The Apostles’ Creed declares truths that transcend time and space, uniting all of Christ’s saints from past, present and future.

In the early- to mid-1950s, Herman Hoeksema delivered a series of radio sermons on each of the articles of the Apostles’ Creed, thereby presenting and explaining all of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. This collection of those sermons is, therefore, an excellent introduction to a Reformed understanding of the great truths of the Scriptures.

But the sermons in this book are more than theological expositions of the doctrines of the Apostles’ Creed. Hoeksema offers insightful, practical applications that flow from the truths of the Apostolicum. Both the Creed’s doctrines and practical implications are crucially important, not only to the individual Christian but also to the church as a whole. By expounding the Apostles’ Creed, Hoeksema demonstrates that its truths are not empty propositions but living declarations pointing to the Christian’s only hope and comfort in life and death: the Triune God in the Lord Jesus Christ.

“As God’s people we embrace the teachings of the Apostles’ Creed. We embrace these teachings because we believe them. However, we believers can easily fall into the practice of treating the Creed as only a simple statement, a statement which we do not think about too deeply. We do not seek to understand the depths of its riches. Consequently, we do not grow in our faith. This fine volume on the Apostles’ Creed, replete with many Scripture references, will cause our faith and understanding of biblical truth to grow.” – Rev. Jerome Julian, emeritus minister in the United Reformed Churches (URC) in North America

“I Believe is a beautifully produced book, a credit to the RFPA.” –  Co. Down, N. Ireland

The following review was written by Ken Vink on the book I Believe: Sermons on the Apostles’ Creed by Herman Hoeksema (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2012). This review was originally published in the September 2023 issue of The Grandville Gleaner.

This recent RFPA publication is a collection of 38 radio sermons delivered on the Reformed Witness Hour by Rev. Herman Hoeksema in the years 1951, 1952, 1954, and 1955. Each sermon was verbally delivered in about 20 minutes. The printed text comprises about 7 pages for each sermon. Due to their length, these sermons could well be used as devotional material.

The 12 articles of the Creed are short and concise, comprising only 110 words. The author used 110,000 words in this volume to expand and explain the creed. He often states that he could say much more but is limited by time. The author generally uses three sermons to develop each article.

The Apostles’ Creed is a personal document. Note that it begins with the words “I believe.”

The author treats it as such and applies it as to its meaning and importance to the Christian life. Explaining some of the concepts and terms in the Creed is not without difficulty. More than once, the author meets this challenge saying that it is very difficult to explain this, but I will do my best. He then goes on to layout the meaning with precision and care, often using examples. He quotes extensively from Scripture to substantiate his points.

The editor has added two radio sermons to this collection as Appendices. Both are significant. While not strictly included in the author’s series on the Apostles’ Creed, these two additional sermons address topics in the Creed. The first is Conceived by the Holy Ghost which explains importance of the virgin birth. The author also explains his view that the genealogies in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 are that of Mary and not of Joseph as often assumed. The second addition, The Power of His Resurrection, struck me one of the most powerful and meaningful sermons contained in the book. In it, the author applies the power of the resurrection to the Christian life.

Rev. Hoeksema was a powerful preacher and a learned theologian. He directed his preaching and writing to those in the pew. He did not use overly long sentences, mysterious theological terms or sprinkle his writing and preaching with huge multi-syllable words.

The author’s work continues to live on in his writing. This volume is a worthy addition to his published works.

I would like to conclude this brief review on a personal note. Growing up, Rev. H. Hoeksema was my pastor (along with Revs. De Wolf and C. Hanko). In fact, Rev. Hoeksema attended our wedding in 1963. 

The following review was written by Rebecca Huffman Givens on the book I Believe: Sermons on the Apostles’ Creed (2023) by Herman Hoeksema. This review was originally published in the Vol. 68, Issue 1 (2025), of The Christian Librarian.

Herman Hoeksema (1886-1965) was a Dutch Reformed theologian. He served as longtime pastor of the First Protestant Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was one of the founders of the Protestant Reformed Churches and Professor of Theology at the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary in Grandville, MI, for forty years.

Between 1951-1955, Hoeksema delivered a series of radio sermons on each of the articles of the Apostles’ Creed, which were broadcast on the Reformed Witness Hour radio program.1 In this volume, Marco Barone has compiled and edited the transcripts of those sermons, which he obtained from the library of the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary in Wyoming, MI. Barone added explanatory footnotes and scripture references and corrected obvious typographical or grammatical errors. He also included an introduction on why Christians should study the Creed and why Hoeksema preached on it, a foreword outlining his own editing work of the transcripts, and a broadcast timeline of the sermons. He states in his introduction, “Through his exposition of this important document, Hoeksema guides the reader to the life-changing contemplation of the triune God and his work in Christ. Hoeksema very often expresses awe at the beauty and spiritual glory of the divine truths conveyed by the Creed, sometimes in a contagious way. In fact, he has communicated that awe to this editor too, and it is my hope that his sermons may also be a blessing to the reader” (page xii). 

