The

VOLUME 60 NO. 3 MARCH 2013 EDITION >> Messenger 2 Church News 3 One Invitation to Many Weary People = FAITH 6 A Goodly Heritage - 5 11 Gleanings From The Churches 12 The Miracles of Christ - 12 14 Book Review 18 “Legalization” of Education - Part 3 23 Gleanings From The Churches 24 Radio Evangelism: “Utterance Please, Lord!” 27 News from PRTS

28 Announcements THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FREE REFORMED CHURCHES OF NORTH AMERICA>>

MARCH 2013 I THE MESSENGER 1 CHURCH NEWS

MINISTERIAL CALLS: HAMILTON FREE REFORMED CHURCH OFFICE-BEARERS’ CONFERENCE Rev. Joel Overduin of the Free Due to construction of a new church All former and current office-bearers are wel- Reformed congregation of building on the current site, please come to the joint Free Reformed and Heritage Mitchell, Ontario declined a call note the following changes effective Reformed Spring Conference to be held at from the St. Thomas, Ontario March 3, 2013: Temporary place of London Free Reformed Church,1274 Tote Rd, congregation. He also received worship: Dundas Free Reformed London, ON a call from the Vineland Free Church - New Times: 11.30 am and Saturday, March 23rd, beginning at 10:30 Reformed Church to be its 6.00 pm. a.m. minister, which he accepted. Dr. Joel Hamstra, member of the Free Reformed Rev. David Kranendonk of the POWASSAN, ONTARIO CHURCH PLANT Ethics Committee, Assistant Clinical Professor of Free Reformed congregation of Powassan (south of North Bay, Anesthesia at McMaster University and Director Bornholm received a call from Ontario, off Hwy. 11) of Obstetrical Anesthesia at St. Joseph’s Health- the Oxford Preaching Station. Services are held every Sunday at 11:00 care in Hamilton, will give a presentation on AM and 2:00 PM with a fellowship “Medical Ethics: A Reformed Perspective” OXFORD COUNTY, ONTARIO lunch in between. When no ministers Lunch will be provided at noon. PREACHING STATION are scheduled to preach, the worship Discussion time will be at 1:00 p.m. The Free Reformed Preaching services of the Brantford Free Reformed Station of Oxford County meets Church are broadcast. For information SYNOD 2013 at the Woodstock Seventh-Day and location, email info@nipissingfrc. The Free Reformed Churches of North America Adventist Church, Highway 59, com, call Albert Wassink (705-724-3519) are scheduled to meet in synod from June 3 ½ km south of Hwy. 401. Worship or John Janssen (705 493-0259). Check through 7, 2013, the Lord willing, in the Free services are held at 12.30 p.m. online: www.nipissingfrc.com for the Reformed Church of Dundas, ON. and 6.30 p.m. every Lord’s Day. preaching schedule, detailed directions As the convening church for this synod, the For Bible study times or other and other information. consistory of Bethel Free Reformed Church of information, please contact Mr. Pastor: Rev. Rob Van Doodewaard, 604 Mitchell, Ontario, gives notice to consistories Peter Kuivenhoven at 519-879- Lindquist Line, Powassan, ON P0H 1Z0; and synodical committees that overtures, re- 6263 or email: [email protected] Tel. 705-724-5070; Email: vandood@ ports, and any other correspondence must be (Oxford County includes the gmail.com city of Woodstock, the towns received in electronic format (Word or Excel) of Ingersoll and Tillsonburg). by the clerk before April 20, 2012, in order to PLEASE NOTE NEW TIMES OF be included on the Agenda for Synod 2012. WORSHIP: Effective March 3, Bethel Free Reformed Church of Mitchell 2013 – 10.00 am and 3.00 pm. Gerald Pol, Clerk; [email protected]

FREE REFORMED PUBLICATIONS

OUTREACH & FOREIGN MISSIONs Home Missions THE YOUTH MESSENGER Keep contact with your missionaries on: Bert Marskamp The semi-annual publication http://www.frcmissions.org 78 Windsor Dr., P.O. Box 126 for youth is under the St. George, ON N0E 1N0 direction of the Youth & EDITOR: Rev. E. Moerdyk CANADA Education Committee of the P.O. Box 224, Coalhurst, AB T0L 0V0 CANADA Tel. 519.448.1763 Free Reformed Churches of Tel. 403.381.7770 • E: [email protected] E: [email protected] North America. Financial support for the various Outreach and Foreign Refugee Fund EDITORS Mission non-profit funds should be directed as follows. James Van der Zwan Derek and Frances Baars 26829 – 33B Ave. 4995 Governors Road, Foreign Missions Aldergrove, BC V4W 3G8 R.R. #2, Lynden, ON L0R 1T0 William F. Laman, Treasurer, All funds should be CANADA Tel. 519.647.0769 remitted to: Peter Luth, Financial Administrator Tel. 604.818.3423 Email: [email protected] R.R.7, Dresden, ON N0P 1M0 CANADA E: [email protected] Tel. 519.683.2243 • E: [email protected] ASSISTANT EDITOR CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Rev. T. Bergsma Radio Evangelism TO ISRAEL 10 Ellwood Ave. Banner of Truth Radio Broadcast John Wilbrink Chatham, ON N7M 3K3 Ken Vandenberg 8 Weneil Drive, Freelton, ON Tel. 519.354.3100 19 Majestic Court, Brantford, ON N3P 1N2 CANADA L0R 1K0 CANADA Email: [email protected] Tel. 519.770.3639; [email protected] Tel. 905.659.7413 E: [email protected]

2 THE MESSENGER I MARCH 2013 The Messenger One Yoke + Two Oxen + MARCH 2013 • VOLUME 60 - NO.3 One Invitation to

EDITOR Many Weary People = Rev. C. Pronk 655 Park Road North, Unit 29

Brantford, ON N3R 0A2 CANADA

Tel/Fax: 519 751-4470; Email: [email protected] The Editor reports to the Synodical Publications Committee FAITH >> Unsigned articles are by the Editor MEDITATION Rev. TIM bergsma Assistant Editor Dr. G. M. Bilkes Email: [email protected] Faith, we know, is absolutely vital to the Christian life. Faith is what connects all that Jesus accomplished in life and in death for salvation, Committee Members with my experience and possession of this salvation. These verses in Rev. D. H. Kranendonk, Secretary Matthew 11, give one of the clearest, most powerful, most compelling 69 Albert Street, SS1, Mitchell, ON N0K 1N0 descriptions of faith in all of Scripture. To see this, you have to understand Tel/Fax: 519 348-0436; the imagery used here, the people to whom the Lord Jesus is speaking, Email: [email protected] and the way in which He says it to them. • Dr. G.M. Bilkes • Dr. L.W. Bilkes • Rev. C. A. Schouls • Rev. J. Koopman “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy • Rev. J. Overduin • Mr. H. VanDoodewaard The Imagery laden, and I will give you • Rev. J. Lewis It’s all based on a picture—an image that the Lord Jesus creates as He speaks: That rest. Take my yoke upon SUBSCRIPTION RATE of a yoke. An old, wooden, farming yoke. you, and learn of me; for Canada & U.S.A. - $30.00 annually I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find for individually mailed subscriptions. This is what a yoke is: A heavy, wooden pole rest unto your souls. For The Messenger is published 11 times per year. (or shaft) that is placed over an ox, which my yoke is easy, and my allows that ox to pull something—like a SUBSCRIPTIONS/REMITTANCES burden is light” Requests for subscriptions, all payments and cart, or a plow. A farming yoke like this can Matthew 11:28-30 inquiries regarding rates, invoices, and all be a single yoke, (it can be made for just one remittances should be addressed to: ox), or it can be a double yoke (one that is shared between two oxen). In a double-yoke—with one ox on one side, THE MESSENGER and the other on the other side—together they share the weight and the c/o Janey Slingerland, Administrator load of whatever they are carrying or pulling. 18 Chapala Crescent S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 3M4 Tel. 403-254-6591; Email: [email protected] In normal practice, a farmer would yoke a weaker and less experienced ANNOUNCEMENTS/NOTICES ox, together with a stronger, more experienced ox. So an ox who didn’t All notices for family announcements, obituaries, know his owner’s commands perfectly would be teamed up with another anniversaries, and non-commercial advertisements who did. In this way a weaker ox could come into this yoke and together for the April 2013 issue should reach the with this stronger, more experienced ox beside him, he could plow acre copy editor, Frederika Pronk, no later than Tuesday, MARCH 12, 2013, and should after acre of land. This is the picture the Lord Jesus is painting for us be sent to: here.

