Life in These COVID-19 Days: A Personal Picture

So what is life like for us during the coronavirus pandemic?

Like many, we are trying to keep things as normal as possible, keeping as many routines as we can. But, of course, many things have changed too. Yet, in the midst of all these changes (and fears), manifold evidences of God’s faithfulness and goodness appear from day to day – as you will see from the pictures.

A sunset over the “muck” fields of Hudsonville this past week

Let me begin with life at home, which is where we often are these days, especially in the evening (I have been able to maintain my work days at seminary – see more below). My wife and I have been working on some home projects, inside and out. She has been painting/cleaning/reorganizing (it’s Spring!) and I have been cleaning out clutter in the basement (the garage will wait a bit yet for nicer weather so I can move the deck and patio furniture and yard accessories out).

Some hyacinths blooming in back of the house this week

I love yard work, and with the weather becoming more favorable each week – and the daylight longer – I have been doing some landscape cleanup and garden preparation (the kale I left in the ground over the winter has actually started to come back!). This past week I also repaired our mailbox, which was knocked down for the third time in five years!

On the warmer spring weather days/nights I get out to walk, ride bike, and play pickleball (but no golf – the courses are closed!). We even got a ride out to the lake in this past week (Holland State Park), where the lake and sky were amazing!

 

Recently my brother and I visited Kollen Park in Holland, where we watched the first ship of the season come in – the Pere Marquette.

One of the things we had to stop for now too was our Voices of Victory quartet practices – and it is sorely missed! We take turns hosting at each other’s homes and we have come to enjoy the fellowship (“business meetings”) as much as the singing. Though several singing events have been cancelled, we continue to practice our songs and prepare for some future scheduled concerts by means of recordings. We are also posting some old and new recordings of fitting songs for the times on our Facebook page, so be sure to visit it.

Our Sundays are the best and hardest of days right now. “Best” because, though not allowed to gather for public worship right now, we are able to receive live preaching, prayer, and singing through live-streamed services broadcast on our church’s website (Faith PRC). We are thankful for this blessed means of grace in these times – truly rest for our souls! Thank you pastor and elders for providing this for us!

At the same time, these are the “hardest” days, since we cannot gather with the congregation and experience face-to-face fellowship and united, physical worship together. But our leaders are making sure we stay informed and in touch with one another as best we can. And, we are also missing our every-other-Sunday family dinner gatherings. It is hard not to see our children and grandchildren in this regular way. But, in this too, we stay in close touch and share picture and videos as well as texts and calls. They say this is the “new normal,” but it not normal and it is hard, as we know it is for you too.

But, then, last night our pastor and his family, along with an organist and pianist  from the congregation, organized a congregational singspiration and live-streamed it! It was a wonderful hour of psalm and hymn singing, as many of us gathered around our devices to join in! Word is they are also organizing one for next Sunday night on Easter. That would be wonderful!

As for life at the PRC Seminary, things have changed significantly there, too, as of last week. After the first executive order of our governor (in early March), we were able to continue our normal daily labors. But after the second order (last Monday), we had to transition to all online classes.

After a crash-course in how to use Zoom (the popular live-streaming app), most of the professors are teaching their classes live each day – either from their office at seminary (allowed!) or from home. For a few of the classes we are using prerecorded videos. So far this is going well, and we are thankful to be able to continue the training in this way. But, again, it is hard not to have regular contact and fellowship together. Our seminary “family life” has also been disrupted. (:

I am continuing my labors at seminary with near normal hours. I am allowed to be present to maintain the building, keep up with office work (it’s actually busier now!), and offer support (tech and moral!) to faculty and students. I am blessed and thankful to do so.

The friendly deer notice it is quieter at seminary and feel free to roam in front now too.

Little blessings of Spring from our Lord – miniature daffodils in bloom in front landscape

Even Judi Doezema’s Thanksgiving cactus inside is rejoicing in Spring!

