VOLUME 61 NUMbEr 5 MAY 2014 EDITION THE OFFICIAL

Transcription

VOLUME 61 Number 5
MAY 2014 EDITION
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FREE REFORMED CHURCHES OF NORTH AMERICA
May 2014
1
T HE M E S S E N GER
MAY 2014 • VOLUME 61 NUMBER 5
EDITOR
Rev. C. Pronk
655 Park Road North, Unit 29
Brantford, ON N3R 0A2 CANADA
Tel/Fax: 519.751.4470 • E: [email protected]
The Editor reports to the Synodical Publications
Committee. Unsigned articles are by the Editor
Assistant Editor
Dr. G. M. Bilkes • E: [email protected]
Committee Members
Rev. D. H. Kranendonk, Secretary
593089 Oxford Road 13, R.R.1, Norwich, ON N0J 1P0
Tel/Fax: 519 468-4070 • E: [email protected]
• Dr. G.M. Bilkes • Rev. J. Overduin
• Mr. H. DenHollander • Rev. J. Lewis • Dr. L.W. Bilkes
• Rev. R. VanDoodewaard • Mr. H. VanDoodewaard
YOU, ME TREES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS?
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MAY 2014
M E D I TATI O N
T
rees -- do you like them? Who doesn’t, really? At this time of the year we
notice them especially when we see spring blossoms and the budding leaves
appear again. How many trees there are and how many different kinds!
Trees are a wonderful part of nature, even in this fallen world.
Trees As Models
But why mention trees in this meditation? Because you should notice something
very interesting that the LORD God says in Isaiah 61:3b. The LORD proclaims there
that He desires His people to be like trees. Yes, trees of righteousness! You, me -trees of righteousness?!
The opening verses of Isaiah 61 tell us that the LORD would come to His people
and provide for them. To those who mourn in Zion the Lord comes with His
salvation, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of
praise for the spirit of heaviness. And then the text goes on to explain further to what
end or for what purpose the LORD comes with His saving grace and mercy upon His
people. It is so that “they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the
LORD, that he might be glorified.”
Are you by the grace of God like a tree of righteousness? As we move into the spring
and summer seasons of 2014, will you be like a tree of righteousness? Do you want to
be like a tree, a tree of righteousness to God’s honour and for your neighbour’s good?
Why would the LORD say in this verse that He wishes His people to be trees of
righteousness before Him and in the world, at home, at work, at school, at church
and in our communities? Why this comparison of God’s people to trees? Such a
comparison is found many times in Scripture. For example, think of Psalm 1, Psalm
92, and Jeremiah 17:7,8. The LORD would have His people to be as trees. He blesses
His people that they might be called trees of righteousness! But why trees? What can
we learn from this comparison to trees? To answer this question, let us think about
some of the general characteristics of trees.
Characteristics of Trees
Trees represent strength and stability. Did you know that trees are the largest
living things on earth, and the oldest too? Not even the huge blue whales are
as big and mammoth in size as some trees! There are trees on the west coast of
North America, still standing, that in age are calculated to go back as long as 4500
CONTENTS
…That they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting
of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:2b
02
Meditation:
YOU, ME - Trees of
Righteousness?
05
Church News
Rev. H. Overduin
years! Of course, this is not true of all trees, or even of most trees. Yet, in general, trees are
a symbol of stability, being rooted and grounded, and they generally remain standing, no
matter what happens.
When thinking of trees, we know that trees are beneficial in many ways and are also fruitful.
Trees contribute to keep the atmosphere pure and healthy. Don’t you remember learning about
that amazing process of photosynthesis, designed by God the Creator of heaven and earth? Trees
contribute very much to helping keep the atmosphere pure and healthy.
Furthermore, think of how much trees supply in the many everyday things we use. They supply
many articles that are extremely useful in items such as food and housing, clothing, medicine,
and transportation. Indeed, even in today’s world of concrete, steel and nuclear energy, can you
imagine how much life would change if trees and their products would suddenly disappear?
In the book of Revelation it is striking that in both chapter 7:1 and 9:4, when the Lord speaks
about the unleashing of His judgments upon the earth, He begins with instructions not to hurt
the trees, suggesting that they have tremendous value for mankind. There are many products we
buy and use, which come directly or indirectly from the trees on our globe.
Trees: they represent that which is strong and stable, beneficial and fruitful. They also
represent beauty. Scripture speaks of the beauty of the trees and there are many poems in which
people have expressed this. I can’t imagine anyone who never commented on a tree or trees as
being beautiful.
God’s People As Trees
Considering only some of these God-given characteristics of trees, their strength and
stability, their usefulness, their productivity, and their beauty, doesn’t it make sense then
why in Isaiah 61:3 the LORD says that He intends for His people to be like trees; yes, to be
called trees of righteousness?!
Are trees strong and stable? Even so, the LORD will have His people be strong and
become stable, established in His righteousness and in the way of righteousness. He would
have us to be strong, steadfast, enduring, permanent, firmly established in His ways. Is this
characteristic of you, by God’s grace? In Ephesians 4:14, the apostle urges the believers in
Ephesus that they should “be no more like children tossed to and fro, and carried about
with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie
in wait to deceive.” Rather, he exhorts in Colossians 2, that believers are to be “rooted and
built up in Christ, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein
with thanksgiving.”
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Editorial:
A Godly Heritage (12)
10
Bible Study:
Miracles of Jesus (20)
16
Radio Ministry Report:
Banner of Truth
18
From Other Sources
20
Gleanings From the
Churches
23
News Notes and
Comments
24
Family
Announcements
May 2014
MAY
3
ME D ITATIO N
...Continued
Again, the LORD calling His people to be trees of
more till our last day? There is a wonderful gospel answer
righteousness means that He would have them live useful,
to this question and it is in Isaiah 61, in the same verse. We
productive, and fruitful lives. God would have His people live
become and grow up to be trees of righteousness, not by
truly and increasingly in the ways of holiness and obedience
ourselves, but only as we rely upon Christ, and have God
to His commandments. As trees contribute positively to the
bless us in and through Him. Trees of righteousness are a
natural air around us, God’s people as trees of righteousness
result of “the planting of the Lord.” It all depends on the
ought to contribute positively to the moral atmosphere of the
Triune God to bless the seed of the gospel by His Word and
day. In other words, as confessing believers and covenant
Spirit in our hearts and lives. In and through Jesus Christ,
people, you and I are not to add to the moral corruption and
by grace through faith in Him, we can be delivered from
sinful atmosphere of our times Instead, by God’s grace we are
our unrighteousness, and be declared truly righteous and
to be humble faithful examples in the way of godliness and
made righteous to truly become as trees of righteousness.
true Christianity in all aspects of life seven
Think of this amazing gospel truth! Christ
days a week, by day and by night.
Jesus, the perfectly righteous One was hung
Are you like a tree of righteousness at
by cruel crucifixion on a cursed tree on
As trees
home, at school, at work, at church, in the
Golgotha as the Saviour of sinners. Why?
contribute positively to
community and in your neighborhood?
That as the Just for the unjust He might pay
the natural air around
God would have His people be like trees,
for all our unrighteousness and truly save
us, God’s people as
trees of righteousness, so like such trees we
and sanctify sinful people like us, so “that
trees of righteousness
might show forth His beauty, be attractive to
they might be called trees of righteousness,
ought to contribute
others, having God’s favour and beauty upon
the planting of the LORD, that he might be
positively to the
us, in us and radiating from us. When God’s
glorified.”
moral atmosphere
To put it another way, we need Christ’s
people receive from the abundance of Christ
of the day.
righteousness imputed to us in justification
and His salvation, beauty for ashes, for Jesus’
and imparted to us in sanctification if we shall
sake alone, that should be reflected in their
we be as trees of righteousness and increase
lives by the fruit of the Spirit, as described in
for God’s glory. Only as we are separated from the spoiled,
Galatians 5:22-26. When this holy fruit is evident in our lives,
sinful root of Adam and engrafted into Christ, the second
and continues to increase, there is no doubt that you will be
Adam and His perfect righteousness, by true faith stemming
attractive and beautiful. Then your presence brings happiness
from regeneration and God’s sovereign grace, can we become
and love and peace to others.
and grow up as trees of righteousness! Doesn’t Jesus teach this
You and me -- trees of righteousness! Is this what
in John 15? Only as we abide in Him and His Word can we
you increasingly long for and desire to be, a tree of
bear fruits of righteousness pleasing to God, and be beneficial
righteousness, at home, at work, in church, in the
to others and ourselves. “Without me ye can do nothing,”
community, whenever and wherever? Or is being like
says Jesus. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot
trees of righteousness the farthest thing from your mind
bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye,
and heart? Oh, may none of you want to be like a mighty
except ye abide in me…. He that abides in me, the same brings
tree in your own strength and power without God, as
forth much fruit.” But without that, it is altogether hopeless.
