All Articles For Hoeksema, Herman

This editorial must be received by the reader, not as an attempt at expert economic advice, but as the reflections of a common man on the existing social and economic conditions and difficulties. The Standard Bearer usually does not pretend to offer advice in political and economic affairs as such, still less conceives it as belonging to its task to solve economic problems. In the first place, its chief purpose is to discuss questions that belong to the domain of theology, and to enlighten our people with regard to the Reformed truth in distinction from many deviations and aberrations from...

Is there no way out of our present economic difficulties? Can a mere layman, who cannot boast of being an expert in the department of economy, see no possible solution? Let us, first, consider a few more undeniable facts. First of all, let us take note of the fact that the general level of living today is much higher than, say, about three decades ago. Time was, and this “time” is still a matter of memory for all that do not fall below the ages of two score and five, when with the general mass of people, the working people,...

In view of the many rumors about the condition of Dr. Schilder after the German invasion of the old country, our Synod decided to seek official information through Washington. Our representative from Michigan, the honorable Bartel J. Jonkman, was found very willing to serve us in this matter. Already during the sessions of our Synod we received a cablegram from him, informing us that efforts were being made to get connections with The Netherlands, that, however, connections were broken, but that he would let us know about the whereabouts of Dr. Schilder as soon as connections could be established. Since...

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; according as he hath chosen us in him….Eph. 1:3, 4 Blessed be He that blessed us! It cannot escape our attention that the same word is used twice: God blesses us, we bless Him! Yet, there is a profound difference in meaning between the two uses of the word. For, first of all, God’s blessing us and our blessing God are not mere reciprocal acts, so that the latter is a remuneration of the former, a...

It is not our purpose to discuss in detail the various decisions taken by our first Synod. All the decisions will be published in the Acta, which all that are interested may purchase and study for themselves. Only to some of the more important matters we wish to call the attention of our readers. To these belongs, no doubt, the address which our Synod decided to send to the Synod of the Christian Reformed Churches. Here it is: Grand Rapids, Mich. May 27, 1940. The Synod of the Christian Reformed Churches, assembled at Grand Rapids, Mich., June ____ 1940. Esteemed...

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence. Eph. 1:7, 8 Blessed be God! The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! That is the keynote of this entire epistle to the Ephesians. It is the note of praise that should be struck from the heart and sound forth from the lips of the redeemed, even while they are in the midst of this world that lieth in darkness. The note of grateful praise! He, the God...

My dearly beloved people! I feel that it would be quite impossible for me to give expression to all that is in my heart at this moment. I am simply overwhelmed by all the expressions of your love and appreciation which you finally symbolized in these tangible presents. I feel that this day was of great significance in my life, especially because I have felt, you have made me feel, the bond of love in Christ that unites us. I can only express my heartfelt gratitude to the committee that worked so hard to prepare this day, and to you...

On the evening of May 22, 1940, a prayer service was held in the “Roosevelt Park” Protestant Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, with a view to the first Synod of the Protestant Reformed Churches, that was to begin its sessions on the following day. On that evening the undersigned, pastor of the “calling church,” led the services, and in the ministry of the Word spoke as follows: To you and to me this is a glad occasion. For the first time our churches are to meet in synodical gathering. This means that we have made history. To us it signifies...

And to wait for His Son from Heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. I Thess. 1:10 A living hope and a sanctified walk! Always these two accompany each other. Inseparably they are knit together, intertwined; essentially they are one. Without the one the other cannot be. Reciprocally they motivate each other. Each is the other’s stimulant. Where the one fades the other pines. Where the one flourishes the other is strong. Be the friend of God in Christ, keep your garments clean, fight the good fight of faith in...

It is difficult to obtain a proper conception of the war that is now raging in Europe. Certain it appears, that in the two decades since the last “world war” modern culture has made tremendous strides in the progress of the “art” to destroy one another! Haw the “common grace” theorists would explain the present conflagration of hatred and destruction one could be curious to know. Difficult it is, too, at the present time to discover and pass a correct judgment on what may be the immediate historic cause of the present war, and to which of the two conflicting...