RFPA Blog News

Book Review - The Mystery of Bethlehem

The following review was written by Joshua Vink on the book The Mystery of Bethlehem by Herman Hoeksema (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 1986). This review was originally published in the December 2023 issue of The Grandville Gleaner.

A multitude of books, articles, and sermons have been written on the topic, but the story of Christmas can never be exhausted. Where would we be without the birth of our Lord and Savior? Herman Hoeksema writes in the hope of kindling anew that interest in the heart of the reader.

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Use Your Brain!

Is this the way we want our children and those in our community to think—to simply accept what their authority holds to be true? Fast-forward fifteen years, and now the authoritative figure in their life is an intelligent professor, an engaging author, a popular actor, or some random podcast or figure to follow. Have you taught your children to simply absorb what an authority figure claims to be fact? Read More

Apostasy (6): Unto What?

Surely, we need to end on a positive note as well as on a serious warning. We would be untrue to the text if we did not. “But, beloved we are persuaded of better things of you and things that accompany salvation though we thus speak” (v. 9). Why is such a warning necessary and what should we learn from it?  Read More

Apostasy (5): What?

The word “if” might leave the impression that apostasy is hypothetical. But the writer to the Hebrews is not writing about a hypothetical, theoretical, possible apostasy. He is warning his readers about real, actual apostasy. There really is a hell and there are really people who once professed Christianity who perish forever under God’s wrath. The warning is serious. We could translate the passage this way: “impossible the ones once enlightened having tasted, having become partakers, having tasted and they falling away to renew them again to repentance, they crucifying…”  Read More

Book Review - Here We Stand

The following review was written by Kevin Huizinga on the book Here We Stand: 500th Anniversary of the Reformation by various authors, edited by Prof. Ron Cammenga (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2018). This review was originally published in the October 2023 issue of The Grandville Gleaner.

"Here We Stand," a variation on Martin Luther's powerful concluding statement from his speech at the Diet of Worms, is an appropriate title for this book and theme for the event it summarizes. In October of 2017, a conference was held to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the great Reformation. Spread over two days, it included six different speeches which were then adapted by the speakers into written form. Each section highlights a different aspect of one of the most significant events of Christ's church on this earth.

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Apostasy (4): From What?

In the last three blog posts, we examined Hebrews 10:26-29, one of the apostasy passages of the epistle to the Hebrews. Perhaps even better known is Hebrews 6:4-6, the subject of this series of blog posts. It, too, describes apostasy. If Hebrews 10:26-29 describes fearful apostasy, Hebrews 6:4-6 emphasizes that such fearful apostasy is irreversible. The apostate, warns the writer to the Hebrews, cannot be recovered from his sin. That, too, makes apostasy a uniquely fearful sin. Read More

Apostasy (3): What the Apostate Deserves

There is no easy or nice way to say this: the apostate is doomed. The apostate has despised the Son of God; the apostate has despised the work of Christ on the cross; the apostate has insulted the Holy Spirit of grace; and the apostate has sinned willfully after having received the knowledge of the truth...[But] We cannot—we must not—end without hope. There is no hope for the apostate, but there is hope for us. Read More

Apostasy (2): What the Apostate Does

In verse 26 we read, “If we sin willfully.” That is a general statement. In verse 29 the Holy Spirit describes the serious sins of the apostate. He does this to underline the guilt of the apostate, to warn the reader against the sin of apostasy, and to set forth the utter hopelessness of the apostate’s case. We have in verse 29 proof that apostasy is no ordinary sin. It is not dishonesty; it is not theft; it is not adultery; and it is not murder. It is something much worse.

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Book Review - Ten Commandments for Children

The following review was written by Amanda DeBoer on the book The Ten Commandments for Children by Prof. Ron Cammenga (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2023). This review will be published in the Clarion, a biweekly magazine of the Canadian/American Reformed Church federation, Vol. 72 No. 14, in November 2023.

Cammenga not only teaches the commandments, but also explores their depth and practicality in an age appropriate way. He has a kind, yet unwavering, manner of writing that is very appropriate for the topic. The Ten Commandments for Children will undoubtedly be a blessing for many families.

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Apostasy (1): Who the Apostate Is

The text of Hebrews 10:26-29 is a warning against apostasy. In fact, the epistle to the Hebrews contains many pointed warnings against apostasy. Indeed, it contains some of the most chilling, most frightening, and most sobering passages of the New Testament on the subject of apostasy. In a number of blog posts I intend to explain and apply these warnings against apostasy.  Read More

RFPA Annual Meeting 2023

Have you ever wondered why the Reformed Free Publishing Association is the RFPA, and not just the RFP?

Our nonprofit has long published "Reformed" literature and authors, we're "Free" because we operate without a denominational affiliation, and "Publishing" is self-explanatory, but why are we an Association?

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The Standard Bearer: Loving Service of the Church

Read on for an editorial written by Prof. Barrett Gritters in the 

Standard Bearer

 Vol 100, No. 1 (October 1, 2023). 

The Standard Bearer exists for Christ’s church. Our writers labor for the magazine because they love the church too. You read our magazine most likely because you also love the church...

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Translations in Focus - Doctrine According to Godliness (Amharic)

This month on the blog, we're looking forward to the RFPA Annual Association meeting in a few weeks by highlighting our translations. Today's "translation in focus" is the Amharic translation of Doctrine According to Godliness (translated by Selam Kefyalew). Read on for a side-by-side comparison of chapter 328 from the English and Amharic versions of Doctrine! Read More

Translations in Focus - Come Ye Children (Tagalog)

This month on the blog, we're looking forward to the RFPA Annual Association meeting in September by highlighting our translations. Today's "translation in focus" is the Tagalog translation of Come, Ye Children. Read on for side-by-side excerpts from chapter 153 of Come and Halikayo, Mga Anak: Kuwento ng Biblia para sa Mga Bata! Read More