CRC banner editor-in-chief- resigns-in-protest

>

https://www.thebanner.org/news/2025/06/banners-editor-in-chief-resigns-in-protest 

Remember our Bible translators 🙏✝️❤️🌍"Pray with them, listen to their struggles" – supporting indigenous Bible translators around the world -"

https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pray-with-them-listen-to-their-struggles-supporting-indigenous-bible-translators-around-the-world/

"

The ministry provides communities with written Bibles, sign language, as well as oral and audio Scripture. "We really want to be able to provide scripture in any way that people need," says Stedman.."

summary of Synod 2025

provided by ChatGPT                                                    (always double check & verify) 

"Synod 2025 of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), held June 13–19 at Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario, addressed several significant issues affecting the denomination. Here's a summary of key decisions:(thebanner.org)

---

🔗 Ecumenical Relations

• Reformed Church in America (RCA): Synod affirmed the CRCNA's relationship with the RCA as a "church in communion," contingent upon RCA officebearers' willingness to sign the CRCNA's Covenant for Officebearers when required. This decision follows a review of the RCA's stance on human sexuality, noting that while the RCA officially holds the same convictions as the CRCNA, there is latitude within the RCA for differing practices. (thebanner.org)

• Alliance of Reformed Churches: Synod agreed to pursue a church-in-communion relationship with the Alliance of Reformed Churches, recognizing it as the closest ecumenical category of relationships the CRCNA has.(thebanner.org)

---

🏛️ Governance and Structure

• Office of General Secretary: Synod decided against creating a separate legal entity for the Office of General Secretary, citing recent leadership and structural changes that have addressed previous concerns.(thebanner.org)

• Loan Fund Governance: The Council of Delegates was granted authority to make changes to the mission and governance of the Christian Reformed Church Loan Fund, Inc., U.S., streamlining decision-making processes.(crcna.org)

• Ministry Reviews: Synod approved a guideline for conducting ministry reviews, aiming to enhance accountability and effectiveness within the denomination.(thebanner.org)

---

📖 Theological and Doctrinal Matters

• Bible Translation: The Bible Translation Committee recommended against using the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) for general worship, citing concerns about its translation methodology and faithfulness to the original texts. The ERV may be suitable for specific contexts like children's worship or devotional reading. (thebanner.org)

• Assisted Suicide: A task force report on assisted suicide reaffirmed the CRCNA's position against the practice, emphasizing compassionate palliative care and pastoral support for those facing suffering and end-of-life issues. (thebanner.org)

• Virtual Church: Synod acknowledged the potential of virtual churches to embody the three marks of a true church but emphasized the need for intentional planning, particularly regarding the administration of sacraments and church discipline. (thebanner.org)

---

🧭 Church Unity and Disagreement

• Covenant Community Toolkit: Synod tasked Pastor-Church Resources with developing a toolkit to help churches discern their hopes for covenant community, especially in light of potential covenant realignments. (hesedprojectcrc.org)

• Survey on Disagreement: The Office of the General Secretary was directed to create a survey to gather feedback from churches on how to navigate respectful disagreement within the denomination, with results to be shared transparently.(hesedprojectcrc.org)

---

🧱 Church Order and Discipline

• Confessional Alignment: Synod reinforced the requirement that all officebearers affirm the CRCNA's confessions without reservation. Those with reservations are expected to either align with the confessions, submit a confessional-revision gravamen, or resign from office. (christiancourier.ca)

---

These decisions reflect the CRCNA's ongoing efforts to address theological, structural, and relational challenges within the denomination. If you would like more detailed information on any of these topics, feel free to ask.(crcna.org) "

A Prayer for CRC Synod 2025: Guiding Hearts, Rooted Deep

A Prayer for Synod 2025: Guiding Hearts, Rooted Deep

A Prayer for Synod 2025:

Guiding Hearts, Rooted Deep

 

Dear Lord above, as Synod meets today,

At Redeemer's halls, we humbly pray

In Ancaster's peace, 

where minds now gather in,

Guide every delegate, from grace within

We think of roots, in lands across the foam,

Our Dutch heritage, a spiritual home

 

From Reformation fires,

 a truth held ever dear,

Calvin's bold doctrines, 

dispelling doubt & fear

To New Amsterdam, 

a journey then began,

On Manhattan's shores,

 God's faithful plan

Then westward moving, 

to Michigan's embrace,

In Holland & Grand Rapids, 

finding sacred space

 

By Lake Michigan's vast & calming shore,

Your church took root, 

& yearned for more

We recall the split, 

from RCA's old fold,

For principles of faith,

 a story to be told

A yearning for strict doctrine,

unwavering & clear,

A different stance on revivals, 

banishing all fear

 

From open communion, 

some felt a sacred call,

To separate themselves, 

standing firm for all

& now we see, 

Your Spirit's mighty hand,

The CRC has blossomed, 

across this favored land

 

