We want to thank Redlands Protestant Reformed Church Young People’s Society for hosting this year’s convention. From what I have heard, those who attended enjoyed the good Christian fellowship and discussions. The planning and actual carrying out of the plans takes many dedicated people who are willing to give of their time and energies for the cause of God’s kingdom and young people. We thank our faithful Covenant God for such hard working faithful people in our churches, who give their best effort to guide our young people in the truth. A special convention issue will only be prepared for the conventioneers. If other of you would like to receive this special issue then send a request to: Beacon Lights, P.O. Box 375, Jenison, MI 49428.
By now you have noticed the change in the cover of the “Beacon Lights.” But have you noticed the change in the type style and the addition of a new “footer” at the bottom of each page? With the purchase of some new computer technology, our typesetter, Mr. Jim Van Overloop, is now able to produce each entire issue on computer with little paste up, and guarantee that if something goes wrong with the copy, he can quickly produce another copy of the same issue. Also, he has the ability to scan past articles for editing if we decide to put them into booklet form, thereby eliminating the need to typeset the articles over again. As our typesetter becomes accustomed to the new equipment we have provided for him, look for his personal touch in each issue.
Prof. Hanko continues his series on “To Lose the Battle and Win the War: Chapter III – The Issues in the Battle (1).” The articles in this chapter will look at the issues in some detail beginning with Prof. Janssen’s denial of the infallible inspiration of Scripture.
Do you find pleasure in the sins wherein the world abounds? I’m not asking, do you actually do the same sins that the world commits, but do you take pleasure in your soul in the sins of the world? For an excellent sanctified look into the life of God’s children read “Pleasure in What Pleases God” by Rev. John A. Heys. You will want to read this article more than once for it is filled with the wisdom of God that will help you to remain faithful to God as a young person in the world of today.
Rev. Lubbers continues with his second interesting article on “The Biblical Teaching on ‘Sympathy’.” Our tested warrior concentrates on the “Sympathizing High Priest: Jesus.” Read and enjoy this wonderful truth about our Lord.
“Learning God’s Will Concerning One’s Vocation” is the last of the outlines prepared by Pastors Charles Terpstra and Ronald Van Overloop for the 1989 Fall Retreat. We hope that you will use these outlines in your society for the godly instruction that we need in living as God’s people in today’s world. We thank our two faithful Pastors for providing these outlines for our societies to use.
If meaning in life is not found in certain positions in life, nor in certain studies, nor in intellect or riches, where then is it to be found? Mrs. Brands provides us with an answer in Letter # 6 Ecclesiastes 1:12-18, “Six Reasons Solomon Wrote Ecclesiastes.”
Lora has provided us with the Church News through July of this year. Thanks, Lora, we appreciate your love for keeping us informed of what is happening in our churches.
Elsewhere in this issue you will find three short articles: “Who Cares What They Wear?” by Emily Eldersveld, “Friendliness and Generosity for God’s Sake” by Holly Ondersma and “Beware of Temptation” by John Huizinga. Emily and Holly wrote their articles for course work at Covenant High School, Grand Rapids. Emily’s article fits in well for the beginning of another school year when “have to have” styles of clothing rule your life for another 180 days. A kindness remembered by Holly from many years ago becomes the avenue for Christian instruction in the same today. John, who hails from Randolph, Wisconsin, reminds us of the importance of standing strong in the faith. You’ll appreciate these three articles and that is why we extend a hearty, “Thank you” to Emily, Holly and John.
In the October issue look for an historical article, addressed to young people, not from a past “Beacon Lights” issue, but from a past “Standard Bearer” issue.
As editor of “Beacon Lights” it is always a joy to see firsthand the faithfulness of God’s young people as you carry out your God given responsibilities in the church and in the world. The last two paragraphs are meant to encourage you further as you strive to lead each other in the way of godliness.
Did you sleep in church? Well then, wake up and get with it! Don’t expect to lead each other in the way of godliness if you sleep in church. Leaders must be faithful in all areas of life, especially in the hearing of Christ, the Head of the Church. If you sleep while sitting under the preaching of the Word of God, you turn deaf ears to Christ. And never does the church experience a more rapid decline in godliness than when you refuse to hear and live what Christ tells you to do. Wake up and pay attention to Christ, Who gives to you His sufficient, leader needing, grace through the preaching of His Word.
Did you stay awake in church? Well then, be joyful, for great is your reward. Through listening and living according to the Word that you hear, God prepares and enables you to lead each other in the way of godliness. Faithful leaders are an encouragement to His people for you show by example that listening to the Head of the Church is a privilege to be regarded with high honor and necessary for life as a child of God. And never does the church experience a more fervent love for the cause of God’s Kingdom than when you listen and live what Christ tells you to do. What a blessed privilege to receive His sufficient, leader needing, grace through the preaching of His Word. It is all of Him.