The book’s opening sermon gives a brief introduction to the Apostles’ Creed and addresses the first phrase: “I believe in God.”  Each sermon thereafter proceeds through the Creed phrase by phrase, for a total of thirty-eight sermons arranged under the twelve Articles, followed by two additional related sermons.

In each sermon, Hoeksema shows how a particular phrase of the Apostles’ Creed relates to what the Christian believes. The sermons are pastoral, and they pull the reader into the basics of what a person should believe if they are a Christian. He quotes relevant scripture, and his love of the Creed, the Bible, and the people of God is apparent. This title is relevant for anyone wanting to study the Apostles’ Creed in particular, or for any believer who wants to better understand what they believe.

Other reviews of this book by Rev. Mitchell Dick (URC), Ben House (The Heavy-Laden Bookshelf blog) and John Tipton can also be read on-line.

A student of, and successor to, Herman Hoeksema as a professor of dogmatics, David J. Engelsma explains Hoeksema’s significance as a theologian, power as a preacher, heart as a pastor, magnanimity as a controversialist, authority as a church leader and skill as a lecturer. Here we see Hoeksema apologizing for an editorial mix-up, bringing the assurance of salvation in Christ to a dying saint and, from his wheelchair in hospital after his ministry-ending stroke, naming the poignant parable he would preach on if he were able to deliver one more sermon. A delightful, edifying and page-turning little book on a great man of God.

“A unique, personal perspective and a rewarding reading experience. I thoroughly enjoyed Prof. Engelsma’s remembrances of Rev. Hoeksema. For those of us who never had the privilege of knowing him, this book provides a welcome addition to the biographies that are also available, but with this difference: Prof. Engelsma had the rare opportunity to be taught by Rev. Hoeksema, one on one, at the PR seminary. The book is a recollection of those, and also a ‘history in real time’ of several of the events that affected the PRC in its growth. Prof. Engelsma’s book is a wonderful reading experience for anyone interested in the life of Rev. Hoeksema and in the history of the Protestant Reformed Church. Highly recommended.” – Charles R.

“A lively reminiscence. I discovered Herman Hoeksema by way of a footnote. From there I picked up Reformed Dogmatics. Wanting to know more, I waded into the common grace controversy. Finally, I desired to know more about this man who seems not to have been given his due in terms of recognition. In David Engelsma’s book you will catch a glimpse of him. You will learn something of Engelsma’s story and the story of the PRCA. Engelsma writes that ‘Hoeksema was always right,’ but notes the price Hoeksema paid for being right. It left me a bit wistful. Hoeksema is underappreciated. Engelsma’s I Remember Herman Hoeksema is a helpful start in changing that.” – Jacob D.

“An engaging personal perspective by the author based on his relationship with Professor Hoeksema. I had tears in my eyes by the end of the (relatively short) book for the gift of this man to [the PRCA], a man who was both great and small at the same time. Especially encouraging were stories of both Hoeksema and Ophoff on their respective deathbeds as they wondered how God could save sinners such as they. Proof of God’s great work accomplished in and through weak means, men saved by grace. Thank you, Professor Engelsma!” – Robin B.

“I have read the book I Remember Herman Hoeksema, and found it most interesting and informative. It is also easy to read. So well worth waiting for.” – Cambridgeshire

“I read I Remember Herman Hoeksema from cover to cover. It is very good. I much appreciated it.” – Hertfordshire

DESCRIPTION

Abraham Kuyper was born in the Netherlands. He was a Modernist minister when he assumed his first charge, but was led, through the influence and prayers of a saintly woman in his congregation, to see that he was feeding his people husks.

He saw the truth of salvation through the blood of Christ and responded by preaching the gospel with unusual power.

Abraham Kuyper was an outstanding theologian, he led a Dutch political party, and was prime minister of the Netherlands.

Here is a stimulating volume for young Reformed people answering the vital question, “What is expected of me after I make confession of faith?” Interestingly written and easily understood, Dr. Kuyper describes the calling and life of confessing church members. Not only should young people find this book valuable but also Christian parents and church office-bearers will find it helpful for answering questions such as these:

Why should confession of faith be made publicly?
Who should make confession of faith?
Should training be given in preparation for this confession?
Of what should the preparation consist?
Are catechism classes necessary?
Is it necessary to examine candidates for confession of faith?
What is the relation between confession and being received into the church?

This excellent and worthwhile volume will prove itself indispensable indeed—and will assure interested young people all the facts and “implications of public confession.”

Click here to read a chapter from this book.

To read an excerpt of this book in Spanish, click here.