No longer solely white, 

nor Dutch alone in grace,

But diverse peoples, 

every creed & every race

From Bellflower, CA,

 to Pella's Iowa fields,

& Lynden, WA,

 the gospel's harvest yields

 

In Hamilton, Ontario,

 & across the USA,

Your global kingdom shines,

 each & every day

We lift Your schools, 

where truth & wisdom grow,

Calvin, Trinity, Dordt, 

& Central College,

 we know

 

Foundations strong, 

where learning lights the way,

Guiding young minds, 

to serve You every day

We ponder TULIP's truths, 

a doctrine deep & sound,

Total depravity, 

where grace is truly found

Unconditional election, 

Your sovereign choice above,

Limited atonement, an everlasting love

Irresistible grace, 

Your Spirit drawing near,

Perseverance of saints, 

banishing all fear

 

So grant the delegates wisdom, Lord,

 in all they shall decide,

That Your good will, not theirs,

will be their guide

Protect their hearts from strife,

their minds from prideful sway,

& lead them onward,

 in Your righteous way

 

For the Church's future, 

a beacon shining bright,

May every choice reflect:

 Your holy light

This humble prayer we offer,

 with hearts sincere & true

In the name of Jesus,

 we give our praise to You:

Father, Son, & Holy Spirit

Memorial Day 2025

🕊️🕯️❤️✝️🇺🇸🪦🙏👶👼
#MemorialDay2025
https://youtube.com/shorts/4OyfTArfZ-E?si=V7y3lKLSZahVP7s6
🕊️🕯️❤️✝️🇺🇸🪦🙏👶👼

good ol' lew vandermeer (2012) "Addicted to church? Grand Rapids pastor prescribes alternatives to renew Christian ministry"

Lew was our religion teacher at Grand Rapids Christian in the 80's. Then he went on to start Sunshine CRC (which became quite popular from what I hear, but then  subsequently closed ?)

https://www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/2012/03/addicted_to_church_grand_rapid.html

CRC IN CRISIS "‘Change Is Necessary’: A Frank Picture of Rising Governance Costs and Diminishing Ministry Shares"

https://www.thebanner.org/news/2025/05/change-is-necessary-a-frank-picture-of-rising-governance-costs-and-diminishing

quick decision in Rome, wow! first-ever AMERICAN POPE ! They said it would never happen

some of you Protestants and CRCers are saying "Who cares, I'm not catholic" . Well, you should care. We're all part of the same Body of Christ ! Stay informed. PRay he's a good one. The Catholic church effects EVERYBODY ! #PrayTheNews 

https://www.the-sun.com/news/14194998/cardinal-new-pope/

"HISTORY has been made as the First American Pope will lead the Catholic church with outsider Robert Prevost taking up name of Leo XIV after less than 24 hours of secret voting in the Sistine Chapel.

The new Pope - known to many as "Father Bob" -  stepped out onto the balcony in the Vatican to cheering crowds as he greeted them by saying "peace be with you".

Watch "My Life Is In God’s Hands (Morning Devotional And Prayer)" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/9jR3HeSNhSA?si=2EDa3omfSN7XUcuU 

Watch "April 29, 2025 Yes, Jim Kok is still alive (March 2025) (90th 🎈 birthday 🎂)" on YouTube

https://youtube.com/shorts/nD4KEpBZaok?si=HxODiRQQDG9YI0w_ 

you may enjoy this message by Corrie Tenboom (audio, click) (in English)

if you don't know , Corrie Tenboom was  a Dutch woman who survived the holocaust and a concentration camp - altho she wasn't Jewish (she was strong Christian) she received the same punishment as Jews after being caught hiding them in her house in the Netherlands during the war. Her sister Betsy was killed in the same concentration camp. Afterwards she became a well-known Christian  speaker & writer - giving very inspirational messages of hope and forgiveness .

click below to listen 

https://ia600603.us.archive.org/21/items/SERMONINDEX_SID31612/SID31612.mp3

, born Cornelia Arnolda Johanna ten Boom on April 15, 1892, in Haarlem, Netherlands, was a Dutch watchmaker and later a Christian writer and public speaker. She and her family helped many Jewish people escape from the Nazis during the Holocaust in World War II by hiding them in her home. They were caught, and she was arrested and sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp. Her most famous book, The Hiding Place, is a biography that recounts the story of her family's efforts and how she found and shared hope in God while she was imprisoned at the concentration camp..." -wiki

VOD 4.24.25

And whatever you do, 

whether in word or deed, 

do it all in the 

name of the 

Lord ✝️Jesus,

 giving thanks to 

God the Father

 thru Him.☝️

Colossians 3:17

I was in Potowatomi in the 70's - at Camp Roger

https://camproger.org/yrs-staff 

I still remember the special call:

 hi-lo- eeny- meeny- ooo- cha cha -pee-wawa -ish -ka- miliki- oligazoski -umpty -bumpty -LAOOOO

I remember Winger (Van Wingeren?),  Brinks, & Injun Joe 

"The Potawatomi are an Indigenous North American people with a history in the Great Lakes region, known for their language (a member of the Algonquian family) and their role as "Keepers of the Fire". They were also known for their extensive trade network and alliances with other tribes. Due to westward expansion and the Indian Removal Act, many Potawatomi bands were forced to relocate, .."

