Antinomians? Without a doubt (6)
Previous article in this series: January 15, 2023, p. 179. Gentleness is good to the core and is revealed toward adversaries and enemies. It does not hurt them, does not take revenge, does not curse, insult, or spread lies about them; does not even wish bad things on them, even though they might have taken away property, reputation, body, friends—everything. Martin Luther, Treatise on Good Works I ntroduction In this series of articles we are examining the antinomian theology of the Reformed Protestant Churches. At the moment, we are primarily concerned with the RPC teaching concerning repentance and forgiveness, specifically […]
The Protestant Reformed Churches: Their beginnings (2)
Previous article in this series: March 1, 2023, p. 260. As noted in the last article, in 1924 Herman Hoeksema was the pastor of the largest Christian Reformed Church in that day with over 500 families and 1300 members. He was a regular contributor to The Banner, and a member of the Curatorium of the Seminary. He was unquestionably one the most capable theologians and preachers in the CRC in that day. But in 1925, Herman Hoeksema was deposed by a Classis of the CRC, as were Revs. Henry Danhof and George M. Ophoff as well as the respective consistories […]
Encouraging our youth
Are you having any difficulty communicating with your teenager? Do you hear a lot of truncated, unclear sentences? Maybe you tried hearing aids only to find they do not solve your problem. Well, look no further! “Mumble Unjumble” is here to help! This cuttingedge translator app will make the most muffled mumbling discernible. Consider this for example: “Canhamburgerout?” Within seconds your translation reads, “Can I hang out?” Or, “Nuttneats” quickly deciphers, “There’s nothing to eat.” “Candybarcar?” instantly appears, “Can I borrow the car?” Gone will be the days when you say, “I can’t hear you.” Or, “What did you say?” […]
Komt te achter aan? or, Are good things coming later? A Regnerus family history in the PRCA
[A hearty thank you to all who have been and are working on the research and writing of their family history, for the benefit of us who are readers of the Standard Bearer. As we consider the past and look to the future, may God’s grace shine through, for our encouragement and blessing.] Jim Regnerus, the author of the following history, is principal of Trinity Christian HS in Hull, IA, elder in Doon PRC, husband of Brenda, and father of six children, including Rev. Stephan Regnerus, soon-to-be new pastor of Hull PRC. A study of the Regnerus family history in […]
Bring the books…
The following book is reviewed by Dr. Marco Barone, member of Southwest PRC in Wyoming, Michigan and book coordinator at the Reformed Free Publishing Association. James Durham, A Practical Exposition of the Ten Commandments, ed. Chris Coldwell. Dallas, TX- Grand Rapids, MI. Naphtali Press and Reformation Heritage Books, 2018. Hardcover. $40.00. 432 pages. The idea that Reformed preaching should “focus on what God does in our lives rather than emphasizing how we should live” is popular in many Reformed corners. However, that a life of thankful obedience can take place only on the basis and by virtue of Christ’s redemption […]
Report of Classis West
Meeting March 1-2, 2023 Classis West of the Protestant Reformed Churches met on March 1-2, 2023, in Lynden PRC (Lynden, WA). This small congregation did an outstanding job of hosting the twenty-eight delegates from the fourteen churches in the Classis. Classis began on Wednesday, March 1, with opening devotions led by the chairman of the previous meeting, Rev. M. Kortus (pastor of Hope Redlands PRC), who gave a fitting meditation on Psalm 20. After Classis was legally constituted, the meeting was capably chaired by Rev. Jonathan Langerak (pastor of Covenant of Grace PRC), who was serving in this capacity for […]
News from our churches
PRC news (denominational) Loveland PRC’s Consistory published a new trio of Rev. D. Noorman (Southwest PRC-Wyoming, MI), Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland, MI), and Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC-Jenison, MI). On March 12 they extended a call to Rev. Smidstra. Randolph PRC has a new trio from the Consistory to consider: Revs. N. Decker (Grandville-MI PRC), J. Maatman (SE-Grand Rapids PRC), and D. Noorman. The congregation called on March 26. In PRC Seminary news, the second semester is over the halfway point, which means that midterm exams/ tests were recently taken, and students are working diligently on their major Reformed […]
Take no thought for your life
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?… Matthew 6:25-32 The text speaks of something we all struggle with, worry. We get anxious about many things, including our physical needs. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus tells us not to worry, saying, “Take no thought for your life.” As planting season begins, may this passage remind us to trust in our heavenly Father to supply our needs and […]
My heart desires thy peace: Confronting spousal abuse
If we desire peace in the church, then we desire peace in our homes, for the church is made up of our homes. That is, the church is like a big square, made up of many smaller squares representing our homes. In some of those homes live single individuals, whether younger saints or older ones. In other of those homes live friends, roommates. However, in most of those homes live a man and his wife, and usually children as well. How can there be peace in the church—the big square, if there is war in our homes—the smaller squares? If […]
Correction
A reader raised a question with me about a statement in my January 15, 2023 Standard Bearer article, the fifth installment in Antinomians? Without a Doubt. The statement in question concerns my quote and interpretation of what Calvin says in his commentary on Zechariah 8:15-16. The quote from Calvin reads: And hence we may gather a general truth—that God cannot be intreated by us [notice, cannot], except we begin to repent; not that our repentance anticipates God’s mercy, for the question here is not, what man of himself and of his own inclination can do; as the object of Zechariah […]