Nebuchadnezzar is pictured in Daniel 4. For then, even
We can never become trees of righteousness or grow
though for a time you may appear strong, stable and great,
in our own strength. But the blessed gospel tidings are
suddenly in the end you will be cut down and become as
that the Lord never asks for this either. What He calls
nothing and simply fuel under the fire of God’s just and holy
for He also gives: “….that they might be called trees of
wrath. Read passages such as Ezekiel 15 and Luke 13:6-9,
righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might
and Matthew 21:19 to obtain absolute clarity concerning
be glorified.” What a gospel of amazing grace and saving
God’s judgment on those who are not trees of righteousness
power! You, me -- trees of righteousness? Yes indeed, by
for His glory! Don’t these and similar passages drive home
grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, that He
the urgency that we should be as trees of righteousness?
may be praised now and forevermore!
In Christ Alone
Rev. Hans Overduin is the minister of the Free Reformed
How can you and I be such trees and become as trees
Church of Calgary, Alberta.
of righteousness, and keep on growing as such, more and
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MAY 2014
Church News
MAY 2014
SYNOD 2014
Monday, June 2 – Friday, June 6
The Synod meetings will take place in the Dundas Free Reformed Church
253 Weir’s Lane, Dundas, Ontario
(Note change of location from Yearbook due to the Hamilton church
construction not completed).
PRE-SYNODICAL PRAYER SERVICE
Location: Dundas Free Reformed Church
253 Weir’s Lane, Dundas, Ontario
Monday, June 2, 7.30 pm.
Rev. Eric Moerdyk
Convening church is Bethel Free Reformed Church, Monarch, AB
Gerrit Sinke, Clerk, [email protected]
Delighting in God: Ecstasy and delight
are essential to the believer’s soul and
they promote sanctification. We were not
meant to live without spiritual exhilaration
and the Christian who goes for a long
time without the experience of heartwarming will soon find himself tempted to
have his emotions satisfied from earthly
things and not, as he ought for the Spirit
of God. The soul is so constituted that
it craves fulfillment from things outside
itself and will embrace earthly joys for
satisfaction when it cannot reach spiritual
ones. Not for nothing did Satan draw Eve
to see that the forbidden fruit grew on a
tree which was ‘pleasant to the eyes’ and
on a ‘tree to be desired.’ The believer is
in spiritual danger if he allows himself to
go for any length of time without tasting
the love of Christ and savouring the
felt comforts of a Saviour’s presence.
When Christ ceases to fill the heart with
satisfaction, our souls will go in silent
search of other lovers.
HAMILTON FREE REFORMED
CHURCH
Due to construction of a new church
building on the current site, please
note the following changes.
Temporary place of worship: Dundas
Free Reformed Church - New Times:
11.30 am and 6.00 pm.
NIPISSING, ONTARIO
CHURCH PLANT
In Powassan (south of North Bay,
Ontario, off Hwy. 11)
Services are held every Sunday
at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM with a
fellowship lunch in between, usually
upstairs at the Powassan Sportsplex,
433 Main Street, Powassan.
For up-to-date information check
online at www.nipissingfrc.com or
contact Pastor Van Doodewaard,
604 Lindquist Line, Powassan, ON
P0H 1Z0; Tel. 705-724-5070;
Email: [email protected]
NEW! OXFORD COUNTY
FREE REFORMED CHURCH
As of April 27, 2014, worship services
will no longer be held in the Seventh
Day Adventist building on Highway 59
in Woodstock, but in the building of
the Reformed Congregation of North
America at 284793 Pleasant Valley
Road, Newark (Norwich) Ontario.
Service times remain the same at 9.30
a.m. and 3.00 p.m. Morning services
are in the Meeting Room and afternoon
services are in the sanctuary.
The Free Reformed congregation has
agreed to buy this building once the
RCNA congregation has completed its
building in Otterville, Ontario.
From The Thought of God by Maurice Roberts
INVITATION
Free Reformed Church of
Pompton Plains NJ
ANNUAL LADIES’ CONFERENCE
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2014, DV
Speaker: Pastor Ken Herfst
Theme: “Me? Make a Difference? The Christian Woman’s Role in a
Changing Culture.”
Invites all youth to attend the 2014
Annual New Jersey Meeting!
Afternoon Session: 1:30pm
Friday, May 16 to Monday, May19
Topic: A Christian Character
Activity: A day at the beach
Location: St. George Free Reformed Church. 269 St. George Road, St. George, ON
Hostesses: Brantford Free Reformed Ladies
Please contact Jake Nieuwenhuis at
[email protected] for more information.
Coffee: 9:30am Morning Session: 10:00am
May 2014
MAY
5
A GOODLY HERITAGE ( 12 )
Preaching in the Secession Churches
EDI TORIAL
A
lmost from its inception the Secession churches
faced serious challenges due to doctrinal
differences between the two founding fathers of
the Secession, Hendrik De Cock and H.P. Scholte
regarding church membership, the covenant of grace, the
sacraments, the view of the congregation and other related
issues. As one may expect, these differences also impacted
preaching within the Secession movement.
The Further Reformation Heritage
Most of the people who followed De Cock out of the
Reformed Church were ordinary people who had not been
satisfied with the preaching in the Dutch Reformed State
Church. Not finding food for their souls there, they had
attended the conventicles (gezelschappen) where they
listened to edifying sermons and they spoke with each
other about the leading of the Spirit in their lives. Their
favourite authors were the so-called “old writers” such as
Teellinck, Brakel, Smytegeld, Koelman, Van Lodenstein,
Comrie and Vander Groe, as well as English and Scottish
Puritans such as Bunyan, Owen, Rutherford and the
Erskines, whose works had been translated into Dutch by
Koelman and others.
It should not surprise us, therefore, that when De
Cock and others who became leaders of the Secession
movement sought to give direction to the newly established
denomination they turned to Further Reformation divines
for help in preaching and pastoral ministry. At the same
time, however, as they discovered or re-discovered Calvin
and other early reformers, they also began to immerse
themselves in their writings. This was certainly true of
De Cock, and as it turned out, he was able to steer the
Secession into a theological direction that resulted in a kind
of synthesis of First and Further Reformation thinking,
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MAY 2014
especially on the doctrine of the church, covenant and the
way of salvation.
This goal was not reached overnight, however. It took
years of fierce debates, heated controversies and seemingly
insurmountable obstacles causing disunity, temporary
estrangements and even permanent separations before
harmony was restored and a consensus was reached.
Characteristics of Further Reformation Preaching
Because the preaching of the early Secession leaders was so
much like that of the Further Reformation men, it is helpful
to review some of the characteristics of the latter’s preaching
both as to style and content. Further Reformation ministers
preached with great seriousness and sense of urgency.
They would regularly emphasize the necessity of
repentance in its initial as well in its daily sense. The marks
or evidences of the new birth were clearly and repeatedly set
forth. The congregation was divided into various categories,
not just as believers and unbelievers, but also into different
subcategories of faith and unbelief.1 Sermons abounded in
exhortations to self-examination and warnings against selfdeception. Emphasis was placed on God’s sovereign election,
man’s total depravity and absolute dependence on grace.
Preachers geared their messages to God’s people or the
elect while urging the unconverted to seek the Lord. Serious
minded hearers were encouraged to look for evidences of the
Spirit’s work in their lives and upon finding them they were
pointed to Christ and the promises of the Gospel.
The problem was, however, that necessary as this
preaching was and still is, it tended to assign too dominant
a role to election. The objectivity of the covenant and its
promises were lost sight of and only the qualified sinner,
that is the one who was deemed sufficiently contrite and
penitent, was encouraged to plead the promises of the
covenant and believe in Christ.
Preaching tended to be descriptive and the way in which
God converts sinners was often explained in such a detailed
and methodistic way that few could lay claim to having
experienced the one thing needful. This style of preaching
was especially characteristic of the later representatives
of the Further Reformation who left a powerful impact on
many of the people who followed De Cock into the Secession
of 1834.
