All Articles For Joostens M

The topic to which we desire to devote a few moments is not a new one. However, we do believe that it is one in which we ought to be periodically instructed and continually admonished. Sabbath observance, as we are all well aware, can be a rather touchy subject. In discussing it one can discern a wide spectrum of opinions regarding it, ranging from legalism to antinomianism. Yet, we believe that if one has a truly scriptural understanding of it, both the extremes can be avoided and one can walk soberly before God with regard to the fourth commandment.

[Address delivered at the Annual RFPA Meeting, Sept. 18, 1975] 

(Note: The following is the substance of a speech Rev. Joostens delivered at the Men’s League Meeting held in Southeast Church on April 5 of this year. We think that it is worthy of publication under the above rubric.) 

Rev. Joostens is pastor of First Protestant Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan. In keeping with the topic of this special issue, it falls to me to say a few words concerning the practical aspect of the political process as it affects each of us. When the issues have been debated at length, we have the opportunity to step behind the curtain and cast our vote. What is the calling and responsibility of the child of God here? Should we consider this a Christian duty? For whom must we cast our ballot? Or, would it be better for the child...

Rev. Joostens is pastor of the Protestant Reformed Church in Lynden, Washington. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”  Proverbs 27:6 Although all Scripture is God-breathed and “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” we always look for particular little nuggets of practical wisdom that find immediate application to our lives, passages with which we can readily identify in our daily living. We find an abundance of such Scripture in the poetical books of the Bible, and the book of Proverbs stands out in our minds. I want...

Rev. Joostens is pastor of the Protestant Reformed Church in Lynden, Washington. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” I Peter 3:15 Like Abraham of old, we are pilgrims and strangers on the earth. We have no abiding place here below, but seek a heavenly homeland. For this very reason we are so different from the world by which we are surrounded. They oftentimes do not understand our actions and behavior. They...

This time of year is a time of reflection and anticipation. We reflect upon the accomplishments and setbacks of the year that is past. Nineteen hundred and Seventy-eight is past, never to return again. For this is the inescapable character of time which keeps all of us in its grasp as long as we live. The Psalmist calls time an “ever rolling stream.” The events and happenings of the past are securely locked in the book of God to be revealed only at the last day. We cannot change the past, but only reflect upon our accomplishments and failures. 

Initially it was a matter of derogation. We read inActs 11 that the disciples of Christ were called Christians first in Antioch. This was quite a witness on the part of the world regarding the followers of Christ. They called themselves by many names: brethren, believers, saints, disciples. But the name Christian was not among them. It originated in the world. The testimony of the world was that the disciples were followers of Christ. They walked in His footsteps.

The weather has been beautiful. Spring time is the favorite time of year for me. Sunday was a gorgeous day but Monday did not fair so well. The wind was rather chilly, but the sun stood in the heavens in all its glory. It was the first time of the season that I had no Monday afternoon catechism class for which to prepare. So, I packed up the family and headed for the beach of Lake Michigan. As we put on our jackets, there were others who braved the wind in their bathing suits. But it did not matter, for...