Pray for us as we live in these trying times. We pray for you too, wherever you are. God is faithful and God is good, always worthy of our trust. And He loves us unchangingly, as one of our elders reminded us this past week in one of the devotionals he writes and sends us during these days:

Knowing our sin, and let’s be honest, only God knows our sins better than we ourselves, it so often seems unfathomable that the Holy God could or would love us.  In fact, simply the idea of Him having any kind of a positive disposition toward us, much less love, seems impossible.  We need only look back on this day or yesterday to see that repeatedly we have fallen into sin, and in our pride have rejected God and denied His sovereignty in our lives.  This is nothing new.  When we read through the history of old testament Israel, we are struck by how quickly and how often they would forget God and His mighty works that He had done, and follow after the false gods of the people around them.  We might even shake our heads at this, but are we really any different?  Yes, the circumstances of our lives are much different from theirs but think about it.  How many times, just today, just in the last few hours, have we forgotten God and gone after the other gods in our lives such as self, money, human strength, etc.?

And yet, despite our sin, God loves us.  Despite our failings as husbands and fathers, God loves us.  Despite our failings as wives and mothers, God loves us.  Despite our disobedience as children and young people, God loves us.  Despite our constant backsliding and forsaking of Him, God loves us.  Think of the prophet Hosea, who God commanded to take Gomer, an adulterous woman, for his wife.  Why did He do this?  First, it was to give a very clear and real example of the infidelity of the nation of Israel as she ran after other gods.  Secondly though, it was to show to Israel and to us, the great and unchanging love He has for His people, despite our constant infidelity.

The key, and this is what we must always remember, is that His love is UNCHANGING!  There is nothing that the people of God in the old testament or that you and I today, can do to change God’s love for His people.  Not even our greatest sins are able to change that great love.  If that were true then the Apostle Paul could never have written what he did in Romans 8:35-39: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”.

 

A New Week Completed and a New Semester Started

It was a good week at the PRC Seminary, as we started a new semester, the second of this school calendar year (2019-20). The previous two weeks were wrapped up in our annual Interim course, which Prof. R. Dykstra taught on the subject of “The PRC Schism of 1953.” A good number of visitors attended the class too, which is always a joy and encouragement (next two pictures).

But this week it was back to regular classes, including the second semester of Hermeneutics (Bible interpretation), taught by Prof. D. Kuiper (image below) for the first time this year (one of Prof. Dykstra’s courses, whom Prof. Kuiper is gradually replacing).

First-year seminarian Matt Koerner led us in daily devotions.

The other big news of late is the arrival and installation of the new custom library furniture, about which – as you might guess – I am quite excited (giddy with delight!). Mike R. of Bosveld Builders has been making the various pieces in the shop and Mike VO has been staining them, the idea being that these pieces all match the rest of the new look in the library.

Over the last few weeks the custom periodical kiosks have been completed (see images above), and in the last week the custom library desk and custom patron work station have been brought in. Today the countertops went on, and they are looking magnificent!

In addition, we had a new piece of the same quartz set in the window sill, so that all the pieces now match – wood and decorative stone.

Some cupboard doors and drawers have to be installed yet (maybe tomorrow), but we are otherwise finished with the library renovation project. It is an amazing new look. I am grateful for all of it, for its classical craftsmanship truly reflects the quality of all that we do at the seminary. May God be pleased to use it for His glory and the good of our faculty, students, members, and friends.

If you haven’t already done so, stop in for a visit! You might even find a good book to read in the library or bookstore. Don’t alarm the deer on your way in. 🙂

Recent PRC Seminary Images (Inside and Out!) – November/December 2019

Since our last PRC Seminary update in pictures, much more has happened that has been captured in photos. So, in this post we bring you up to date with a selection of images from the last month.

Yes, we did have an early snow in the middle of November – always pretty and exciting, especially for those of our number from Mexico and Australia who don’t get exposed to a lot of this white wonder. 🙂 But then things returned to normal – gray skies and green grass!

As usual, our friendly turkey and deer neighbors make their appearance, including a nice buck – a little unusual.

On the plant side of things, Mrs. Judi Doezema’s Thanksgiving cactus broke out in full bloom just in time again – always a treat in our entry way.

Our Friday brat/burger lunches are always special, especially when wives, children (including new babies!), and friends join us. And sometimes we have a guest give a talk on something, as Mr. Rick Noorman did recently on PR Christian School teacher training.

On Wednesdays during devotion times we often have area PRC ministers give a chapel talk, as Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC) did this past week.

