What we are told about the relationship of Christ and His church applies to the calling of every one of us. Do you believe? Are you a child of God? Christ is your husband. According to Romans 7:4, we are married to Him. To live in that consciousness is the heart of the Christian life, essential also to living joyfully in marriage.

Every Christian’s relationship to Jesus Christ is pictured in the institution of marriage. Using the biblical principles behind this institution, the author provides sound instruction to each one of us on the relationship we have with Christ, our head, and with other members of Christ’s church, the body. Practical instruction on topics such as right communication within marriage and in the church, the biblical roles of husband and of wife, and the calling to walk in the Spirit, will encourage Christians of every station and calling to live joyfully as members of Christ’s body.

Steven Key has been a minister of the gospel for over thirty-five years. This book is based on a series of sermons which he preached in the Protestant Reformed Church in Loveland, Colorado in 2015. Rev. Key married his wife Nancy in 1976, and they have four married daughters and sixteen grandchildren.

“No one seemed to know how to give her lessons in Bible history, nor to teach spiritual realities to a girl who seemed quite retarded and who was both deaf and mute” (p. 19).  Such is the dilemma which Gertrude Hoeksema faced when she was asked to teach Lori Holstege, a twenty year old, deaf-mute, mentally retarded diabetic.  How much could such a girl understand; would she be able to grasp concepts such as sin, grace and salvation?   Yet, God is sovereign in His grace and He can make a girl, who cannot hear the earthly sounds around her, hear the heavenly voice of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.

Read the touching tale of how Mrs. Hoeksema (wife of Prof. Homer Hoeksema) meets Lori, how Lori learns New Testament history, Old Testament history and the Heidelberg Catechism until she makes public confession of faith before Byron Center Protestant Reformed Church on her twenty second birthday.  Learn how Lori and Mrs. Hoeksema overcome the obstacles to her participating in public worship.  Observe how she reacts with a mixture of astonishment, joy and simple childlike faith at each new discovery from God’s Word.  Be moved at the hardships she faces during her short life.   Rejoice with her and her church as she confesses her faith before the elders and the congregation and partakes of the Lord’s Supper.

“Who then can be saved? … With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:26-27).

REVIEW

Lori, Gertrude Hoeksema; Reformed Free Publishing Association, Grand Rapids, MI, 153 pp. (paperback). [Reviewed by Prof. H.C. Hoeksema]

Truth is stranger than fiction, it is sometimes said. This true story of the conversion of a deaf-mute and mentally impaired girl is certainly a confirmation of that maxim. If some of the details of this story were found in a novel, they would probably be characterized as unbelievable and non-realistic. But this deeply moving account of the instruction and conversion of a dear child of God is truth, not fiction.

You probably think that as the husband of the author I am a biased reviewer. I freely concede this. And from that point of view I gladly allow the book to recommend itself. Besides, the rather overwhelming public response to this latest RFPA publication also serves as a recommendation.

However, from my position as the author’s husband and as first-hand observer of many of the events recounted in Lori, I am also able to confirm the facts of the story. It is safe to say that, if anything, the author has underplayed the drama of the events, possibly because sometimes words were inadequate to describe them.

In conclusion, two things. First of all, this little book should encourage us—parents, churches, schools—to do all in our power to furnish biblical and spiritual instruction to the handicapped among our covenant seed. Secondly, we should not underestimate the ability of the Spirit of Christ to drive home and to apply that instruction. If this book serves to underscore these two items, then, in addition to being a moving and highly interesting true story, it will serve a positive purpose.

Contenido

Prefacio
Capítulo 1: La historia del calvinismo
Capítulo 2: Elección incondicional
Capítulo 3: Redención particular 
Capítulo 4: Depravación total
Capítulo 5: Gracia irresistible
Capítulo 6: La perseverancia de los santos

Prefacio

Grandes son las obras de Jehová, buscadas de todos los que las quieren (Sal. 111:2). Esto toca nuestro corazón: ¿En qué nos gozamos?

Las obras de Jehová se centran en su salvación de su iglesia en Cristo: obras gloriosas realizadas antes de la fundación del mundo, en la cruz del Calvario y en los corazones y vidas de su pueblo.

Este es el llamado y el deleite de los santos: tratar de entender estas obras. En esta maravillosa actividad, todos los hijos fieles de Dios están ocupados, porque las obras de Jehová son “Buscadas de todos los que las quieren.”

Este libro está escrito para ayudar al pueblo de Dios en su placentero llamado a buscar y estudiar las maravillosas obras del Dios Trino.

Sus autores, los Profesores David Engelsma y Herman Hanko, han pasado entre ellos casi 100 años en el ministerio cristiano ensalzando y magnificando al “Dios de toda gracia” (1 Pedro 5:10) y su “salvación tan grande” (Heb. 2:3), en la predicación y la polémica, en la catequización y consejería, en conferencias y escritos. Entre ellos, han escrito o editado unos 20 libros, incluyendo la publicación anterior de la Fraternidad Reformada Británica (BRF, por sus siglas en inglés), Keeping God’s Covenant [Guardando el pacto de Dios].