Seems police took advantage of a man with possible dementia to get a false confession "CRC minister Not Guilty "

https://www.thebanner.org/news/2025/01/not-guilty-verdict-for-former-pastor-charged-with-1975-murder 

Happy ✝️ Easter . He's Arisen ☝️

The next morning 🌅

 the women came to the 

tomb & found it empty, 

&the angel said to the women, 

"Do not be afraid, 

for I know that you are

 looking for Jesus, 

who was crucified. 

He is not here; 

HE HAS RISEN, 

just as He said"

   Matt 28:5-8

Happy😊 

#Easter2025 🕊️🌅

Watch "Heaven, How I Got Here; The Story of the Thief on the Cross" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/QeSPL5iaorU?si=cDLIXg7b8GydAoD_ 

Excellent little skit by

 Stephen Baldwin about the 

thief on the cross.

 #GoodFriday

#Easter

 #JesusSaves ✝️🙏☝️

https://youtu.be/QeSPL5iaorU?si=cDLIXg7b8GydAoD_

How did this unknown CRC pastor from Holland MI end up on Hour of Power back in the day ?

https://youtu.be/UIPqXIFVX2w?si=b5M0O8KMs3fpFCqa

 Here's a clip of popular southern California TV personality Ed Arnold (rest-in-peace, just died in April 2025) interviewing a pastor named Jim Kok for Hour Of Power at the Crystal Cathedral (which subsequently closed as Robert Schuller's protestant (Reformed) church, but re-opened as a Catholic Church).

Who is Jim Kok? (he is/was a CRC pastor, now retired, & yes still alive at age 90 as of 4.18.25)  And what was he doing at the Crystal Cathedral and on the Hour of Power ? 

Well some of you may know the name from the CRC community either as a pastoral care minister for many years as the Director of Pastoral Care at Pine Rest Christian hospital, (as well as CPE supervisor) and prior to that he was a pastor at a  Christian Reformed Church in Iowa City; and also did stints in CPE (clinical pastoral education) in upstate New York & Ann Arbor , among other things. 

Other of you old-timers may remember the name of Jim Kok from his basketball prowess (he mentions it in this video clip) at Holland Christian High as well as Calvin College in the 50's alongside Tony Diekema & Don Vroon (RIP) , among others. 

To make a long story short, after working at Pine Rest Hospital Jim Kok took the job of Director of Pastoral Care at the Crystal Cathedral. This was actually a return "home" for Jim because he grew up here, partially, as a child in Bellflower CA (about 16 miles from the Crystal Cathedral in adjacent Los Angeles County) where his father (Rev. Gareth Kok) was a CRC pastor who founded the Valley Christian Schools and was a pastor at First Bellflower CRC in the 30's  & 40's.

 (Later,  Gareth moved the family back to Holland Michigan where he was a pastor at Maple CRC, which is why Jim attended Holland Christian High)  (still later, Gareth returned to southern Cal where he eventually retired in Bellflower, now deceased). 

So when Jim Kok took the Crystal Cathedral job and moved his family to Bellflower, he was a few blocks away from his retired father. Jim maintained his affiliation with the CRC- never changed to the RCA- but his primary job was at the Crystal Cathedral until his retirement several decades later. 

For many years Jim hosted an annual International  Kindness Conference which filled the arboretum for several days, and numerous well-known speakers  talked about various medical, psychological, & spiritual issues integrated with the topic of kindness.

 Jim also continued to serve as a Clinal Pastoral Education (CPE) supervisor for many years at the Crystal Cathedral until his retirement. Over the years, numerous seminary students did their CPE requirements on the 10th floor of the New Hope tower at the Crystal Cathedral. 

So having become a familiar face at the Crystal Cathedral he eventually was invited to be on the Hour of Power, more than once, but this was one of the times where he talked about his book "The Miracle of Kindness"

A friend of Jim also continues to maintain a kindness blog referencing past writings and articles by Jim Kok, albeit Jim himself in 2025 is no longer active as a pastor (please pray for him as he has some health issues). This blog / website can be viewed at https://www.peoplekindness.com/blogbyjimkok  (I think the website administrator should make that clear on the web, but for some reason he has not yet done so) 

"Kelloggsville Church Marks 150 Years |" The Banner

https://www.thebanner.org/news/2025/04/kelloggsville-church-marks-150-years 

including a CRC'er "Thousands of Bibles handed out on MSU campus"

