Vol 48 Issue 03

We have several short items of interest with which we would like to begin this time. Our church in Redlands has extended a call to Rev. D. Engelsma, from a trio which included also Rev. R. Harbach and Rev. G. VanBaren.  The congregation at Redlands planned to hold a Farewell for Rev. and Mrs. Hanko and Alice on Friday, October 22.  On September 27 there was a congregational meeting in our South Holland church, for the purpose of considering “the council’s proposal for the plan and contractor’s bid for the new parsonage.”

Classis began its October session with devotions by Rev. J. Heys, chairman of the July session, and after the credentials were read and received was duly constituted.

Mr. Chairman, Members of the RFPA and Friends, 

 Instances of God’s predestination we showed from both Old and New Testament. Also we indicated how this truth is opposed, especially by those of Arminian thinking. We proposed to show also how this opposition to true Presbyterianism has and does appear in some of the Presbyterian bodies. In the recent confessional perversions being perpetrated in the United Presbyterian Church. USA, the doctrine of predestination was the first marked for extinction. Sometimes mother-tender intimidation is employed against this truth.

THE REFORMATION PERIOD  THE SYNOD OF DORDT  Continuing our quotation of the first proposition as presented to the synod of Dordt by the delegates from the Palatinate, we now complete it: For He does sustain all by a general goodness; whereof Ps. 36:7;

We direct your attention to the well known words ofPs. 111:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” 

From nothing at all to something so vast that our minds cannot comprehend it all!  From a void mass which existed in total darkness to a radiantly lighted, beautiful and amazingly complex creation! 

I cannot afford it. Those words pass so readily over our lips. Almost every day we are confronted with buying something, indulging in some luxury, enjoying some pleasure; and each time the question must be answered: Can we afford it? Children hear their parents say in almost wearisome monotony: We cannot afford it, forget it. Often parents and children can differ violently on the question whether or not the family can afford this or that.

In several articles we have now set forth the concern of the Reformation of the 16th century for Christian education. The Reformation in both its branches, Lutheran and Reformed, called for Christian instruction of the children of believers not only in the home but also in Christian schools. The result was the establishment of Christian schools very early in the development of the Reformation. It remains to evaluate this indisputable fact of history. 

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an, holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.  I Peter 2:9, 10