In other exciting news, we recently had our final building inspection on the new addition and were approved, so we could finally start moving the PRC archives into their new home upstairs. Over the last two weeks about 2/3rds of the boxes have been moved into the new room. Kevin Rau has been my willing and ready moving partner!

Out of the old room downstairs…

Around the outside with our carts…

And into the new room!

And due to the extra space at this point, we have a better home for our rare books and Dutch titles as well as lesser used magazine boxes from the library.

And our other archivist assistant, Mr. Bob Drnek, has also moved upstairs into the archives “research room” to continue his work of organizing and cataloging.

So grateful for the new archive room(s)! We have plenty of room to grow (tripled our size with the Spacesaver shelving)!

Finally, in the physical education department, our ping pong team continues to practice for the seminary winter olympics. 🙂

What’s the Latest at the PRC Seminary? Some Updates in Pics – October 2019

Indeed, the calendar does show November now, but we are going to bring you up to date on things at the PRC Seminary through the month of October. It has been two months since I posted anything on the new archives/library renovation project, so let’s catch up with the help of some photos I have been taking since then.

The main addition to the archives room has been the new SpaceSaver shelving, purchased through and installed by the Casper Corporation. This is an amazing, high efficiency shelving system that runs on tracks installed in the floor and turned with the ease of a large wheel at the one end.

The key was getting the tracks and raised flooring just right, and the crew spent almost two days just on that. And then, of course, the shelving units.

This past week we had our final fire alarm and fire suppression system test and inspection for this special room (we passed!), and now await final building inspection before we can start moving in and transferring our PRC archives into this room. We are eager and excited for that day!

Just outside the archives room, in the hallway leading up to it, was an old doorway that was converted by Bosveld (Mike Rau) into a beautiful display case, which was immediately filled with a few seminary history treasures.

The other main event has been the near-completion of the library renovation. Most of the new furniture and its accents have been added now, making for beautiful and functional areas for reading, study, discussion, and fellowship (done quietly, of course!).

We welcome you to come by and take in the new look, as well as to make use of the library . There are plenty of resources for you to use for your own personal reading and study! Plus, don’t forget our bookstore!

As far as seminary life is concerned, the semester is filled with the regular activities: daily classes, daily devotions, weekly chapels (not quite every week), lots of study, and then end-of-the-week Friday brat/burger lunches that often include guests and the wives and children.

And, naturally, the tradition of playing (and learning to play!) ping-pong in the lower level continues.

We’ve had a couple of special events too – our Fall picnic at Hagar Park in Jenison…

and two lectures by Dr. Nick Willborn of Greenville Presbyterian Seminary (on southern Presbyterian theologians in the 19th century) – very informative and instructive. You may find those on the seminary’s YouTube channel.

We also had a certain professor celebrate his 50th birthday, complete with some fun brought in  by his family for one of our morning coffee times.

And, of course, it is Fall here in West Michigan, so we end with some pictures taken of the fall colors in the last few weeks.

This is the area to the west and north of seminary where a walking path runs, part of the trek and scenery some of us take and enjoy after lunch.

Remember to pray for us!

And to send us your wood!

PRC Archives/Offices/Library Project Update – August 2019

A well lit archives room

It has been a month since we updated you on the PRC seminary building project (last one was on July 4), so tonight we will provide you with a summary of the last month.

Since our last update much has taken place. In the new addition the electricity has been supplied and all the new LED lights are providing the lighting (cf. first picture above). The new heating/cooling units have been installed in the new offices  and are operating (thanks to the power!). The final coats of paint have also been made in these archives room and the offices. All that awaits is the carpet (starting Monday, the 12th!).

In the library, all the custom trim and panel work has been completed, and now it is all stained and lacquered – a beautiful look that matches the rest of the building!

And this week the paint went on the library walls – including a nice olive color on the accent walls. What a change in the appearance!

In addition, all the new ceiling tiles were set in place this week – in the library and hallways outside the professor’s offices and in Rev.B. Huizinga’s “new” office (professor-to-be). What a wonderful color a clean white ceiling is! Now the new lighting stands out even more.

The main item missing in the library and offices and hallway yet is the carpeting, which arrived this past week and will be installed starting next week Monday.