" Western Michigan University is more "receptive to scripture," Glewen said, while at the University of Michigan, "they think they're all smart," Jewell said. Central Michigan University was "very friendly" — even Muslim students took Bibles, Jewell said — as was Ferris State University, where Susan Van Wieren said she had a great conversation with members of the football team."

https://statenews.com/article/2025/04/thousands-of-bibles-handed-out-on-msu-campus?ct=content_open&cv=cbox_latest

Awesome 👍 ✝️🙏☝️ "Trump champions Jesus' 'miraculous Resurrection' in Palm Sunday message

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-champions-jesus-miraculous-resurrection-palm-sunday-message-vowing-defend-christian-faith.amp 

Awesome 👍 ✝️🙏☝️

"Trump champions Jesus' 'miraculous Resurrection' in Palm Sunday message vowing to 'defend the Christian faith'

Trump makes Holy Week proclamation acknowledging Jesus Christ as 'the living Son of God'" ✝️✝️✝️

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-champions-jesus-miraculous-resurrection-palm-sunday-message-vowing-defend-christian-faith.amp

Happy #PalmSunday 🌴 #JesusSaves ✝️🙂 2025

" - So they took branches 

of palm trees & went out 

to meet Him, crying out,

 "Hosanna! Blessed is

 He who comes in the

 name of the Lord, 

even the King of Israel!

    -John 12:13

Everybody knew Mel "Melvin Hugen Obituary (1931 - 2025) -" condolences ✝️🙏♥️

https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/melvin-hugen-obituary?id=58037956 

Age 87 "Sharon Start Obituary (2025) " ✝️🙏♥️- Grand Rapids, MI -i remember from 1st CRC , condolences

https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/sharon-start-obituary?id=58061180 

Wow "Earliest 'Jesus is God' inscription found in Israel deemed 'greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls' | "

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14096551/earliest-inscription-jesus-god-israel-prison-ancient-discovery.html 

"The 1,800-year-old mosaic, discovered by an inmate of the Megiddo prison, features the ancient Greek writing: 'The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial.'

The 581-square-foot mosaic decorated the world's first prayer hall in 230 AD, confirming Christians believed Jesus was the son of God from the very beginning..."

"World Renew Introduces Global Executive Team | Christian Reformed Church

https://www.crcna.org/news-and-events/news/world-renew-introduces-global-executive-team 

The CRC headquarters no more "Why crews are demolishing the building at 28th and Kalamazoo" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/2anMC86P1t0?si=xpIMhdUCXzjKrrNc 

video "Old Christian Reformed Church HQ demolition underway" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/ADHrSbOuiAI?si=OFJoGiC9XFtBM1b- 

here's a neat link to some 1st CRC history

 https://www.migenweb.org/kent/churches/christianref/FirstCRC-GR/history.html

and another

http://firstcrc.org/about/history

👍🙏✝️🇺🇲"'Resurgence': Christian leaders see a 4th 'Great Awakening' as Americans flock to Jesus * "

https://www.wnd.com/2024/12/resurgence-christian-leaders-see-a-4th-great-awakening-as-americans-flock-to-jesus/ 

"

Despite overall book sales increasing by only 1% compared to 2023, Bible sales in the U.S. have reached an impressive 22% increase as of October 2024, according to the Wall Street Journal

"There have been three Great Awakenings in America, and a few smaller ones," Burleson continued. "I believe we are in the beginning of a fourth Great Awakening and it is a response to inflation (financial panic), pandemics (Covid), wars (global), and the sudden death of stability in America. There is no anchor in life better than the Anchor of Hope, and when the ship of life is tossed to and fro, faith awakens."

"Almond Valley CRC in Ripon, CA, caravanned 900 miles to the Navajo reservation in New Mexico to help a fellow CRC in need. "

https://www.thebanner.org/our-shared-ministry/2024/10/churches-serving-churches 

👍✝️🙏🇺🇲"Donald Trump Tells 1,500 Christian Pastors and Leaders, "I'm Behind You All the Way" - "

https://www.lifenews.com/2024/10/29/donald-trump-tells-1500-christian-pastors-and-leaders-im-behind-you-all-the-way/ 

Happy Reformation Day - ! Keep on Reforming ✝️👍

https://www.google.com/search?q=reformation+day&client=ms-opera-mini-android&channel=new&tpsf=opminienpf#ebo=0 

