RFPA Blog News

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. Read More

Book Review - Finding My Vocation

The following review was written by Mike Velthouse on the book Finding My Vocation by William Boekestein (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2024).  Read More

Publication Review - Ignited by the Word

The following review was written by Kristen Brands, an elementary school teacher in West Michigan, on the publication Ignited by the Word. This review was originally published in the June 2024 issue of the Beacon Lights, a monthly magazine written for Reformed Christian young people and young adults.  Read More

Book Review - Communion with God

The following review was written by Emma Nienhuis on the book Communion with God by Herman Hoeksema (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2011). This review was originally published in the Grandville Gleaner. Read More

Book Review - I Believe: Sermons on the Apostles' Creed

The following review was written January 25, 2024, by John Tipton on the book I Believe: Sermons on the Apostles' Creed by Herman Hoeksema (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2023). Read More

Book Review - Through Many Dangers

The following review was written by Dr. Robert P. Swierenga, Research Professor, A. C. Van Raalte Institute, Hope College, and Professor of History Emeritus, Kent State University, on the book Through Many Dangers Books 1 and 2, by P.M. Kuiper, illustrated by Paula Barone (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2021). This review was originally published in the February 1, 2024 issue of the Standard Bearer. Read More

Book Review - Biblical and Religious Psychology

The following review was written by John P. Jambura, M.D. of Boise, Idaho on the book Biblical and Religious Psychology by Herman Bavinck (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2024).

Herman Bavinck was a man who reflected on the data of Scripture and the issues of his (and frankly, our) day substantively, challenging his readers to view their suppositions and pre-suppositions under his unique and penetrating lens. The volume under consideration is no exception.

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Book Review - The Savior's Farewell

The following review was written by Roger G. DePriest of Virginia Beach Theological Seminary, Virginia Beach, VA, on the book The Savior’s Farewell: Comfort from the Upper Room, by Martyn McGeown (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2022). This review was originally published in the Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal.

To be sure, McGeown’s work is a treasure trove of exegetical and pastoral insights, and, from that interest alone, pastors will want to lean into this resource. There are several places, however, where those who do not share the Reformed hermeneutic (such as this reviewer) will find reasons to balk here and there. This is because McGeown stands firmly in the Reformed camp, so it is to be expected that his theological commitments will inevitably show.

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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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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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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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Book Review - Ecclesiastes: A Reflective Exposition

The following review was written by Richard Alan Fuhr Jr. on the book Ecclesiastes: A Reflective Exposition by Thomas Miersma (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2022). This review was originally published in the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (JETS). Read More

Book Review - Job: God's Sovereignty in Suffering

The following review was written by Randall C. Bailey on the book Job: God's Sovereignty in Suffering by Ronald Hanko (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2021). This review was originally published in the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (JETS). Read More

Book Review - Fruit of the Spirit

The following review was written by Ava Langerak on the book The Fruit of the Spirit of Jesus Christ by Richard J. Smit (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2012). This review was originally published in the August 2023 issue of The Grandville Gleaner. Read More