We want to thank Byron Center Protestant Reformed Church Young Peoples Society and all those who contributed of their time and effort to make the 1991 Young People’s Convention an enjoyable week of spiritual growth, Christian fellowship and fun. We especially thank Rev. Van Baren who spoke on “Knowing About the End”, Rev. Bruinsma who spoke on “Living with a View to the End”, Rev. Dykstra who explained “Experiencing the End”, Rev. Koole who prepared important questions concerning whether we should influence the world in the last times, Rev. Bekkering who gave us a thorough outline on Pre-millennialism – what it is and why it is wrong and Mr. Mitchell Dick, who prepared a thorough discussion outline on what are the signs of the times. We thank these faithful men who defend the Word of God, in these days full of signs of the last times, over against the lies of the Social Gospel, the Redeeming Culture and Pre-millennialism.
The speeches of the convention will be put in future issues of the Beacon Lights. A convention issue, DV, will be sent to each conventioneer in the near future. If you would like a convention issue, but did not attend the convention, then send your request to Beacon Lights, P.O. Box 375, Jenison, MI 49428.
You’ll find a very interesting and thought provoking response from Shari K. Brummel of Edgerton Protestant Reformed Church. She wrote a letter to me and as editor-in-chief, I took the privilege of making the first part written to me and the rest written to you by adding the words “Dear Fellow Peers.” So, read her letter to you carefully because she covers such subjects as witnessing, standing up against temptation, rock songs, sanctification and forgiveness. My brief response to her first part is given after her article.
Miss Amy DeVries reflects on her first year of teaching in her article, “Children – God’s Special Gift to Us.” Her “Special Person of the Week” idea shows the godly concern that she has for her students. Standing in the place of parents in the classroom makes teaching their children a unique experience requiring much patience and praise of each student. Mr. Dirk Westra will begin teaching this year and so we thank him for writing about how his student teaching in a public school which, as he puts it, “only strengthened my resolve to become a teacher in our own Christian schools.” Thank you, Miss DeVries and Mr. Westra for giving us a glimpse into the heart and mind of Christian teachers.
Prof. Hanko’s very important series on the Janssen Controversy, “To Lose the Battle and to Win the War” continued with Chapter IV “The Basic Issue (2).” Read this article to find out why the Study Committee refused to enter into a discussion about common grace even though Prof. Janssen based his views of Scripture upon common grace.
Would you like to take a trip into western and eastern Washington? I did a few years back and would encourage anyone who is planning a trip to visit the breathtaking beautiful landscape of Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier and the complete devastation of once the same beauty at Mt. St. Helens. But in case you don’t, Rev. Kuiper takes us on two interesting trips that discuss among other things, fossils, in his article, “Of Rhinoceri and Palm Trees.”
We almost never print articles where the author does not give his name. In this case, however, a few years have gone by, so I will include “The Christian Teenager and His Friends” in this issue. It is our hope that any of you who have had a similar experience will rebuke those who are unruly and seek out friendship with those who seek to walk uprightly.
Carol Brands’ Letter #12 on Ecclesiastes will appear in the next issue, I promise.
Lora Bouwkamp, our faithful Church News editor, thanks the bulletin clerks for sending her your bulletins each month. It is our hope that all of our churches send her their bulletins.
We thank Joan Hanko (nee Buiter) for doing a superb job as secretary. Joan is still on the staff to help with the planning of each issue, for which we are very grateful. We pray that our covenant God will continue to bless her in her work and recent marriage to Dave Hanko.
Our new secretary is Sandy Storey from our Hope Protestant Reformed Church of Walker, MI. Sandy contributed much during our recent staff meeting and is eagerly taking on her new position. We welcome you, Sandy, and pray that God will strengthen you for the work He has for you to do.
The New Book sale is over so that Jesus’ Beauty Shining In You is now $6.50. We have received several requests for this new book and others. This is encouraging to us. We will continue to advertise our books regularly.
You are used to the Beacon Lights being 6 ¼ x 9 ½ but in the near future the Beacon Lights will become larger. Look for a new cover designed by Mr. Eric Lubbers, who attends Southeast Protestant Reformed Church. The larger page format will mean fewer pages, but will provide room to easily add pictures and other neat stuff. We trust you will enjoy the changes.
We are no longer going to advertise that the Beacon Lights is available on cassette tape.