MAGA Prayer 🙏🇺🇲🗽✝️

O Lord, we lift our hearts in prayer 🙏 

For this land we hold so dear & fair

Guide America 🇺🇲 with Your light⚡

Through the darkest days, lead us right

Protect the unborn👶👼, small & frail

Give them life, let hope prevail

Strengthen our borders, firm & strong💪

Keep our nation safe from wrong

Grant us leaders, brave & true

Who stand for justice⚖️ in all they do

Let honesty reign & truth be told

With courage, integrity, pure as gold🥇 

Help us cherish values bright

Faith, love ❤️ & what is right

Turn our hearts to You, O Lord

With Christ ✝️, our guide, in one accord

Revive our spirit, let freedom 🗽ring 🔔 

Make us worthy of the blessings You bring

With patriotism, faith & grace 🕊️ 

Help us build a better place

For our country, hear our plea

Bless this land of liberty

With Your mercy, lead us on

To a brighter hopeful dawn 

#MAGA 👍🇺🇲

#NeverKamala 😡👎🚫

Prayer for POTUS Trump

Be strong & bold, don't be dismayed
The Lord is with you, don't be afraid
Wherever you walk, His light will shine
Guiding your steps, His will divine
Fear NOT the storm, nor dark of night
For God's own hand will lead you right

See more 
(https://x.com/AmeriPrayer1/status/1846857308581908793?t=D6AmRL1c-xZtgYVAUpM7JA&s=03) 

"There is Something About the Name of Jesus You Are Going to Need to Know | Awakening? "

https://m.beforeitsnews.com/awakening-start-here/2024/10/there-is-something-about-the-name-of-jesus-you-are-going-to-need-to-know-27-20557.html 

Ode to Life 🙏✝️👶👼🤱👨‍🍼👩‍🍼🧑‍🍼

(https://x.com/PRAISETRIUNEGOD/status/1843703365748044236?t=pMHLI2hsizvi7Wb7PGWJUg&s=03) 

🙏✝️🤎👶👼🤱👨‍🍼👩‍🍼🧑‍🍼

From the moment of conception's spark,

A life begins, though small & stark.

A precious soul, so pure & new,

A gift from God✝️, both bright & true.

In the womb, God knows their name,

Each tiny heartbeat💓 ,not the same.

In His image, they are made,

With love so deep, it will not fade.

Before their eyes 👀 have seen the day,

God has planned their every way.

Innocence wrapped in tender form,

A miracle within the storm.

Their hands are small, their hearts so light,

They are precious in His sight.

Each child a wonder, life divine,

God's perfect ⭐work, His grand design.

He knew them long before their birth,

Each baby carries endless worth.

With purpose woven into time,

A life ordained by hands sublime.

How can we then ignore the plea,

To guard them with sincerity?

To shield the innocent from harm,

And cradle them within our arms?

For they are souls with futures bright,

Created for His holy light.

The Lord commands us to defend,

The unborn 🕊️ life He longs to mend.

So let us stand for those unseen,

For every child, both pure & clean.

In love, protect them from all strife,

For in God's eyes, they carry life.

Each baby's worth is more than gold,

A treasure that cannot be sold.

To save, to love, to nurture too,

For every life, God calls on You

🙏✝️🤎👶👼🤱👨‍🍼👩‍🍼🧑‍🍼

Fair Election Poem 🗳️🗽👍🇺🇲

(https://x.com/PRAISETRIUNEGOD/status/1843697372653859256?t=kkFTVThTSXUy-2NP4ftHJg&s=03) 

In elections🗳️, a voice should be earned,

With laws of the land duly learned.

To cast a vote in a nation's plan,

You must first be a citizen, woman or man.

When rules are bent, & lines blur thin,

It's unfair to those who've registered in.

For every vote made from an unlawful hand,

A legal vote is silenced, dismissed, or banned.

Citizens pay taxes, abide by the laws,

They should have the right to support a cause.

But when someone unvetted steps in to vote,

It tips the scales, a sinking boat.

Citizenship is the price to pay,

For a voice in the country's election day.

And if one's here illegally,

Should they influence our democracy?

A system's integrity must stand tall,

For the benefit of one & all.

So, let's ensure it's clear & fair,

That only those who belong, DECLARE 🇺🇲👍🗽

i was wondering what happ'd to Jim V- Bosch one of my English profs. Apparently he's not happy with the CRC anymore

The churches – Calvin Church, Grace Church, and Church of the Servant (COS) – join Sherman Street Church in leaving the CRC. 

i was wondering what happ'd to Jim V- Bosch one of my English profs who I really appreciated ( I still remember "Anonymous Bosch" in the Chimes).  Apparently he's not happy with the CRC anymore after Synod 2024 ( btw, i was there! not as a CRC delegate, but just an interested individual who grew up in the CRC & GR, mostly).  I  sensed he wasn't a far -right conservative (neither am I) but I thought he was a moderate with some theological convictions about the danger of too much "compromise".  I personally agree with the CRC decision because I feel the church must have a minimum set of standards before it becomes meaningless.

 It's sad to see these CRC churches deciding to leave the denomination. I pray for the Lord to convict their hearts and turn them in the right direction! Hear our prayer Lord. 

"If you're not in agreement, you've got a year to change your mind. And then after that time, you are going to be forced to leave the denomination," said James Vanden Bosch, professor emeritus of English and a member of Calvin Church's disaffiliation committee. "We'd rather do it on our own terms and our own schedule."