The 1960s were years of challenges to the infallibility and inspiration of God’s Word. These attacks were precipitated by the increasingly popular theory of evolution, which was making inroads into Reformed churches and schools. In contradiction to this creeping heresy and in unequivocal defence of the doctrine of Scripture, the Reformed Free Publishing Association (RFPA) published In the Beginning God by Prof. Homer C. Hoeksema, son of Herman Hoeksema. Since then the conflict between creation and evolution as the explanation of the origin of the world has intensified, and the truth of God’s inerrant Word is increasingly compromised, even in historically Protestant circles. Christ’s people must be knowledgeable regarding holy Scripture and creation so that they can faithfully maintain and proclaim these doctrines. The explanation and defence of these timeless truths in this fine little book will help you to this end! The three chapters of this excellent, little book are entitled “The Divine Foundation—The Infallible Scriptures,” “The Creation Record—Literal or Not Literal?” and “Genesis and Scripture.”

This book can also be read on-line.

“Good book. Very well written, easy to read and understand. Great front cover too.” – S. Wales

Prayer brings us into God’s sanctuary. True prayer has requirements and Jesus has given one model for all our prayers. Line by line, Hoeksema analyses, explains and applies the principles found in Jesus’ perfect model prayer. The reader is taught that prayer is given by the Spirit of God and that he must pray in a God-honouring way. The author stresses how prayer is thanksgiving to God, reflecting fellowship with our heavenly Father.

“I must know him, the only true God, in order to be able to pray at all. But I cannot know him out of myself, I cannot find him out … Only he can make known to me who he is, and what he is. Hence I must begin to let him speak to me before I can even begin to speak to him. This he does in his word, in the holy scriptures,” writes Rev. Hoeksema. As readers, we are compelled to exclaim, “Lord, so teach me always to pray in accordance with Thy will!”

“This book contains eleven expository sermons on the Lord’s Prayer, preached by Herman Hoeksema, the founding father of the Protestant Reformed Churches of America. These sermons were first preached as a series over the radio in the early 1940s and because of their popularity they were later published in book form. Let me quote a portion from the first petition in order to whet your spiritual appetite to want to read this book for yourselves. ‘Hallowed be thy name’ is concerned with the glory of God. Hoeksema writes, ‘We must not overlook this position: for it teaches us at once that the chief and only purpose of all things is the glory of God, and that the desire for the realisation of this purpose should be uppermost in our hearts and minds and should occupy, therefore, the first place in all our prayers’ (p. 37). Hoeksema also explains the spiritual disposition necessary in the heart of the believer in order to make these petitions, which makes these sermons also very devotional.” – Singapore

“When reading the treatment of the address, ‘Our Father which art in heaven,’ I could not believe how deep it is … absolutely amazing!” – Co. Antrim

“My daughter is loving the book. It has been an eye opener for both of us. She was saying that the way she feels about praying the Lord’s prayer is now completely different from before she read the book.” – Co. Antrim

REVIEW

IN THE SANCTUARY, Expository Sermons on the Lord’s Prayer, by Herman Hoeksema; Reformed Free Publishing Association, 1982; 116 pages (paperback). (Reviewed by Prof. H. Hanko).

Many of our readers will know that this book is a reprint of a book which first appeared in the Forties, but has long been out of print. It was published soon after Rev. Hoeksema delivered a series of radio sermons on this subject. The book is a published form of those radio messages. 

I wish that there was some way in which this book could be put in the home of every Christian family to be read and studied. I say this because the book speaks of prayer, and God’s people today are badly in need of instruction concerning prayer. Not only is this true because of the sorry corruptions of prayer which are so common in our day; nor is this true only because God’s people do not pray as much as they ought; but it is also true because prayer is a holy art, and God’s people themselves know how much they need to be instructed in it. This book is admirably suited to this purpose. 

The book has an introductory chapter on prayer and a chapter on the general principles of the Lord’s Prayer; these are followed by an exposition of the address, the six petitions, and the doxology with which the Lord’s prayer closes. It is an incisive exposition of each part in which the petition itself is explained and the spiritual disposition of the heart necessary to pray is set forth. Rev. Hoeksema, as all who knew him know, had the ability to make the profound clear, and the clear interesting and gripping. These things come through in this book. 

In expounding the Lord’s Prayer the author has the opportunity to discuss all the principles which underlie true prayer, to warn against evils in prayer, and to point out repeatedly the deepest truth that God is God. 

The book can be read as meditative readings, and this is indeed a thoroughly enjoyable way to read the book. But, more importantly, any child of God who takes seriously the petition, “Lord, teach us to pray. . .” must get this book. It will be an answer to his prayer.

The book of Job is God’s commentary on the sufferings and trials of His people. Jehovah speaks to our struggles, first, from the viewpoint of His own interactions with Satan, then from the viewpoint of Job’s interactions with his friends and, finally, as the One who appears to Job and his friends in a tornado. The book describes suffering on a scale seldom seen. It shows our weaknesses and the temptations we face when under the hand of God or when called to bring comfort to others who are suffering. For that reason, it is instructive and corrective. But it is also of great encouragement, for it points those who are suffering to God’s sovereignty in trials, and to His faithfulness and saving grace to His own.