Los seis capítulos de los cinco puntos del calvinismo fueron originalmente los seis discursos principales en la novena Conferencia Bienal de la Fraternidad Reformada Británica en Cloverley Hall, Shropshire, Inglaterra, en 2006. Este pequeño libro proclama las doctrinas de la gracia, tanto cálida como antitéticamente, y con profunda penetración en las Escrituras. Se basa en una gran cantidad de material, especialmente los Cánones de Dordt (1618-1619), los cinco puntos originales del calvinismo. Aquí está el calvinismo robusto, sin vergüenza e intransigente que también es profundamente personal y conmovedor, llamando a los santos a amar, confesar y promover la verdadera gracia de Dios en Cristo Jesús (1 Pedro 5:12).

Lector, la verdad bíblica de la gracia soberana de Dios está cerca de usted, incluso en un libro en su mano; ¡No necesita descender a las profundidades del mar, ser rodeado de algas, y ser tragado por un gran pez, como Jonás, para aprender que la salvación, ¡toda ella!, es del Señor (Jonás 2:10).

Este libro es enviado “para alabanza de la gloria de su gracia, con la cual nos hizo aceptos en el Amado” (Efesios 1:6), para que podamos crecer en gratitud y adorarlo por su gran obra de salvarnos en Cristo Jesús.

Reverendo Angus Stewart
Presidente del BRF 

LEER GRATIS EN LÍNEA: Prefacio, Capítulo 1, Capítulo 2, Capítulo 3, Capítulo 4, Capítulo 5, Capítulo 6, Acerca de BRF.
Para hacer un pedido en América del Norte, comuníquese con Hope Protestant Reformed Church, Redlands, California.

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

Este libro se puede comprar y leer en inglés.
Para leer este libro en indonesio, haga clic aquí.
Este libro está disponible en polaco: Prefacio, Capítulo 1, Capítulo 2, Capítulo 3, Capítulo 4, Capítulo 5, Capítulo 6, Acerca de BRF.
Este libro también está disponible en audiolibro en polaco.

Marriage: The Mystery of Christ and the Church is a Reformed pastor’s instruction and exhortation to married couples, especially young married couples, with the purpose that they glorify God in their marriages and enjoy the bliss of this blessed communion of life.

Section 1: The Biblical Gospel of Marriage, includes the following topics:

• The Christian man as husband
• The Christian woman as wife
• Sex in marriage
• The unbreakable marriage bond

Section 2 is a history of the church’s doctrine and practice of marriage from Augustine and the early church through Calvin and the Reformation to the contemporary lawlessness.

This is the newly revised and significantly expanded edition of Professor Engelsma’s book on marriage. Its predecessor went through four separate printings, and the new book has already generated considerable interest, even beyond the Reformed community.

Retained in this new edition is the development of the rich meaning of Christian marriage in light of the apostle Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 5 that marriage is the great mystery of Christ and the church. With a vigorously Scriptural approach, the author shows what this implies for such timeless—but timely!—matters as the relationship of husband and wife; sex; children; divorce; and mixed marriage. The book concludes with a spirited defence of an unbreakable marriage bond.

Revision of content to the original edition includes a different interpretation of I Corinthians 7:10-11, which sheds light on the right understanding of the controversial “exception clause” in Matthew 19:9.The book is significantly expanded by the addition of a second section consisting of the history of the church’s doctrine of marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Working with the writings of the church fathers, the Reformers, and contemporary Protestant theologians, as well as with various studies on marriage and divorce, Professor Engelsma traces the fatal departure of the Reformers from the doctrine of marriage held by the early church. He demonstrates that this departure has led inevitably to the marital chaos that devastates Reformed and evangelical Christianity. In the light of this fascinating history, the book calls especially the churches of the Reformation back to their catholic Christian tradition by upholding the biblical gospel of marriage.

Intended to give godly, biblical, practical instruction to believers and their children concerning their behaviour in the fundamental ordinance of human life, the book also utters a vehement protest against the compromise and corruption of marriage by the churches and their theologians in our day. Helpful indexes of names mentioned and Scriptures cited in the text were prepared for the new edition.

“This is one of those books that you wish you could put into the hands of every married couple and those contemplating marriage … If the contents of this book were put into practice, society would become more stable and broken homes would be few and far between” (The Gospel Witness).

“… one of the finest among such books flowing off the presses … The book [has] a theological depth and seriousness often lacking in non-Reformed books on this subject” (Reformed Herald).

“A book that says many biblical things about sex, children, family, the mystery of marriage. Recommended for laypersons and preachers alike” (The Reformed Journal).

“This book does faithfully reflect the teachings of God’s Word of marriage” (The Banner).

“A pastor, husband, and father speaks of marriage and its relationships in terms that few want to hear today—even in the church” (Moody).

“My wife is reading Lori and I am reading Marriage, The Mystery of Christ and His Church. I believe that this is the best book defending God’s institution of marriage ever written.” – United Kingdom

“I am writing to thank you for the truth of God’s word you shared in your book, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church. It is not often that this topic of divorce and remarriage is spoken in the churches today.” – Pennsylvania, USA

“Thanks very much for the book [Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church]! I pray that God will bless this book to me and my fiancée!” – United Kingdom

“This book is the best book I have read on marriage. I have given and/or recommended this book to just about every married Christian couple I know.”

Click here to read a review by one of our readers.
Click here to read a review in the Protestant Reformed Theological Journal.

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

This book can be read in Korean.
Click here to read a Slovak translation of this book.
Click here to read excerpts of this book in Portuguese.
Click here to read a chapter of this book in Italian.

Description

Christians want to know Christ from the Old Testament, from Micah, and the other minor prophets. And yet for many of us the minor prophets are like a sealed book. The inspired writing of the minor prophets are addressed to the people of God and addressed to us also in the New Testament church. As inspired scripture they indeed speak of Christ: Micah does so extensively, and not only in the obvious reference to Bethlehem in chapter 5:2.