Distinguishing Traits of Early Secession Preaching
This does not mean, however, that all Secession preachers
modelled their sermons after the Further Reformation divines
to the same degree. As time went on, two schools of preaching
developed among the Seceders. These became known as the
men of the “Drenthe” faction and the “Gelderland” faction.
Drenthe and Gelderland are two provinces located in the
northern and western part of the Netherlands.
The Drenthe Faction (Drenthe Richting)
These were the people who for years had been feeding
on Further Reformation literature. This Drente faction is
sometimes referred to as the Jofferspartij (after H. Joffers,
the most prominent representative of this school). Preachers
of this persuasion strongly emphasized the function of
the Law as preparation for the Gospel. They made a clear
distinction between the presentation of the Gospel and
the offer of grace. As presentation, the Gospel should be
addressed to all, but the promises of the Gospel must be
addressed only to those who are convicted and show signs
of repentance and regeneration. Although the call to faith
may go out to all, that does not mean everyone should be
urged to “just believe” and certainly not that Christ died for
them. Therefore, to avoid the danger of “easy believism,”
preachers of this persuasion stressed the sovereignty of God
in election.
The result of this kind of preaching was that many sincere
seekers were in perpetual doubt as to their spiritual state
and consequently lacked the liberty to make confession of
faith and partake of the Lord’s Supper.
The Drenthe Method Illustrated
In his very valuable book, Prediking en Uitverkiezing
(Preaching and Election) Prof. C. Veenhof explains why
the men of the Drenthe faction assigned such a prominent
role to election in their preaching. He quotes one of their
spokesmen, F.A. Kok, as saying, “The Bible is full of
promises but one needs to realize these promises are not
meant for all people.”2 But how does one know whether
one is the object of the promise? Kok’s answer is clear: By
discerning within ourselves the marks of grace.
Those who have discovered in themselves that they
have been made contrite by the Spirit of God seek
refuge in Christ, abhor and condemn themselves on
account of their sins and acknowledge God’s justice,
love Jesus and the brethren, and exercise faith and
hope. These may know that God’s Spirit has begun a
saving work in them so that they may be assured that
the rich promises which God has revealed in His Word
are also given to them.3
His colleague, Rev. Th. De Wit, emphasizes the need for
preaching the law prior to the Gospel. He distinguishes
between general and special Gospel preaching. The
former is a presentation of the contents of the Gospel, the
latter comes with the promise of the Gospel to the truly
humbled. The call to faith in Christ does not have the same
May 2014
7
EDI TORIAL
...Continued
significance for everyone. For the unbeliever it is merely
Neither did they, like many Further Reformation divines
a call rooted in the first commandment of the moral law.
and their followers among the Secession leaders, divide the
For the believer this call only takes on real value after he
congregation into various classes of hearers. They basically
is convicted of his sin and misery. To summon everyone to
recognized only two categories: believers who embraced the
believe in Christ amounts to a lie because Christ did not die
promises of the Gospel in faith and those who rejected the
4
for everyone.
same in unbelief.
H. Joffers, the most prominent spokesman of this
This type of preaching, however, was met with strong
school, speaking on a related issue, namely the ground
opposition on the part of the Drenthe party. Brummelkamp,
for the baptism of covenant children, argues that for nonthey felt, was much too generous and indiscriminate in
elect children the ground or basis is simply the command
preaching the promises. They accused him of not stressing
of God, but for the elect infants it is God’s command and
the necessity of conviction of sin before offering Christ to
5
His promise.
his hearers. In their view, he forced faith
Although there is much here that can be
upon them instead of letting the law first
defended on scriptural grounds, for instance
do its proper work. Not enough mention
In the Drenthe
that only the elect are saved and that marks
was made of election, man’s inability and
scheme there is no
of grace can help us determine that the
the various stages in the spiritual life of
room
at
all
for
a
free
Lord is savingly at work in us, the primary
believers. They were especially concerned
and indiscriminate
object of faith, says Veenhof, should not be
about the stress Brummelkamp put on
offer addressed to all
our experiences but Christ as freely offered
calling sinners to Christ as if He was the
who hear the Word
in the Gospel to sinners. In the Drenthe
Saviour of them all.7 Some even accused him
preached.
of Arminian tendencies.8
scheme there is no room at all for a free
According to Veenhof and many other
and indiscriminate offer addressed to all
students of the Secession, this often
who hear the Word preached. Theirs is a
merciless criticism of Brummelkamp was baseless and
conditional offer restricted to those who in principle are
6
mean spirited. It is true that in his theology and preaching
already regenerated.
he stood closer to Scholte and Van Raalte than De Cock and
The Gelderland Faction (Gelderland Richting)
Van Velzen. But to accuse him of Arminianism was patently
For the kind of preaching that stood for the free offer of
false. Veenhof offers the following sketch of Brummelkamp’s
the Gospel with promises to all, we need to turn to those
character and ministry.
referred to as members of the Gelderland faction. The
best-known representative of this school was Anthony
Brummelkamp’s Character
Brummelkamp (1811-1888).
Brummelkamp, says Veenhof, was a totally different person
After seceding from the Dutch Reformed Church in
than Joffers, the straight-laced and combative minister of
1835, he became the leader of the Secession movement in
The Hague. Brummelkamp was a cheerful Christian who
Gelderland and Overijssel. Soon after the Secession, he
was always ready to give a reason of the hope that was in
began to teach students for the ministry in his parsonage in
him. H. Bouwman wrote of him:
Hattem and later in Schiedam and Arnhem with the result
The cheerfulness, lightheartedness and optimism of
that upon ordination a good number of them entered the
faith had been given him in a rich measure. He was
ministry with views similar to their mentor.
always himself, transparent and acting as a Christian….
In contrast to the Drenthe faction, which was steeped
His word and conduct were a testimony to the love of
in Further Reformation theology, the men of the
Christ whom he desired to serve with the full dedication
Gelderland and Overijssel party felt more attracted to
of his heart…. Having himself been apprehended by the
the theology of the first reformers, especially Calvin’s.
powerful and living voice of Scripture to which Calvin
Following Brummelkamp’s model, they preached much
had taught him to listen, he could not appreciate the
more evangelistically than De Witt, Joffers, Kok and the
rigid formulations and scholastic teaching methods of
others. They did not let election govern their preaching,
his Drenthe colleagues. Reversely, the latter were unable
but presented a free, unfettered and well-meant offer of
to understand where Brummelkamp was coming from.
salvation to sinners, without any qualifying adjectives, with
They charged him with being vague and unstable….
the command and invitation to embrace Christ by faith.
8
MAY 2014
In fact, however, Brummelkamp wholeheartedly
subscribed to the Reformed Confessions. He gloried in
the electing grace of God and emphasized with all his
might that the redemption in Christ is from beginning
to end solely the work of God’s grace. At the same time,
however, he preached a broad and free offer of the
Gospel…. He was a faithful son of the Secession even
though also in that respect many regarded him with
suspicion and disdain.9
De Cock’s Preaching
The members of the Drenthe faction claimed to be followers
of De Cock and honoured him as their patron saint whose
heritage they sought to preserve. This was in many respects
a false claim. Even though De Cock’s sympathy and spiritual
affinity leaned more to the Drenthe than the Gelderland
wing in the Secession church, it was not a matter of either/
or for him. He saw strengths and weaknesses in both
viewpoints and approaches.
Earlier, we have discussed the differences between
De Cock and Scholte on the various issues including the
content of their preaching. These differences applied also to
Brummelkamp, although to a lesser degree. What De Cock
appreciated in the latter was his enthusiasm for Calvin’s
theology. However, De Cock also greatly valued the legacy
of the Further Reformation; hence his affinity with his
Drenthe colleagues who lived almost exclusively on Further
Reformation sources.
As time went on, he became increasingly aware of
some of the unhealthy elements of the Drenthe approach
to preaching, which he traced to Further Reformation
influences. While continuing to hold the Further
Reformation leaders in high esteem, he recognized
the danger of following them blindly and ignoring the
theology of the earlier reformers as expressed in the Three
Forms of Unity. Characteristic of De Cock was that in his
ecclesiology and covenant view he proceeded from the
Covenant promises rather than election. Characteristic of
his preaching and that of those who agreed with him were:
1. strict adherence to Scripture and the Reformed
Confessions;
2. emphasis on God’s sovereignty in applying the grace
of salvation;
3. a clear distinction between Christ’s work for us and
in us;
4. a proper balance between self-examination and focus
on to promises;
5. the unconditional, free offer of the gospel.