This work is not an exhaustive, verse-by-verse explanation of the book of Job. Instead, Rev. Hanko shows how the book fits together and leads up to its grand climax in the appearance of Almighty God! It also shows that Job has often been misunderstood and maligned, and though guilty of sin, as we all are in suffering, is nevertheless one whose faith and hope in God are sure. May it be of help to all who love God as Job did, especially when the God they love chastises and corrects them as He does all of His children.

Ronald Hanko is an emeritus minister in the Protestant Reformed Churches of America. He has served in the active ministry for 38 years. He has also written Doctrine According to Godliness: A Primer of Reformed Doctrine and The Coming of Zion’s Redeemer: The Prophecies of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

In this devotional for ages 9–13 (though saints of all ages will benefit), you will travel through several time periods, starting with Israel in the wilderness, then through the life of David, the captivity of Judah and finally the work of our Lord Jesus on earth. You will tour many important sites like deserts, caves, palaces, battlefields and even a national park. We will also make some stops along the way to consider spiritual topics from the Psalms that are still relevant for young (and old) Christians today.

For each of these devotions, we will conclude by meditating on the work of our Saviour. By God’s grace, you will be strengthened in faith and grow closer to him today and every day as you journey through this life to heaven.

Mike Velthouse is an avid reader. In 2020, he began writing articles for his church’s newsletter about people and places from Bible history. Since then he has published many articles for children in the magazine Ignited by the Word. Mike lives in West Michigan near his three adult daughters and granddaughter. Journey Through the Psalms is his first book.

What others are saying about this book:

“I called my grandson Liam and asked how the book was going. He said it is one of his favourite books!” — Lori (Escanaba, Michigan)

“I met Mike at the #SpeakUpConference last year. I was thrilled when I heard that he was releasing his first book on the Psalms. I started adding it to my morning routine (if there is such a thing with three young kids). It’s a devotional, so it’s a quick read and it’s beautifully illustrated! I’ve been looking for a resource that could provide some biblical insight in an easy-to-understand way and, since it’s written for a younger audience (9-13 years), this book delivers! It’s been a great resource to have and, because of the pictures, it has also sparked some great conversations with my six-year-old about the Bible!” — Stephanie (Franklin, Tennessee) 

“This is a great devotional for the entire family. We read it every night after dinner and the devotions were not too short or too long and led to nice discussions with the children, who are high school age and younger. Looking forward to the next devotional from this author.” — a reader via Amazon.com (Indiana)

Some chapters of this book can be read in Urdu.

Many people are familiar with the public persona of Herman Hoeksema. As one of the leading theologians of the twentieth century, a seminary professor, the pastor of a large congregation and a prolific writer, he was well-known in ecclesiastical circles, as well as in the world in general. But to his family he was “just Dad.” This anecdotal biography written by his youngest child records many stories about him, some perhaps familiar but others never before told.

Included in the book are numerous pictures of Hoeksema and his family, as well as an appendix with several personal letters of Hoeksema written to his children when he took a trip to Europe in 1929. These will show you a side of Hoeksema not found elsewhere.

Review by Charles Terpstra

Other biographies have been written on Hoeksema (e.g., Gertrude Hoeksema, Therefore Have I Spoken and Patrick Baskwell,Herman Hoeksema: A Theological Biography) but this one is unique–it is penned by his youngest daughter, Lois Kregel, and is a personal, anecdotal history of the man and his family from the “inside.”

This Reformed Free Publishing Association (RFPA) title is affectionately called Just Dad: Stories of Herman Hoeksema. The book covers Hoeksema’s life from his earliest days in the Netherlands and includes much of the history of his ministerial career as well as the controversies through which he lived and which served to define his labors and theology. But the book also covers the personal and family side of Hoeksema, taking us inside his home and showing him as husband and father, and that’s what makes it unique and special.

Adding to the value and interest of the book are the numerous pictures of Hoeksema and his family, as well as an appendix with several personal letters of Hoeksema written to his children when he took a trip to Europe in 1929. These will show you a side of Hoeksema not found elsewhere.

I am thankful that Mrs. Kregel could tell her story of her father, “just dad.” It is a story worth sharing. And I commend the RFPA for publishing this attractive little “gem” for the benefit of the PRC and the outside world.

“I am halfway through [Just Dad] and enjoying it so.” – New Jersey, USA

“I particularly enjoyed Just Dad received last Saturday, which I read that day, apart from the letters (pages 114-143) but read those on Sunday evening after returning from church. It is written in a lively and lovely way so I felt as though I knew everyone which of course I don’t! So congratulations to Lois in revealing the other side of Herman Hoeksema!” – Cambridgeshire, England

“It is good for us to see that [Hoeksema] was a husband and father—a normal and fallible man, doing the work of the Lord placed before him.”

