allegory, etc.), God communicates to us in an evocative way. Christians are a people who love stories because our God has revealed Himself to us in that way. Christine Farenhorst has demonstrated herself to be a master storyteller in her past books. Here she has done it again. Readers will once more be regaled with a feast of ‘soul full’ stories in her unique style. Take, read, and rejoice in the Lamb! - Rev. Paul Murphy, Pastor Messiah Reformed Fellowship Church, Manhattan, New York Read the Reviews 9 x 6 - 252pp Soft-Cover & E-book Buy Now - USA Buy Now - CA Home About Us Catalog Bibles Videos MS Inquiries Contact More... Nsmpress Copyright (c) 2019-2020 North Star Ministry Press LLC All Rights Resereved
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Ancient Roots for Reformed Polity De Synagoga Vetere and the Ecclesiology of the Early Church – An Annotated Compendium Deep and Wide! At last, an updated, user-friendly and annotated edition of one of church history’s most important works on the polity of the church. Here, Dr. C. Vitringa gathers the evidence to support the thesis that the historical-redemptive linkage between the polity and worship of the church in the Old and New Testaments can be discovered in the synagogue. A vital proposition, as everything a church does is determined by its polity, or church orderly way of doing things, based on God’s Word. Be it leadership, worship, discipleship, outreach—all it takes for a church to be the church—how it’s spelled-out, guides the way. If you have an interest in God’s people doing things Christ’s way, here is a text not only rich in church history, but also enriching for your perspective on the church in today’s world. Dr. Vitringa’s dissertation of over 1,100 pages is here condensed into this compendium masterpiece. His vast knowledge of the sources will surely amaze you as much as its continuing relevance may surprise you. The Jews of the Diaspora gradually acquired a worship service that . . . consisted wholly in preaching and prayer. It was these assemblies which in the Old Testament era laid the groundwork for the Christian church community to come. - Herman Bavinck 9 x 6 Pp. 220 - Hard Cover, Soft-Cover & E-Book Buy Now - Amazon.com Buy Now - Amazon.ca Buy Now - Hard Cover
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Green Leaves That Never Wither Growing-- Deeply Rooted in Psalm 1 Thriving, Not Surviving! As the gospel call rings out, all those ordained to eternal life will come to faith. But that is only the beginning. Believers are not only born again, but also grow in grace throughout the course of their lives. Robert Norman offers a refreshing set of ten meditations on the first psalm which demonstrate the beauty of a Christian life that is well-grounded, as well as the futility of those who are not. In practical terms, he explains what it means for you to prosper as a tree planted by streams of water, roots extending, branches bearing fruit—with green leaves that never wither. Green Leaves will instruct and inspire you. Invigorated by God’s Word, you will see how your life is antithetical to that of the world. How you are alive, not dead; righteous, not wicked; thriving, not surviving. For it is no longer we who live, but Christ, the Messiah, within us. So here sets the tone for everything, not only for the rest of the book of Psalms but also for the entirety of a believer’s world-and-live view. So dig deep! 9 x 6 - 127pp Soft-Cover & E-book Robert D. Norman was born in Welwyn, Garden City, England, and his family later moved to Inverness, Scotland. There, still a young man, he was drawn to faith in Christ. Having completed his studies at the Highland Theological College UHI, he is following God’s calling as a missionary in Dorohoi, Romania, where he proclaims the Word, disciples new Christians and cares for orphans. Buy Now Amazon.com Buy Now Amazon.co.uk Home About Us Catalog Bibles Videos MS Inquiries Contact More... Nsmpress Copyright (c) 2019-2020 North Star Ministry Press LLC All Rights Resereved
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Nsmpress Author FAQs Do you have a manuscript that should be published for world-wide impact? What is North Star Ministry Press LLC ( Nsmpress )? Nsmpress publishes soft-cover and e-books (hard-cover for select offerings). We focus on publications that fit comfortably within the historic Christian faith . Of special interest are works in theology, Biblical interpretation, Christian living, cultural analysis, empowerment for the underprivileged, church history and personal piety. We publish non-fiction and fiction. This is not a self-publishing, indie, hybrid or vanity publisher. Must approved authors subscribe to a particular statement of faith? No. However, our Worldview Statement describes our convictions. The bottom line is that through publishing, we desire with your partnership, to proclaim the truth of God's Word for the love of God's people. Will the publishing of my book cost me anything? Your contribution, which is significant, consists of the time, toil and tears it takes to write your book! If your book is selected for publication, there will be no financial costs or fees expected from you, the author. As a not-for-profit organization, our priority is to publish books for the quality of their contents, not their potential for profits. Still, we do know that promoting good books should sell as well. Is there the usual lengthy, arduous and complicated submissions process? No. Simply email a one-page summary of your book, along with your CV, to support@ nsmpress.com. We will respond by letting you know of our plans for your manuscript. Could you describe in general terms how the process goes when you inform me that you would like to consider my manuscript for publication? 