NOTE: 

I attended three of the four churches above periodically during college. I remember when COS was starting out in the gym at Seymour School. I remember Jack Roeda. He was a great pastor & seemed to like me  (until he was told some false & blasphemous rumors about me spread by some of my so-called "friends" who I didn't realize were so far left; and actually despised me for being moderate, if not conservative at the time. They set a "honey pot" trap to try to bring me down; and when it failed they spread false rumors anyways. I wasn't savvy enough at the time to realize what they were doing. Shame shame shame on them). 

 And I remember Mark Vermaire preaching at Sherman (one time he played the song "What if God was one of us; just a slob like some of us" (by Alanis Morrisette) as a sermon illustration.  I also remember the pastor from Grace during the 80's when the Diekemas attended there, and then Jack Kooreman took over (he was in my Greek class at RBC). And my parents were married at Calvin CRC, a short walk from my mother's EGR childhood home. 

We pray for you to reconsider before you make a decision that will probably never be reversed. It's forever. Talk to God on your knees. 

https://calvinchimes.org/2024/09/21/three-grand-rapids-churches-submit-letters-of-disaffiliation-to-the-crcna/

"Lessons Learned after 500 Visits to Prison | " Christian Reformed Church

https://www.crcna.org/news-and-events/news/lessons-learned-after-500-visits-prison 

WHAT IS WORSE than a far-left immoral radical lefty liberal dem (FLIRL dem) ⁉️

1. A FLIRL dem who just discovered CrossFit

2. A FLIRL dem with a podcast

3. A FLIRL dem in charge of the group text

4. A FLIRL dem who's also your mother-in-law

5. A FLIRL dem with a megaphone at 6 a.m.

6. A FLIRL dem that's also a vegan influencer

7. A FLIRL dem who doesn't use headphones on public transportation

8. A FLIRL dem who corrects your grammar at parties

9. A FLIRL dem that just binged all of "West Wing"

10. A FLIRL dem who insists on discussing astrology at every dinner party

Melvin Dale Hugen (1931 -) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

https://archives.calvin.edu/?p=creators/creator&id=175 

there was a lot of misunderstanding & mis- speculation about why I left Grand Rapids

there was a lot of misunderstanding & mis- speculation about why I left Grand Rapids 

... some of you who follow my blog know a little about me and my family.. and how we moved from GR to California when I was a senior in high school, but I finished school in GR, and then went on to Calvin for more than 4 years. After my first BA I got a 2nd BA - making it 6 years, plus a year & a half at Calvin Sem, plus a year working at Pine Rest as a Mental Health Worker ... so I was a loyal GR resident for a long time with lots of GR heritage . In between all these years I would come and go for short or long spells. A semester in Spain. A semester in Hawaii. a few summers back in CA . Finally after I got a teaching degree (before I returned to seminary) I left for 2 years and taught school in CA . But i came right back to GR after those 2 years- and stayed for a year. Then I returned to CA and attended Fuller Sem. And now I regularly visit GR but no longer reside there full-time or part-time. However, I have heard things "thru the grapevine" - those kind of urban myths that evolve when people don't know anything truly factual about your life and whereabouts. They only hear little bits and pieces, and some of that may be transmitted by nefarious rivals who want to make me look bad (yes, even "good Christians" can do that sometimes). Truth is I simply moved on - beginning with my teaching - and later as a CHristian evangelist. I came VERY CLOSE to settling down in GR - the good ol' married with kids" thingamajig, but I knew God was calling me to be a missionary /evangelist, maybe even to Africa and I knew that even though the final gal I dated was a sincere Christian (from Calvin & South CHristian), I also knew she was a "Michigan girl" and would never be happy or even willing being a "missionary wife" out in the big bad world somewhere. It was the hardest thing in my life to do- because I respected her so much - and some other Michigan girls who were good spouse possibilities - but I had to be true to my calling from God. That's not to say I've always been perfectly obedient or become a classic African missionary - never did end up there (except for some short-term mission trips. But I hope this helps end any wild speculation about me and my whereabouts and who I am and what I represent, or try to. I continue to live as a CHristian evangelist and daily engage in concrete activities to reach others with the Good News of Jesus Christ our Savior ! Please pray for me. God bless you all 

"What Elon Musk said about Jesus Christ surprised everyone. “If Jesus is saving people…” - THE TRUTH

https://patriottruths.com/what-elon-musk-said-about-jesus-christ-surprised-everyone-if-jesus-is-saving-people/ 

Elon Musk was invited to accept Jesus Christ as Savior: 

"Musk paused before responding, expressing his agreement with the teachings of Jesus. He highlighted the importance of principles such as "turn the other cheek," forgiveness, and loving one's neighbor. Musk humorously added, "But hey, if Jesus is saving people, I mean, I won't stand in His way. Sure, I'll be saved. Why not?"