“Delightful! Thank you, Mrs. Kregel.” – Wisconsin, USA

In our day the central doctrine of the Reformation, the article of a standing or a falling church—justification by faith alone—is under attack, even by many in historically Reformed and Presbyterian denominations through a heretical covenant theology (the Federal Vision).  Revisionist theologians, such as Anglican N. T. Wright, are also resurrecting the old heresy of justification by faith and works (the so-called New Perspective on Paul). Both groups teach a new form of the old error of the Judaizers that Paul condemns in the Epistle to the Galatians.

In direct contradiction of this heresy, the author stands squarely in the tradition of Luther and Calvin. From an uncompromisingly Reformed perspective, Prof. Hanko clearly and positively expounds Galatians, emphasizing the gospel of justification by faith alone, as well as the liberty this grand truth gives to the people of God.

To watch the video of the author interview concerning this book, click here.

“The Prof.’s commentary on Galatians has been much appreciated, particularly as he treats the biblical truth of federal headship. Once that is understood so much more falls naturally into place, and displays the perfect harmony of God’s revealed will concerning our redemption, His holiness and love, His grace and mercy, His justice and righteousness—who but the Almighty could have thought of such a plan, let alone carried it out!” – W. Midlands, England

CONTENTS & STUDY GUIDE

Foreword – v
Chapter 1: The Covenant We Are Called to Keep (Study Questions on Chapter 1)
Chapter 2: Keeping God’s Covenant in the Church (Study Questions on Chapter 2)
Chapter 3: Keeping God’s Covenant in Marriage (Study Questions on Chapter 3)
Chapter 4: Keeping God’s Covenant in the Home (Study Questions on Chapter 4)
Chapter 5: Keeping God’s Covenant & the Exercise of Discipline (Study Questions on Chapter 5)
Chapter 6: Keeping God’s Covenant & the Antithetical Life (Study Questions on Chapter 6)
About the British Reformed Fellowship

John Calvin: “the keeping of God’s covenant always occupies the first place in His service” (Comm. on Lev. 2:13).

FOREWORD

The Triune God remembers His covenant: “He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations” (Ps. 105:8). How few are imitators of God in this!

Jehovah commands us to remember His covenant: “Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations” (I Chron. 16:15). How quickly we forget!

Remembering God’s covenant involves keeping it by obeying His Word out of gratitude for His salvation of us in Jesus Christ: “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; to such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them” (Ps. 103:17-18).

God’s saints everywhere who seek sound, practical, biblical instruction as to keeping God’s covenant will welcome the publication of this helpful book. After the first chapter’s explanation of the nature of the covenant which we are called to keep, the five succeeding chapters explain what it is to keep God’s covenant in the church, in marriage, in the home, in parental discipline of children and in an antithetical life.

The six chapters of this book were originally the six main addresses at the 2004 British Reformed Fellowship (BRF) Biennial Family Conference at High Leigh, Hertfordshire, England. The members of the BRF rightly decided that these speeches deserved further circulation in book form. As you read on, I trust that you will have cause to thank our heavenly Father for providing you with this edifying publication.

The two authors, David Engelsma and Herman Hanko of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America, are members, husbands, fathers, pastors and professors in Reformed and, therefore, covenantal churches. Both have kept, preached and written about God’s covenant of friendship in Jesus Christ for many years. Works on this grand theme are included amongst their many books. Prof. Hanko has penned God’s Everlasting Covenant of Grace (1988) and We and Our Children (revised edition 2004). Prof. Engelsma has contributed The Covenant of God and the Children of Believers (2005) and Trinity and Covenant: God As Holy Family (2006). Keeping God’s Covenant is a worthy addition to their books on the covenant, especially from its practical perspective. I commend this book to you with the prayer that it may be used to increase the church’s covenant consciousness leading to more faithful covenant keeping to the honour of the Triune God.

Rev. Angus Stewart
BRF Chairman

Click here for a review of this book from the British Reformed Journal.
Click here for a review of this book from the Protestant Reformed Theological Journal.

To read this book in Burmese, click here.
To read a chapter of this book in Portuguese, click here.
This book has been translated into Spanish.

To order in N. America, please contact Trinity PRC Evangelism Committee

“I’m reading Keeping God’s Covenant and I’m very impressed. Thank you for this excellent book. It’s biblical, Reformed, simple and practical, with good day by day directions for our Christian families.” – Sao Paulo, Brazil

“I have just finished reading … Keeping God’s Covenant: it is one of the best books on the covenant that I have read.” – Australia

Rev. Jerome Julien (United Reformed Churches in North America): “The key to understanding Reformed doctrine, and certainly the theology of Rev. Herman Hoeksema, is found in the title of the first chapter in this book: ‘God is God.’ This truth sets the tone for all thirteen chapters—six on God and seven on man. Each chapter on God directs the reader’s attention to a different biblical aspect of the sovereign of the universe: God as God, as creator, as Lord, as good, as the living God, and as love. The seven chapters about man open the biblical teaching about a subject often misinterpreted today. Clear explanation is given concerning man’s covenantal relationship to God, his creation in the image of God, his fall, and his totally depraved nature. Like the chapters in part one, these also emphasize that God is God. Knowing God and Man is an excellent introduction to the author’s theology. Hoeksema’s penetrating analysis provides spiritual food for those hungering and thirsting after God’s righteousness and not their own.”

