Vol 93 Issue 01

Mission Activities There was much to rejoice about in the Maranatha PRC of Valenzuela City, the Philippines on August 28. A young sister made public profession of her faith during the second service that day. In addition, two young men of the congregation also recently made public the confession of their faith and received the sacrament of adult baptism at the hand of missionary-pastor Daniel Kleyn. We thank and praise God for His work of grace in the lives of these young people! May God bless them as they strive to live according to the confession they have made. May...

That the Free Reformed Churches (FRC), Heritage Reformed Churches (HRC), and Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC) are joining efforts to revise our Psalter, members of the PRC and readers of the Standard Bearer already know. In the March 1, 2016 issue of the SB, Prof. B. Gritters explained that Synod 2015 instructed the Contact Committee to bring a well-grounded proposal to Synod 2016 regarding Psalter revision, and to appoint three men to serve on an interim committee to begin the work. Prof. Gritters also reviewed the history that brought us to this point, noting that the PRC’s concerns regarding the Psalter’s...

In April of 1925, in Grand Rapids, MI, elders and ministers from three Christian Reformed Churches, recently cut off by their denomination, met to make plans for the future of their churches. The minutes of the combined consistories’ meeting indicate a significant concern. Article 9 states: The training of ministers of the Word is discussed. It is decided to appoint a committee that will serve with advice at the next meeting. Committee: Revs. Ophoff and Hoeksema. At the next meeting of these consistories, held May 6, Article 8 states that the “committee appointed at the last meeting to discuss the...

Previous article in this series: June 2016, p. 407. Whereas the Imperial Government of Japan has committed unprovoked acts of war against the Government and the people of the United States of America: Therefore be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the state of war between the United States and the Imperial Government of Japan, which has thus been thrust upon the United States is hereby formally declared, and the President is hereby authorized and directed to employ the entire naval and military forces of the United...

Lord’s Day 32 Q. 86. Since then we are delivered from our misery merely of grace, through Christ, without any merit of ours, why must we still do good works? A. Because Christ, having redeemed and delivered us by His blood, also renews us by His Holy Spirit after His own image; that so we may testify by the whole of our conduct our gratitude to God for His blessings, and that He may be praised by us; also, that every one may be assured in himself of his faith by the fruits thereof; and that by our godly conversation...

Basic to hope is its place in the grand spiritual trinity of the Christian life: faith, hope, and love (I Cor. 13:13). In this relationship, faith and hope are essentially one. Martin Luther once wrote that although faith and hope can be distinguished, there is such affinity between them that, like the two cherubim over the mercy seat, they cannot be divided. And what unites faith and hope is love. For love believeth all things and hopeth all things (I Cor. 13:7). In ardent covenant love, every child of God cleaves unto God with true faith and firm hope (Baptism...

Previous article in this series: August 2016, p. 443. Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. Ecclesiastes 7:19-22 The Word of God is a light in a world of darkness and sin. The knowledge of that Word, directing us to God Himself, also shines on the works...

An intriguing title The book caught my eye. For a Calvinist the question is, “Is the author for or against Calvinism? A defender or a critic?” Summer is a time for extra reading and vacation time, especially, at least for ministers. Some for personal enjoyment and relaxation, others for information and instruction. Kenneth J. Stewart’s book with the above title (IVP Academic, 2011) falls into the latter category. We bring this book to the attention of our readers for a couple of reasons. First, because the marking of Reformation Day comes the end of this month (its 499th anniversary), and...

With this Standard Bearer, October 1, 2016, in your hand (or on your screen), you are in possession of the first issue of volume 93. For ninety-two years, since October 1, 1924, the Lord has enabled our fathers and us to produce a magazine that has propagated, defended, and even developed the Reformed faith. By the power of God’s uncommon grace, until the Lord returns we will continue to produce the magazine with the same purpose and goal, so that you readers are equipped to witness to the faith of our fathers, and grow in the grace and knowledge of...

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 What a familiar, beloved psalm is the twentythird, the “Shepherd Psalm”! It uses such beautiful imagery, such rich, accurate figures to bring peace and comfort to our souls. It is so obvious that David speaks out of the deep, personal experiences that God had given him as a shepherd caring for his father’s flock.