WAS HE JUST BORN AGAIN? 

there was a guy named Bob

Bob Devries, oh what a sight to behold,
A man with a story, both brash and bold.
With a wink and a smile, he'd take the stage,
Loving the spotlight, the center, the rage.

Narcissism's charm was his favorite delight,
He'd bask in the glory, from morning to night.
Like a ham in the limelight, he thrived on the cheers,
Yet his antics to embarrass brought mostly sneers.

The success he achieved, well, that's quite a tale,
It came from his name, not from hard work or scale.
His father's science legacy, 
Gave Bob all the fame, but not a true friend.

In Grand Rapids he stayed, a homegrown delight,
Never venturing far, never soaring to heights.
He knew his own town like the back of his hand,
But the world's greater lessons he'd never quite understand.

He was kind of a homeboy, with comfort so dear,
Yet the world passed him by, year after year.
So much to discover, so much to explore,
But Bob never ventured outside his own door.

He quit far too early, left much still undone,
His potential was vast, but he never did run.
The lessons of life were left to the breeze,
For Bob Devries missed out, on much that he could seize.

So here's to Bob Devries, a tale so entwined,
A character of charm, but with much left behind.
A life lived in shadows, in the comfort of home,
With a name and a legacy, but a heart still unknown.

there was a guy named Roger

In a quaint town where the church bells ring,

Lived Roger Greenway, a man with a sting,

Son of a pastor with a pious grace,

Yet Roger felt lost in that holy space.

With a heart full of longing, he'd often confide,

In his father's shadow, he could never abide,

Comparisons haunted, each step felt so small,

In a world where he'd never quite measure up at all.

Jealousy brewed in the corners of his mind,

Seeing others succeed, while he fell behind,

Not the brightest of sparks in the academic dome,

He trudged on a path far from his true home.

He'd found his way to a professor's role,

Yet his missionary dreams took a different toll,

Never a beacon in the foreign lands,

His work seemed to falter, slipping through his hands.

Petty and mean-spirited at times he'd be,

His harshness a shield from the eyes that could see,

In his fear of exposure, a truth he'd defend,

He kept up a bluff he could never amend.

Sexual insecurities, a hidden, dark plight,

Made Roger live in perpetual fright,

Maintaining a facade with every breath,

While inside, he feared the revelation of death.

His life was a struggle, a quest for some light,

Yet shortcuts and lies kept him out of sight,

A rise to the top on a shaky pretense,

Left him unfulfilled, devoid of recompense.

In the hallways of academia, his name did persist,

But behind his façade, a truth was missed,

Roger Greenway, with a heart full of dread,

Lived a life unfulfilled, with regrets left unsaid.

As the years went by, his end drew near,

With a life of false glory and unspoken fear,

A soul never content, always looking askance,

Died unhappy, a man who never took a real chance.

His story remains, a lesson so clear,

Of a man who lived in constant veneer,

A tale of a life marred by doubt and disguise,

Who found in the end that truth never lies.

Prayers for ✝️💜🙏"A Silent Slaughter: The Ongoing Persecution of Christians in Nigeria -"

https://www.persecution.org/2024/07/23/a-silent-slaughter-the-ongoing-persecution-of-christians-in-nigeria/ 

"During the past week, Islamic Fulani extremists have killed numerous Christians in North Central Nigeria, particularly in Benue and Plateau states.."

when I was a student at Fuller Seminary around 1998 somebody left this to be found on one of the 4th floor carrels ( i think i know who did it: a female busybody fuller employee

 pretty sick stuff, eh ? my hunch is that this lady/gal left it for me because she had gossiped about me (perhaps with the president of the seminary, et al) - they had decided to go on the attack against me as a "jerk off" (which was a common derogatory thing back in the 70's but has somewhat phased out of usage) . usually it was lefty liberals using it against conservatives to diminish us or "other" us. Sort of like a "witch hunt" - they attack you  below-the-belt to try to make you deligit. This is a lefty liberal tactic that they've been practicing for years in politics. But I didn't expect it at the seminary.  Frankly, it's pretty disgusting of her to do this. She had black hair and worked in some small office on the 4th floor. And she always gave me the evil eye when she passed by. She knew where I sat so by placing it nearby it seems like she intended for me to find it. I post this on the Calvin website as well because there were people who did this at Calvin back in the day to, and they need to be "outed" for their bad behavior & harrassment . , 

a lot smaller "Christian Reformed Church acquires East Beltline building for downsized office"

https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/real-estate/christian-reformed-church-acquires-east-beltline-building-for-downsized-office/

dealing with grief

 

July 27, 2024 BAPTISM 🕊️event at Pirates Cove 🏖️#JesusRevolution✝️🙏👍Greg Laurie Harvest

https://youtube.com/shorts/vu787MqkZIA?si=CQA-E6TzPvFVGVfH 

"Archaeologists make 'sensational' discovery at location where Jesus was resurrected" | Dae

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13672003/Archaeologists-altar-Jesus-Jerusalem.html?ito=email_share_article-top 

"The site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is identified as the place of both the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus, and sees around four million visitors each year.."