“The overriding theme of this series of messages is ‘God is God.’ If the Church could base its terms of reference around this central theme, then much of the confusion that so undermines its message to the world would be sorted” (English Churchman).

Click here to read a review of this book by one of our readers!

Click here to read chapter 1 of this book in Italian.
Click here to read chapter 13 of this book in Italian.

“I am very happy with the books. I am reading Knowing God and Man now. I learned a lot from it and it is a blessing for me. So in the future I hope to order more of [Herman Hoeksema’s] books.” – Netherlands

Knowing God in the Last Days is an explanation of the second general epistle of Peter to the early New Testament church. The primary theme of the letter is the knowledge of God, a concept that occurs many times and in various contexts throughout the book. This short epistle contains a wealth of instruction for the church today.

The secondary theme of II Peter is the application of the knowledge of God to the last days in which we live. Especially in his third chapter, Peter reveals to the church the knowledge of God as it relates to the end times.

Based on exegesis of the Greek text, this commentary gives clarity of explanation to God’s people regarding necessary and important aspects of today’s Christian life. God’s people will be edified in reading this book!

“Been looking for something on II Peter for some time—most apposite themes for our times.” – Wolverhampton, England

Tabla de contenido

Catecismo de Heidelberg (1563)
Confesión Belga (1561)
Cánones de Dordt (1618-1619)

Credos Ecuménicos:
     Credo de los Apóstoles
     Credo Niceno (325, 381, 589)
     Credo de Calcedonia (451)
     Credo de Atanasio

LEER GRATIS EN LÍNEA: Tres Formas de Unidad.
Para hacer un pedido en América del Norte, comuníquese con Hope Protestant Reformed Church, Redlands, California.

Traducciones de las Tres Formas de Unidad y credos ecuménicos en línea: varios idiomas.

Para más información en Español, por favor haz clic aquí.

Chapter Headings:
1. Leaving Father and Mother
2. Seeking a Life Mate
3. Courtship
4. Single Persons Who Do Not Marry
5. Engagement
6. Wedding Plans
7. “And He Shall Cleave unto His Wife”
8. “And They Shall Be One Flesh”

Rev. Cornelius Hanko gives practical instruction and pastoral wisdom on finding a godly marriage partner and maintaining that marriage. Courtship is something that young people are interested in, but, ”a serious son of the church is not merely interested in finding a mate, but realizes that he needs a companion and a helper to carry out his calling in God’s church” (p. 6) insists the author. Young men and women should not ”play the field” for ”dating is not a frivolous game that can be played without doing serious damage to some innocent victim” (p. 9) warns Rev. Hanko.

The main point of courtship, writes Rev. Hanko, is to get to know each other. This is often forgotten in the author’s experience. ”Listen”, he warns, ”There are many young people who plunge into marriage only to realize that they have never learned to know each other” (p. 11).  Conventional dating doesn’t always lead to a knowledge of the other person:

”You cannot attain that by going out for a ride, spending long hours under the moonlight … watching movies … whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears, or trying to show with your actions how much you care. If you want to know each other you must discuss subjects of common interest. It is a bad sign, if you cannot find plenty of subjects that you enjoy talking about together. If you have no common interests before you are married, do you expect to find them afterward?” (p. 13) asks the author.

There is a grave danger that young people will date and ultimately marry an unbeliever or somebody spiritually incompatible. ”You must be of the same doctrinal and religious convictions. That is simply a must. If you contemplate being joined at some future date in the permanent bond of marriage, you must be of one heart, one mind, when it comes to your spiritual life” (p. 13) warns the author.

This comes highly recommended for parents who want to teach their children about the importance of marriage, for young people contemplating marriage or courtship, and for engaged couples.

“Much common sense and biblical wisdom is to be found in this little book … How careful young people must be to seek the guidance or God with regard to a spouse! In a day when sex before marriage is regarded as the norm it is good to have the teaching of the Bible on moral purity clearly spelled out. The emphasis that is laid on the interest of the whole congregation in a member’s marriage is also wholesome. It is a common saying that ‘love is blind’ but Hanko advises to enter marriage with both eyes open” (Free Church Witness).

Less Than the Least is the memoirs of Rev. Cornelius Hanko’s long, fruitful life of nearly a century (1907-2005). He lived through the two world wars, the Great Depression, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the rise and fall of communism, and the advent of the space age, and spanned the terms of 18 US presidents, from Theodore Roosevelt to George W. Bush.

From Hull, Iowa to Oak Lawn, Illinois; from Manhattan, Montana to Grand Rapids, Michigan; and from Redlands, California to Hudsonville, Michigan, this memoir tells the story of Pastor Hanko’s life and forty-eight years in the ministry.