1. Only submit a manuscript when invited in response to the inquiry as described above. 2. That manuscript must be in an unformatted Word doc (paragraph markings only--no indents). Your manuscript must be finished, fully edited and proofed prior to submissio n. Do not send a draft. We adhere to Chicago Style. 3. If accepted for publication, Nsmpress will send you a contract to sign. 4. Nsmpress sends you the formatted pdf proofs of the content and cover of the book for your review. 5. Nsmpress sends you a hard-copy proof of the book to review. While the publisher retains the right for all decisions regarding the book, we value your input. Ultimately the author is responsible for the proofs in so far that they are error-free for the final printing. 6. Nsmpress launches the book on its regional and global marketing platform and outlets. Will I need to purchase an ISBN? No. Nsmpress absorbs the cost of your ISBN registration along with the other publishing expenses. May I submit a PDF of an already typeset manuscript? No. All manuscripts should be submitted in “clean,” unformatted Microsoft Word files (with only paragraph markings, with no indents). Your manuscript will be professionally typeset and formatted by members of our team. Which Bible translations should I use in my book? Nsmpress currently sanctions the KJV, ESV, the English Dort Version (EDV), ASV and NASV. If you desire to use other translations, you must secure permission in writing from the publishers where appropriate. And who will be designing the cover? Nsmpress graphic designers will create a cover for your book and Nsmpress will make the final decisions. However, we do invite and value input from the authors themselves. Should I find endorsers for my book? We encourage having someone of some influence to write a Foreword and finding others to write endorsements. Should I find reviewers for my book? When the book is released, it will be a good idea for you to contact publications to review your book. Nsmpress will do this in a limited way to select publications, as deemed appropriate. We will provide review-copies of your work (pdf or hard copy) to those willing to review your book. Will my book be available as an eBook? Yes, in most all cases, as per your book contract. We generally roll out books in order from hard-cover (if yours is selected for a case-bound edition), to paperback, to e-books. How much will my books sell for on the market? Selling and listing depend on book size, as well as our estimation of its current market value. Pricing may vary due to ongoing sales negotiations. Occasional, or seasonal, book sales may be run to promote your print or e-book. Bulk sales to distributors are priced wholesale. We will strive to get the best price possible for your book. Do I, as the author, receive a discount on my book? Yes. Your contract will stipulate a generous author's discount for any number of your books, now at least 50% off the list price. You may distribute or sell these copies as you wish. Will I receive royalties for my books sold? Yes. 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Note: If you wish to finance the placement of an ad in a magazine, journal or online, we will design and deliver a professional ad at no additional cost to you. Will my book be available in my local bookstores? Make an appointment with the bookstore manager or book buyer to discuss the possibility of carrying your books. Either you can provide copies or we can, if they establish an account with Nsmpress. Less than 1% of published books are carried in bricks-and-mortar establishments but there is often a willingness, even desire, to carry books of local authors. Nsmpress stands ready, at no cost to you, with professional support and advice for all your promotional efforts. How long does it take to get my book published with Nsmpress? Ordinarily, six months or less from the time your book contract is signed to the day the finished product is in your hands and hits the market. Will my book become a best-seller? Does your book come from your heart? Do you desire to share your heart with others? Then we can help. If your book submission is accepted by Nsmpress , that means we believe in your book to the extent of making a sizable investment to get it published and on the market, at no cost to you. Sometimes it takes a subsequent book for an author to get noticed. All that stated, perhaps your book was written for such a time as this to touch the hearts of many, near and far. More Author Info Home About Us Catalog Bibles Videos MS Inquiries Contact More