On the outside the major news is threefold. First, a new roof was installed over the entire library, the existing offices, and the front entry. This was planned anyway this summer as part of our major building maintenance, and Bosveld has an amazing new product that will last for a long time. With all the beautiful work down below, the last thing we want is a leaky roof!

Second, our underground sprinkling system was finally repaired and restored, including new water lines and heads in the back of the building where the new addition went in (Thanks, Schepers!). Hard to believe we made it halfway through July without our watering system, but we had timely rains (the Lord’s sprinkling is always best!) and for a few weeks got creative with extra hoses and sprinklers from home.

And third, the area in the back was prepped for new grass seeding – a fresh load of topsoil was brought in and then graded, and now Kregel Landscaping has killed the weeds and will soon plant the new grass seed.

The deer and turkey have already checked out the new area in back and given their approval for future grazing and pecking.

We are thankful for all the great subs and workers involved in this project – for their skills and for their safety. The next few weeks will put all their efforts on full display, and we are more than ready to enjoy the fruits of their labors. Stay tuned for the final touches – and for an open house in the Fall sometime.

Significant Additions to the PRC Seminary Library – 2nd Quarter 2019 (Part 2)

The library remodel is coming along nicely!

At the end of June, I completed the second quarter list of significant book acquisitions to the PRC Seminary library for this year. A few weeks ago I posted the first part of this list for the broader benefit of our readers (find that post here).

As noted before, part of my reason for posting this list here is not only to show you the kind of books the seminary adds to its library, but also to stimulate you to find something to read. Yes, there are books here for the layman and laywoman, for the young adults and for teenagers. Browse this list and perhaps you will find something that grabs your attention and compels you to pursue it.

In this second part of the list we will look at four (4) sections: dogmatics/theology, practical theology (2 parts), and miscellaneous. Hoping you find something of interest to read yet this summer or in the fall.

Dogmatics, Biblical Theology, Historical Theology

• Theology and the Mirror of Scripture: A Mere Evangelical Account / Kevin J. Vanhoozer; Daniel J. Treier. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2015 (Studies in Christian Doctrine and Scripture)
• The Decades of Henry Bullinger / Heinrich Bullinger, 1504-1575; Joel R. Beeke; George M. Ella; Thomas Harding, 1516-1572. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books,c2004 (reprint in 2 vols.) – a gift from a friend
• The Works of Ezekiel Hopkins: Successively Bishop of Raphoe and Derry / Ezekiel Hopkins, 1634-1690; Charles William Quick, 1822-1894. Ligonier, PA : Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1995-97 (3 vols) – a gift from a friend
• Orthodox and Modern: Studies in the Theology of Karl Barth / Bruce L. McCormack. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, c2008.
• Reformed Systematic Theology: Volume 1: Revelation and God / Joel R. Beeke; Paul M.Smalley. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.
• None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God / Matthew Barrett. Grand Rapids,MI: Baker Books, 2019.
• Chosen in Christ: Revisiting the Contours of Predestination / Cornelis P. Venema. Fearn,Ross-shire, GB: Mentor, 2019 (R.E.D.S. – Reformed, Exegetical and Doctrinal Studies)
• From Shadow to Substance: The Federal Theology of the English Particular Baptists 1642-1704 / Samuel D. Renihan; James M. Renihan. Oxford [Eng.]: Centre for Baptist History and Heritage, 2018 (Centre for Baptist History and Heritage Studies)
• Christ the Mediator of the Law: Calvin’s Christological Understanding of the Law as the Rule of Living and Life-Giving / Byung-Ho. Moon; David F. Wright. Milton Keynes. UK; Waynesboro, GA: Paternoster, 2006 (Studies in Christian History and Thought)
• The Doctrine on Which the Church Stands or Falls: Justification in Biblical, Theological, Historical, and Pastoral Perspective / Matthew Barrett; D. A. Carson; Stephen Dempster; Matthew Barrett. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.
• Common Grace: God’s Gifts for a Fallen World, Volume 2: The Doctrinal Section / Abraham Kuyper, 1837-1920. ; Nelson D. Kloosterman, Transl.; Ed M. Van Der Maas, Transl.; Jordan J. and J. Daryl Charles Ballor. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019.
• A Biblical Theology of the Doctrines of Sovereign Grace: Exegetical Considerations of Key Anthropological, Hamartiological, and Soteriological Terms and Motifs / George J.Zemek. Little Rock, AR: George J. Zemek, 2005.
• 40 Questions about Calvinism / Shawn D. Wright; Benjamin L. Merkle, editor. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2019.
• Humble Calvinism: And If I Know the Five Points, But Have Not Love… / J. A. Medders;Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr; C. H. (Charles Haddon) Spurgeon, 1834-1892. UK: The Good Book Company, 2019.