Son of Dutch immigrants to America, Rev. Hanko served six pastorates in five states, most notably in First Protestant Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan (1948-1964), along with Rev. Herman Hoeksema and Rev. Hubert De Wolf. Rev. Hanko poignantly describes the grief caused in the PRC by De Wolf’s heresy and schism (1953).

Pastor Hanko does not just tell his own history. He recalls the story of the Protestant Reformed Churches during the twentieth century. From the perspective of a long-serving pastor, we are given anecdotes and stories of the people Rev. Hanko loved and served in the Midwest and the far West, and we hear a first-hand account of two heart-wrenching church splits—in which Rev. Hanko and many others remained unwaveringly committed to the truth of sovereign grace.

More than this, Less Than the Least follows Rev. Hanko from his childhood, school days and seminary training, all the way to his retirement (1977) and beyond. As well as covering the formation of the Protestant Reformed Churches in the 1920s, it includes his travels to continental Europe, the Middle East, Australia (and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia) and Northern Ireland (and the Covenant Protestant Reformed Church).

In a very accessible way, this book brings Protestant Reformed church history to life. This delightful book comes complete with photographs.

“The book [on Rev. C. Hanko] was very interesting; a great read.” – Co. Down

Cornelius Hanko: “For a number of weeks in the winter of 1917, schools and churches were closed because of a coal shortage. The authorities maintained that so much coal was being shipped across the sea that there was insufficient coal for public gathering places. Because of the closing of churches and schools, a few of the neighbors came into our kitchen for worship on Sunday mornings. My dad would conduct the service and read a sermon. Thereupon we would all enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of cake … Then, to make matters worse, the (Spanish) influenza epidemic hit in the winter of 1918-19. Once more schools and churches were closed for six weeks. Almost no one went to work. Nearly every home had one or more sick with the flu. Doctors could not keep up with the calls that came in: they worked day and night. But the worst was that they knew of no cure. They tried the usual medicines, and they tried the most caustic medicines, all to no avail. Hundreds died. Funeral services were held outside. Very few went to the cemetery. A little girl in our neighborhood died also. Her coffin was placed by the front window for the neighbors to see. The minister preached the funeral sermon in the street. A gloom hung over all. Everyone wondered, ‘Will it strike us next?’ There were some homes in which the whole family was stricken, and one home in which there were five deaths. My future mother-in-law, Mrs. Alida Griffioen, gave birth to a child in a room shut off by sheets while others in the family had the flu. Ministers were in a quandary regarding what to do. Rev. Groen was so afraid of catching the flu that he refused to visit anyone. Rev. Peter Jonker Jr. of Dennis Avenue Christian Reformed Church was out almost day and night visiting the sick. He placed a ladder next to an upstairs window in order to visit someone upstairs. He wore himself out to the point that he could hardly preach. The consistory allowed him to preach old sermons for a while. Our family was spared. We sat at home, trying to seek a bit of entertainment among ourselves. But sitting home day after day can grow very wearisome. I remember walking along Wealthy Street just to get out, but the streets were void of pedestrians. The street was ‘like a painted ship on a painted ocean.’ It hardly seemed real. The break came on Sunday, when we had our home service in the morning. To prevent further spreading of the sickness, no more than seven people were allowed to meet together; but we did invite in some neighbors. Those were times when prayer was no longer a mere formality, but a cry of the anxious soul pleading for the sick and bereaved” (Less Than the Least).

Reviewed by Prof. David Engelsma

This is a 40-page booklet containing letters written by well known Bible expositor A. W. Pink to Rev. Robert C. Harbach [who later became a minister in the Protestant Reformed Churches in America]. Pink wrote the letters during the years 1943-1949. The letters contain little explanation of Scripture; some advice to a young pastor concerning the ministry; and repeated expressions of concern that Pink’s magazine had relatively few subscribers.

One piece of advice was that Harbach not “waste time listening to the Wireless or secular reading” (p. 23).

The Bible teacher made the intriguing assertion that a few servants of God are specially gifted to be teachers of the Bible in distinction from the rest of us who are “merely ‘preachers”‘:

It is God’s method to use human instrumentality, and He has called and equipped a few of His servants to be teachers (not merely “preachers”) – specially gifted by Him to “open” His Word, and they are “to be highly esteemed for their work’s sake” (I Thess. 5:12, 13).

This book can also be read on-line.

To order in N. America, please contact Grandville Protestant Reformed Church

God said to Abraham, “I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee” (Gen. 17:7; cf. Lev. 26:12; Jer. 30:22; Eze. 37:27). This covenant is the intimate relationship of fellowship He has chosen to share with His people in Jesus Christ. God has blessed His Old and New Testament church by way of the truth of the covenant, even as He blessed father Abraham. The truth of the covenant comforts us in distress, encourages us in our battle against our enemies and gives strength when we are weak. As believers, we must embrace the truth of God’s covenant by developing and nurturing a worldview that is rooted in the blessed relationship which our heavenly Father has made with us in Christ.