THE MESSENGER The People 655 Park Road North, Unit 29,Brantford, ON Now here are the people before whom He was setting this picture: He N3R 0A2 CANADA was speaking to 1st century Jews—who were people living under a Tel/Fax: 519 751-4470 very strict religious system. They were surrounded by teachers of the Email: [email protected] law (the scribes and the Pharisees) who had put the Old Testament law Read The Messenger on the on them, like a yoke, and said, “You need to do all of these things, if you Free Reformed website: www.frcna.org

MARCH 2013 I THE MESSENGER 3 MEDITATION CONTINUED... >> want to be right with God.” And if that wasn’t enough, to yoke is the need to be made right with a holy God. And this law they added 613 more of their own laws—rules we all have this burden. If you remain in your own yoke, and regulations—that they loaded upon these people’s and then go and try to “plow this field”—try to meet shoulder and told them to follow. this demand of being right with God—all you are doing is adding a religious life to your yoke with all these do’s So you had religious people who were living under all of and don’ts, and that burden becomes all the heavier. these rules, and all these regulations, and they never felt quite like they could measure up. Later, in Matthew 23:4, But here is One, whose strength is infinite, the Lord Jesus would say (about the scribes and the Pharisees), Jesus. And He sees you in your yoke, and He invites “…they bind heavy burdens, and grievous to you—calls you—to come, and take His be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders…” Often the Bible yoke upon yourself, and leave your yoke presents us with two behind. He’s saying, “You come into the yoke The Invitation different ways of with me,” and see that the stronger ox now It’s to these people the Lord Jesus comes. doing things: There’s makes it possible for the weaker ox to do He paints this picture of an ox and a yoke the wrong way and all that he does. … and then He gives them an invitation. the right way. There’s He comes to a people with a burden—a the way of the wicked, What weights do we have? We have sin. yoke—weighing down upon them, and and the way of the What a burden to pull! One that ultimately He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour righteous (Psalm 1). will bring us to our knees in our own yoke. and are heavy laden [who are wearied and But giving everything we have to Him burdened]—and I will give you rest.” includes giving Him our sin. To all who place their faith in Jesus Christ—who enter into His yoke—you do not This is an invitation. Often the Bible presents us with bear the weight of your sin any more. He has borne that two different ways of doing things: There’s the wrong for you, completely. He took the full weight of your sin. way and the right way. There’s the way of the wicked, Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so and the way of the righteous (Psalm 1). There’s the far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” In Isaiah strait (narrow) gate, and the wide gate (Matthew 7:13- 43:25, God says, I “will not remember thy sins.” We give 14). There are two ways. But notice: There arenever two Him all the heavy weight of our sin. options. The Bible speaks of two ways, but it doesn’t present us with two choices: It always tells us which On top of the weight of sin, we also have the burden choice we should make. There’s always a command, a of insufficiency and inability. We are unable to please call, or an invitation, about which of these two ways we God, to walk in His ways, to obey His commands. should choose. It’s never left open. And this is exactly This we also give to Christ. We come to Him with our what the Lord Jesus does here. He looks at a people doing insufficiency—like the untrained ox who doesn’t know it the hard way, the weary way, and He calls them—He his master’s commands—and we enter His yoke. invites them—to do it the easy way. He invites us to join Him, (the Stronger Ox!), in His yoke. This is the beauty of faith: We have a heavy burden, but faith means we are not in the yoke alone. We are not It’s here, from this picture and invitation spoken to this “plowing” alone. And we do not have to bear the full people, that we discover two simple, wonderful lessons weight of our sin and guilt, or insufficiency anymore. about faith—about what it means to repent and believe in Jesus Christ, and entrust your life to Him. Lesson #2: Christ Gives Everything He Has to Us But there’s a second lesson to learn from this text. Not Lesson #1: We Give Everything We Have to Christ only do we give everything we have to the Lord Jesus, The first lesson is this: Faith means giving everything but faith also means that He gives everything that He we have to Christ. Now you may ask, “How does taking has, to us. This follows from this picture of the yoke: His yoke upon me, mean me giving everything I have, to Not only does the one ox give his weaknesses … but the Him?” But the reality is this: You are plowing, already. other ox at the same time gives his strength. That’s the You have a yoke, already. And the heaviest part of the double-yoke.

4 THE MESSENGER I MARCH 2013 >>

So what does the Lord Jesus give to us? Well, we give Him the full weight of our sins—and He gives us a completed payment for sin, and daily forgiveness. That’s the cross, and His daily intercession. And then more: We also give Him our insufficiency and inability—and He gives us, not only a perfect obedience (righteousness), but also the daily power to obey and please God. That’s His perfect life and the Holy Spirit, whom He has earned the right to send to us. He Himself picked up the Old For though I preach Testament Law—the heavy yoke—and He put it on the gospel, I have His shoulders. And He was tempted in every way, but nothing to glory of: for necessity is He never dropped it once. He was asked to give blood, laid upon me; yea, and sweat, and tears, but He never dropped it once. He woe is unto me, carried it to the very end, even to the death on the cross, if I preach not the gospel! but He never dropped it once. 1 CORINTHIANS 9: 16

This is our Lord’s invitation: Two in a yoke. One His smile is friendly, and it’s easy to see why residents of the providing what the other can’t. In Christ’s yoke there is children’s hospital, veterans’ hospital, and state-run elderly home look forward to his visits. Pastor Ivan Sirenko lives in the city of Sumy, One who comes beside you, whose strength is infinite Ukraine. 66 years old, but unwilling to slow down, Ivan is a church and perfect. He is the One who is inviting you to take planter. Six days a week, he preaches and visits in the village of Viry, His yoke: “Come into the yoke with me…” What a picture! 60 km from home. With a heart for the unwanted and homeless, See the beauty in this image of an old, wooden yoke, and Ivan reaches out with the gospel as well as food bought from his own pension. It’s a ministry that is not about results or recognition, two oxen. and Ivan needs support to cover travel expenses and food parcels. Can you help? For all who are weary—weighed down by the burdens of PHONE: 1-888-844-2624 WEBSITE: coah.org life in your own yoke—come to the rest the Lord Jesus Christ offers: “Take my yoke upon you … and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” And for you who have entered His yoke but who are still anxious and straining as you go— rest in the yoke. Trust Him in the yoke. “For,” He says, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

This meditation is by Rev. Tim Bergsma, pastor of the Free Reformed Church of Chatham, Ontario.

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MARCH 2013 I THE MESSENGER 5 A Goodly Heritage - 5

HENDRIK DE COCK AND THE SECESSION EDITORIAL >>

We return to the history of our heritage. In our last While at Groningen, he realized that the teaching there instalment (December 2012), we briefly examined the was very different from what he had learned from Mr. Dutch Reveil (Revival) and its attempt to reform the Dutch Nieman. A struggle began to stir in his soul. Upon Reformed Church from within. Although this movement graduation in 1823, the congregation of Eppenhuizen was successful in that it touched many individuals who called him. At this time, De Cock was a sincere young were converted or stirred up to a more vigorous spiritual man, but devoid of any deeper knowledge of God’s life, it failed to produce any real and lasting changes in the saving grace. He married Frouwe Venema, a distant church as an institute. The Reveil was unable to remove relative and a godly woman, who proved to be of great liberal theology from the universities and most pulpits. help to him spiritually and in many other ways. The King continued to rule the church through boards whose members were all committed to views inspired by Three years later, De Cock accepted the call to Noordlaren. the so-called Enlightenment. His ministry there was characterized by earnest appeals to his hearers to forsake sin and to live honourably Hendrik De Cock’s Early Ministry before the face of God and men. It was only moralism, It was not until Hendrik De Cock led his small however, lacking the foundation of the grace of God congregation at Ulrum out of the state church that a whereby alone a sinner is enabled to do good works. real and thorough reformation took place. De Cock He knew the old writers so revered in conventicles was a graduate of the Groningen University, where he (meetings of believers) only by name and through men had been trained in liberal theology. Before coming to who ridiculed their teachings. De Cock did not even own Ulrum, he had already served two other churches. But a Staten Bijbel with marginal notes. He had never read here, in his third charge, it pleased the Lord to open the the creeds of the church, even though he had pledged to young minister’s eyes. uphold their teaching. Of Calvin’s Institutes, he had not so much as heard! De Cock was born on April 12, 1801, in Veendam. He learned all the liberalizing ideas from his parents and the But in Ulrum, his third congregation, his life was Rev. J.G. Oosterbeek of Wildervank, a city to which his changed. Soon after his installation by Dr. Hofstede parents moved shortly after his birth. Rev. Oosterbeek DeGroot, his predecessor, and at the time professor of did not so much deny such basic teachings as the theology in Groningen, he found people who talked just substitutionary atonement of Christ or the necessity of like Nieman had done years before. These people, while the new birth, but he simply neglected to preach these appreciating their new minister’s seriousness, missed in truths. His message was basically a call to live a decent his preaching a clear call to faith and repentance. They and useful life. Only the catechist, Hendrik Nieman, were not hearing the Gospel of free and sovereign grace. insisted that a man was saved by the sovereign grace of Salvation, they knew, is not obtained by good works God. Although not spiritually awakened at that time, and by relying on devout feelings, but by resting upon De Cock, mainly because of this godly instructor, never the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, the sinner’s embraced all the prevalent ideas of that day. Substitute.