Practical Theology (1) – Christian Living, Family, Marriage, Missions, Prayer

• Maturity: Growing Up and Going On in the Christian Life / Sinclair B. Ferguson.
  Edinburgh; Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2019.
• Competing Spectacles: Treasuring Christ in the Media Age / Tony Reinke. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.
• Work: Its Purpose, Dignity, and Transformation / Daniel M. Doriani, 1953-. ; Bryan Chapell. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2019.
• Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament / Mark Vroegop; Joni Eareckson Tada. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.
• Untangling Emotions / J. Alasdair Groves; Winston T. Smith. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.
• A Model for Marriage: Covenant, Grace, Empowerment and Intimacy / Jack O. Balswick; Judith K. Balswick. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, c2006.
• The Missionary Expansion of the Reformed Churches / John A. (John Anderson) Graham, 1861-1942; A. H. Charteris. Edinburgh: R. & R. Clark, 1898.

 

 

Practical Theology (2) – Church Government/Leadership, Counseling, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Sermons, Worship

• Preaching to Be Heard: Delivering Sermons That Command Attention / Lucas O’Neill. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019.
• The Worlds of the Preacher: Navigating Biblical, Cultural, and Personal Contexts / Scott M. Gibson, editor; Bryan Chapell; Haddon W. Robinson. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2018.
• Singing the Congregation: How Contemporary Worship Music Forms Evangelical
  Community / Monique M. Ingalls. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2018.
• Ever Ancient, Ever New: The Allure of Liturgy for a New Generation / Winfield H.
  Bevins; Scot McKnight. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2019.
• The John MacArthur Handbook of Effective Biblical Leadership / John MacArthur; Mark Dever; Steven J. Lawson. Eugene OR: Harvest House, 2019.
• Saint Peter’s Principles: Leadership for Those Who Already Know Their Incompetence /Peter A. Lillback; Albert R. Mohler, Jr. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2019.
• The Man of God: His Preaching and Teaching Labors / Albert N. Martin. Montville, NJ: Trinity Pulpit Press, 2018 (Pastoral Theology – Volume 2)
• Hearers and Doers: A Pastor’s Guide to Making Disciples Through Scripture and
  Doctrine / Kevin J. Vanhoozer. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019.

Misc. (Apologetics, Culture, Education, Music, Politics, Science, Work, World Religions,etc.)

• The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation / Rod Dreher. New York, NY: Sentinel, 2017.
• A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers / Kate L. Turabian; Wayne C. Booth; Gregory G. Colomb; Joseph M. Williams. (9th ed.) Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2018.

Periodicals (Old & New)

• The Reformed Review (Western Theological Seminary, RCA, Holland, MI), Vol.9 and
  up, 1956- (donated by a friend)

Significant Additions to the PRC Seminary Library – 2nd Quarter 2019 (Part 1)

At the end of June, I completed the second quarter list of significant book acquisitions to the PRC Seminary library for this year. At their July meeting the TSC (Theological School Committee) received a copy for their information, and I also send it out to the faculty and students so that they can keep abreast of new titles.

But the list is of value to you too, I believe. As noted before, part of my reason for posting this list here is not only to show you the kind of books the seminary adds to its library, but also to stimulate you to find something to read also. Yes, there are books here for the layman and laywoman, for the young adults and for teenagers. Browse this list and perhaps you will find something of interest to you.