De Cock’s approach to preaching was to become the
dominant one in the Secession churches, although for a
time it seemed that the Drenthe view would prevail. The
key to De Cock’s eventual success was his ability to steer
the Secession movement away from an election dominated
emphasis to a more promise oriented approach in
preaching. His eyes were gradually opened for the biblical
view of election and its proper function in preaching
and religious experience. Such a view requires that one
understands that election and covenant are closely related
but not identical. What De Cock came to see after a long
struggle with his opponents is what Herman Bavinck was
to state definitively years later in his Dogmatics.
[Election and the covenant of grace] differ in that in
election humans are strictly passive but in the covenant
of grace they also play an active role. Election only
and without qualification states who are the elect and
will infallibly obtain salvation; the covenant of grace
describes the road by which these elect people will attain
their destiny. The covenant of grace is the channel by
which the stream of election flows toward eternity.10
Word & deed Ministries
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projects focus on...
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Serving God, Bridging Communities, Renewing Lives
May 2014
9
E DI TO R I AL
...Continued
Very important in the development of Secession theology,
particularly the doctrine of election is the contribution made
by Hendrik De Cock’s son, Helenius, professor at the Kampen
Theological School from 1854 to 1894. We will consider this
great man’s life and ministry in our next instalment, D.V.
CHILDREN’S BIBLE PROGRAM
FOR OUTREACH
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Curriculum on CD
Adaptable – For your needs
Suitable - For various age groups
Printable – any way or size you like
7 Five-Day Lesson Themes Through the Bible
• Beginnings
• Children In the Bible
• Loving God (The Ten Commandments)
• Jesus Saves
• Miracles in the Bible
• Parables in the Bible
• The Gospel Is Spread
Seven different themes are arranged into 5-lesson modules, which
may be printed as is or modified to suit your outreach program.
Three Levels of Workbooks
• Beginners (ages 4 – 6)
• Primaries (ages 7 – 9) with 2 levels of activities
• Juniors (ages 10 - 12)
INCLUDES
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* Handbook for Planning
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Endnotes
1. See T. Brienen, De Prediking van de Nadere Reformatie.
Amsterdam: Ton Bolland,1974.
2. C. Veenhof, Prediking en Uitverkiezing, Kampen: J.H.
Kok N.V., pp. 38-39.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid., pp. 24-25.
5. Ibid., p.44.
6. K. Van der Zwaag, Afwachten of Verwachten?
Heerenveen: Uitgeverij Groen, 2003, p. 570.
7. Ibid.
8. H. Algra, Het Wonder van de 19e Eeuw, Franeker:
T. Wever, 1966, p.154; Janet Sjaarda Sheeres, Son of
Secession Douwe J. Vander Werp, Grand Rapids, MI:
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2006, p.134.
9. Veenhof, Ibid., pp.16-17.
10.H. Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3, p.229.
Phone:
May 2014
Free Reformed Camp 2014 Registration Form
Date of Birth:
Gender: M  · F  Name: Postal/Zip:
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[email protected]
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11
scripture READing: Matthew 14:24-27
Miracles of JESUS ( 20 )
The Coin in the Fish’s Mouth
B IBL E ST UDY
T
he miracle of the coin in the fish’s mouth took
place in the last six months of Christ’s ministry
on earth. Enlightened by the Spirit of God, Peter
had confessed Christ to be the Son of God (Matt.
16:16). This was a glorious confession. Yet, Peter still had so
much to learn, both about himself and about the Saviour.
Let’s look on while we see Peter learning four more things
about the Saviour.
An All-wise Prophet
While they were in Capernaum, those who collected tribute
money approached Peter and asked: “Doth not your master
pay tribute” (v. 24). This tribute was not a civil tax, but a
religious tax, also known as the temple tax. The amount
was a coin known as a didrachma, the wages of about
two days work for a day labourer. It was based on Exodus
30:11-16, requiring every adult Israelite male to pay half
a shekel as ransom money towards the building of the
tabernacle. It is not clear from the original text whether
this was to be an annual tax, or more likely, just a one time
tax towards the making of the tabernacle (Ex. 26:20-25;
38:25-31). Later, a similar tax was levied for the rebuilding
of the temple (Neh. 10:32-33).
Apparently viewed as the spokesman of the Lord Jesus,
Peter, rather unthinkingly, it seems, answered in the
affirmative: “Yes” (Matt. 17:25). When, however, he went
to tell his Master, who must have been in another part of
the house, the Lord Jesus “prevented him,” or “anticipated
him,” showing thereby His omniscience. Wherever we
are, Christ indeed is the silent witness of all our words
and thoughts. He put the issue to him perceptively and
succinctly: “What thinkest thou, Simon? Of whom do the
kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own
children, or of strangers?” (v. 25). In other words: “Kings
12
MAY 2014
DR. G.M. BILKES
don’t charge tax to their family, but to their subjects.
Which am I?”
This question is all the more poignant, because Peter had
been the one who just a chapter ago had put it like this:
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (16:16). We
see then how Peter’s life lags behind his confession. Often,
disciples of the Lord still today can live so differently than
their confession, and not even think twice about it. Maybe
you have had it that you did something the world or your
neighbours just simply expect from you, but that is really
not in line with Scripture or your confession. And you didn’t
even bat an eye. Yet later, as you entered the place where
Christ speaks, the Lord put the question to you in such a way
that you realized what a fool you were (Ps. 73:22). It’s not
without reason that Jesus uses Peter’s old name, “Simon”
(v. 25). Peter acted so easily and quickly in line with his old
nature. God’s people need so much more renewing of their
mind” (Rom. 12:2). Christ says to Peter: “What thinkest
thou?” or, “What are you thinking?” What a mercy it is that
the Lord is such a patient Teacher.
We should also note here that, as with Peter, if we profess
the name of Christ, all our actions project upon our Lord and
Master. By his quick “yes,” Peter had made His Master look
one way to the tax collectors. In essence, He had added to
His humiliation by making Him seem less than He truly is.
Let us think of that the next time we act in a way that makes
Christ look small. It’s really either/or: Either we magnify the
Lord in what we say, do, or think, or we diminish the glory
of the Lord. May the Lord forgive us for doing the latter so
much, so unthinkingly, so subtly.
A Humble Servant
It is remarkable to see how Christ, nevertheless, was willing
to submit Himself to an ordinance that showed Him more as
a subject than the Son that He was. Of course, He remained
Lord over all, even of the temple, but in the words of Paul
we could say that He was willing to make “Himself of no
reputation and took upon Him the form of a servant” (Phil.
2:7). According to His own words, He was even “greater than
the temple” (Matt. 12:6); yet He would still stoop to pay like
everyone else.
Notice, however, that He would not do so for the same
reason as Peter wanted Him to. He did it “lest we should
offend them” (v. 27). People can do the same things for
different reasons, and the one would be right; the other
would be wrong. Christ’s heart was such that He would
forego His own rights in order to serve the good of others,
as Paul later instructed Christians to do (Rom. 14:21; 1 Cor.
8:13; Gal. 5:13). He came not to do His own will, but the
will of His Father (John 6:38) and to seek and save the lost
(Luke 19:10).
The lesson for us is obvious. If the Son of God would
not insist on His rights, but gave them up, so as to put no
stumbling block before ignorant sinners, how can we insist
on our rights if it were to make others stumble? “Owe no
man any thing, but to love one another” (Rom. 13:8). There
are Christians who flaunt their “royal rights” before the
world, giving cause that the gospel is evil spoken of. Not
so the child of God, who has learned to follow the Master
in lowliness of mind, esteeming others better than himself
(Phil. 2:3).
An Omnipotent Lord
Just to show Peter again what a glorious Lord He was,
He commanded him to go “to the sea, and cast an hook,
and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou
hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money”
(v. 27). This miracle proved the Lord’s omniscience, for
He knew of this fish in the sea with a coin in His mouth.
Moreover, it proved the Lord’s omnipotence, for He would
make it come to Peter’s hook first. Christ speaks to Peter
with calm confidence. Surely, He is Lord of Lords, the
Creator Himself. He is the One of whom the Psalms state:
“In His hand are the deep places of the earth.… The sea is
his and he made it” (Ps. 95:4-5).