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The Five Omnias of the Reformation You have undoubtedly heard of the Five Solas of the Reformation. Whether it’s been on websites, in sermons or magazines, and maybe even at a conference or two, you’ve rejoiced in the celebrated truths. As you reflect, you may recall that the Solas are by-and-large distinctive and exclusive in character. After all, the Reformers were systematically demarking orthodox landscape by the old landmarks. We’ve come to appreciate their immense sacrifice for the Five Solas--Scripture Alone, Christ Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone and To God Alone Be Glory. These shape the architecture for the church’s pentagon, its bulwark, particularly in well-grounded soteriology that was threatened to extinction by the Roman Catholic Church. We venture to say that the Five Solas ought to drive us to the Five Omnias of the Reformation. You know the Latin word, omni, from words like “omni-directional,” i.e. something that receives or transmits signals in all directions. The Five Omnias embody Five Alls. One could say that “Solas” and “Omnias” are two sides of the same coin. Though it would take quite a library to begin to explain each, let me dare a few lines to show how marvelously the Omnias spring from the Solas. 1 Omnis Scriptura (2 Tim. 3:16) What this first Omnia means is that the Bible is more than our only source of inerrant revelation. Note well, that all Scripture is profitable for teaching and training in righteousness. For precisely this reason, among the Reformers, the Old Testament appears new again; the lectionary is discarded for living, expository preaching; and all of Scripture—Genesis to Revelation—is recognized as the thrilling history of God’s redemptive activity from Creation to Consummation, centered upon the atonement. When it comes to the Reformation, a new era dawns with all Scripture. That’s why Reformed exegesis focuses not so much on pet texts, as it does on every text in terms of the entire Bible. And Omnis Scriptura is our guide whether or not it is comfortable for us or correct by culture’s standards. You can be sure that every verse provides relevant data for a Christian’s GPS. Since Scripture covers all history, we also cherish its drama as indubitable testimony that God is directing every moment for the eternal embrace of his people. And what about those things men of the world happen to “discover” in God’s providence? Such must conform not in part but to all of his Word. For with the Reformation, the church retrieves nothing but the truth. 2 Omnes Gentes (Matt. 28:19) Before he ascended into heaven, Jesus issued the church “The Great Commission,” to go into all the world, “teaching them everything I have commanded you.” “World” here in theological Latin is from gentes, i.e., world or nations. Christ is the Word, the Logos; all of God’s Word revealed must penetrate Omnes Gentes, all nations. You know the term, “Gentiles.” Paul says the gospel is not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles— literally, tribes and families, way beyond the Jewish camp—the world. Remember, God made the covenant promise that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through Abraham’s seed. Omnes Gentes means the Body of Christ may never take a break from going all out. This gem of the Reformation immediately sparkles in Reformed businessmen (merchants) traveling far and wide—even to the New World—for commerce. Their countless, dangerous voyages at the time of the Reformation and into the Dutch Golden Age proved invaluable for distributing the rediscovered treasure for transforming civilizations. Also, they were blessed with means to finance full-time missionary labors. Reformation capital enthusiastically embarks on world missions. 3 Omnis Omnia (I Cor. 10:31) Speaking of cultural transformation, Paul preached that in Christ all things were created and that God has placed all things under his feet. No surprise then, that whatsoever we do, must be done in praise to his name. Precious is the thought that all of life is sacred, that every square inch falls under Christ’s reign. So, if we are to strum the five-string guitar of the Solas, we’d better march to the beat of our Master’s drum in claiming every sphere as belonging to him. Salvation is through faith alone, but a living faith geared for unfathomable impact. But was this not God’s plan from the beginning? The Spirit of God moving upon the face of the waters, and storming Pentecost with wind and fire, now has his eye on the Omnis Omnia—All Things, All Spheres—in his path. For the Reformation, the Great Commission breathed new life into the Cultural Mandate to fill the earth and subdue it for Christ’s sake. Now, even bells on horses and clanging cooking pots begin to ring out a new tune as holy unto the Lord. So, rejected was the medieval dichotomy between sacred and secular. Sure, on the one hand, the Reformers transformed the church and its worship. But, on the other hand, they also established Christian education, hospitals, poverty relief, free enterprise, political engagement and even sanitary sewer systems—all in service to Christ who rules over all. So the Reformers literally paved the way for building a Christian society from the ground up. In other words, the Reformation launched Christian worldview. Not for building a utopia on earth, mind you, but for preparing the elect for the life to come. 4 Omnia Membra (1 Cor. 12:12) Essential for activating the Five Solas was the Reformation’s insistence on the priesthood of all believers. The Apostle states more than once that every member of Christ’s church, from the cradle to the grave, has a valued role to play for all Scripture to get to all nations into every sphere of life. With no single body-part more essential than the rest, the church needs eyes and ears as well as arms and legs. This monumental Omnia disallows anyone to sit in the bleachers only to applaud religious professionals. Now, all members sing, all members serve. The Apostolic strategy is to grow a covenant community fully engaged. With that in mind, is it any wonder the Reformation placed such a high premium on Preaching the Word, catechizing the youth and life-long learning for adults? Not to mention translating Scripture into the language of the people? They viewed intentional faith formation as celestial equipping for life reformation. No one left behind because Omnia Membra—All Members—are enlisted for active duty. As you can see, the Reformation mobilizes a powerful, democratic movement within divinely designed order. 