Once again we will divine the list into two parts. In this list we will look at four (4) sections: biblical studies, commentaries, church history, and creeds and confessions. Hoping you find something of interest to read yet this summer or in the fall. 🙂

Biblical Studies/ Commentaries/ Biblical Theology
Series:

• Let’s Study (Banner of Truth): Philippians, S. Ferguson (1997)
• New Century Bible Commentary (Eerdmans): The Gospel of Matthew, David Hill, 1981 (reprint)
• Preaching the Word (Crossway): Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory / Philip Graham Ryken; R. Kent Hughes, 2015.
• Reformation Commentary on Scripture (IVP Academic):
  • Psalms 73-150. H. J. Selderhuis, ed.; Scott M. Manetsch; Timothy George, 2018
    (vol.8, OT).
  • Romans 1-8. Gwenfair W. Adams; Scott M. Manetsch; Timothy George, 2019
    (vol.7, NT).

 

Other Commentaries, Individual:

• Glaphyra on the Penteteuch, Volume 2: Exodus Through Deuteronomy. Saint Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria, c. 370-444. ; Nicholas P. Lunn, translator; Gregory K. Hillis.
  Washington, D.C.: The Catholic University of America Press, 2019.
• Ephesians: Free to Be One. Stephen Motyer; Ian and Stephen Gaukroger Coffey. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1996 (Baker Bible Guides)
• Ephesians. Geoffrey B. Wilson. Edinburgh, Carlisle: Banner of Truth Trust, c1978,
  1986.
• Sermons on 2 Timothy. Jean Calvin, 1509-1564; Robert White, Transl. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2018.
• Fellowship in the Life Eternal: An Exposition of the Epistles of St. John. George G.
  (George Gillanders) Findlay, 1849-1919. Minneapolis, MN: James and Klock, 1977.
• The Epistles of St. John. Alfred Plummer, 1841-1926 (reprint). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1980 (Thornapple Commentaries).

Individual Biblical Studies Titles

• Interpreting Eden: A Guide to Faithfully Reading and Understanding Genesis 1-3. Vern S. Poythress; D. A. Carson. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.
• Knowing God Through the Old Testament: Three Volumes in One. Christopher J. H. Wright. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2019.
• The Lost World of the Torah: Law as Covenant and Wisdom in Ancient Context. John H. Walton; J. Harvey Walton. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2019.
• Prophetic Song: The Psalms as Moral Discourse in Late Medieval England. Michael P.Kuczynski; Edward Peters. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, c1995.
• Interpreting the Prophetic Word: An Introduction to the Prophetic Literature of the Old Testament / Willem. VanGemeren. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 1990.
• The Risen Redeemer: The Gospel History from the Resurrection to the Day of Pentecost.  F. W. (Friedrich Wilhelm) Krummacher, 1796-1868. ; John T. Betts, tr. New York: R. Carter & brothers, 1863/2015.

Church History, General and Biography

• Early Christian Martyr Stories: An Evangelical Introduction with New Translations. Bryan M. Litfin. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2014.
• The Collected Prayers of John Knox. John Knox; Brian G. Najapfour, ed.; R. Sherman Isbell. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2019.
• The Complete Works of Matthew Henry: Treatises, Sermons, and Tracts. (2 vols.) Matthew Henry, 1662-1714. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, c1979, 1997.
• Dutch Heritage in Kent and Ottawa Counties. Norma Lewis; Jay de Vries. Charleston, SC : Arcadia Pub., c2009 (Images of America)
• Scotland Ablaze: The Twenty-Year Fire of Revival That Swept Scotland 1858-79. Tom Lennie. Fearn, Ross-shire, GB: Christian Focus, 2018.

Creeds, Confessions, History of

• The Apostles’ Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits. R. Albert Mohler. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2019.
• Grace Worth Fighting For: Recapturing the Vision of God’s Grace in the Canons of Dort. Daniel R. Hyde. Lincoln, NE: The Davenant Press, 2019.
• Grace Defined and Defended: What A 400-Year-Old Confession Teaches Us About Sin, Salvation, and the Sovereignty of God. Kevin. DeYoung. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.
• A Place Like Heaven: An Introduction to the Synod of Dort. Samuel Miller; Harrison Perkins. Madison, MS: Log College Press, 2019.

Seminary Library Furniture Available!

Final stages of moving books and shelving today.

Seminary library furniture available!