"The True Essence Of FASTING |" Terry Cheek : Blue Ridge Christian News

https://blueridgechristiannews.com/the-true-essence-of-fasting-terry-cheek/ 

🇺🇸✝️🙏❤️Live video of President Trump being shot at by sniper . He's ok ✝️🙏🇺🇲❤️👍. Thank You God

🇺🇸✝️🙏❤️

Live video of

President Trump 

 being shot at by sniper . 

He's ok ✝️🙏🇺🇲❤️👍.

Thank You God 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fYfvSspaJtk

Prayers for Trump 🙏✝️❤️🇺🇲"Donald Trump Says He Was "Shot With A Bullet That Pierced The Upper Part Of My Right Ear"

http://opr.news/8395430240713en_us?link=1&client=mini 

good stuff 👍Watch "If You Grew Up in the 1970s – You Remember..." on YouTube

https://youtu.be/nkeCJ1F2cf8?si=5Cd9CU7CsvMllQhe 

I hate to bust your bubble buddy about PREDESTINATION, but ...

I hear radio preachers etc regularly bash so-called "Calvinists" about predestination. Hate to inform them but MOST of us Calvinists (those from the Reformed denominations) RARELY dwell upon predestination. It's something taught a few times periodically growing up & that's about it. We don't sit around and talk about being ' predestined'

"If You Won’t Listen To The Lord For His Blessings, You Will Listen To Him In His Judgments "- The Washington Standard

https://thewashingtonstandard.com/if-you-wont-listen-to-the-lord-for-his-blessings-you-will-listen-to-him-in-his-judgments/ 

🙏prayers for : Steven W. Venhuizen . Logos Christian Community - Google Search

He was a little bit of a pompous jerk back in Calvin when he was in seminary starting out as a Preacher Man, and I was still undergrad. He had that Canadian attitude combined with new pastor-preacher attitude, and condescension towards Americans, specially undergrads. Hopefully he's become a better person these days . we pray for him. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=Steven+W.+Venhuizen%0AServed.+Logos+Christian+Community&client=ms-opera-mini-android&channel=new 

Trish borgdorff is sister of Arlene, who is married to Dan DeKam , a CRCNA leader of sorts. Are they affirmers as well ?

https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/churches-prepare-to-leave-crc-following-lgbtq-decision/ 

Dan DeKam's brother "Kenneth Lee DeKam Obituary (2024) Muskegon, MI " Dan is leader at CRCNA denom building

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/kenneth-dekam-obituary?id=54446092 

CRC made Bold, Strong, Right Decision at Synod 2024

"The CRC Synod this year voted to call affirming churches into a process of discipline. Those churches must publicly repent and withdraw their affirming statements, or they must disaffiliate from the denomination. If the churches do neither, they will be removed from fellowship with the denomination..."

https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/churches-prepare-to-leave-crc-following-lgbtq-decision/ 

Unfort, looks like @crcna Synod has permanently turned off YT commentary

Unfort, looks like @crcna Synod has permanently turned off YouTube commentary after  Monday's invasion by secular lefties. I understand. However, during less contentious sessions, it would be nice for normal CRC people to be able to interact worldwide via comments
https://www.youtube.com/live/NBaeJxWCEd8?si=W3CKtPnbWfHnAEzD

6.18.24 Email to CRC Synod

To whom it may concern: as you know, the  CRC is in session this week and they are live streaming with a  20-minute delay on YouTube, and commentary is allowed.

 I come from a long line of CRC pastors and much Dutch Christian reform heritage, and so I'm on YouTube watching and praying and commenting. And my comments are appropriate and on task to the topic being discussed. 

And yet I have found out that there are what I call "YouTube assassins" with a political agenda, false flagging commentary they don't like, and getting the YouTube moderator (somebody who regulates the CRC YouTube channel for synod) to shut down my commentary, and others. And it seemed like it was mostly they were shutting down conservative commentary.

 So I'm just wondering who is this CRC YouTube channel moderator, and are they being unduly influenced by false flaggers who are trying to affect the agenda of the CRC according to their personal political persuasions.

 Earlier in the day as I was interacting with other  commentators, one YouTube person admitted to me that he's not a Christian, nor interested in the CRC, but is there to attack the CRC doctrines and confessions. 

These are the types of people that are false flagging my commentary and others like me and persuading the YouTube channel moderator to block us from commenting (& praying online). 

I hope the moderator him or herself is not such a person but that they're being unduly influenced by the false flaggers. Could somebody please look into this and make sure that the moderator is not somebody with a personal political agenda ? 

And give them a heads up that there are those who are trying to sabotage the commentary for their own personal agenda, mostly towards the left.