RFPA Update - Winter 2025

IN THIS ISSUE: —Feature article: Coming soon: Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism—New (and Re-) Releases...

Book Review - "Profitable, Indeed at Times Something of a Challenge"

As we look forward to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Reformed Free Publishing Association...

"God in Church History": Editor Dan Van Uffelen on the Byron Center PRC Podcast

Interested in church history (with a dash of West Michigan history, too)? Check out Episode No. 8 of the brand-new Byron Center PRC Evangelism Podcast for an interview with Dan Van Uffelen, editor of the Christ and His Church church history series.

SB May 1 Issue Sneak Peek - Caring Compassionately for One Another

Our covenant God who dwells with us has designed the church to live in community. When the church lives in community as God designed, she practices this with a culture of compassionate care for suffering and sinning saints. And it is sweet! It is a great joy in our lives! When we fail to practice this compassionate care, fellow saints are further hurt and their suffering increases. Therefore, I am writing to encourage us to care for one another in the church and to seek this care in the local congregation and in the broader church world because this is God’s design.

Book Review - "Worthy of Reflective Thought"

It is apparent that much attention has been given to draw the rest of Scripture into the commentary. I myself intend to sit down to read the commentary as a devotional over many days, allowing the Wisdom of Solomon to do its work....Ecclesiastes, A Reflective Exposition would be a good addition to the library of any Christian who wishes to dive into the riches of "Wisdom Literature" for himself or to help others to do so.

Book Reviews - The Amazing Cross and The Royal Sufferer (When I Survey)

The following review was written by Wm. Hendriksen on the books The Amazing Cross (1943) and The Royal Sufferer (1945) by Herman Hoeksema. Both of these books have recently been republished in the Lenten anthology When I Survey... (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2025). This brief review was originally published in the September 21, 1945 edition of The Banner. 

Book Review - Called to Watch for Christ's Return

In his book, “Called to Watch for Christ’s Return”, Rev. McGeown lays out a detailed explanation of the biblical teaching of the end times, as it was given by Christ himself in what is known as the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24-25).

Why Reading Matters: Hope RWC Interviews Author (and Reader) Chuck Terpstra

Why does the work of the RFPA—that is, publishing accessible, widely available Christian books which testify to the truth of Scripture in the Reformed tradition—matter, in the grand scheme of things? Why should reading matter to Christians? Last summer, the Hope RWC podcast aired 4 interviews with author, reader, librarian, and archivist Chuck Terpstra to explore the importance of reading, for Christians of all ages and vocations.

Jehovah Afflicted In All Our Affliction

Jehovah’s love and pity do not end in inaction: we read, “he saved them.” Specifically, “The angel of his presence saved them” (v. 9). Literally, the angel of his presence is the angel of his face. The face of Jehovah shows us his demeanor, disposition, or attitude displayed toward us. Jehovah’s face is against the wicked, but when we look into Jehovah’s face in faith we see love and pity: we see affection, sympathy and compassion.

Bredenhof on Bavinck and "Psychology from the Bible"

"Bavinck is one of my favourite theologians. I love him for always being thought-provoking, but also for (almost always) grounding his thinking in Scripture. He was one of those men who embodied copiousness – he was filled to overflowing with the reading he’d done. He read broadly and deeply on all kinds of subjects and this book reflects it. There might be more scientifically up-to-date treatments of psychology from a biblical perspective, but Bavinck’s relevance will no doubt abide for many years to come."

More "Biblical Obscurities": Author Mike Velthouse Interviews with Hope RWC

Are you looking to learn more about the Bible and church history this week? Consider spending some time with author Mike Velthouse and the Hope RWC podcast! Back in early 2024, Mike was interviewed by Hope RWC on a series of "Biblical Obscurities" that helped inspire his love of church history. Recently, Mike returned to Hope RWC to discuss four MORE "Biblical Obscurities," including the House of Annas, Gehenna, and more.

"How Can I Find the Right Job?": Author Bill Boekestein with Theology on the Go

Is your morning commute exactly 26 MINUTES AND 24 SECONDS long? If so, have we...

Book Summary - Cloud of Witnesses

In the line of continued generations and through God’s covenantal relationship with His people, God was able to work faith in the hearts of believers, some of which are mentioned as the heroes of faith...The greatness in all this is that we read of people believing in a Savior who has not yet come...all had believed in a life after their earthly life, where they could walk in eternal perfection with God. Through all this, both hope and faith are strongly emphasized.

The Communion of Saints (2): Practicing It

Quite simply, you are not the only saint. The communion of saints includes many others apart from you. It includes the congregation where you are a member. It includes members of other denominations of churches. It includes members of your household: your spouse, your parents, your children, your older and younger siblings.

The Communion of Saints (1): How Precious!

The word translated “communion” in the New Testament appears around twenty times and is often rendered “fellowship.” Its basic meaning is sharing or participation in something or with someone. If, then, there is communion or fellowship between persons, they have something in common, something that unites them and makes them one, something that brings them together.

Meditations on Giving Thanks for the New Year

With the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays just ahead of us, the concept of giving thanks is a timely one. In this blog post are excerpts from 3 Standard Bearer meditations on giving thanks. May each of these lead you in this holiday season (and in the coming year!) to reflect on the value of every day, with giving thanks to God always at the forefront of your mind.

RFPA, RBO, and Young Calvinists Host Local Author Event

On the beautiful fall evening of October 29th, authors and readers gathered at the Reformed...

Book Review - Crowning His Gifts

I strongly suspect that many readers will regard what they have just read as three good reasons not to buy and read this book. A master's thesis sounds far too academic to be of spiritual benefit; the subject of rewards sounds far too dubious to interest a lover of free grace; and perhaps reservations about the PRCA are too entrenched for readers to part with their money. But that would be to make a great mistake.

Author Event - Meet Local Authors

Hey teens (and parents of teens and young adults)! Join us at the Reformed Book Outlet in Hudsonville on October 29, 7pm EST, to meet the authors of some of your favorite books for Christian teens and young adults. 

RFPA Annual Meeting 2024

This year's Annual Meeting drew an excellent turnout of young and old readers and RFPA supporters. Many of the 181 active Association members attended with friends and family members to listen to high school teacher and long-time Association member Mr. Joel Minderhoud give a presentation titled "Is Your Brain Being Wired for Deeper Thinking? The Christian Calling and Incentive to Read."