Vol 52 Issue 06

(The second of two articles treating the third petition as it is explained in the 49th Lord’s Day of the Heidelberg Catechism) 

The editor of The Standard Bearer has also forwarded to me a letter from a Rev. Arie Blok of Everly, Iowa, and we quote: Editor in Chief of The Standard Bearer  Dear Rev. Hoeksema,  I am a minister in the R.C.A. and have recently become a subscriber to the Standard Bearer because even though I do not agree with everything I read in it, I do appreciate your point of view. In the issue of October 15, 1975, which reached me today there is an article in the section “All Around Us” (p. 536). There in an editorial comment regarding abortion I...

October 31 is the anniversary of the Reformation of the Church—Reformation Day. On the 31st of October, 1517, in Wittenberg, Germany, the monk and university professor, Martin Luther, nailed to the door of the great church a list of 95 propositions or theses. That act and those theses became the source of that mighty movement within the Church which we know as the ‘Reformation of the Church.’ We do well to commemorate this event of the 16th century, for it had the most tremendous significance for the true church of Jesus Christ.

(Note: The following is the substance of a speech delivered to the young people at Hope Protestant Reformed Church at their Thanksgiving Mass Meeting held on Nov. 23, 1975.)

Dear Timothy,  In my last letter I began a discussion with you concerning the so-called “New Hermeneutics” and its relationship to preaching. We really only began to discuss this matter, and so I want to carry on this discussion now.  I do not want to prolong this letter or series of letters indefinitely; nor do I want to enter into a detailed discussion of this whole matter in our correspondence. This is a very complicated and involved subject; and, if one would examine the question thoroughly, it is also a highly technical subject besides. 

THOSE WHO ARE COME TO MOUNT ZION HAVE AN ALTAR (Hebrews 13:10a) 

The Reformed Witness Hour Cancelled in New Jersey  Our Reformed Witness Hour committee received the following communications from WAWZ-FM in Zarephath, New Jersey. They speak for themselves, and we quote:

We believe that the same God, after he had created all things, did not forsake them, or give them up to fortune or chance, but that he rules and governs them according to his holy will, so that nothing happens in this world without his appointment: nevertheless, God neither is the author of, nor can be charged with, the sins which are committed. For his power and goodness are so great and incomprehensible, that he orders and executes his work in the most excellent and just manner, even then, when devils and wicked men act unjustly.

The prophet had just expressed his great thought, “Say ye to the righteous that it shall be well with him,” setting down a magnificent truth. It is well with the righteous because his greatest trouble is past. His present sufferings are but a pin-prick compared to the promised glories of heaven. It is well with the righteous because his next worst trouble is doomed. The penalty of his sin is removed. The power of sin, which always plagues him, is conquered. Indwelling sin is defeated in the blood of Christ. For the Cross is the spear thrust through the heart...

It is that time of year again when we celebrate what is called Christmas. One does not forget this day because the world will not let us forget. We are shown and encouraged to buy Christmas gifts already in the middle of summer. Christmas, for all practical purposes, has become a secular holiday devoid of any spiritual significance. This brings us to the question as to what really is the origin, meaning, and purpose of the observance of Christmas.