6 THE MESSENGER I DECEMBERMARCH 2013 2012 >> Among these Spirit-taught people there was a man by witness of Christ in Ulrum. A serious conflict was bound the name of Klaas Kuypenga. This simple man had not to come. had the liberty to profess his faith and therefore came to De Cock for catechetical instruction. Every week he The Baptism Controversy came, but before long the teacher learned more from the De Cock did not limit himself to preaching and other student than the other way around. Kuypenga would pastoral duties. He also used the printing press to speak about man’s total inability to do any good. A disseminate the old Reformed truths and to protest famous statement of his was: “If I had to contribute one against the errors of the day. He baptized children of single sigh to my salvation, I would be lost forever.”1 parents belonging to other congregations, who could not in good conscience receive the sacrament from The Big Change preachers who taught false doctrines. Conversations like these made a deep impression on young De Cock. They led him to reflect upon his own Although De Cock sympathized with these parents spiritual state and ministry in the light of the Bible, and baptized their children, he did so only after first which he now began to study with more thoroughness consulting with colleagues whom he thought he could than ever before. He found much help in two booklets trust. One of these was Rev. D. Molenaar, author of a written by Baron Van Zuylen van Nyevelt, one of the controversial pamphlet titled, Address to All my Reformed leaders of the Reveil movement. The titles of these Fellow Believers. Asked whether such parents were right booklets were The Only Deliverance, published in 1831, in requesting him to baptize their children and whether and The Reformed Doctrine (1832). Calvin’s Institutes of he should accede to their request, Molenaar stated that which he found a copy in the study of a neighbouring their scruples were unfounded because they are not pastor, made a more lasting impression. He read this responsible for the doctrinal errors of such ministers. work through several times. In 1832, a God-fearing Rather, he wrote, “it is the fault of the Church Order of widow, a member of his congregation, handed him a 1816 and 1817 that such ministers have so much freedom, copy of the Canons of Dort. and as long as this is not corrected we cannot expect any improvement but only further deterioration.”2 These books, as well as many conversations with godly members of his congregation, were used by the Lord As far as he was concerned, he would answer the questions to bring him to conversion. The congregation soon of the Baptism Form in the meaning and spirit of the recognized that a radical change had taken place. Reformed Church and not according to the distortions Especially in his sermons, a new emphasis was detected. of it by the officiating minister. Regarding the baptizing The pastor now spoke directly to the spiritual needs of of children belonging to other congregations. Molenaar his hearers. He emphasized man’s deep fall in Adam and did not think it was wrong because the Church Order did the necessity of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, not forbid it. Nevertheless, he advised against it “because as well as the all-sufficiency of Christ’s substitutionary one has to act carefully towards one’s neighbours and atonement. colleagues (even though they may be erring) … and one has to avoid all appearances of evil.”3 Asked further how As the people filed out of the church building, they looked he should deal with ministers who showed in doctrine at each other in amazement. “Our minister certainly has and life that they were enemies of the truth, Molenaar changed,” they said. “We are receiving the true Bread suggested that all one could do is “to keep on teaching, from heaven again.” Soon the word spread and people admonishing, and warning them in the spirit of love from neighbouring villages came flocking to Ulrum to and meekness.”4 hear the pure Word of God. Scores of carriages lined the streets adjacent to the church building on Sundays. The Rationale for Staying Molenaar’s answer to De Cock is very revealing. Although Yet, while their re-born minister edified God’s people, it he himself was a doctrinally sound and a true servant soon became evident that the enemy was also stirred up. of God, he was willing to tolerate teachings contrary to Ministers from other congregations, as well as church Scripture and the Reformed Confessions. True, he had members in general, began to speak evil of the true added his voice to protest against the errors that were

MARCH 2013 I THE MESSENGER 7 EDITORIAL >> being propagated in the Reformed Church, but he would book he referred to them as “two wolves attacking the not take the next step, namely to separate himself from sheepfold of Christ.” that Church no matter how corrupt it would become. This was to be the approach taken by those who, like De Cock is Charged, Suspended and Deposed Molenaar, decided to stay in the Reformed Church after Especially by this “trumpet blast” he so aroused the the Secession took place. Molenaar thus spoke for many enmity of his colleagues that they decided to bring when he wrote to De Cock, charges against him at the Classis of Middelstum, which summoned him to appear before this body on December Schism is the most pernicious thing that 19, 1833 to answer several charges. The first charge was can be imagined. I daily pray to the Lord to that he had baptized two infants whose parents were prevent it. It is not necessary either. We are members of a neighbouring congregation. Another and remain, for our own person and together, charge raised against him was that he had given religious in possession of the truth. Therefore, if we instruction to persons residing in areas outside his left the Netherlands Reformed Church we jurisdiction. The third and primary charge, however, had would run the risk of losing the truth to do with his writing a pamphlet against and solidity. This is not necessary Not that De Cock two of his colleagues whom he accused of 5 and therefore should not happen. advocated secession. teaching false doctrines and calling them wolves in the sheepfold of Christ. Based on There is no evidence De Cock disagreed with his colleague’s these allegations, the Classis suspended viewpoint and rejected the thesis that it is that he sought it. The De Cock from his ministerial duties for only the minister who is responsible for his opposite is the case, a period of three months without loss of errors. Pointing to 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, as we will see. salary. he insists that it is the whole congregation and by implication the whole denomination, that shares Convinced that his suspension was unjust, De Cock on the blame for evils that arise in her midst and that January 1, 1834, appealed to the Provincial Church she has the duty to deal decisively with it rather than Board, asking that the suspension be lifted on the acquiesce in it.6 grounds that in writing against his colleagues he was merely defending the Word of God and the Forms of Not that De Cock advocated secession. There is no Unity against their attackers. The Board replied on evidence that he sought it. The opposite is the case, as January 13 that his appeal was rejected on the ground we will see. But already at this stage in his ministry he that he had not been suspended because of his public sensed that warnings and protests, necessary as they defense of what he considered to be Reformed teaching are, are not enough. When these are ignored, other but because of his unchristian, scurrilous and slanderous steps may have to be taken. That time would come all manner of writing in which he had condemned two too soon. ministers deserving respect.7

De Cock’s Literary Output Although De Cock questioned the legitimacy of his As for his literary output, De Cock first published the suspension on formal grounds, the Board ignored his Canons of Dort and in a Foreword he addressed his fellow objections and laid before him four questions relative citizens and fellow believers who were concerned about to his writings against Brouwer and Reddingius, their salvation. He reminded them that the old truths the baptism of children of other congregations, the contained in this Creed had been ignored and forgotten instruction of persons from other communities as well with the result that the Reformed Church had been as an additional charge, namely that he had published robbed of her strength. He even sent a copy to King and written an introductory recommendation to the William. work entitled Evangelical Hymns Tested by a certain Jacob Klok. In his preface to this pamphlet De Cock had Next, he wrote a booklet against two ministers in the charged that “hymns were contrary to the Word of God; area, Brouwer and Reddingius, who had written heretical … in which out of blindness or perfidy the truth necessary things whereby many were deceived. In the title of his to salvation is concealed; a collection of siren love songs

8 THE MESSENGER I MARCH 2013 >> fit to draw the Reformed believers away from the saving Endnotes doctrine.”8 According to De Cock, these heretical hymns, 1 H. Algra, Het Wonder van de 19e Eeuw. Faneker: T. Wever, 1966, p. 107. having been unlawfully introduced into the church, had 2 Ibid. greatly contributed to the decline of sound doctrine 3 W.W.J. Van Oene, Patrimony Profile. Our Reformed Heritage retraced, 1795-1946. Winnipeg: Premier Publishing, 1999; pp. 34-35. 4 Ibid. In the end, the Board ruled that by his actions De Cock 5 Ibid., p. 34. had caused a disturbance of the Order and Unity of 6 Ibid. the Dutch Reformed Church, and therefore needed to 7 Helenius De Cock. Hendrik De Cock. Kampen: S. Van Velzen Jr., 1860, p. apologize and express his sincere repentance in writing. 163. He responded that he would be willing to sign such a 8 Gerritt J. tenZythoff, Sources of Secession. Grand Rapids: Wm. B declaration of grief and regret, and even publish it in Eerdmans Publishing Co., p. 125. the newspaper, if his errors and the basis for these Regulations were demonstrated to him from the Scripture. However, the Board was not interested in discussing De Cock’s biblical and confessional arguments, or even to allow him to give any defense for his actions. Realizing that this was the case, De Cock refused to sign and asked for and received permission to write out his own copy of the pledge and went home.

Later that summer, the General Synod, at its meeting on July 16, 1834, ratified De Cock’s deposition from his office as minister of the Gospel. The synod had given him six months to consider recanting. If he did not recant he would be permanently deposed from the ministry.

This action of the Reformed Church boards, while refusing to discuss the dogmatic and confessional matters brought forward by De Cock, forced him to begin thinking of separation as a way to bring the Church he loved back to her biblical and confessional foundation. Even at this point in the process of appeal, De Cock did not take any deliberate steps toward secession. He was resolved to test every avenue of appeal open to him. His intention was to write to the Dutch king and to the synodical Committee. However, things did not happen as he had planned. Matters progressed more quickly toward secession as a result of the visit of Rev. Hendrik Peter Scholte.

To be continued.