The majority of the books have been moved into the large multi-purpose room in the middle of seminary.

We are gutting the library this summer (in process as we write – all the books and shelving have been taken out this week and moved to other areas of the building – see above photo) for the big renovation project (mostly cosmetic – new paint, carpeting, ceiling tiles, lighting, wood trim – and furniture).

Used credenza available

Which also means we are looking for a good home for some of the furniture that will be replaced: a large conference table with 8 wood-framed, padded chairs (church council room – school library?), several desks, a credenza (with side doors, hanging file drawers). If interested, email me at cjterpstra@sbcglobal dot net for more info (I’ve attached a few here).

Conference table available

8 Padded wood-framed chairs available

Library desk available

These items would be pick-up items only (we can’t deliver). We can discuss price/donation when you make contact.

The view of the library at end of today (no the study carrels are NOT available!).

Thanks – and spread the word!

1st Quarter Books 2019 – PRC Seminary Library

Here it is nearing the end of May (middle of the second quarter of 2019) and I still have not posted my list of significant book acquisitions for the first quarter of this year. So, tonight it is time to do that. We will reference this list that I put together for the faculty, students, and Theological School Committee in two parts, looking at three sections – two on Biblical studies and one on church history.

As noted before, part of my reason for posting this list here is not only to show you the kind of books the seminary adds to its library, but also to stimulate you to find something to read also. Yes, there are books here for the layman and laywoman, for the young adults and for teenagers (perhaps a “bitesize biography for you! see below!). Browse this list and perhaps you will find something of interest to you.

I might also add that not all of these are new books, nor are they always sought after. I purchase a fair amount of used and bargain books, and we also get some that are donated to us, which we always appreciate.

Other Commentaries (Individual)

• Esther: The God Who Is Silent Is Still Sovereign / Norman De Jong. Grandville, MI: Reformed Fellowship, 2018.
• A Proverbs Driven Life: Timeless Wisdom for Your Words, Work, Wealth, and Relationships / Anthony. Selvaggio. Wapwallopen, PA: Shepherd Press, 2008.
• That’s Just The Way It Is: A Realistic View of Life from the Book of Ecclesiastes / Derek Tidball. Fearn, Ross-shire, GB: Christian Focus, 1998.
• The Love of Loves in the Song of Songs / Philip Graham Ryken. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.
• Living Water: Studies in John 4 / David Martyn. Lloyd-Jones. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2009.
• The Epistle to the Romans / H. C. G. (Handley Carr Glyn) Moule, 1841-1920. Grand Rapids, MI : Zondervan, nd.
• Walking in the Way of Love: A Practical Commentary on 1 Corinthians for the Believer / (Vol.2) Nathan J. Langerak. Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Pub. Association, 2019.

Individual Biblical Studies Titles

• Getting the Message: A Plan for Interpreting and Applying the Bible / Daniel M. Doriani. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Pub., 1996.
• God’s Design: A Focus on Old Testament Theology / Elmer A. Martens. Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, UK; Baker Books; Apollos, 1994.
• Plowshares & Pruning Hooks: Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic / D. Brent Sandy. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002.
• Friendship in the Hebrew Bible / Saul M. Olyan; John J. Collins. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2017 (The Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library)
• Christ from Beginning to End: How The Full Story of Scripture Reveals the Full Glory of Christ / Trent Hunter; Stephen J. Wellum. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018.
• How to Read Prophecy / Joel B. Green. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1984.
• Echoes of Exodus: Tracing a Biblical Motif / Bryan D. Estelle. Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2018.
• The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job / C. J. (Clayton J.) Williams; Richard C. Gamble. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2017.
• Out of the Depths: The Psalms Speak for Us Today / Bernhard W. Anderson. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983.
• Saved by Grace Alone: Sermons on Ezekiel 36:16-36 / D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Edinburgh, Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 2018.
• How to Read the Gospels & Acts / Joel B. Green. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1987.
• Can We Trust The Gospels? / Peter J. Williams. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018.
• The Child-Parent Relationship in the New Testament and Its Environment / Peter Balla. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2006.
• How New Is the New Testament?: First-Century Judaism and the Emergence of Christianity / Donald A. Hagner. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2018.
• Paul, Women & Wives: Marriage and Women’s Ministry in the Letters of Paul / Craig S. Keener. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
• The Theology of Paul’s Letter to the Galatians / James D. G. Dunn; James D. G. Dunn. Cambridge [England]; New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 1993.
• Why I Love the Apostle Paul: 30 Reasons / John Piper. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.