The prophet Micah proclaims the incomparable God of judgment and mercy. This God is our God, the God of all who believe in Jesus Christ. And this prophecy has vital lessons to teach us today.

“I would like a copy of [Micah: Proclaiming the Incomparable God, the book by Rev. Martyn McGeown] … Recently, I started [delivering] a series on Micah in our Bible classes, for which I leaned heavily on the profitable sermon series by Rev. McGeown.” – Hungary

“I have almost finished Rev. McGeown’s book on Micah – just 20 pages to go. It is excellent; very clear and easy to understand. When I’m finished, I intend to read it all again. There is so much good material in it and, now that I am elderly, I find it harder to retain it all.” – N. Ireland

“I am, unusually, staying with the wonderful prophecy of Micah, even though I studied it slowly and carefully the first time. It has been so very good being given the entrance to it, as I so needed both its conviction and its comfort. How much we, the bride of Christ, need every part of God’s precious Word!” – England

Author interview—Rev. McGeown talks about his new book, Micah: Proclaiming the Incomparable God

Read a review of this book by Rev. Jerome Julian

Click here to read another review of Micah: Proclaiming the Incomparable God

Deals with universal divine love, the will of God & the Five Points of Calvinism.  An Exposure of “The Free Offer of The Gospel” by Professor Murray and Stonehouse as an Amyraldian Modification of the Doctrine of Decrees. It can also be read on-line.

This book has been translated into Spanish.

Each chapter of this book consists of an introduction and penetrating questions to stimulate thought and discussion. The 9 chapters of this study guide are based on sermons that had been preached from the book of Ezra and were later written as outlines for two Bible study groups.

The history in the book of Ezra, like that in Nehemiah, contains probably some of the least known of Bible history among many Christians, but it has important lessons that stir up God’s people to be busy in the building of His glorious house!

CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Jehovah’s Charge to Cyrus – Ezra 1
Chapter 2: God’s Church Directory: 538 BC (Or: A Remnant Returns) – Ezra 2
Chapter 3: The Priority of Worship (Or: Altar First) – Ezra 3:1-6
Chapter 4: Beginning to Build – Ezra 3:8-14
Chapter 5: Rejecting False Church Unity – Ezra 4:1-5
Chapter 6: Continued Opposition: Certain Accomplishment – Ezra 4:6-6:22
Chapter 7: Ezra’s Heart for God’s House – Ezra 7
Chapter 8: Safety in Journey – Ezra 8
Chapter 9: Rejecting Mixed Marriages – Ezra 9-10

Many church members today have little or no knowledge of the biblical and Reformed principles of church government, especially those in hierarchical or departing churches. Ministers and church periodicals do not teach these things, and members are left ignorant and helpless, unaware of their church rights and responsibilities, and unable to protest or appeal church practices or decisions.

This work by Prof. Hanko, a long-time church member, minister and theological instructor fills this need. As a teacher of church polity and one with many years of experience both of church assemblies and of helping church members formulate their presentations, he provides a safe guide to the confused layman.

The first and longest part of this work, “Notes on the Church Order,” gives a concise explanation of all the 86 articles of the Church Order of Dordt, as used in the Protestant Reformed Churches.

The second part, the “Believer’s Manual for Church Order,” explains how the child of God is to relate to church office-bearers and how he is to bring matters to the assemblies, as well as his calling in family visitation, at congregational meetings and in church discipline, etc.

Even those from different ecclesiastical backgrounds and with different church orders or church codes will find this book helpful as it sets forth the principles of Scripture and Reformed ecclesiology regarding the institutional life of the church of Jesus Christ our Head and Redeemer.

The book contains 45 meditations on the Psalms that Vos originally wrote for the Standard Bearer. The title is O Taste & See: Meditations from the Psalms. It is a reprint of the book that was first published as a paperback in 1983. The reprint is graced with attractive hard covers. The front cover displays the old Hudsonville Protestant Reformed church building and the genial countenance of Gerrit Vos.

In addition to the devotional expositions of many of the Psalms, the book contains a biographical sketch of Vos by his daughter. How characteristic of him that he wrote out his will on the back of a church bulletin and that the will began, “When I fall asleep in Jesus.”

To preach the Psalms well is not the strong gift of every minister. Doing so requires the sanctified soul of a poet. It calls for the man who feels deeply into all the spiritual moods of the Psalms and who then can express these moods with lyrical voice. Such was the soul of Gerrit Vos. Such a man was the long-time pastor of Hudsonville.

The devotionals that make up this book are instructive, moving, and comforting. They are simple, so that every Christian can understand. They are profound, uncovering the depths of God’s revelation of Himself to the soul of His child by the Spirit of Christ.

They are also God-glorifying. God had to have His glory in all the preaching and writing of Gerrit Vos. I saw Rev. Vos’ zeal for the glory of God on an occasion that I have not forgotten. As a seminarian, I had spoken a word of edification on a Sunday evening to the congregation of Hudsonville. Rev. Vos was present. Afterwards, he sought me out. He said nothing about the sermon, which, looking back, I recognize as his unfailing kindness. But his face was aglow with delight that in the congregational prayer I had praised “our adorable God.”

(Prof. David J. Engelsma)

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

Chapters of this book have been translated into Burmese.