With the heart of a pastor and the passion of a preacher, the author has written this book to help believers combat the threatening influences of both the world and our own sin upon the Christian home and church. As a practical exposition of the doctrine of God’s covenant, this volume will aid children of the covenant in directing their lives unto the Triune God—in the family, among other saints and as they live in the midst of an unbelieving world.

_____________________

Wilbur Bruinsma is a minister in the Protestant Reformed Churches. He has pastored four congregations, and he has also served as a domestic missionary in the United States and as a missionary to Jamaica. Rev. Bruinsma and his wife have been blessed with five children and many grandchildren.

REVIEW

The following review was written by seminarian Arend Haveman on Life in the Covenant: In Family, Church, and World by Wilbur Bruinsma (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2023).

Life in the Covenant is the believer’s guide to a proper worldview as member of God’s covenant. “God’s covenant is that intimate relationship of love and fellowship God has chosen to share with his elect people in Christ (3).” “This relationship of God’s covenant will live in our hearts, determining how we live in the home, the church, and the wicked world around us (7).” This is especially important as the world approaches the last days.

This purpose is set forth clearly in the introduction. “We live in the last days. The signs heralding Christ’s second coming emerge more clearly as the time approaches (1).” As evils increase the question of how we are to live also rises within the hearts of the people of God. Life in the Covenant answers that question. “God’s covenant directs believers in the way we conduct our personal lives in the home and family, as well as our place together with God’s saints in the church as a whole. That is the focus of this book (9).”

Rev. Bruinsma set his treatment of the covenantal worldview of the child of God on the right path by dealing first with the family. The family is at the foundation of society. If the family unit is destroyed, so also society will be destroyed. And the family is just as essential to our life in the covenant. “The family unit is an expression of who God is. It is an expression of the life of covenant that is inherent in God himself! (15)” And God chose his covenant people to bring them into his covenant family life (16). This shaped the definition given of a family. “The family is made up of a husband and his wife who remain faithful to one another in marriage and, in their bond of love and fellowship, bring forth children in the fear of the Lord (18).” The families of believers are to be reflections of the covenantal family life of God.

From this starting point, Bruinsma unfolds how the family must be ordered in light of the covenant. Marriage is a covenant bond and must be entered into with that serious mindset. Children given in the marriage are covenant children and must be raised as such. Covenant blessings then are enjoyed most intimately in that covenant home.

The large section and clear focus on covenantal life in the family is a testimony to the practical nature of this book. It is not an abstract or dry thesis on cold doctrinal truth. The doctrine of the covenant is of the utmost practical importance to the Reformed believer and Life in the Covenant gets at that. The covenant and especially the family are at the very heart of the Christian life. Everyone is born into a family. The first relationships we all have are within the family. Normally we learn how to worship God not first by going to church but by family worship (65- 66). The family in which we are born shapes us more than anything and therefore it is so important that God’s covenant shape our families. And it is no surprise, as this book makes clear, that the Devil attacks families more than ever. And in the world, he has been very successful. Life in the Covenant exposes his attacks and draws our attention to their seriousness.

The practical nature is not limited to the family though. Worship in the church may seem to be a rather abstract thing. But worshipping God and worshipping God rightly is of the utmost practical importance. Life in the Covenant ties the truth of the covenant to public, communal worship. God “saves his people in order to share in his most blessed fellowship with them. There is no better place on earth to be found than where God’s children sit beneath the feet of their Father in his house, worshipping him together! As a result of their salvation, believers crave to be in church worshipping God (111).” Why do the members of the church love to worship, many even twice on the Lord’s Day? “So much it is the desire of the believer to enter into fellowship with God that when they are called by the church to worship, they do not balk at the opportunity to do so… we desire to enter into fellowship with God in his house as much as possible when given the opportunity (112).” The covenant, God’s fellowshipping with his people, stands behind the importance of worship.

Life in the Covenant also is profitable in that it recognizes the believer is yet in the world even if he or she is not of the world. It does justice to the reality in which Reformed believers find themselves. The covenantal worldview of the Reformed believer is not that of world flight. Instead he or she must live and act in this world every day, even alongside the wicked men and women of the world. The covenantal calling then for those who are in God’s covenant is that they must live antithetically in the world. The antithesis is a major theme that must not be ignored, and Bruinsma did not ignore it. Chapter 15 is entitled “Living Antithetically.” But the antithesis is developed throughout. The Christian family is antithetical to the family concept of the world. Frequenting God’s house on the Lord’s Day distinguishes a believer from the world (chapter 10). Not being of the world (chapter 12) is living the antithesis.

As the world descends deeper and deeper into sin and lawlessness, we Christians must continue to “reexamine our values (2).” Life in the Covenant is a helpful guide. For those who know the truth, who enjoy life in God’s covenant, this book causes you to stand back and marvel at this gift of grace. And it encourages you to faithfully resolve to live as you are called by your covenant God in the family, church, and world.