MARCH 2013 I THE MESSENGER 9 ReformedBookServices PROMOTING GODLINESS, REVIVAL & REFORMATION

• Bibles GREAT SELECTION OF CHRISTIAN BOOKS AT LOW PRICES • Bible Commentaries Suffering & Lawson shows the convictions and practices Getting to Know the Church • Bible History Sovereignty - John that fed Luther’s pulpit boldness, providing an Fathers: An Evangelical Flavel and the Puritans on example for all preachers in a day when truth Introduction • Bible Reference Afflictive Providence once more is in decline. Hardcover, 213 pages, By Bryan M. Litfin By Brian H. Cosby Reformation Trust RBS Price $13.50 Augustine. Tertullian. • Bible Studies John Flavel wrote extensively Origen - these early on the subject of human Joy: A Bible Study on church fathers may • Biographies suffering and how it relates Philippians for Women sound vaguely to divine sovereignty. 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Each day there is a and demonstrating their deep concern for and Sacraments reading and some questions to answer. preserving the core tenets of the Christian The King in His Beauty Spiral-bound, 150 pages, Cruciform Press faith. Softcover, 301 pages, Brazos Press • Church History By Gerald Hamstra RBS Price $9.00 RBS Price $21.00 A rich exposition of the manifold • Confessional grace of God from the hand of The Conviction to Lead Praying Always Rev. Gerald Hamstra. Many of By Albert R. Mohler By Frans Bakker Standards the selections in this book have Cultures and organizations Originally published as Facets of Prayer, been written and refined over do not change without Praying Always is a brief but remarkable • Counselling many decades of active ministry. strong leadership. While study of the life of As a result, they have a beautiful ripeness that many leadership books prayer. With great • Creation satisfies hungry hearts. “The meditations brought focus on management or simplicity and together in this volume are characterized by their administration, the central directness of style • Daily Devotionals focus on Christ as the only savior of lost sinners...” focus of this book is on it covers a variety Hardcover, 550 pages, Free Reformed Publications changing minds. Using his of important • Evangelism & Mis- RBS Price $18.00 own experiences and examples from history, themes: prayer in Dr. Mohler demonstrates that real leadership is secret, humility, sions Through Gates of Splendor a transferring of conviction to others, affecting effective prayer, • Historical Fiction By Elisabeth Elliott their actions, motivations, intuition, and unfulfilled prayer, In 1956, five young men, commitment. This practical guide walks the and various other • Marriage, Family, including Elliot’s husband, reader through what a leader needs to know, do, important topics. A recent reprint is an travelled into the jungles and be, in order to affect change. indication of the book’s popularity. Parenting of Ecuador to establish Hardcover, 220 pages, Bethany House Softcover, 94 pages, Banner of Truth Trust communication with the fierce RBS Price $19.50 RBS Price $6.75 • Music, Psalters Waorani tribe. In a nearby village, their wives waited to • Practical Religion hear from them. The news they received---all five missionaries had been In Canada: • Revival murdered---changed lives forever. A powerful story REFORMED BOOK SERVICES of great courage and God’s grace to inspire new 230 Lynden Road, Unit 5A, Brantford, ON N3R 8A3 • Sermons generations of young Christians. Hardcover, 277 pages, Hendrickson RBS Price $16.00 Tel: 519.304.4709 • email: [email protected] • Theology www.reformedbookservices.ca The Heroic Boldness Store Hour: Monday 10-5; Thursday 10-9; Friday 10-5; Saturday10-3. CDs of beautiful of Martin Luther By Steve J. Lawson choral and Luther used every legitimate means to make known instrumental the truths of Scripture. His USA Customers: strategies included writing REFORMATION HERITAGE BOOKS music books, tracts, pamphlets, and letters, as well as classroom lectures, public 2965 Leonard St. N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49525 debates, and heated disputations in churches Tel. 616-977-0599 • Fax: 626-285-3246 and universities. But his chief means of producing Gift Certificates reform was the pulpit, where he proclaimed the www.heritagebooks.org • email: [email protected] truths of God’s Word with great courage. Dr.

10 THE MESSENGER I MARCH 2013 Gleanings FROM THE CHURCHES BY REV. J. OVERDUIN Hamilton Planning to Build Soon/Dundas Doing Rev. Schoeman sent me a follow-up note a few days later: “The Renovations/Vineland’s New Building Soon Ready autopsy showed that he was in excellent health. There was no After months of planning, the Hamilton Free Reformed Church evidence of heart attack or stroke. I can also add that my father-in- is finally ready to begin building a new place of worship. It will law’s funeral was attended by hundreds of people from all across be built on the site of the current building. This will involve the N. Ireland. Many said it was the largest funeral they had ever Hamilton congregation having to worship elsewhere for a number attended. It was even reported on in the newspapers. Because of months. Arrangements have been made with the Dundas FRC my father-in-law served as a town councillor and was involved to use their building on the Lord’s day, with Hamilton’s services in politics for many years, several politicians were in attendance being held at 11:30am and 6:00pm. The last worship services in at the funeral. An expression of sympathy was also read in the the current Hamilton building will be on February 24. N. Ireland parliament. The funeral was conducted by my in- laws’ pastor, Rev. David Silversides who preached in some of our Meanwhile, Dundas itself is beginning a renovation project to churches a few years ago and spoke at our Church Day. He is the enlarge the narthex and upgrade the rear entrance of their church pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Loughbrickland, facility. The work is set to begin soon. N.I. where my in-laws attend. The sermon was from 1 Peter 1:24: Finally, the FRC of Vineland is nearing completion of its new “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of building. At this point, the hope is that it will be ready about mid- grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away...” April or so. You can visit the following blog to see pictures: http:// Let us pray for the Schoeman family and for the Lord’s comfort www.vinelandfreereformedchurch.blogspot.ca. to be with them in the days to come. “If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will May the Lord bless all these efforts to improve or build adequate God bring with him ... wherefore, comfort one another with these and even beautiful places of worship, and most of all, may they be words” (1 Thess. 4:14,18). aids to help the various congregations “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (Ps. 96:9). Some Quotes To Reflect On From Bulletins In Calgary: Sudden Death of Mrs. Susan Schoeman’s Father • “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” Corrie Ten The following note was in the St. George bulletin on Sunday, Boom February 10. “As most of you have heard, this past Thursday the Lord • “Do not have your concert first and tune your instruments took out of the midst of our family my wife’s father, Mr. John Hillis. afterward. Begin the day with God.” Hudson Taylor He was 65 years old. At time of writing we are still not sure exactly • “The measure of our love for others can largely be determined what happened. He was in his work truck on a two lane highway not by the frequency and earnestness of our prayers for them.” A.W. far from home when he hit an oncoming vehicle. Strangely – but Pink thankfully – the driver of the other vehicle was taken to hospital but • “Genuine Christian faith and life can exist only so long as it was released later the same day. My wife called the hospital where remains a daily appropriation of Christ.” J. M Reu he was taken. The nurse who answered the phone immediately • “It is difficult to see how Christianity can have a positive effect on put her in touch with my brother-in-law who informed her that society if it cannot transform its own homes.” John MacArthur he had passed away only a few minutes earlier. At the time my • “Those who teach by their doctrine must teach by their life, or mother-in-law was still on her way to the hospital. Because there else they pull down with one hand what they build up with the did not appear to be any real reason for the crash, the hospital has other.” Matthew Henry ordered an autopsy to be performed to determine if he suffered a • “If you are idle in Christ’s work, you are active in the devil’s work.” stroke or heart attack while driving. Needless to say, our hearts are C.H. Spurgeon broken. My mother-in-law is also completely shattered by this. But • “It is easier to cry against one-thousand sins of others than to our sadness is tempered by the knowledge that his trust was in the kill one of your own.” John Flavel Lord Jesus Christ and that he is now standing in the presence of his • “…You are either in the Word and the Word is conforming you Redeemer, forever praising and glorifying His name.... Susan and I to the image of Jesus Christ, or you are in the world and the left for Northern Ireland on Saturday and hope to return on Friday. world is squeezing you into its mold.” H. Hendricks Please continue to remember us in your prayers – including Susan’s • “A man’s treatment of money is the most decisive test of his mother Eleanor, and Susan’s brother Colin and her sister Claire character - how he makes it and how he spends it.” James – as well as our children whom we have had to leave behind to Moffat grieve by themselves. Congregation, we do not always understand • “Let us so adhere to the Word of God that no novelty may God’s dealings with us, but this much we can say: our lives are but captivate us and lead us astray.” John Calvin a vapour. At any time death can come and then we must appear before the Judgment seat of God. Therefore we must be ready. Rev. Joel Overduin is the pastor of the Free Reformed Church of And if we are ready, we must stay ready. Let us live every moment Mitchell, Ontario. of every day as though it is our last.