Originally published in Dutch at the end of the nineteenth century, Particular Grace is an explanation and development of the gospel of salvation by the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Abraham Kuyper’s main purpose in this volume is to expose the error of general grace and to present a sold, biblical defense of the Calvinistic doctrine of particular grace.

“In some of the so-called ‘orthodox’ circles of our country, it is increasingly the custom to present the expression ‘Christ for all’ … as a criterion of evangelical truth. By ‘Christ for all’ is meant that Christ, according to the purpose and extent of his self-sacrifice, died for all men without exception.” So states Abraham Kuyper in the opening lines of his Particular Grace (p. 3) over a century ago, in words just as applicable in our day.

In the forty chapters of this extremely valuable work, Kuyper overthrows the universal atonement and universal grace of Arminianism, past and present. Through clear exposition of the Word of God, and manifest proofs from the confessions and greatest theologians of the church, he proves that particular grace is biblical and Reformed and universal grace is heretical and unreformed. This is, however, far from being a cold, dispassionate book. Listen to Kuyper’s remarks in his last chapter: “The conclusions of every thorough investigation of an aspect of God’s sacred mysteries should always be a song of praise! It must not only be demonstrated that the purer conception of the truth serves more to God’s glorification, but by contemplating and pondering it, we should also be led spiritually to appreciation and worship” (p. 343)—words that he well heeded!

This work comes complete with a helpful introduction to Kuyper’s life and times, written by Marvin Kamps, the translator from the original Dutch.

“Absolutely a must read for anyone dedicated to the glory of God’s holy name and reformation of the church” (Dutch Heritage Pages).

“Reformed believers will surly be impressed with the power of the author’s language and argument, the breadth of his acquaintance with past and contemporary discussion, and the cumulative weight of his case. They will also find Kuyper surprisingly fresh and pointed. Many contemporary denials of particular grace are anticipated by his arguments” (Mid-America Journal of Theology).

Augusto Melini: “[Kuyper] believed that the glorious truth of the sovereign and particular grace of God should be preached with renewed fervour, as an alternative to the principle of “general grace” (according to which God wants to save all without exception in Christ) … [Some said that being] insistent on such an issue … may cause divisions … But [Kuyper’s] calling did not allow him any ambiguities: ‘If one today denies God’s sovereignty in salvation, how can he declare God’s law and right before a materialistic, humanistic, hedonistic society such as ours?’ (p. viii). It’s a real privilege to see how this man had the strength and courage to proclaim his firm convictions about the fact that the doctrine of particular grace—indissolubly tied to that of the covenant—represents the truth as it is set forth in Sacred Scripture: God, in Christ Jesus, saves only those sinners who have been elected by His eternal decree” (Studi di Teologia).

“The Reformed Free Publishing Association has accomplished a breakthrough. For the first time, with the possible exception of Kuyper’s work on the Holy Spirit, the Kuyper of sound Reformed doctrine and church reformation is presented to the English reading public … The book is biblical, deliberately and pervasively so … The book is controversial. It was controversial when it was written. It is still controversial in Reformed churches … By no means is the book only controversy. There is lively, warm explanation and development of the glorious gospel of salvation by the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Kuyper is fresh. Kuyper is fervent. Kuyper storms the heart of the believer” (Standard Bearer).

Click here to read a review of this book in Tagalog (Filipino).

Peace for the Troubled Heart is a genuinely Reformed devotional, breathing the rich experience of the believing child of God.

Comprised of 37 meditations written by Herman Hoeksema, this book addresses the theme of struggle and suffering in this life of every believer as a pilgrim of this world. Hoeksema, in his warm, personal, often poetic style, masterfully exercises the spiritual gift of devotional writing.

As our author well puts it, “[God’s people] are preserved by the power of God, according to the testimony of Scripture … They are preserved through faith in such a way that the power of God by which they are preserved does not act only externally, but works through them, so that in the battle they cling tightly to the living God …” (Peace for the Troubled Heart, p. 293).

Click here to read a chapter of this book in German.

______________________

“There are a lot of books out there on ‘spiritual disciplines’ that take a more mystical (aka Roman Catholic) approach and are not based on the Scriptures. This is NOT one of them. Rev. Hoeksema consistently exegetes (explains) the Scriptures on what a believer is to look like in real life and in practice. I have been challenged and encouraged by this devotional and have recommended it to many of my friends coming out of the contemplative prayer movement so that they have a solidly biblical devotional which teaches truth and not some mystical ideology.” – New York, USA

“Peace for the Troubled Heart has fitted in [with my personal struggles] beautifully … it continues to be so remarkably apt for my daily life.” – England

“I really appreciate the book, Peace for the Troubled Heart. It is written from a very good perspective.” – Texas, USA

“Peace for the Troubled Heart, the first of the 3 Reformed Spirituality series [by Herman Hoeksema] was great. I finished the other day, hence I am now on to volume 2. Some of the chapters in vol. 1 were outstanding. Solid food for trying times.” – Northumberland, England

“… Although I have yet to finish [Peace for the Trouble Heart], it is a treasure. Absolutely rooted in the Bible it truly does give peace in a world where Jesus told us we would have tribulation. It does not gloss over what Christians face in this world but points us clearly to what God has always had in place for His children when we are finally in our true home with Him.” – Newstead Victoria, Australia

The Psalms contain all the experiences that a child of God may go through, whether they be joyful or sorrowful. Thus author and minister Gerrit Vos directed the saints to these biblical songs time and again, in his ministry and his published devotionals. 

Peace in the Valley contains sixty-two of Vos’ devotional meditations on selected Psalms. These devotions flow from the heart of a man who devoted his life to ministry and to the needs of the saints in his care. Vos writes, not as a technical commentator, but as a pastor who wants to communicate to his readers the same awe and comfort that he experienced while reading those doctrinal and practical masterpieces which are the Psalms. Above all, Vos’ desire is to point his readers to the ultimate fulfilment of the Psalms: the God of peace as revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only One who can fully sympathize with His saints in all circumstances.

Forty-five of these meditations have been previously published in a book titled O Taste and See. Peace in the Valley contains seventeen meditations that have never been published in book format before. 

Gerrit Vos (1894-1968) was a minister in the Protestant Reformed Churches in America from his ordination in 1927 until his retirement in 1966. He was a prolific contributor to the Standard Bearer.

Without a doubt, this work—a collection of articles from Professor Hanko’s “Cloud of Witnesses” series in the Standard Bearer—will become a favourite of today’s saints. Readers at the close of the twentieth century are the beneficiaries of the research and long experience of the author, who has taught church history at the Protestant Reformed Seminary for more than thirty years.

The united testimony of many different saints from different times in the new dispensation is a powerful witness to the grace of God in the lives of His people. Reading them in historical order gives the reader a grasp of how God revealed his truth in stages, and how and why the battles over that truth were fought.

For members of Protestant Reformed Churches, the final chapters detailing the Reformed faith as it came to them through its Dutch roots is particularly meaningful.

Parents will find in these fifty-two “portraits” moving stories to read to their children. The godly men and women whose lives are described will serve as a “cloud of witnesses” to young and old.

Line drawings, signatures, and photographs have been used to illustrate the cover and chapter openings, and the old-style alphabet letter that starts each chapter, coupled with a pleasing book design, make this an attractive book. Timelines are provided for each new historical section showing the birth and death dates of each saint in relation to important historical events.

This book will serve as a source book of information on church history and contains a helpful index for locating facts. It is an excellent tool for teaching, both in Christian schools and homes. It is the kind of book to give to children and grandchildren because it will find an important place in their own libraries.

This book can also be read on-line.

“While Portraits of Faithful Saints may not make the official textbook lists in some seminaries, students are going to latch on to Hanko’s latest as an indispensable cheat-sheet on the biography of theologians—the Halley’s Handbook of its field” (Christian Observer).

“I would like to recommend to you a book on church history by Prof. Herman Hanko. The author is well qualified … He has been the Professor of Church History in the Protestant Reformed Seminary for many years and is now emeritus. Reading this book is a course on church history by itself … interesting … biographical. Fifty two important eminent theologians and Reformers are described in those pages. And so, if you would read a chapter, a character once a week and within, a year you would have completed the book and had a course in church history. So, let me encourage you to buy and read it.” – Singapore

“Portraits of Faithful Saints could well be considered a sort of companion volume to Contending for the Faith, which I have not quite finished reading yet. Together Prof. Hanko gives a very full and accessible history of the champions, detractors and struggles of the Reformed faith.” – England

“[This book] as the title suggests, tells of [about 55] faithful saints of God who stood for the Truth in spite of heavy opposition … its rich history concerns us as the descendants of our Reformed forefathers. How are we to truly understand the Reformed doctrines unless we know of the history behind it, with all the blood, sweat, and tears these faithful men have shed for us? God has so graciously preserved the influential works of His saints for His own. And thus it is a great gift to receive (and be) the fruit of the Reformation.” – Singapore

“I’ve read Prof. Hanko’s Portraits of Faithful Saints. It was a blessing and very well written … I liked especially the pages on the saints in the Middle Ages like St. Francis and Anselm.” – Rep. of Ireland

Click here to read a review of this item in the Standard Bearer!

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

To read chapters of this book in Burmese, click here.
To read a chapter of this book in German, click here.
To read a chapter of this book in Italian, click here.
To read chapters of this book in Portuguese, click here.
To read this as an e-book in Portuguese, click here.
Chapter 12 and chapter 19 of this book can be read in Russian.
To read chapters of this book in Tagalog, click here.

Praise His Majesty is a music book containing 254 psalter (a songbook of Psalms) tunes arranged for beginning pianists. The book (8½ inches by 11 inches) has a sturdy semi-concealed double wire binding and glossy nylon laminate covers. Teachers of piano will find Praise His Majesty a worthwhile supplement to their students’ course of study. Adults with limited experience on the piano will also find this book valuable. The beginning piano student will be able to play the first few songs after only a few piano lessons. The book gradually progresses to levels that are more difficult. Upon completion of this book, the student should be ready to play out of The Psalter itself.

“Convinced that instruction on marriage is for God’s youth early on, Pastor Cory Griess has provided a distinctive devotional aid for family worship. Parents, do not delay! Before our children enter the dating scene, where feelings tend to inhibit clear Christian thought, we must ground them now in scriptural principles. The youth of the church will soon make pivotal decisions in their dating years that will permanently affect their married lives. Here is a biblical, insightful and practical guide for Christian parents, many of whom have vowed at baptism to train their children in the doctrines of Scripture to the utmost of their power.”—Pastor Jonathan Mahtani

[Reviewed by Rev. Joshua Engelsma, pastor of Crete Protestant Reformed Church]

As the title indicates, this little book is designed to be a tool to instruct children concerning dating and marriage. That in itself is an indication of the value of the book. Anything that will help future generations develop a proper biblical and Reformed understanding of dating and marriage is a valuable asset.