If the Lord could discern the money of the fish in the sea,
could He not discern your need, child of God? And if the
Lord could provide in this need, would He not know how
to provide in your need? He is at no loss to provide in our
needs, temporal or eternal, since truly nothing is too hard
for the Lord (Gen. 18:14).
A Redeeming Saviour
There is even more to this rich miracle. The coin that Peter
will find in the fish will be twice what is needed for Christ
alone. The Greek word for the coin is a stater, which is twice
as much as a didrachma. Thus Christ says: “That take, and
give unto them for me and thee” (v. 27).
Christ would pay for Peter, both now and forever. Peter
might have been able to pay this particular debt, but Christ
wanted Peter to know that as the Lord of heaven, Christ
had stooped so low to pay the price for the sins of people
like Peter, so that their spiritual debts might be paid in full.
Christ would become poor that through His poverty Peter
might become rich.
That Peter came to understand this we can see from what
he writes in his first epistle: “Forasmuch as ye know that
ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and
gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from
your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a
lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:18-19).
According to Exodus 30:12, this was originally designed
May 2014
13
TEACHERS NEEDED
NEW! REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Copetown, Ontario is soliciting
applicants for Educational Support Positions. For more information
about Rehoboth, see our website at www.rehoboth.on.ca Please send
a cover letter, resume and statement of faith to the attention of: Mr.
Raymond Roth, Principal, 198 Inksetter Road P.O. Box 70, Copetown, ON
L0R 1J0; t. 905.627.5977; f. 905.628.4422; e. [email protected]
JORDAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL is presently receiving teacher
applications for possible openings for the coming 2014-2015 school
year. Jordan Christian is a small JK-12 school in the heart of the
Niagara countryside within minutes of St. Catharines. We have
combined-grade classes in the elementary school, and we teach
Ontario curriculum from our Reformed perspective in the secondary
school. Applicants who are interested in becoming part of our teaching
team are asked to apply by sending a resumé, philosophy of education,
and statement of faith to the principal, Mr. Mark Fintelman at jcschool@
talkwireless.ca or to the Education Committee secretary Mr. John
Berman at [email protected]
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL invites applications for the following
teaching positions for the 2014/2015 academic year: French 7 – 12
Heritage is located in the heart of Ontario’s beautiful Niagara Peninsula,
has a student body of 625 students from K to 12, a dedicated and
supportive Reformed Christian community, a cohesive, professional faculty
and staff of 60 persons, beautiful, modern facilities, recently expanded and
renovated.
We seek: Qualified applicants who seek to serve Jesus Christ in the area
of Christian education and who submit to Holy Scripture as confessed
in the Reformed creeds, committed professionals who positively lead
students to a life of dedicated service to our Lord, enthusiastic, dedicated
rookies or seasoned veterans looking for a positive change.
How to join us: Submit a résumé, with a statement of your philosophy
of education, a statement of faith, and references, including one from
your current pastor. Please forward inquiries and/or applications to: Mr.
A. Ben Harsevoort, Principal, Heritage Christian School, 2850 Fourth
Avenue, Box 400, Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada L0R 1S0, Phone (905)
562-7303; Fax (905) 562-0020; Email: [email protected]; Website:
www.hcsjordan.ca
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.” Ps. 127:3
PROVIDENCE Reformed Collegiate, Komoka, Ontario. The Board
of Providence Reformed Collegiate invites applications for a Principal.
We are seeking an individual with a strong vision of Reformed Covenantal
Education to assume the leadership of the school and its educational
program beginning August 1, 2014. Our ideal candidate is an experienced
administrator, or motivated individual with gifts and aspirations in
leadership. The candidate is also someone who is passionate about
teaching, and who is able to foster and maintain positive relationships with
fellow staff members, students, parents and board, stimulating a Christ
centered environment of learning.
The Board also invites application for possible position(s) for the 20142015 school year for High School Teacher(s) and Educational Assistant.
Part time and full time applicants will be considered. We especially
encourage those with strengths in Math and Science to prayerfully
consider submitting an application.
PRC has been blessed with strong administrative leadership since its
inception in 1998, and is a vibrant, growing school community currently
blessed with 111 students in grades 9-12. PRC enjoys enthusiastic
support and involvement from the church communities it serves, and
benefits from exceptional board, staff and society relations. The school is
located a few minutes west of London in a recently built facility.
Qualified individuals who seek to serve in the field of Reformed Christian
Education, and who submit to Scripture as summarized by the Reformed
Confessions are encouraged to submit a resume, a statement of faith,
a statement of their philosophy of education, and letters of reference
(including one from your church consistory) to:
Providence Reformed Collegiate, P.O. Box 114, 93 Queen St., Komoka,
ON N0L 1R0. For more information about these positions or operation of
the school, please contact the Principal, Mr. Chris deBoer at (519) 4710661, or e-mail [email protected]
14
MAY 2014
B I B L E STUDY
...Continued
as ransom money. Before God, Peter could never have paid
his own ransom price, much less for anyone else. Psalm
49 explains: “None of them can by any means redeem his
brother, nor give to God a ransom for him” (Ps.49:7). Yet as
the One greater than the temple, Christ could, for He had
come “to give his life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28).
Not only would He pay the ransom price for Peter, He
would make Him a free child of the King. Back in verse
26, Christ had spoken in the plural: “Then are the children
free.” Because of Christ’s finished work, Peter was now a
child, and if a child, then an heir” (cf. Rom. 8:17). Only let
him remember – it was all because Christ became a servant.
Peter was free because of Christ, but Peter was also free now
to serve Christ. Peter was no longer his own. He had been
bought with a costly price (cf. 1 Cor. 6:19, 20).
QUESTIONS
1.
Think of a time in which you quickly agreed
to something and later you realized your
decision, even well intentioned, was not the best.
How does Romans 12:2 address this?
2.
Christ knew Peter’s thoughts before He
even uttered them. In fact, He discerned
Peter’s own thinking better than He did himself.
How might we live differently if Psalm 139:23-24
were our daily prayer?
3.
Give a practical example of how Christians
should not insist on their rights when it would
offend others. How does this passage show that our
motives for doing something are important? 4.
In what ways are Christians “free” (v. 26). You
might find the Westminster Confession of
Faith, chapter 20 helpful.
5.
We have seen four things Peter learned
about the Saviour. What were the four
things Peter should have learned about himself in
the process?
Dr. Gerald Bilkes is Professor of New Testament and
Biblical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological
Seminary and a minister in the Free Reformed Churches.
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Banner of Truth
Radio Broadcast
RA D IO MINIS T RY R E P O RT
A
t the Spring Outreach committee meeting
we discussed the question of the ongoing
“meaningfulness and effectiveness” of the
Banner of Truth radio ministry in our 21st
century world. Over all, our conclusion is that you
cannot gauge the success or impact of the radio ministry
by the number of responses. How do we further evaluate
“the meaningfulness and effectiveness” of this radio
ministry? While responses received may help us see
something of the fruits, should not the promises of
God’s Word guide us in answering this question more
than any other factor? Yes, we need to be strategic as
to the area the broadcast covers and we are called to
be stewardly with funds. But especially these last few
years are we not focusing on radio stations close to our
churches? There is no doubt that the Banner of Truth
radio ministry is heard by far more than we realize and
it is a blessing to many people in far more ways than we
will ever know.
Usually, most of us do not take the time to express
appreciation for a broadcast we hear and therefore we
should not expect others to do so either. Therefore,
every note or letter received is a bonus encouragement.
Because we never ask for any donations, it is a special
blessing and surprise to receive any donations at all.
We can report for the year 2013 that we have received
the required income for the ministry. With the quota
income, along with the extra church collections for this
ministry, as well as some private donations, we received
the necessary support with even some extra. Praise God
from Whom all blessings flow, also in this regard! But
isn’t it especially in response to the call of Scripture,
such as found in Isaiah 55:11, Acts 4:12, Romans 10:17,
1 Corinthians 1:21, 1 Timothy 1:15, 2 Timothy 4:1-5,
16
MAY 2014
Rev. H. Overduin
and 1 Peter 1:23-25, that we should be most compelled
and encouraged to continue with the radio ministry,
and to carry on with confidence? Will God by His Holy
Spirit not honour His gospel word and make it effectual
according to His sovereign good pleasure, even till the
last day?