MARCH 2013 I THE MESSENGER 11 The MIRACLES

of CHRIST - 12

The Healing of the Daughter of a Canaanite Woman>>

BIBLE STUDY BY DR. G.M. BILKES scripture READing: Matthew 15:21-28

In the late 1990s, when I lived for some months in king David, Tyre’s king, Hiram, had been in league with Jerusalem, there were beggars daily at the gates of David, and provided wood from the forests of this area Jerusalem, holding out their hand. To me, they all for the building of the temple. Once during a famine, looked like beggars, emblems of misery by the side of the Elijah had gone and miraculously supplied oil and meal road, taking what you put into their hands and giving to a widow woman and her son to keep them alive. a grateful nod. On one occasion, I passed some beggars with a friend near one of the gates into the city. All of Now there was another woman here who needed help. a sudden, we heard a cell-phone go off, and a “beggar” We read that this Canaanite woman came crying after jumped up and out of his dark and dingy bag, grabbed Jesus, saying repeatedly: “O Lord, thou Son of David: my his ringing cell-phone and walked away with it to answer daughter is grievously vexed with a devil” (see Matt. 15: it. My friend and I moved out of the way watching 22). This unclean outcast of a woman had, as it were, the what kind of stunned me. The “beggar’s” demeanor had devil breathing down her neck. He had her daughter in changed completely. He started arguing with someone his grasp. on the cell-phone and soon left the spot to hail a taxi. I was dumbfounded till my friend explained that there Notice that she called Him Christ, “the son of David.” She are quite a few con artists, who live normal lives in their probably didn’t know the passage, but the Old Testament apartments, and dress up like beggars and simply for had prophesied that the son of David would “deliver the gain play the role of a beggar. needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that that hath no helper” (Ps. 72:12). Clearly, this woman had Unlike this trick beggar, the woman we meet in our text heard of Christ. Undoubtedly, she had heard of the many was a true beggar, who obtained a great and gracious people who had been brought to Him for healing, and miracle, namely, the healing of her demon-possessed He had healed them all, including people possessed of daughter. demons. Perhaps she had even heard how at one time he had even spoken about her country when he had warned A Needy Suppliant Chorazin and Bethsaida: “It shall be more tolerable for In our passage, Christ was nearing the end of his Galilean Tyre and Sidon … than for you … for if the mighty works ministry. He had taught many things and done many … done in thee, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they miracles, and the time was soon approaching that he would have repented in dust in ashes” (Matt. 11:22). would leave Galilee to go to Jerusalem. The opposition against him had been increasing as well, to the point that Clearly, the Holy Spirit had blessed whatever she had He determined to withdraw to the northern edge of the heard so that she had not simply heard it as the word of Promised Land, into the region of Tyre and Sidon. This men, but as the word of God (1 Thess. 2:13). At the same area was the home of many of the original Canaanites, time, her need was so great. Every day, the devil would whom Israel had been commanded to drive out of the remind her of his power over her daughter! Who could land. God had often sent judgments and curses to the help her against such a powerful force? Canaanites because of their iniquity. A Testing Saviour This region of Tyre and Sidon, however, had enjoyed We read of a number of trials that this needy woman met some tokens of favour in the past. Back in the days of with on her way to the answer she sought. The first was

12 THE MESSENGER I MARCH 2013 >>

the silence of Jesus. We read: “He answered her not a It is as if He compared her to a yelping dog interrupting word” (Matt. 15:23). It must have seemed as if hell was a father who is trying to feed his children. open to her, but heaven was shut. That’s what it must have been like for her - having the demon-possessed It speaks to her faith that seemingly she has her response daughter on the one hand, and a silent Saviour on the ready. She replied: “Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the other hand. Her cries were so loud; but Christ‘s mouth crumbs which fall from their masters’ table” (Matt. 15:27). remained closed. If she had been offended by the Lord who was comparing her to an unclean The second trial was the impatience QUESTIONS: animal, she would have missed the 1. From this passage and others, what helps do you of the disciples. This must have suggest to those who find their prayers don’t blessing the Lord was about to give made matters worse for her. They receive answer? her. But her eye was on one thing, the sought Christ’s intervention to 2. How does the impatience of the disciples towards Lord’s help. She knew how helpless make her go away. “Send her away; this woman convict us of our impatience at times and hopeless she was without it. To for she crieth after us” (Matt. with people who don’t fit a certain mold? What be compared to a dog is a compliment 15:23). should this tell us about how we regard those if you know you deserve hell. She with needs around us? was content to be called a dog. Like The third trial was the apparent 3. Show how the woman’s short prayer, “Lord, help Jacob, this woman would not take no rebuff of the Saviour. When me,” had all the main ingredients of true prayer. for an answer. She knew that she had 4. What do we learn from the woman about agree- Christ finally did answer her, He ing to whatGo to the now, Lord yesays that about say, us inToday His Word? scavenged for food the whole world said: “I am not sent but unto the Why is that so difficult? over, but come up short with nothing lost sheep of the house of Israel” 5. Christ had just fed the 5,000 (Matt 14:15-21). to feed her empty soul. (Matt. 15:26). Indeed, for the most Is there any connection between this woman’s part Christ limited Himself with a request for crumbs from the Master’s table? A Rich Feast few exceptions to those who were The triumph of the woman could Israelites. To the woman it must have sounded that if scarcely be greater. Not only was her daughter made whole she had been an Israelite, Christ would have helped her. from that very hour (v. 28), Christ gave her so much more. But sadly, she was a Canaanite. He said to her: “Be it done unto thee even as thou wilt” (v. 28). Although she was content with a crumb, the Saviour What was the Saviour doing to this woman? Doesn’t the puts the whole of heaven’s wealth at her disposal. Scripture say: “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast The reason the Lord could do this was because on the out” (John 6:37)? Certainly, the Lord won’t cast her out. cross, His body would be broken and His blood shed for Listen carefully to the Saviour’s words here. So often a full atonement. He could cast out this devil, because He we interpret silence as denial and discouragement as would defeat him at the cross. He could give this woman total rejection. Yet, the all-wise Saviour was trying this a rich feast, because He hungered and thirsted under the woman’s faith. He was putting her to the test, to bring displeasure of His Father for sinners like this woman. In out the tenacity of her faith. He knew her faith before other words: He became a worm and no man, in order He tried her, just like the Lord knew Abraham’s faith that dogs like this woman might be accepted as sons and before He tried it (see Gen. 22:1). daughters. He took her hell in order to make her an heir of heaven. Paradoxically, the woman took encouragement, even from the Saviour’s apparent rebuff. Kneeling down Perhaps you have had long nights of silence, discourage- before Him, she spoke simply and strongly: “Lord, help ment after discouragement, or even felt like hell was me” (Matt. 15:25). Here we see the heart of true prayer. breathing down your neck? But while there is life – there is hope. This is the important question: Do you agree Even now, the Lord was not done testing her. Now came with what the Lord says about you in His Word? Do you the final trial for this woman, and arguably, the most agree that you are a dog, a leper, an outcast, and a rebel? severe. Jesus said: “It is not meet to take the children’s Whatever He says, agree with him quickly, wholeheartedly; bread, and cast it to the dogs” (Matt. 15:26). Taken for then the Lord’s answer is the same to you as it was to simply on the surface, this was an insult to the woman. this woman … be it unto you even as you will.

MARCH 2013 I THE MESSENGER 13 BOOK REVIEW By rev. c. PRONK, editor PRESBYTERIAN AND REFORMED CHURCHES A Global History by James E. McGoldrick with Richard kings. The Reformation began with Luther and the revival Clark Reed and Thomas Hugh Spence Jr. Published by Ref- of the biblical doctrines of grace, but when it concerned ormation Heritage Books, Grand Rapids, MI, USA, 2012; church government Luther and his fellow reformers did 566 pages, hardback. This book may be obtained from Ref- not pay much attention to “the visible form of Christ’s ormation Heritage Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan and kingdom of grace” (p. 3). They left church government Reformed Book Services, Brantford, Ontario, Canada. more or less as circumstances dictated. Before this book was published, I had some contact with This changed when John Calvin, inspired by Martin Dr. McGoldrick in reference to the “Dutch connection,” and Bucer of Strasbourg, was able to restore the biblical form so I received a copy, suggesting a book review, with which of church government, which centred on rule by elders I happily comply. With this book Dr. James McGoldrick, chosen by the congregation. Motivated by his desire professor of church history at Greenville to free the church from state control and Presbyterian Theological Seminary, has made having discovered the New Testament a very valuable contribution to students of principles of correct church polity, Calvin the history of the Reformed faith by tracing was determined to implement the biblical its origin and spread throughout the world. offices in the face of strong opposition from While based on a much earlier work by the city magistrates who regarded his efforts church historians Richard Clark (d. 1925) as a challenge to their authority. After a and Thomas Spence (d. 1986), [this explains fifteen year long struggle, his teaching their naming with the author], McGoldrick prevailed. Thus Calvin accomplished two provides a thorough revision and update important results: 1) the laity was given a of their earlier work, bringing the story of half-share in the government of the church Presbyterian and Reformed churches into and the notion of a sacerdotal clergy being the present century. spiritually superior to ordinary Christians was discredited; 2) the people were given Based on Synagogue Government As for the origin of these churches, McGoldrick does not the right to govern themselves and to initiate resistance begin with Calvin and the Reformed Church at Geneva, to tyrannies. but with the New Testament Church which was governed McGoldrick sums up the effect of Calvin’s labours this by elders or presbyters which in turn was a continuation way: of the practices followed for centuries in the synagogues. Wherever his teaching gained acceptance, people Throughout the New Testament era, presbyters also began to demand their rights as citizens, not subjects, known as bishops, constituted a plurality, some serving of the state. He did not advocate democracy in the as teachers, others as rulers, but all having the same modern usage of that term, yet the freest nations of authority as overseers of the flock. the contemporary world are still those in which his After the death of the apostles a tendency developed teaching has the deepest roots (p. 8). to regard one of the elders as the sole bishop with Presbyterian and Reformed Churches Worldwide authority over the other elders (p. 1). This gradually led After these introductory remarks, McGoldrick begins to a movement away from the original Presbyterian polity a survey of Presbyterian and Reformed churches toward episcopy (rule by bishops), resulting in a hierarchy, worldwide. As the subtitle of his book indicates, it is with bishops becoming priests who assumed the role of indeed a global history. Although most of our readers mediators between God and man. Consequently, the will know that the Reformed faith was not limited to sacraments replaced the preaching of the Word and Geneva and Switzerland but soon spread to France, the became the church’s central function (p. 2). Netherlands, Scotland, England and from Great Britain to Calvin and Church Government North America, I doubt if many are aware of the fact that Next, McGoldrick moves to the 16th century. At this time Reformed and Presbyterian churches are found, not only the government of the church was firmly in the hands of on all five continents but in most countries located in all the hierarchy of the church, presided by popes as virtual the continents. A quick count in McGoldrick’s book shows