But there are a number of unique features about Rev. Griess’ book that make it even more valuable. For one thing, the book is not aimed at young people in their late teens and early twenties, the typical audience for a book on dating. Rather, the book is geared toward younger children. As the author states, “It is intended for an audience seventh grade and up, although even younger children will benefit” (3). The reason for this is the author’s conviction that our children need to be prepared for dating and marriage long before they are old enough to do so.

Another unique feature of this book is that, though it aims at the up-building of the youth, it is written especially for parents as a help to them in teaching their children about dating and marriage. The author says, “There is a void of material to help parents do this. There is not a void of material on dating and marriage itself, but there is a void of material that helps the parents teach their children about this important topic … [This book] is not intended to replace parental guidance (‘here, go to your room and read this’). It is intended to help the parents give that guidance, and to encourage parents in the giving of it” (2–3).

What makes this book unique as well is the fact that is a designed to be used as a devotional. It is not written as a full-length treatment of the various elements of dating and marriage, but is written to spark discussion either when the family is gathered for family worship or during night-time devotions when tucking the children in bed. The book contains a month’s worth of devotionals, each of which begins with a passage of Scripture to be read, followed by a one-page explanation and ending with thought-provoking discussion questions.

This unique approach allows parents to tie good instruction regarding dating and marriage with something they are already doing: leading their children in daily devotions. A noteworthy aspect of the book is its pastoral and fatherly approach. The author is a father and pastor who obviously writes out of a concern for his own children and their future marriages, as well as the youth of the church and their future marriages. He even notes in certain places where certain subjects might be inappropriate for very young children. Such a warm, fatherly approach serves as a good model to parents as they nurture their children, particularly with respect to their dating and marrying.

Although in my opinion a couple of the devotionals were a little lengthy, as a parent of small children I appreciated that most of the devotionals were of manageable length, usually involving the reading of a few verses of Scripture along with a brief explanation.

I’m appreciative of the work Rev. Griess put into this book and view it as a valuable resource for teaching my own children. I would encourage all parents to buy it and make use of it as well. My hope is that in the future Rev. Griess and the RFPA would produce similar devotionals on other subjects (e.g., a devotional for married couples to use in strengthening their marriages).

To read another review, click here.

One of the most powerful temptations of the believer is to doubt God’s goodness to him in time of trouble—earthly trouble including family distress, sickness, and financial hardship. Lending force to the temptation is God’s apparent goodness to the wicked in their prosperity—earthly prosperity including a peaceful home, health, and economic success.

Every Christian struggles with this temptation at some time in his life. Every Christian knows by experience that, especially when his trouble is great, or continues without relief, the temptation threatens his very faith in God and thus his salvation. The words of the psalmist in Psalm 73:2 are his own: “My feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.”

This temptation and this struggle regarding earthly troubles, as well as the overcoming of the temptation and victory in the struggle by every child of God are the profound and grand themes of Psalm 73.

Prosperous Wicked and Plagued Saints is a commentary on this precious psalm that applies to stumbling believers and their children, in a practical way, that gospel-truth which alone holds them up and restores them. This is the truth of God’s goodness, His gracious and favourable attitude, to his people in their trouble, as it is also the truth of God’s curse of the wicked in their prosperity.

In light of the teaching of Psalm 73, the book takes issue with a theory about earthly prosperity and earthly woe that, for all its strange popularity with Reformed and evangelical Christians, only intensifies the believer’s temptation to doubt in the hour of trouble: the theory of common grace.

“This little gem of a book … [is] a faithful exposition of Scripture, a book for all the saints. Prof. Engelsma takes Scripture word for word and carefully opens up its meaning with devastating effect. Verse by verse and phrase by phrase, through just over 100 easy-to-read pages, he shows us how [Psalm 73] totally demolishes the theory of common grace” (The Reformed Witness).

“I’ve started on David Engelsma’s book, and I like the way he writes: very simple and direct, unflinchingly getting right to the truth of the matter. It started me thinking about prosperous and famous people of today, like David and Victoria Beckham, Simon Cowell and Rod Stewart, for example.” – Essex, England

“I highly recommend this book for those who are struggling, depressed, stressed, and or suffering. It will straighten out your perspective. For the unbeliever this book will warn you not to take for granted your prosperity (whether in business, family, friends, society or finances) and instead look to the God who created you and will judge you according to your many sins and turn in repentance to Him.” – New York, USA

“I’m currently reading Prosperous Wicked and Plagued Saints by Prof. Engelsma. It’s very good so far. Prof. Engelsma is a very good writer. His language is clear and easy to understand which makes it a joy to read.” – Denmark

“What a wonderful book … I connected with this psalm and Professor Engelsma’s explanation of feeling lost in similar situations as did the psalmist. Knowing another church member that was going through similar trials, I purchased another [copy] for them.”

“I very much enjoyed the book on Psalm 73, Prosperous Wicked and Plagued Saints. I gave a copy to my daughter and son-in-law after the loss of their new born son. It was greatly appreciated.” – England

To read chapter 1 of this book in German, click here.
To read chapter 8 of this book in German, click here.
To read excerpts from chapter 1 of this book in Portuguese, click here.
To read chapter 2 of this book in Portuguese, click here.