Church History, General and Biography

• Why Study History? : Reflecting on the Importance of the Past / John Fea. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013.
• Augustine the Bishop: Church and Society at the Dawn of the Middle Ages / Frederik van der Meer, 1904-1994; Brian Battershaw, Transl.; G.R. Lamb, Transl. New York; Evanston: Harper Torchbooks, 1961.
• The Middle Ages / Johannes Fried; Peter Lewis, Transl. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press, 2015.
• In Their Own Words: The Testimonies of Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, and John Bunyan / David B. Calhoun. Edinburgh, Scotland; Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 2018.
• Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution – A History from the Sixteenth Century to the Twenty-First / Alister E. McGrath. New York : HarperOne, 2007.
• To Find a Better Life: Aspects of Dutch Immigration to Canada and the United States, 1920-1970 / Gordon Oosterman; Adrian Guldemond; George Vandezande. Grand Rapids, MI: National Union of Christian Schools, 1975.
• Hollanders: The Development of their Objectives in Europe and America / Jacob A. Vander Meulen. Zeeland, MI: The First Reformed Church, 1945.
• 1847 – Ebenezer – 1947: Memorial Souvenir of the Centennial Commemoration of Dutch Immigration to the United States Held in Holland Michigan 13-16 August / Henry Stephen Lucas, 1889-1961. ; MI Centennial Commission of Holland; J. R. Slotemaker de Bruine. New York: Netherlands Information Bureau, 1947.
• A Tender Lion: The Life, Ministry, and Message of J.C. Ryle / Bennett W. Rogers. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2019.
• Geerhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian / Danny E. Olinger. ; Camden Bucey. Philadelphia, PA: Reformed Forum, 2018.
• Charles Hodge / S. Donald (Samuel Donald) Fortson, 1956-. Darlington: EP Books, 2013. (Bitesize Biographies)
• God’s Continent: Christianity, Islam, and Europe’s Religious Crisis / Philip Jenkins. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.
• Archives and Anecdotes: 75 Years at Southeast Protestant Reformed Church / James Holstege; Tim Pipe, Sr. Grand Rapids, MI: Southeast PRC, 2019.

PRC Seminary Addition Update – March 2019

It was a good week of spring weather in West Michigan and more good progress was made on the archive/office addition at the PRC Seminary.

The Bosveld “team” of John Hop was there to carry on the work, inside and out. It started with some wrapping of the outside roof area with more board and Tyvec, in part because we were supposed to have a rainy day Wednesday/Thursday. But it stayed nice and that work was completed.

Then “JH” spent some time building a special platform and stairs to enter the addition through one of the windows, since this is the best entrance into it right now. When the semester is done, the wall now separating the addition from the library will be torn now and an opening made (You will see that wall in the photos below). But for now, the window is the door. Make sense? Just watch your head going in! 🙂

Part of the work involved demolition of the old roof overhang, because what was outside is now inside. Make sense? Perhaps a few pics will help here too. And now you can see what wall has to come down. Yes, that brick one, so that a temporary stud wall can be made for the south side of that first office. Which stud wall will eventually come down too, when that temporary office is no longer needed. Then the “office” will become part of the library. Or maybe the archives. I know, it’s getting complicated, so let’s not worry about that right now.

Today (Friday) a Kleyn electrician came to put in some temporary power and some lights. And now you get your first look at the new archive room! It’s bare! But that’s ok; it will fill up in time. Wait until you see the cool shelving system we hope to install in it. I’m quite excited. (But that’s a secret at this point. Shhhh.)

And last, but not least, a little work was done this week on the library renovation part of this project. Two rows of sample sound-deadening ceiling tiles were put in by “JH.” so that we can begin to get a feel for how they look and how they sound. That is, hopefully, what sound we don’t hear. Make sense? Good!

Stay tuned for the next installment of PRC SAAU (seminary archive addition updates)!