14 THE MESSENGER I MARCH 2013 that no fewer than 95 nations have a Reformed presence, although in most countries the churches are very small, in some cases numbering only one or two congregations. Very helpful in this book is the history it provides of the origin and growth of Presbyterian and Reformed churches in various countries. Extensive reports are given of the establishment and development of Reformed churches in the Netherlands, Scotland, the USA and Korea. Not only success stories are recorded. The author also Word & deed Ministries relates how in some countries the Reformed faith had seeks to help needy people in the developing world a promising beginning and went through rapid growth, by bringing aid in the name of Jesus Christ. while it ended with great disappointment in countries projects focus on... sponsor a child, such as in France, Calvin’s native land. > the Gospel joIn a Business Group, Learn More by Visiting... At times, the beginning looked hopeful, but the flame of > Indigenous partnerships > self-sufficiency >www.wordanddeed.org true religion was snuffed out quickly, only to be rekindled centuries later as in Brazil. In this country, many are embracing the doctrines of grace today, so that one can contact us: speak of a revival of authentic Calvinism, with many can: 877.375.9673 usa: 866.391.5728 Reformed books being translated into Portuguese, the e: [email protected] language of Brazil (p. 382). Serving God, Bridging Communities, Renewing Lives On the other hand, in neighbouring Argentina, the Reformed presence has always been small and shows no signs of significant growth. Clearly, we see God’s sovereignty at work here. That sovereignty is revealed Presbyterianism constitutes the largest segment of also in Korea, where the Reformed faith has taken hold Christianity in South Korea; although it must be added in a remarkably powerful way, beginning in the mid 19th that liberalism has made inroads into the churches there century. As a result of Scottish missionaries and American too, causing many secessions from the original body. Presbyterian missionary endeavours in Manchuria, some Nevertheless, there are several smaller denominations native Koreans were converted who then spread the and congregations where the Reformed faith is adhered to Gospel to their own people. Their efforts resulted in the and lived out (pp. 518-524). tremendous growth of Presbyterian churches, despite Assessment terrible persecution from Japanese invaders who forced Assessing the situation of the Korean as well as many Christians to worship at Shinto shrines. Although some other Presbyterian and Reformed denominations, bowed under pressure, others refused and paid the McGoldrick concludes that although “in the providence heavy price of imprisonment and even death. Today, of God the Reformed faith has spread to every inhabited

Schedule of 2013 SPRING Synodical Committee Meetings to be held in the FREE REFORMED CHURCH OF ST. GEORGE Tuesday, March 19 Wednesday, March 20 Thursday, March 21 Friday, March 22 Saturday March 23

9am Theological Ed. Theological Ed. Publications Interchurch Relations am London FRC lunch 12 lunch 12 lunch 10 lunch 12 Combined FRC/ 1 - 4 pm Theological Ed. Theological Ed. Publications Interchurch Relations HRC Officebearers Conference supper 0 supper 0 supper 0 supper 0 7 - 10pm Ministerial Psalter Revision 8 Church Order 6 Ethics Committee 6 Youth & Ed 8 Outreach 13 Please direct requests for insertions / changes to: Synodical Committee Meeting Coordinator Hans VanDoodewaard. [email protected]

MARCH 2013 I THE MESSENGER 15 BOOK REVIEW By rev. c. PRONK, editor continent of the earth, and the number of local churches institution the fight of faith was carried on, led by Gresham and denominational bodies operating with Presbyterian Machen, John Murray and Cornelius Van Til. polity is large, … declining membership has [also] been Development of Smaller Reformed Denominations a lamentable fact of life… In many cases, subscription to The book includes an update on developments in the Dutch Presbyterian polity does not necessarily indicate adherence Reformed denominations in North America, the Reformed to historic Reformed theology.” Sadly, he adds, in all too Church of America and the Christian Reformed Church. An many cases, Presbyterian denominations have affiliated explanation is given of the reasons for the recent secession with the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, an of a considerable number of congregations from this latter organization with distinct liberal views, such as openness denomination to form the United Reformed Churches in to ordination of women. North America. Mention is also made of some of the smaller Thankfully, a growing number of Presbyterian and Reformed denominations with a Dutch background: the Reformed denominations have recently joined the ICRC Protestant Reformed Churches in America, the Netherlands (International Conference of Reformed Churches). Another Reformed Church [Congregations], the Heritage Reformed encouraging development is the steadily growing interest Churches and the Free Reformed Churches of North in sound Reformed literature produced by such publishing America. The reasons for their existence, historical houses as the Banner of Truth Trust, Presbyterian and backgrounds and distinctives and confessional loyalties are Reformed Publishers (P&R), Evangelical Press, Christian briefly sketched. Focus Publications and Reformation Heritage Books (p. Of special interest to our readers is that the roots of the 541). Free Reformed Churches (FRC) are traced to the Secession It is the opinion of this reviewer that McGoldrick’s book is of of 1834. No reference is made here to the decision in 1892 great value and usefulness, not only because it tells the story not to unite with the Doleantie churches led by Abraham of Presbyterian and Reformed churches in a statistically Kuyper but to continue as faithful Secession churches. This correct way. It is not just a reference book for people fact is, however, briefly mentioned in the account of the looking for information about a certain denomination in mother church of the FRC, the Christelijke Gereformeerde a certain country. It does serve that purpose; but it offers Kerken in Nederland (p.71). But the reasons why the much more. The author describes the origin of the churches FRC fathers did not join the Doleantie churches are not and denominations he loves in the spirit of Lord’s Day 21 discussed. Perhaps it is too much to expect such a detail, of the Heidelberg Catechism, as the work of “the Son of God given the scope of this book. In fairness, it should be who from the beginning to the end of the world gathers, pointed out that the author does deal with these issues defends, and preserves to himself by his Spirit and Word in considerable detail in another book he wrote some out of the whole human race, a church chosen to everlasting years ago, titled Abraham Kuyper: God’s Renaissance Man life, agreeing in true faith.” (Evangelical Press, 2000, pp. 132-137). That it is indeed Christ who builds His Church is made Valuable Resource very clear by the author’s use of stories about missionaries With the present book, James McGoldrick has made a and church workers who felt called by the Lord to sacrifice major contribution to our understanding of the history time, energy and even their lives for the sake of the Gospel and present state of international Calvinism. For those who and out of love for God’s Church. We read of their struggles tend to be discouraged with the decline of true religion, against Roman Catholicism at the time of the Reformation especially in the West, this book serves as an antidote to and later against Protestant liberalism. Their heroic defense this state of mind. It shows us that the Reformed faith is of the Reformed faith is documented in considerable detail, alive and well on planet earth, if not in our own immediate for instance in the chapters dealing with Presbyterianism environment, then it surely is in many other parts of the in the USA. We read of the Princeton school, once the world. bulwark of classic “Old Calvinism,” led by great and godly This book will also be very helpful to mission and relief men like Archibald Alexander, Charles Hodge and Warfield organizations because it gives extensive and reliable who defended Reformed theology against a variety of information about the state of religion, specifically the departures from that theology. They opposed the New Reformed faith, in countries one may be considering for School revivalism, Arminianism and later, the rising school possible mission work. The book is well documented with of German Higher Criticism and other manifestations of an extensive index. liberalism. This battle they lost, but they regrouped and started Westminster Theological Seminary from which Heartily recommended.

16 THE MESSENGER I MARCH 2013 TEACHERS NEEDED NEWS FROM JORDAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL is receiving The Board of OXFORD REFORMED PURITAN REFORMED applications for secondary positions for the CHRISTIAN SCHOOL invites coming 2013-2014 school year. We are a small applications for a THEOLOGICAL JK-12 school nestled among the vineyards GRADE 2 TEACHER for the 2013/2014 and orchards of the Niagara Peninsula, just school year. SEMINARY outside of St. Catharines, Ontario. Next year We are a parent-run school serving we need to fill approximately 1.5 positions, the needs of several local Reformed LEARN THE BIBLE’S and we are looking for energetic teachers communities and have been operating for ORIGINAL LANGUAGES qualified in the areas of science, French, eight years. We have been blessed with and business. If you are committed to a new facility located in Mt. Elgin, a rural For those who are interested in learning teaching from a Reformed worldview and are village in South-western Ontario. Our the original languages, Puritan Reformed present enrolment is 220 students and we interested in joining our teaching team, we Theological Seminary has both Greek and welcome your application. offer Kindergarten to grade 12. We have a need for a qualified, energetic primary Hebrew courses online and available to Please include in your resume package a teacher to join our staff team. Qualified statement of faith as well as a philosophy anyone regardless of their geographical applicants committed to the Reformed of education, and send it to principal Mr. location. These courses are specifically faith and passionate about Christian Mark Fintelman, [email protected] education are encouraged to apply. designed for online learners. Each student in or Education Committee secretary Mr. John Applications should include a resume, these courses gets full access to the instructor Berman, [email protected]. statement of faith, philosophy of via phone, chat, Skype, etc. While this is Mark Fintelman, principal - Christian education, and references. labelled an independent study, you will not Jordan Christian School Promptly send to: Oxford Reformed 4171 15th Street, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0 Christian School, c/o Mr. W.Van Brugge find yourself alone. Interested students can Tel: 905-562-4023; Fax: 905-562-4024 (principal), Box 87, 333182 Plank Line, enroll in the course with no obligation for E-mail: [email protected]; Mt. Elgin, ON, N0J 1N0. thirty days. www.jordanchristianschool.ca E-mail: [email protected]. School Ph: 519-485-1142 Fx: 519-485-6352 Henk Kleyn PROVIDENCE REFORMED COLLEGIATE (Komoka, ON) invites applications for the PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary position of HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER. (Monarch AB) invites applications for the 2965 Leonard Street NE In the coming school year, Providence has 2013-14 school year for the positions of Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 a definite need for a teacher in the areas of • Principal - The full-time Principal tel: 616-977-0599 ext. 120; position may include some Math and Science. The possibility exists for fax: 616-855-5740 teachers to instruct a wide range of courses classroom teaching. Experience as an including Phys. Ed., Computer Studies, administrator is desired, as well as the www.puritanseminary.org Business, Bible, Art, and English, so applicants ability to communicate with parents with interest in any of these areas are and the Providence Christian School Society Board. encouraged to apply. Providence is a vibrant • Elementary Teachers growing school community in its 16th year of • Junior High Teachers operation with 109 students in grades 9-12. • Senior High Teachers The school is located a few minutes west of Providence Christian School is situated London in a recently built facility. in a beautiful, southern Alberta rural Qualified individuals who seek to serve in the community, minutes from Lethbridge. field of Reformed Christian education, who PCS has grades K-12 with 100 students submit to Scripture and as it is summarized and 17 staff members. We are also looking in the Reformed Confessions, are invited into expanding our current building. We to submit a resume, a statement of faith, a offer a four-day school week, competitive statement of your philosophy of education, salaries/benefits, a growing, committed and letters of reference (including one from school community, a dedicated team of your church consistory) to: teaching staff. We encourage qualified Providence Reformed Collegiate, teachers/administrators who submit P.O. Box 114 – 93 Queen Street, to God’s Holy Word and the Reformed Komoka, ON N0L 1R0, or by email: confessions, and are committed to [email protected] educating children and youth in the For more information contact the principal, Reformed Christian perspective to apply. Mr. Chris deBoer at (519) 471-0661. Please send your resume, references, statement of faith and philosophy of Christian education to: LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA Mr. Rob Kleen, Board Chairman, Looking for a Unique Accommodation? Providence Christian School, Box 240, Cottages in Country Setting. Monarch, AB T0L 1M0 or for more information contact: e-mail: A choice you’ll never regret! [email protected]; www. Ernst and Louise Sluijmers 403-329-8181 pcsmonarch.com; Phone: 403-381-4418 www.elbas.com (school); 403-553-0302 (home)

MARCH 2013 I THE MESSENGER 17 “LEGALIZATION” OF EDUCATION Part 3: Bullying Behaviour and School Requirements1

EDUCATION BY TED POSTMA What is Bullying? circumstances, gender, gender identity, gender expression, Human behaviour, as recorded in history and observed in race, disability or the receipt of special education.2 contemporary society, is rife with the presence of a scourge commonly identified as “bullying.” Bullying is a sad and The World Health Organization uses the following evil reality which easily emerges everywhere and at any definition: Bullying is a multifaceted form of mistreatment, time in the scope of human relations and interactions. mostly seen in schools and the workplace. It is characterized It is not a new phenomenon. What is bullying? There is by the repeated exposure of one person to physical and/ no standard definition and most definitions relate to the or emotional aggression including teasing, name-calling, school context. Some of the existing definitions are vague, mockery, threats, harassment, taunting, hazing, social open ended or vulnerable to subjective interpretations. exclusion or rumours. A widely accepted definition comes Some are overwhelmingly complex with human rights from the respected Norwegian researcher, Dr. Dan fingerprints evident. The Ontario Education Ministry Olweus: Bullying is a pattern of repeated aggressive behavior, Policy/Program Memorandum #144, as based on a recent with negative intent, directed from one child to another where legislative amendment to the Education Act, defines there is a power imbalance. Elsewhere, he replaces “child” bullying as aggressive and typically repeated behaviour by with “one or more persons” which is more appropriate as a pupil where, this rightfully includes adults. Adults exhibit bullying A the behaviour is intended by the pupil to have the effect behaviour too. For example, certain school parents have of, or the pupil ought to know that the behaviour would be earned a reputation for being bullies when repeatedly likely to have the effect of, making demands and even threatening legal or other i) causing harm, fear or distress to another individual, action if their wishes are not honoured. Teachers come including physical, psychological, social or academic to dread having children from such parents in their harm, harm to the individual’s reputation or harm to the classrooms. The children also suffer, as there is no longer individual’s property, or a sense of collaboration between home and school. Other ii) creating a negative environment at a school for another examples of adult bullying include spousal abuse, seniors’ individual, and abuse and workplace harassment. B the behaviour occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance between the pupil and the In summary, there are usually three critical conditions individual based on factors such as size, strength, age, which suggest bullying behaviour: intelligence, peer group power, economic status, social a) the bully acquires power through status, peer support status, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, family and perhaps physical size;

18 THE MESSENGER I MARCH 2013 b) bullying behaviour is a repeated act, not an isolated the action are hardly considered by the perpetrator. In one-time act; fact, research shows that cyberbullying has created a new c) the bully has the intent to physically or emotionally set of bullies. 75% of online bullies do not pursue their harm the victim through direct or indirect means. victims offline; they are not the ones who would bully face to face.6 This is because they believe they do not There are three main roles or members populating a have to take ownership for their actions. It can be done bullying file: the bully, the bystander, and the victim. anonymously or outside of one’s personal space. There is (I will come back to these terms later.) A tidal wave of a false sense of detachment. There is also a false sense of literature, speakers and intervention programs has now trust when a potential victim stupidly exposes himself or flooded the market defining the bully, the bystander and herself on the Internet. the victim in terms of needs, appearances, mental health, social aptitude, social status and deportment. All the About five years ago, I attended a seminar on education research notwithstanding, parents do tend and the social media. High school students to identify bullying behaviour too easily or What is of increasing explained how out of touch educators were dismiss it too quickly. The critical indicator interest is evidence with reality. Which reality? Virtual/cyber reality. Communicating in person or face to in my mind is whether one is dealing with a suggesting that tough face no longer mattered. All interaction was repeated act with intent to harm. anti-bullying laws and destined to take place via the social media policies tend to reduce Is bullying behaviour actually receding? or through technology. Teachers needed to obvious physical abuse The answer is open for debate. Various learn to use social media in order to reach but in turn lead to more studies from the past 15 years reveal that these students. The students pointed out about 40% of school children claim to covert nonphysical that their brains were already wired quite have been bullied or were bullies. The data aggression or differently. For them, reality was associated fluctuated slightly over the years, but the relational bullying. with quick messages/images and impulse percentages are not dipping significantly. response. They also stated that bullying Canada, however, ranks quite poorly in comparison only took place via social media and it would remain to other nations including the USA and Great Britain. there (inside a cyber world) – so they claimed. Experts conclude our preventative programs are simply not good enough.3 What is of increasing interest is These students had something to say but they were evidence suggesting that tough anti-bullying laws and also misguided. Cyberbullying doesn’t stay inside the policies tend to reduce obvious physical abuse but in turn cyber world; it is transferred to the real world, to real lead to more covert nonphysical aggression or relational time, where it affects personal relationships. Whether bullying.4 Cyberbullying may be implicated here. it is internalized or exposed, cyberbullying affects one’s personal wellbeing for a long, long time. Cyberbullying has Cyberbullying become commonplace and parents need to pay attention. In its equity and inclusive guidelines, the Ontario 53% of students admit to sending hurtful messages, 43% Ministry of Education defines cyberbullying as bullying of students have been cyberbullied. Only 10% of bullying that occurs through the use of information and communication victims tell their parents – that is in contrast to 84% of technologies, e.g. spreading rumours or hurtful images or parents who believe their children will tell them.7 comments by means of e-mails or text messaging, or on social media sites or personal websites.5 For whatever motive, Recently, Canadians were stunned by the suicide of information is posted and with a click of a mouse it goes Amanda Todd. This 15 year-old Port Coquitlam, B.C. viral – potentially viewable by a vast, invisible audience. teenager took her own life after posting information Cyberbullying is telephone gossip at a new level: hurtful about her “never ending story” in which she was being messages (including images) communicated to a bullied into depression – to death. It began with a webcam wider audience at remarkable speed without a braking dare for her to lift her shirt. Thereafter the clock could mechanism. not be turned back. She was shunned and ridiculed; she ate her lunch alone. She was overwhelmed by relentless In cyberbullying there are no schoolyard boundaries. cyber predators. Her parents, school officials and police With Facebook, Twitter and Youtube swarming all around knew what was going on but felt powerless to redirect us, there are no safe places, not even the home. Since the the downward spiral and prevent the inevitable and audience is at a distance, the impact and consequence of tragic end.