John Owen (1616-1683) on Psalm 73: “We know that time and again God allows worldly good things to pass to the very people that He hates, whom He has a fixed determination to punish, and whom He has declared to be reserved for eternal punishment and destruction. (Psalm 73:4-12, 18-20). Note carefully—things which are good in themselves, but bestowed in such a way as to make it impossible to determine whether they are given in love or in hatred, cannot reveal any facet of God’s character. (‘The righteous and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked: to the good and the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as to the good, so to the sinner,’ Eccles. 9:1-2.) God gives good temporal things to the wicked. Why conclude that He is attempting to beguile them into realizing that He can be appeased? Far rather, as sovereign, He is fattening them for the coming day of slaughter!” (Biblical Theology [Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1994], p. 78).

The points of doctrine explained in this book will equip the Reformed believer to answer challenges to the gospel of sovereign, particular grace. Two question and answer sections preceded by concise introductions articulate the controversies that gave rise to and shaped the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. The first section covers Arminianism and the issue of “common grace.” The second exposes the error that posits a general promise of salvation to all children of believers. The blessings of God’s covenant are shown to be unconditional gifts to the elect children of believers.

Click here to read a quote from this book on Ezekiel 18:23 and 33:11.

Ready To Give an Answer: A Catechism of Reformed Distinctives, by Herman Hoeksema and Herman Hanko. Grandville Michigan: Reformed Free Publishing Association, 1997. 238 pages. (hardcover). [Reviewed by Rev. Arie denHartog.]

We commend the Reformed Free Publishing Association for the publication of this book and thank Prof. Herman Hanko for his contribution to this work. The largest part of the book is a reprint of materials found in a long out-of-print book by Rev. Hoeksema, titled The Protestant Reformed Churches in America. This part of the book presents the doctrinal issues of the common grace controversy, which in the Lord’s providence led to the beginning of the Protestant Reformed Churches. It is written in an interesting catechism format of questions and answers.

We believe that it is valuable to have this material available in a new book. It is of value for the members of the Protestant Reformed denomination. It is also of value for those outside of these churches who are interested in reading what we believe is an excellent defense of doctrinal issues that continue to be of great importance for the Reformed churches and the preservation of the truths of God’s Word which should be the basis of these churches.

Reading this material refreshed my appreciation of what a great theologian Rev. Hoeksema was. He was outstanding in his ability to reason carefully and sharply in defense of the truth. Above all, his reasoning was based on extensive, penetrating, and careful exposition of the Word of God. We do not believe that the common grace controversy should be ignored. It is our hope that, after years have gone by, and some of the emotionalism and subjective criticism have cooled down, a more objective evaluation of the position set forth by Rev. Hoekesma and others who loved the truth which he stood for can be made, for the benefit of the cause of the truth and the truly Reformed church. It cannot be denied that Rev. Hoeksema gave his life for the defense of the central and most glorious truth of the gospel, namely the truth of God’s wonderful, sovereign, and particular grace in saving His people in Christ Jesus.

Prof. Hanko follows this same catechism format to detail the doctrinal issues involved in the controversy of 1953 that very seriously affected the Protestant Reformed Churches. Prof. Hanko does an excellent job in showing how this controversy involved basically the same issues of sovereign grace as the history of 1924. Whatever may be said about what took place in the turbulent years of controversy in the Protestant Reformed Churches in the early 1950s, it is clear that at stake were the precious doctrines of sovereign grace. We are not ashamed of these doctrines. I had the great privilege of being a student for my seminary years in the church history classes of Prof. Hanko. I have no doubt that the excellence of Prof. Hanko in teaching New Testament Greek exegesis was equal to his outstanding ability in teaching church history. The greatest virtue and wisdom of his church history instruction was his ability to trace the history of the church of Jesus Christ as it was bound up with the clear, bold, and courageous defense and maintaining of the great truths of what today is called the Reformed faith.

The last part of the book is an appendix. It is a reprint of the “Declaration of Principles” drawn up by the Protestant Reformed Churches in the midst of the 1953 controversy. This declaration was made in connection with missionary policy for the work of home missions being done at the time among immigrants, especially those coming to Canada from the Liberated Churches in Holland. The declaration has often been criticized for being some sort of additional confession appended to the three forms of unity, which are the confessional basis of many continental Reformed churches. The Protestant Reformed Churches were and are criticized for doing something which they had no right to do when they adopted this declaration. May this part of the book also help, after the dust of historical controversy has settled, so that some, hopefully many, will be able better to judge whether the declaration is a new creed or nothing more than a clear and necessary setting forth of the truly Reformed doctrine of the creeds. We believe the latter is definitely the case. The copious recitation of references from the creeds proves this.

“Reading Herman Hoeksema on ‘common grace’ has been a delight, as it brings out the truth and the wonder of the grace of God to us. The Lord has changed me recently: previously, I wasn’t all that keen on reading materials against heresies but now I find it such a blessing.” – W. Midlands, England

Two books on early Protestant Reformed history may be read free on-line:

1. A Study of the Relation Between the Views of Prof. R. Janssen and Common Grace by Herman Hanko (covers two, related, doctrinal controversies in the Christian Reformed Church [1920-1925]: the Janssen controversy over the nature and authority of Scripture, and the common grace controversy, shedding much light on PRC origins)
2. The History of the Protestant Reformed Churches by Herman Hoeksema (covers 1924-1936)

The prophecy of Isaiah occupies a large place in the Old Testament canon of Scripture, not only from the viewpoint of its length, but also from the perspective of its significance. Second only to the psalms, it is the book most frequently quoted in the New Testament. Among the books of the prophets, it is quoted by Jesus and his apostles in support of the New Testament gospel of grace more frequently than all of the other prophets put together. In addition, Isaiah’s vocabulary is richer than that of any other prophet, and even more comprehensive and diverse than that of the psalms.

Why did Jesus and his apostles quote from Isaiah as often as they did? What did the author of this book see in the prophecy of Isaiah that made him concentrate much of his preaching on this book for some thirty years? The answer lies in the messianic characteristic of the book; Isaiah speaks of Christ. Sometimes the prophecy is indirect, vague, and difficult to understand. At other times clear, literal, and straightforward. In either case, Isaiah always speaks of the coming of the Messiah implying both the judgment of the wicked world and the salvation of Zion.

The author of this book, Homer C. Hoeksema served as minister in the Protestant Reformed Church from 1947 to 1959 as a professor of Old Testament and Dogmatics in the Theological School of the Protestant Reformed Churches from 1959 until his death in 1989. Hoeksema loved the prophecy of Isaiah and preached on 125 different passages from this book. Redeemed with Judgment: Sermons on Isaiah is the transcribed and edited collection of these sermons, some of which can be listened to free on-line.

BOOK REVIEW

This superb, hardback book sets forth powerful, unchanging truths for the Christian and the church of Jesus Christ. Thoroughly exegetical and expository, these sermons on Isaiah 1-39 open up the grand Messianic prophecies of the evangelical prophet (e.g., in Isaiah 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, etc.) and trace the experiences of the Old Testament church. The times were evil, with Israel facing not only the threats of war from her neighbouring enemies, but also apostasy from within. This apostasy manifested itself particularly through Israel’s unholy alliance with God’s enemies. Consequently, Israel provoked the righteous God to anger. Both the godly and the ungodly seed suffered the effects of Jehovah’s terrible judgments. But the faithful remnant must be comforted because “to outward, carnal Zion Isaiah prophesies doom and destruction, while to spiritual Zion he speaks comfort and salvation” (p. 44).

Deeply enthralling is the author’s ability to apply these OT lessons to the church today. As a picture of the New Testament church, Israel’s experiences necessitate our learning. Only too real is the similarity drawn between God’s people today and in Isaiah’s time. They always appear small in number and are constantly assailed and oppressed by their enemies. But we are assured that He “smites the righteous in divine love, and he smites the reprobate, ungodly world in divine wrath” (p. 299). In every sermon this idea is powerfully demonstrated. God destroys the wicked but chastises His children till they reach perfection through their crucified Redeemer. It is an amazing source of hope and comfort as the church of Jesus Christ sails through the stormy seas.

Appropriately discussed in these sermons are precious truths for the child of God. In the negative sense heresies and errors are exposed. Thus the evils of dispensationalism and common grace are condemned. On the positive side, God’s everlasting truth is maintained, serving as a sure foundation and guide for His children.

The theme of Isaiah, according to the author, is not only comforting but humbling: “The sovereignty of the holy and omnipotent God revealed in the salvation of covenant Zion in the way of judgment” (p. 8). Through judgment both God’s people and the ungodly are compelled to acknowledge Him as the Sovereign One. Through judgment God’s elect are separated from the ungodly world. Therefore, the salvation of God’s people “can come only in the way of Jehovah’s judgments” (p. 273). And redeemed they shall be!

Highly recommended. Volume 2 of Redeemed with Judgment on Isaiah 40-66 completes the set.

Aaron Lim, Singapore

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“Thank you! Excellent book [Redeemed with Judgment], could not put it down … May God continue to richly bless all of you.” – New York, USA

“I have just finished Redeemed with Judgment, a book I will treasure. Every page I turned was just filled with God’s truth.” – Co. Antrim, N. Ireland

Click here to read a review in the Protestant Reformed Theological Journal (vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 117-120).

Click here for a translation of chapter 1 into Italian.
Click here for a translation of chapter 1 into Portuguese.
Click here for a translation of chapter 12 into Portuguese.
Click here for a translation of chapter 47 into Portuguese.

The prophecy of Isaiah occupies a large place in the Old Testament canon of Scripture, not only from the viewpoint of its length, but also from the perspective of its significance. Second only to the psalms, it is the book most frequently quoted in the New Testament. Among the books of the prophets, it is quoted by Jesus and his apostles in support of the New Testament gospel of grace more frequently than all of the other prophets put together. In addition, Isaiah’s vocabulary is richer than that of any other prophet, and even more comprehensive and diverse than that of the psalms.

Why did Jesus and his apostles quote from Isaiah as often as they did? What did the author of this book see in the prophecy of Isaiah that made him concentrate much of his preaching on this book for some thirty years? The answer lies in the messianic characteristic of the book; Isaiah speaks of Christ. Sometimes the prophecy is indirect, vague, and difficult to understand. At other times clear, literal, and straightforward. In either case, Isaiah always speaks of the coming of the Messiah implying both the judgment of the wicked world and the salvation of Zion.

The author of this book, Homer C. Hoeksema served as minister in the Protestant Reformed Church from 1947 to 1959 as a professor of Old Testament and Dogmatics in the Theological School of the Protestant Reformed Churches from 1959 until his death in 1989. Hoeksema loved the prophecy of Isaiah and preached on 125 different passages from this book. Redeemed with Judgment: Sermons on Isaiah is the transcribed and edited collection of these sermons, some of which can be listened to free on-line.