Indeed, John Calvin was a great reformer, a great theologian, author, and preacher. John Calvin was not all of this of his own strength; it was by God’s grace that he was all of this in order that he could serve the purpose of God. He was a man of the sixteenth century whom God […]

Generally speaking, churches are in trouble today. Many congregations and most denominations are losing members. They are shrinking rather than growing. Especially tragic is the fact that they are losing their young people, so that there is a gradual graying of the pew. Many of these shrinking congregations are also not very attractive to those […]

John is a member of Byron Center Protestant Reformed Church in Byron Center, Michigan. He wrote this article for the 2001 Protestant Reformed Scholarship. Every Christian is called by God to serve Him in every area of our lives. Indeed, God commands us to do all things to His glory (1 Cor. 10:31). Whether we […]

Rev. Rodney Kleyn is Pastor of Trinity Protestant Reformed Church in Hudsonville, Michigan. This essay was written for the Protestant Reformed Scholarship when he was a seminary student. Why preach in a Protestant Reformed Church? One of the main reasons, which especially the young male readers of the Beacon Lights ought to consider, is that […]

Question I have been trying to find out more about the Protestant Reformed Church, in particular, what the difference is between the CRC and the PRC. Is the fundamental difference the idea of grace, common or elect? At one time I remember hearing something about how the CRC to the PRC are the unbelievers? Is […]

As teenagers we sang with all the enthusiasm we could muster: The fight is on, O be not weary, Be strong and in His might hold fast. With banners gleaming, with colors streaming, We’ll bear the victor’s crown at last. Little did we realize all that would be involved in heeding the admonition of Christ: […]

The three congregations that remained faithful to the truth as proclaimed by their deposed pastors formed a temporary organization under the name: “THE PROTESTING CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCHES IN AMERICA.” Since the consistories of these congregations were appealing their case to the Synod of 1926, it was impossible at this date to form a permanent organization. […]

1.     It’s fitting to start with me, I suppose— A land filled with love from my head to my toes.   2.   My namesake, Mr. Johnson, our president became And even our state bears a presidential name.   3.   With “Lorna” my name is often united, Or else as a sand hill I’m usually cited. […]

The issue of sovereign and particular grace has been an issue since the time of Augustine. Though always present, this issue came to a head again during the time of the Reformation and was one of the main issues of the Reformation. The fact that this issue of sovereign and particular grace came to a […]

I was asked to write an article on how we came into the Protestant Reformed Churches, and this I will try to do. I was born into the Lutheran Church, and grew to young manhood within that church. My wife was born and raised in the German Reformed Church. Although you have two different denominations […]