Loitokitok, Kenya While we receive encouragements locally and on a
denominational level in regard to the radio ministry,
I want to share an interesting bit of information in
response to the broadcast to other countries and
continents. Recently, we have been receiving letters of
encouragement from a town in Kenya called Loitokitok.
To have an idea where this place is, look it up on the map.
Loitokitok is a small but growing town in southeastern
Kenya, at its border with Tanzania. It is located in
Loitokitok District, Rift Valley Province, in southeastern
Kenya. The town lies within the foothills and in full view
of Mount Kilimanjaro. This location is approximately 255
kilometres (158 mi) by road, southeast of Nairobi, the
capital of Kenya, the largest city in that country. Imagine
the Banner of Truth broadcast being heard regularly in
such a faraway remote place.
Some Letters
Here are some of the letters we received.
• Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. Thank you very much for your radio
program…. May the almighty Father abundantly bless
you as you continue to spread the word.
• I pray that the Lord will speak to the people who hear the
good news you preach on the radio. May we continue to
seek his kingdom and strength and to be found faithful.
Loitokitok
We will give God the Almighty the glory he deserves
• Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. May the almighty God bless your radio
ministry for preaching good news to our country.
• I write this letter to thank you and appreciate your
work well done for the Lord on your program. I am a
born again Christian longing for purity and holiness
in my life and I desire to know more about God.
Thank You To Supporters
A thank you to all for your continued prayers and
financial support for the denominational Banner of
Truth radio ministry. Let me end with quoting the
Scriptures, 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord
Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the
dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach
the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and
doctrine. For the time will come when they will not
endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts
shall they heap to themselves teachers, having
itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears
from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do
the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy
ministry.
Pastor Hans Overduin, Spring 2014
Radio minister since June 2001.
Rev. Hans Overduin is also the minister of the Free
Reformed Church of Calgary, Alberta.
New Publication!
The Believer’s Only
Comfort
Catechism
Curriculum
Written by Pastor Jack Schoeman
is ready for your viewing.
Each Free Reformed
congregation has been sent
a sample copy. We hope
to have stock of the first
volume, Lord’s Days 1-24, ready mid-summer. The
second volume is planned for next summer. Pricing
has not been finalized for this consumable. The
estimate is from $24 to $30 depending on the amount
printed. Please place your orders now.
FREE REFORMED PUBLICATIONS
18 Chapala Crescent S.E.
Calgary, AB T2X 3M4 Canada
Email: [email protected]; Tel. 403-254-6591
May 2014
17
Jeremy Walker
FROM O TH E R S O U R C E S
A Plea to
Prospective University Students,
Their Parents and Pastors
Editor: Soon or already, high school students are preparing to attend colleges or universities, some close to home, others further
away. Although this article is primarily addressed to those who move away from home, it is just as relevant for students who
don’t leave home to attend institutions of higher education. The following article is copied with permission from the website
Reformation21.org, November 21, 2013. Jeremy Walker is a pastor in Sussex, UK and is author of books, Life in Christ: Becoming
and Being a Disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ and The New Calvinism Revisited, both available from Reformation Heritage Book and
Reformed Book Services.
From time to time, in the weeks leading up to the
beginning of the new school year, I receive enquiries about
churches in particular places. They usually go something
like this: “So-and-so has got a place to study this-or-that at
such-and-such university in such-and-such a city. Do you
know of any good church that he or she could go to?”
My initial response is almost always to hang my head
in my hands, because I am grieved over the failure of the
prospective students and their parents and perhaps their
pastors to consider the consequences of their actions and
to plan accordingly. In one sense, there is no good time of
the year to address this, but hopefully that means that this
is not a bad time. For some, I hope it will be timely, and
help you to make the right decision in the right way in the
right time.
What would you think of someone who told you that
they had made arrangements to move to a new planet,
and then asked if you knew if the atmosphere was
breathable? Or that they were on their way to a new
country, but they were not sure if there would be any
food there that they could eat, and did you have any
recommendations? You would look at them as if they were
mad! Air to breathe and food to eat: surely these are your
first considerations when planning such a significant step,
not the questions that you worry about once the business
of getting there has been accomplished!
18
MAY 2014
So why is it that year after year, professing Christians
students (and their parents) plan their intellectual,
academic, professional or social development (or invest in
the development of their offspring), and only subsequently
ask whether or not their souls will receive faithful and
loving care in the only environment on earth that Christ
has ordained as the normal means for the lasting health of
his people?
Consider this: those three or more years at university
occur at a seminal time of life under peculiarly trying
circumstances. For many, this will be the first time away
from home, away from the protection of parents and the
shepherding of the pastors they have always known. They
will go into a stimulating, demanding environment with
a host of new enticements, fresh temptations, different
companions, peculiar challenges, and unexpected
opportunities. For many, the regular and immediate
outward restraints of knowing and being known, of parental
government and pastoral oversight, will be removed for
a prolonged period of time. And all this at a time when
the character is only just being formed, when physically,
mentally, emotionally and very often spiritually, there is a
degree of uncertainty and instability and often immaturity
alongside rapid development. The previous anchor points
of life are necessarily (and not necessarily unhealthily)
being altered, and the soul may drop its anchors in better
places, worse places, or simply be cast adrift. And into this
to our spiritual formation and yet prove a means of
potentially fruitful, potentially devastating environment
blessing. Of course we might make the best plans we can,
goes the student, and he or she often does so without any
under God, and discover that a distant or well-meaning
notion of where they will find Christian care, compassion,
recommendation amounts to nothing. People can be
example and instruction over the long haul. Could it be that
mistaken, sometimes badly, and beneath the surface of an
one of the reasons why we see so many professing Christians
apparently healthy church may lurk a looming disaster.
falling away or losing their way during their university years
Nevertheless, none of this is an excuse to act foolishly
is that they have headed off to their colleges and courses
or disobediently and expect the Lord to tidy up the mess
without first determining where and how they will obtain
afterward: “Trust in God and keep your powder dry.”
their spiritual sustenance?
For the Christian who is a prospective student, this may
This is not an argument against Christian unions and
mean more work and hard choices. It may mean sitting
the like, nor is it an argument for stay-at-home-or-local
down with lists of universities on one sheet and churches
schooling, but such a situation reflects a cripplingly low
on another and working out where there is an appropriate
and badly mistaken view of the church, and the Christian’s
correspondence. It may mean beginning with a long list of
relationship to it. One fears that neither the parents nor
universities and doing the research on faithful churches in
the pastors of the church from which the
those towns and cities, with a line drawn
prospective student comes have ever made
through those halls of learning without halls
clear the Christian’s priorities, or - if one or
of holiness in the vicinity - no matter how
Those who
other have set them forth - that they have
otherwise enticing the prospects or how
honour me, I will
been thoroughly rebuffed. If that is the
creditable the courses. It could require a
honour, and those who
foundation, what will be the building? How
couple of visits to see how the rubber hits
despise me shall be
strange to see a Christian parent providing
the road in a particular congregation. It
lightly esteemed.
books, clothes, funds, food, and making
may mean that you make your plans and
countless other investments in the success
decisions with the words ringing in your ears,
of a university place, and then seeming
ratcheted into your mind, or written on your
merely to hope that their child will not make
paper: “Those who honour me, I will honour,
shipwreck of the faith along the way without making any of
and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” Should
the appropriate provisions for the care of their souls!
unforeseen dangers and trials then come, there is a promise
I acknowledge that the prospective student may not
for the child of God to cling to: “Lord, you know that in my
be a Christian, and may relish the prospect of finally
heart and in my plans I set out to honour you. Father, please
being out from under the compassionate, concerned
now protect and prosper your child!”
and determined government of church and home. Even
In the coming year, then, a you contemplate any move,
so, surely a concerned parent or pastor might give wellwhether it be an application for a university place, a shift
meaning counsel in the hopes that - whatever the young
in employment, or any other such change of place, consider
person’s response may be initially - should there ever be
your soul, and therefore consider the church. Make every
a softening, or a need for care, there will be someone on
effort to get yourself into a spiritual environment in which
hand to provide it with faithfulness and tenderness? Is
you will not
there no prospect that a message could be sent to a pastor
merely survive
in the university town to keep an eye open for an uncertain
but are likely to
or slightly disgruntled new face in the congregation over
thrive. Before
the first few weeks of term?
you go among
Of course, the same holds true of decisions relating to
wolves, seek out
employment and other spheres. A fantastic promotion,
and set out after
much improved prospects, a more impressive salary, a lovely
God’s appointed
new home in a much better area, a wonderful school for
environment
the kids and so on and so forth . . . and a potential spiritual
and God’s
dryness that may well hold back the spiritual development
appointed
of a child of God for the rest of their life on earth.
underNow, to be sure, we cannot predict or pre-empt the
shepherds for
work of God in such things. We make foolish errors often,
the salvation,
but believers have a heavenly Father who is working
succour, support
all things together for good, and the battles fought as a
and safety of
www.christiancounsellingcentre.ca
result of our mistakes may make significant contributions
his flock.
MAY 2014
May
19
Gleanings
FROM THE CHURCHES
REV. J. OVERDUIN
Quotes from the Calgary Bulletin
“Rightly to feel sin is the torture of tortures.”
Martin Luther
“Familiarity with vice does not produce
disgust, it produces attachment.” John
MacArthur
“Sure consolation cannot stand in connection
with carnal security.” Z. Ursinus
“People fall in private, long before they fall in
public.” J.C. Ryle
“If men and women were fully conscious
of the all-seeing God, there would be even
fewer people in church.” Rev. K. Gangar
“The church is not a gymnasium in which the
righteous bulk up their spiritual biceps and
then gawk admiringly into the mirror of the
Law to see how well they are progressing.
Nor is the church’s worship an aerobics
session for the pneumatically fit to recharge
their batteries for another week of victorious
living. The church is a sanatorium for the sick
unto death with sin, in which the medicine of
God’s Word is applied in the liturgy–the Law,
which diagnoses and kills the deep, inherited
disease of Adam; and the Gospel, which
brings new life in Jesus Christ by the healing
balm of his blood.” William Cwirla
“The soul of Jesus’ suffering was the
‘suffering of His soul’.” Rev. K. Gangar
There was once a man who challenged
another to an all-day wood chopping
contest. The challenger worked hard all
day, barely taking a break. The other man,
however, had a leisurely lunch and took
several breaks to rest.
As evening fell, the first man was angered
by the results. ‘Every time I checked’ he said,
‘you were taking a rest, and yet you ended
up chopping more wood than I did.’ ‘But you
didn’t notice,’ said the winner, ‘that I was
sharpening my axe each time I sat down.’
God call us to stop working [one day]
a week so that we can ‘sharpen our axe’
[Ecclesiastes 10:10]. He calls us to Sabbath
so that we can be of greater service and of
greater benefit in all our work—in our jobs and
at home [and school] and with our church and
family.” --from daily devotional, Today.
20
MAY 2014
Conferences
Many bulletins had information about at least four conferences that have
occurred or will soon occur. All of these conferences have been sponsored
by various of our churches. The following are brief reports.
The Calgary FRC with local Reformed churches organized another
Calgary Reformed Conference for early April. The speaker this
year is Dr. David Murray. His subject is: “Glorifying God with our
Bodies.” The organizers of the conference have a website - http://
calgaryreformedconference.com/ - where you can download the latest
conference messages. Previous conferences messages are archived there
as well.
Fraser Valley Bible Conference: A similar conference is happening later in
April in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia. It is also organized by a number
of local Reformed churches, including the local Free Reformed churches;
also with a website for more information and with access to conference
messages: http://fraservalleybibleconference.com/. This year’s conference
will feature Dr. Michael Barrett on the theme, “The Gospel of a Triune God.”
May the Lord richly bless these additional means to grow in relationship
to Him.
Paul Washer Conference: A conference, now past, was in February and
held at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario. It was organized
by the young people of the Hamilton Free Reformed congregation with help
from the Come Over and Help organization. The featured speaker was Mr.
Paul Washer, and his subject was “True Conversion.” The following is an
abridged report of a member of the Hamilton youth group, Ian Sinke, which
first appeared in the Spring issue of the Youth Messenger.
On Friday, February 14, more than 900 guests gathered from across
notice within a few months of being invited. We advertised
Ontario and North America to hear Paul Washer preach at
this conference widely in Alberta. At the same time, we were
Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario. Mr. Paul
concerned not to promote the conference as part of the
Washer, who served as a missionary in Peru for ten years, is
‘celebrity status’ subculture, too common today. We wanted
now the director of HeartCry Missionary Society, which supports
to focus on the Word of God rather than an individual.
Peruvian church planters… The theme of Mr. Washer’s message
Having said this, it is beautiful to hear the testimony of Dr.
was “The Gospel and True Conversion.” He spoke out strongly
Baucham who was raised in a large family where almost all
against the prevailing doctrine in the church today, by which
the marriages ended in divorce. He is concerned to teach
“being born again” is equated with “praying the believer’s
biblical truth, not just in a practical way, but in a gospel
prayer.” He stressed the need for sanctification, and criticized
driven and Christ focused way.
the idea that Christians can live a worldly lifestyle, or “redeem the
On the Friday night, he gave two messages
culture” for Christ. He said:
about God’s purpose in marriage, and what
“Do you want to know what the Puritan
it means to be male and female…. It was
and Reformed genius is? Not that they
Glorifying
packed with solid Reformed thought.
were always right—it’s that they intended
On Saturday morning, we heard three
to do something that our generation almost
God with our
messages on biblical manhood. It was
despises: they wanted to submit every aspect
Bodies.
challenging, motivating, and enriching
of their life to the Word of God, whereas what
to listen to the Scriptures unfolded.
we want is to have the salvation of Jesus and
Our culture is doing everything it can to
then look and act just like our culture—our
deconstruct biblical manhood and womanhood. It is
fallen, radically depraved, God-hating culture. If someone
refreshing to hear the Scriptures so unashamedly taught
observed your life after several months, would they conclude
and defended. It is surprising, when you think about
you are among God’s elect?”
it, how much our culture has impacted our view of
This is a very brief summary of Mr. Washer’s message which
manhood in marriage and in fatherhood. These messages
he preached to a very attentive audience for more than 90
are available in audio form from our congregation. I
minutes without stopping, touching on many other points. If you
heartily commend them to you.
would like to hear the rest of the sermon, it has been posted on
the Hamilton FRC’s SermonAudio page.
Many in attendance did not have a Reformed background.
Monarch Alberta: The Free Reformed church of Monarch
I talked to one young man who came all the way from
recently hosted a special conference featuring Rev. Voddie
Vancouver. He had never heard of creeds, confessions,
Baucham. Below is the report by Rev. Moerdyk of that event.
and Reformed theology. He had so many questions that
In March, our congregation invited Dr. Voddie Baucham
I spent three hours with him at the bus station before he
to hold a conference on marriage and biblical manhood. As
boarded his bus. He is still peppering me with emails and
a large young congregation with many families, we felt the
text messages, drinking in Reformed truth. I wish everyone
need to supplement the preaching of the Word on the Lord’s
was as hungry as this young man is for the deep things of
Days with some practical instruction for stable family life….
the Word of God!
One of our members had heard Dr. Baucham speak at a
home school convention, and in God’s providence he had a
Rev. Joel Overduin is the pastor of the Free Reformed Church of
cancellation in his schedule and was able to come on short
Vineland, Ontario.
May 2014
21
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For more info please contact Danielle at [email protected]
RECYCLE YOUR GOOD USED BOOKS
Reformed Book Services
will thankfully receive your good used books, specifically books
by Reformed authors.
Contact Susan Keuning at 905.627.3910; Fax 905.628.2896;
Email: [email protected]
Thank you very much for the books that were donated!
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his
steps (Proverbs 16:9).
Due to the extreme winter weather conditions, delays have
occurred with the new construction which has pushed back the
PRTS building dedication service, originally scheduled for May
9, to August 21.
The new date, August 21, is the opening night of this year’s
Puritan Reformed Conference and the dedication service
will take place at 8:30pm – 9:45pm, right after the first
conference address.
We hope you will be able to join us for both the conference and
the dedication service. We will be traveling only four miles from the
Prince Conference Center to the seminary for this joyous occasion.
Tours of the new facility will be offered, as well as refreshments
afterwards. Please mark your calendar for August 21!
Feel free to contact Chris Hanna at 616-432-3407 or at chris.
[email protected] with questions regarding either the
conference or the dedication service.
