As we mentioned last time, some of our churches are engaged in church extension work which should be of general interest. Perhaps as good a way as any of passing along information concerning that of the Loveland congregation would be to quote from several of that church’s July and August bulletins. 

Rev. George Lanting, president of the previous Classis, led the Classis in its opening devotions by reading John 17 and by addressing the Classis from this passage. Eleven of the twelve churches in the Classis West were represented at Classis. Oak Lawn sent the Classis a letter expressing regret at their inability to send delegates to this Classis.  Rev. Richard G. Moore served as president of Classis for the first time. 

For the sake of clarity in our discussion, I will quote again the questions raised in our last issue by a reader from Holland, Michigan: “Today one reads much about the new theology, neo-orthodoxy, and recent scientific data which compels theologians to accept new exegetical ideas in regard to the Scriptures. What, must we say about this? Our fathers gave us our Doctrinal Standards. Are they becoming obsolete? Are there really new truths which call for a new interpretation of the Scriptures? Doesn’t the authority of the Scriptures depend on its infallibility?” 

From the very beginning, the great Reformation of the Church in the 16th century concerned itself also with the education of the children of believers in the schools. It condemned the existing schools and their education of the children, and proposed new schools in which the education of the children would be in harmony with the truth of God’s Word, as the Reformation was proclaiming that truth anew.

The day of October 22, 1844 was rapidly approaching. Expectation had been rising within the hearts of many. There was anticipation; a longing that this day of October 22 would quickly come. Some had sold their possessions and their homes. Some farmers had neglected their fields. Some who bought and sold, neglected to restock their shelves. These were convinced that on October 22, 1844, Christ was coming again. Several men had so taught.

(For children and teen-agers, and especially for young people.)  Catechisms are once more in full swing.  Some of you are going for the first time; some are more familiar with catechism, some are veterans. You have your memory work, the lessons in your workbook, your other assignments and your weekly meetings. Somewhere in your busy schedule you must also take time for all that. 

Salvation is of the Lord; it is from God alone. To Him be the glory, majesty, power and dominion, both now and forevermore! For He is the God of all glory and of grace. Out of Him, through Him, and unto Him are all things. This is particularly true when we receive the benefits of God’s covenant in Christ Jesus. 

Quite suddenly we moved from the “Atomic Age” to the “Space Age.” So quickly does time fly. So quickly are we speeding toward the end of the ages.  Looking at the matter from another point of view, observing the change in family life and the social structure someone once said, “We are in the shift age. Father works the night shift. Mother works the day shift. And the children shift for themselves.” And therein we do see a shift in emphasis. 

In this article we would call attention to the views of Origen with respect to the doctrine of atonement. Concerning this church father Philip Schaff, in hisHistory of the Christian Church, writes in Vol. II, 786-787:

“OF MANY VERSIONS” In a recent issue of “The Banner of Truth” appeared a reprint from “Missionary Monthly” written by John R. De Witt in which he makes some interesting comments on the proliferation of Bible translations. Some of these comments are worth sharing with our readers.  After making it clear that he is not opposed to Bible translations in themselves, he writes: