Vol 59 Issue 08

Every person familiar with our Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary knows what the seminarians did during their Christmas vacation. They studied for their exams at the end of the first semester. We sympathize with them, knowing how difficult their studies can become. But what about our professors? Surely this was a time of relaxation for them! Actually they spent their vacation time doing what they like best of all, preaching the Word of God in our churches. Prof. Hoeksema preached the morning of the 26th in Kalamazoo. Prof.

FOR WHOM DID CHRIST DIE? A Study of the Divine Design of the Atonement, by R. B. Kuiper; Baker Book House, 1982; 104 pp., $3.95 (paper). (Reviewed by Prof. H. Hanko) This book, written by a former professor at Westminster Theological Seminary and former president of Calvin Theological Seminary, and first published in 1959, could have been a worthwhile and important book. 

(Note: This is the text of a lecture given by Rev. Flikkema for the Eastern Men’s and Ladies’ League Meeting, on October 5, 1982.)  Beloved brothers and sisters in our Lord, as you are all aware, I have been asked to speak to you tonight on the subject, “The Spiritual Strengths and Weaknesses of the Protestant Reformed Churches, and Possible Remedies.” There are a few remarks that I want to make about that by way of introduction. 

The question box received the following: 

I lie in bed awake. It is late. The dark of night has encompassed me. But I cannot sleep. My thoughts are troubled. I try to sort out the troubles that fill my heart, but it is most difficult. Where shall I find rest? 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord:  The fall of 1982 marked the beginning of another year of labor for our Seminary. Five men are enrolled in the Seminary: Barry Gritters and Kenneth Hanko are in their final year, while Russell Dykstra, Steven Key, and Charles Terpstra are in the first year of the new four-year curriculum. In addition to their studies, the seniors teach some catechism classes and are licensed to preach in the churches. We thank God for these men and for their diligent and faithful work in preparation for the ministry of the Word.

“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Colossians 3:20-21.

Dear Timothy,  I suppose it is not surprising that you should ask: what is a “Christ-centered” sermon. The ultimate compliment that can be made about any sermon is that it is truly “Christ-centered.” And the ultimate criticism of any sermon is surely, “That sermon was not a ‘Christ-centered’ sermon.” 

Chapter III 

(In the last paragraph Kuyper has discussed the responsibility of individual members, whether ordinary members of the congregation or office bearers in the church, with respect to unfaithfulness and disobedience in the church. He has discussed what the calling of these members is and how they must begin the work of church reformation and separation from the church of which they are members. The discussion in the last paragraph had to do particularly with one’s responsibility in the local congregation.