Reformed Doctrine Blog

Greetings!  I am Bill Hornbeck.  I grew up in the Christian Reformed Church in Muskegon, Michigan.  My great grand-father was William Heyns, a Professor at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  He wrote several books including “Manual of Reformed Doctrine” in 1926.  Although he was wrong on some issues (such as common grace and the well-meant offer which the Protestant Reformed Churches have done such a good job refuting), Reformed Doctrine is still in my blood by my family heritage and my Reformed denomination affiliation.

In 1977, I moved to Florida to go to law school, and I stayed here in Florida.  I attended and was a member, even a lay leader, in a large range of churches from Assembly of God to Baptist to Calvary Chapel to United Methodist to nondenominational churches and small fellowships.  At first, I thought Reformed Doctrine would be preached in all Christian Protestant churches.  When I heard some strange preaching or teaching, I first thought that the problem was just with that particular minister or teacher.  Eventually, a childhood friend, who now lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, asked me if I remembered “TULIP” which is also known as the Five Points of Calvinism and the Reformed Doctrine of salvation.  I studied the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism.  That study made me aware that often what bothered me was not just bad preaching or teaching, but rather the problem was caused by bad doctrine (Arminianism) that broadly and deeply affected that church and its denomination which at some time of its history strayed away from Reformed Doctrine rediscovered in the Reformation.  In contrast to this bad doctrine which I encountered, I began to appreciate more the truth, logic, beauty, and simplicity of “TULIP” which was my heritage.  I recognized its importance, because most Protestant denominations do not teach it.  I am now passionate about promoting ”TULIP” a/k/a Reformed Doctrine.  

My web sites has various links to Reformed Doctrine.  I also write daily devotions on my meditations on Scripture as I read it in its order.  See the “Daily Devotions” link in the right column of “Links”.    

Although I do my best to present true teachings, these are my teachings (by a layman).  And, although I have been taught by and otherwise influenced by certain Reformed denominations through the years from a very early age to date, my teachings are not necessarily the teachings of the Christian Reformed Churches, the Presbyterian Churches of America, the Protestant Reformed Churches, or any other denomination.  The reader is advised to follow the example set forth in Acts 17:11:  “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”   

On a final and personal note, I am an attorney living in St. Petersburg, Florida.  I am married with three children (all sons). I am a member of Christ the King Presbyterian Church, a PCA church. See link to my church, Christ the King Presbyterian Church, to the right for address, worship time, and other resources.  You are very welcome to visit our church.  Thank you.