5 Omnis Corda (Mark 12:30) All said, along with the global, volcanic eruption of the Five Solas, the Reformation never missed a beat on the heart of the matter. Jesus said we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart. The wisdom of Proverbs cries out, “My son, give me thy heart.” Calvin’s famous motto: “I offer my heart to Thee, Lord, promptly and sincerely.” You need only think of the Calvinist Sursum Corda, “Let us lift up our hearts on high in heaven where Jesus is . . . .” So says our venerable Lord’s Supper form, straight from the heart of Geneva, Heidelberg and Dordrecht. Rejecting condemnable papal idolatry as mere, outward ritual, our Reformation heroes appropriated by grace deep down a comprehensive Christianity that is anchored in the heart. When Christ knocks on the door of yours, he’s not begging for a room to rent; he enters to take ownership of the entire estate. Our Savior didn’t shed his blood, send his Spirit, and graciously soften your hard heart, only to leave some corners cold and uninhabitable. There, the King of the Universe shall be enthroned in all his royal majesty. For all Scripture, to reach all nations, in all spheres, with all members, those Reformers had certain knowledge and assured confidence that the Hound of Heaven would never rest until he’s flooded the hearts of his own with his irresistible love. With the Reformation, the Bride welcomes the Bridegroom into her innermost chambers. Omnis Deus: What? One More All? Paul lifts off as he writes of “the one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:6). For a fleeting moment I thought, “Is not this one more Omnia? Are there perhaps six ‘Alls’ of the Reformation, rather than five? Can you see it now? Omnis Deus gushes magnificently in and through all the Omnias. Is this not a glorious doxology for those five, briefly explained? For this knee-bending compendium presents a heaven’s-eye view of all—from life to death, time to eternity, things visible to invisible. Because yes, it’s all about God; nothing really about us. No wonder the Latin root omni distinguishes divine, incommunicable attributes as in omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. By no accident, the absolute Sovereignty of God is the crown jewel of Calvinism. You might say, All for One and One for All. Here is why the Five Alls flow so freely from the Five Alones, which conclude with “To God Alone, Be Glory.” So what do the Five Omnias entail? All Scripture, All Nations, All Spheres, All Members and All your Heart. And with two words, you can describe the entire Reformed enterprise: All God. To sum up: the Reformation was not only exclusive, but also inclusive; not only about closely defined distinctives but also broadly applied directives; we are not only to guard carefully the citadels by the old landmarks, but also vigorously to plant the Kingdom flag in ever-expanding territories of our lives. While the Solas ground the church in her priceless soteriology, the Omnias galvanize her for palatial eschatology. This is our testimony until the Lord of the Harvest arrives—the All in All—for all his own. - Copyright (c) 2019 North Star Ministry Press All Rights Reserved Subscribe Thanks for submitting! Home About Us Catalog Bibles Videos MS Inquiries Contact More
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Embracing Doctrine and Life Simon Oomius in the Context of Further Reformation Orthodoxy The Practice of Godliness Dr. Simon Oomius (1630-1706) was the youngest of 21 children born to Elizabeth Jans, “a woman of Proverbs 31.” Oomius was a prolific writer even while he pastored two churches and served as a military chaplain. Studying under Profs. Gisbertus Voetius and Johannes Hoornbeeck, he took up the latter’s recommendation to write a robust Practical Theology for pastors, students and for God’s people to become not only “more learned, but better” – a basic principle of the Further Reformation (1600-1750). Preparing the way for W. Brakel, he delves deeply into subjects of everyday Christian living that are as relevant for today’s world (perhaps even more) as they were for his. Oomius “points toward the magnitude of the Reformed Orthodox–Nadere Reformatie theological project. Schuringa’s work not only provides an introduction to the work of a highly neglected theologian of the seventeenth-century, it also offers a significant window into the thought-world of Protestant ortho-doxy and its role in the Further Reformation of the confessionally Reformed Church.” - From the Foreword by Richard A. Muller 9x6 - Pp. 385 - Hard-Cover, Soft-Cover & E-Book Available through our global and regional distributors The Rev. Dr. Greg Schuringa has served as a pastor since 2002. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, San Diego. He also studied at the Johannes Calvijn Lyceum in Kampen, Dordt University, Westminster Seminary California, Fuller Theological Seminary and the University of Utrecht, in addition to earning his M.Div. and Ph.D. at Calvin Theological Seminary. Greg and his wife, Sarah, are blessed with four living children: Olivia, Hannah, Sophia and Adrianna. Buy Now USA Buy Now CA Buy Now UK Home About Us Catalog Bibles Videos MS Inquiries Contact More