August 21-23, 2014
PuritAn reformed ConferenCe
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22
MAY 2014
speakers
michael barrett
Joel beeke
gerald bilkes
tim geiger
Conrad mbewe
david murray
William Vandoodewaard
Prince Conference Center
1800 east beltline Ave., grand rapids, mi 49546
Visit www.puritanseminary.org for more details.
By Rev. H. Bergsma
Pastor Henk Bergsma is the pastor of the
Free Reformed Church of Fenwick, Ontario
CHICK-FIL-A FEEDS STRANDED DRIVERS.
On a stretch of Highway 280, Birmingham, during a
snow storm. some stranded motorists found warm
food and shelter thanks to a nearby Chick-fil-A.
The restaurant, owner Mark Meadows, and the staff
decided to help the marooned drivers, some of whom
had been without food or water for nearly seven
hours.”We cooked several hundred sandwiches and
stood out on both sides of 280 and handed out the
sandwiches to anyone we could get to – as long as
we had food to give out,” manager Audrey Pitt said.
In addition to handing out sandwiches, the restaurant
served as a makeshift bed and breakfast, allowing
drivers to spend the night and cooking up chicken
and biscuits. “It’s a blessing to us to be able to help
people,” she said. “It really is.” (From Huffington Post)
Despite having fewer stores, which are also closed
on Sundays so employees can spend time with their
families and attend church, Chick-fil-A has taken KFC’s
crown as the leader in the U.S. chicken fast-food
industry. Chick-fil-A has thrived despite efforts from
LGBT activists who attempted to boycott the franchise
over comments made by the company’s president, Dan
Cathy, supporting traditional marriage.
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER CAMERON: ”Stand Up
Against Global Christian Persecution.”
British Prime Minister David Cameron has said
Christianity is now the most persecuted religion around
the world, and that Britain should be “unashamed”
in standing up against persecution of Christians and
other religious groups. “I hope we can do more to
raise the profile of the persecution of Christians around
the world,” Cameron said in an opening speech at
his Easter reception at Downing Street. “It is the case
today that our religion is now the most persecuted
religion around the world. I think Britain can play a
leading role in this.” The British prime minister also
said there was a need to expand the role of faith and
faith organizations in the country. What the church and
political institutions need more of, is evangelism, he
added. (from World News)
May his words be proven by his actions.
WHY THE CHURCH OF UGANDA SUPPORTS ANTIHOMOSEXUALITY LAW.
As Uganda continues to face international outrage
over its Anti-Homosexuality Act, which was signed
into law earlier this year, The Christian Post (CP)
sought to get a better understanding of not only the
bill but also how the churches in the East African
country came to support it. A spokesperson with
the Church of Uganda answered questions from
CP regarding the church’s position on the law,
its opinion of the law, and regarding American
opposition. The spokesperson, who requested
to remain anonymous, stated that they “honestly
don’t understand” the outrage. The spokesperson
admitted that the Act, signed by Ugandan President
Yoweri Museveni, may seem “draconian” to those
whose “point of reference is the Western world’s
rapid adoption of same-sex marriage.” But to others,
whose point of reference is Uganda’s existing laws
when the bill was passed, the new law changes
nothing. In actuality, the new law “mitigates
punishment for aggravated homosexuality/
defilement,” the spokesperson said. The Church of
Uganda helped get the bill amended to remove the
death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and
the provision that those in authority who become
aware of practices of homosexuality must report
it within 24 hours. “It probably depends on what
your point of reference is. If your point of reference
is the Western world’s rapid adoption of same-sex
marriage and the generally prevailing ideology that
goes with it, and you have no idea what Uganda’s
laws were at the time, then the Anti-Homosexuality
Bill may seem draconian.” (From Christian Post)
Who ever thought that the Western world would turn
to persecuting African churches for standing up to what
they believe to be biblical!
UN REPORT BLASTS IRAN FOR PERSECUTION
OF CHRISTIANS.
The election last year of self-professed moderate
President Hassan Rouhani has not brought Iran’s
Christians any relief, according to a new United
Nations report, which finds the Islamic Republic’s
Bible believers more persecuted than ever. The report
states that “President Rouhani has no influence over
hard-liners, who remain fully in charge of the judiciary
and security apparatus, government entities that
are responsible for the most severe abuses against
religious minorities.” A case in point is American Pastor
Saeed Abedini who has suffered greatly in one of
the worst jails in Iran, and because of severe internal
injuries received through beatings is now in an Iranian
hospital. Thankfully, he is finally receiving some medical
care, although a critical surgery that he needs is not
provided for him. (From Fox News)
The latest update on Pastor Abedini is that family
members are able to visit him, he’s receiving
medication and nutrition, but needs treatment, and US
Secretary Kerry once again called for his release.
MAY 2014
May
23
AnnouNcements
ANNIVERSARY
1964
June 5
Aldergrove BC
2014
Chilliwack BC
Wedding Text: Psalm 143:10b “…Lead
me into the land of uprightness”
The late Rev. Jacob Overduin officiated.
With joy and thanksgiving to God, we
announce the 50th Wedding Anniversary of
SIMON and MARY GROENEVELD
(nee Jongs)
ANNIVERSARY
TOM and WILLIE KAREL (nee Lamain)
ANNIVERSARY
1964
1989
June 19
2014
It is with gratitude to God for His
faithfulness that we announce the
50th wedding anniversary of our parents.
Dear Mom and Dad: We thank God for
you and for His covenant faithfulness as
we celebrate with you. We wish you God’s
continued blessing and strengthening
grace as you continue to grow in grace
and minister in the family and church
community (Lamentations 3:22-25).
Tom and Ruthanne Karel
Hannah, Gabrielle, Lydia
May the Lord continue to bless, lead and
guide you in the future.
Chris and Becky Karel
Jeffery, Daniel, David, Katie, Matthew,
Abby, Bethany
With love from your children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Rachel and Theo Mol
Josiah, Annika, Willem, Cohen, Mariah
Adrian & Rene Groeneveld (Langley, BC)
Jared, Silas, Richele
Home Address:
284 Covington Court
Grandville, MI 49418 USA
Henrietta Garnett (Abbotsford, BC)
Tommy
Mina & Jake Oostlander (Fort Macleod, AB)
Leanna & Derek Vandermaarel (Logan,
Jade), Jon (Kim Neels), Kevin (Sarah
Koppelaar), Jeff, Karen, Jason
Jackie & Brian Koning (Chilliwack, BC)
Darian, Noah, Branson (Emily Visser),
Jed, Amara
Kim & Pete VanMaren (Springford, ON)
Derek (Kaitlyn VanWyk), Tristan, Lance,
Adrienne
Rick & Nancy Groeneveld (Edmonton, AB)
Holden, Payton
Bob & Julaine Groeneveld (Grandview, WA)
Ashley, Brandi, Kendra, Tyler
Home Address:
41380-Yarrow Central Road
Chilliwack BC V2R 5G5
[email protected]
24
MAY 2014
BIRTH
With humble adoration, we welcome
another child entrusted into our care,
GREYSON DERK JAN
Born on April 11, 2014
Weighing 7 lbs. 13 ozs.
22nd grandchild for Adrian & Hilda
vanDrongelen
20th grandchild for Dick & Joanne Pennings
“For You are great, and do wondrous
things; You alone are God.” Ps. 86:10
Adrian & Leanne vanDrongelen
Jacob, Leah, Anna, Josiah, Seth,
Mercedes, Veronica
Home Address:
2065 Hwy. 5, RR1, Troy, ON LOR 2B0,
[email protected]
Langley, BC
July 8 2014
Fort Macleod, AB
Wedding Text: Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, even as
Christ also loved the church”
Rev. Pieter VanderMeyden officiated.
It is with humble praise and thanksgiving
to the Lord that we hope to celebrate the
25th Wedding Anniversary
of our dear parents and grandparents,
JAKE and MINA OOSTLANDER
(nee Groeneveld)
We pray that the Lord continue to bless
you and make you a blessing.
With love,
Leanna & Derek Vandermaarel
Logan, Jade
Jon Oostlander (Kim Neels)
Kevin Oostlander (Sarah Koppelaar)
Jeff Oostlander
Karen Oostlander
Jason Oostlander
Home Address:
P.O. Box 1707, Fort Macleod AB T0L 0Z0
[email protected]

VOLUME 61 NUMbEr 5 MAY 2014 EDITION THE OFFICIAL

Transcription

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