Vol 70 Issue 20

Mr. Wigger is an elder in the Protestant Reformed Church of Hudsonville, Michigan. Congregational Activities We begin this latest issue of the “News” with some very encouraging news from our Immanuel PRC in Lacombe, AB, Canada. Results of a recent New Church-Building Survey indicate that Immanuel is getting very close to being financially ready to consider seriously the construction of their own sanctuary. By congregational decision, it was decided that Immanuel would not proceed with construction until $200,000.00 had been collected toward their building project. Well, from survey responses received, it now appears quite possible that Immanuel will reach this...

Classis East met in regular session on Wednesday, May 11, 1994 at the First PRC of Holland, Michigan. Each church was represented by two delegates. The newly-organized congregation of Georgetown PRC was also represented by two delegates. The business of classis was routine. Reports from the Stated Clerk and Classical Committee were received. A report from Hudsonville PRC regarding the organization of Georgetown was received. Prof. R. Decker was appointed to serve as moderator for Georgetown; Rev. Bruinsma was appointed to serve as moderator for Hudsonville. As a matter of policy, Classis East decided that future moderator appointments will be...

In the Shadow of Death: Meditations for the Sick-Room and at the Death-Bed, by Abraham Kuyper. Audubon, NJ: Old Paths Publications, repr. 19994. 317 pp. $14.95 (cloth). (Reviewed by the Editor) Old Paths Publications has done us very good service in reprinting these meditations on sickness and dying, long out of print, by Dutch Reformed theologian Abraham Kuyper. We need biblical instruction on sickness and death; “meditations move the soul; and Abraham Kuyper was a gifted teacher of the Word God. The book consists of 48 brief me meditations on various aspects of the believer’s encounter with sickness and death....

Taken from In the Shadow of Death, by Abraham Kuyoer, reprinted in 1994 by Old Paths Publications. Published with permission. THE physician has in the lives of many an all but too large a place, to which sometimes cleave sad remembrances, yea, which sometimes gave rise to bitter conflict of faith. And this also Scripture intends, that you should consider, and therefore puts before us ever and again those tragic words from the narrative of the woman who had an issue of blood: “There was a woman, who had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things...

Rev. Heys is a minister emeritus in the Protestant Reformed Churches. That which is preached in some churches, is written in some books or magazines, and is sung in church services and programs, may be scriptural, comforting, and encouraging. But the fact is that a very important element of our salvation, which is clearly and repeatedly presented in Scripture, is very seldom preached in the sermon, and is rarely written in books or sung in church services or programs. Salvation brings us some wonderful blessings. Thus, for example, in Romans 8 we read of many blessings which God has prepared for us,...

Rev. Haak is pastor of the Protestant Reformed Church of Lynden, Washington. 1. A Comparison of John with the Other Gospel Narratives Each one of the four inspired accounts of the life and ministry of Christ has its own particular emphasis and theme. The four gospel narratives are not simply four carbon copies, but each one was written with a particular purpose in mind, and each one stresses a particular truth about the Person and work of our Lord. Together they give the complete revelation of our Savior and the salvation He accomplished. “He (God) therefore so dictated to the...

The late Homer Hoeksema was professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament in the Protestant Reformed Seminary. God’s Creation of Plant-life (Gen. 1:11-13) In one of his typically homely comments, Martin Luther observes concerning the second phase of the creative work of the third day: “On the third day, He filled our kitchens and cellars.” This is undoubtedly true. But we would add to this: on the third day God acted as the divine interior decorator. He not only prepared for man, the chief inhabitant for whom all the world is designed, a well-stocked kitchen; but He who is in Himself...

Mrs. Lubbers is a wife and mother in the Protestant Reformed Church of South Holland, Illinois. “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned….” II Timothy 3:14 Paul is writing to Timothy. Preachers are admonishing parishioners. Parents are talking to their children. Pupils are being encouraged by teachers. “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned . . . .” Not all children do, you know. Many infants carried to the baptism font later turn their backs on what they have learned. The tears of parents drop continually for the children who have despised their spiritual...

Some are Free in Prison I want to write you in continued appreciation for keeping me on your mailing list and sending me the Standard Bearer free of charge. I want you to now that I truly look forward to each issue and read it from cover to cover. Every word that is written is read and appreciated. The recent articles on “The Nose of the Camel” have been most interesting and enlightening. I wish to thank the author for his articulate presentation on this provocative issue of women in positions of authority in the church. I truly feel informed...

To refer specifically to our Protestant Reformed Christian schools, there is a need for good schoolteachers. The fact of this need is evident from the urgent calls for teachers in the church bulletins and in the Standard Bearer yet at a late date in the summer before the start of the school year. A new school in Randolph, Wisconsin has been established. Existing schools are growing. More teachers are required. Besides, there is the normal rate of retirement in the ranks of the teachers. This calls for replacements. The need is real and urgent. Good Christian schools are a demand...