MARCH 2013 I THE MESSENGER 19 Amanda’s story presents a sense of despair for all of us. required; it contained a range of protections regarding Not only because a young life was ruined and is gone, the rights of the alleged perpetrator. Bill 157 (Keeping but also because there is another tragedy associated our Kids Safe at School, 2009) attempted to correct the with cyberbullying: we feel so powerless to stop it. There oversights of Bill 212 and required the principal to report are many stories out there concerning cyberbullying to the victim’s parents. It also required that all school and its devastating impact. The emphasis on freedom employees report serious incidents to the principal, and of expression and the “cloak and dagger” shelter the it gave the principal or his designate authority to conduct Internet allows make it very difficult to prosecute or an investigation under the Education Act (but not the identify cyberbullies. Criminal Code).8 Bill 13 (Accepting School Often cyberbullying Act, 2012) promoted an inclusive school Often cyberbullying takes place off school takes place off school climate in concert with human rights codes; property and school officials feel they have it required gay-straight clubs among other property and school very little legal recourse. The vast array of things in order to address victimization due officials feel they have anti-bullying legislation and policies do not to sexual orientation.9 very little legal recourse. clearly address cyberbullying in the context of offsite cyberbullying. This may change The vast array of anti- Yet educators are left wondering where the soon as courts are beginning to recognize bullying legislation and limits truly are in terms of their authority that social interaction among teenagers policies do not clearly and the extent of their responsibilities. generally begins within the school setting address cyberbullying There are competing considerations when and it affects the school setting in return. in the context of offsite a principal investigates a serious bullying A principal is still responsible for the cyberbullying. incident. These considerations include the wellbeing of the students while at school, provisions of the Education Act, the Youth and the presence of someone detrimental to such Criminal Justice Act, the Criminal Code and the Canadian wellbeing should be addressed. Offsite cyberbullying will Charter of Rights and Freedom. Court cases arise when affect the victim onsite. I believe more judicial decisions anyone of the above considerations are alleged to have and legislation will specifically zoom in on this point in been contravened or when a principal is perceived to the near future. not have done enough or when a parent concludes the punishment was unjustified. Legislation and the Courts While recognizing that cyberbullying needs a lot more A student’s rights, whether he or she is a victim or a bully, attention, we do have a pandemic of well-intentioned cannot be treated lightly or ignored. Liability issues do legislation, policies and intervention programs stem from incidents of bullying at schools and negligence addressing traditional bullying. They are designed to is the most common complaint. To avoid a negligence legislate or prescribe away a scourge, which by the grace claim, school boards and officials should be aware that of God, will be tamed by conviction of sin, a repentant they must meet certain non-negotiables established heart and a sincere desire to be Christ-like. under statutory laws or recognized under common law. Negligence can be proven where the school breached This is not to say that legislative efforts are unwarranted its responsibilities or ‘duty of care.’ The statutory laws, or fruitless. They have become increasingly necessary such as the Education Act and its amendments, set the as our postmodern society deliberately seeks to raise standards of care, and these apply to bullying behaviour children without God. To combat school violence, and as well. in response to human rights settlements, the Ontario government has in the last five years ushered in three In summary, standards of care include maintaining significant amendments to the Education Act (Bill proper order and discipline, attending to the health and 212, Bill 157 and Bill 13), along with several Ontario comfort of the students, and refusing the presence of regulations and at least three policy/program memoranda any person in the school or at school related functions dealing with progressive discipline, a code of conduct, whose presence may be detrimental to the students. The and equity and inclusive education. Bill 212 (Progressive common law duty of care is less specific but in general Discipline and School Safety, 2007) extended the right it establishes that school authorities acting in place of to discipline actions that took place off school property parents owe the students a special duty of care, including (field trips, lunch breaks); it added bullying to the list of reasonable measures to prevent risks of harm within the infractions for which a suspension must be considered or school environment. The standard of care under common

20 THE MESSENGER I MARCH 2013 law is that of a reasonably careful or prudent parent. focus on achievements which are God honouring. Seeking This includes protecting the student from reasonably out stories of people who helped people in need or who foreseeable risks of injury. provided special services may help to redirect a bully.

What is implicated here? Supervision. A playground or 3) There are many reasons why certain students are hallway bullying incident resulting in injury, during the bullied. These reasons can range from ethnic background absence of supervision, could lead to a liability claim to physical size. Girls in particular place a lot of emphasis due to negligence under common law. Statutory law and on looks and clique prestige. Some girls become victims common law demand that it is important because they are quite socially delayed to to address bullying behaviour, not only Ultimately, the goal the point of being socially inept. They try because it is personally necessary for the hard to be accepted in a core group and are foremost on anyone’s bully, the bystander and the victim, but also incapable of extracting themselves before radar when required because schools have duty of care under the they are indeed ostracized. They tend to to redirect a bully, a law. Schools must protect the student, as exaggerate responses and echo meaningless one would expect of a prudent parent. bystander or a victim responses; they do not read signs when is pointing each one they are in someone’s space and face. They Christian schools may not necessarily fall to Jesus. need to be deliberately and wisely coached under statutory laws but they are most in social skills before the damage is too certainly subject to a common law duty of care. That great. A close friend or mentor is often most helpful. said, I am reminded once again of a comment by an Ontario judge I quoted in my first article who stated that 4) Among boys, it is not unusual that a student tries hard if statutory laws do not directly apply, the judicial system to be included in a group of “cool” boys. He tries to be a may even impose a public standard designed for public friend and the other boys may even treat him as a friend, schools on private schools.10 With all things considered, albeit not kindly. These new friends will grant themselves ignoring bullying behaviour may and should never be an the license to mistreat the newcomer because after all, option. “we’re friends, we’re only having fun, we’re only joking around.” Their new friend is part of the group but is made A Few Thoughts About Bullying Behaviour: to feel like a victim; he won’t say anything; he will pretend Up to this point, I have briefly touched on bullying everything is “cool” but is in fact deeply hurt. In fact, the behaviour relative to legal developments. I would also victim could be made to perform in an embarrassing way like to share a few things I have learned over the years ... all for fun. What these friends need to understand is concerning bullying behaviour: that when “joking around” occurs among friends it must not be at anyone’s expense. Friendship does not provide 1) In bullying behaviour literature, the main focus is a sense of entitlement to treat a friend as one pleases. usually on the bully and the victim, and rightly so. But There is never justification for making anyone feel like a the bystander is intriguing in that he or she can be the victim. Here too, the scarred victim needs guidance even bully’s assertive cheerleader or passive spectator. The to the point of extracting himself from the group. bystanders can be the oxygen or fuel which empowers bullies. A bully would lose his or her fuel if the bystanders Ultimately, the goal foremost on anyone’s radar when intervened on behalf of the victim or even walked away. required to redirect a bully, a bystander or a victim is It should also be noted that bystanders might well refrain pointing each one to Jesus. I am reminded of Psalm 23 from becoming associated with the victim out of fear of and what two former shepherds had to say about sheep becoming victims themselves. In fact, the bystander may lying down in green pasture.11 Both authors explained be victimized and paralyzed by what unfolds. Educators that when the shepherd was not nearby, bully sheep and parents need to redirect the bystanders, empower would agitate the other sheep. Agitated sheep were them to do the right thing and attend to their needs as unable to lie down in green pastures. But when the well. shepherd was nearby, the sheep quieted down and would lie down. Furthermore, the presence of the shepherd 2) A bully usually has low self-esteem, and has a driving constrained or tamed the bully sheep and it would lie need to be recognized and esteemed albeit through down too. The entire flock benefitted, including the bully unacceptable means. True, bullies ought to be punished sheep. I believe we have all experienced or continue to for specific deeds but goals should be set to help them experience situations in our lives where we (and our

MARCH 2013 I THE MESSENGER 21 children) are bystanders or bullies or victims. But in the Endnotes presence of our Good Shepherd, we will find relief and we 1 Behaviour is the Canadian spelling for behavior! 2 This definition comes from the Policy/Program Memorandum #144, will lie down in green pastures. 2013. The PPM calls on boards to develop policies dealing with bullying intervention, support and reporting. But do note how complicated Conclusion: things get with the following statement: Board policies must be I was asked to write a series of articles about the law and aligned with the requirements in Policy/Program Memorandum No. 119, “Developing and Implementing Equity and Inclusive Education its impact on Christian schools. I have chosen to stretch Policies in Ontario Schools”, June 24, 2009; in Regulation 181/98, the topic to include the impact on public school policy “Identification and Placement of Exceptional Pupils”; and in the Ontario and curriculum, and on legal developments curriculum policy documents. affecting all schools, i.e. school violence. We Board policies should also be aligned with strategies Christian schools are and initiatives outlined in related ministry documents, are living in a time when secular humanists not always sheltered including Caring and Safe Schools in Ontario: Supporting are blatantly framing the education and new legislation also Students with Special Education Needs through landscape of today. The landscape is has a way of coming in Progressive Discipline, Kindergarten to Grade 12, 2010; now dotted with policies, programs and Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy, 2009; 12 through the back door. Ontario First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education Policy legislation reflecting their goals. Formal Framework, 2007; and English Language Learners: ESL education is the venue through which these and ELD Programs and Services, 2007. Board policies goals are inculcated. I have tried to show that some of the should also be aligned with other relevant ministry strategies and ensuing policy and legal developments are beneficial and initiatives, such as Student Success and character development, as well as with Ontario’s mental health and addictions strategy. necessary but some are not. Boards are required to adhere to all applicable legislation – including the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Christian schools are not always sheltered and new Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians legislation also has a way of coming in through the with Disabilities Act, and the Education Act and regulations made under the Education Act – in the development and implementation back door. It remains imperative that Christian school of their policies. Board policies must respect all applicable collective supporters seek to understand the times, that we all pray agreements. Boards should consult with their legal counsel and for the wellbeing of all students and children regardless freedom of information coordinators to ensure that they are fulfilling their legal responsibilities. of where they are placed, and that we seek the nearness 3 http://prevnet.ca/BullyingFacts/BullyingStatistics/tabid/122/Default. of the Good Shepherd at all times. aspx

This is your invitation to be part of a truly transformational travel experience led by Dr. Joel R. Beeke and Dr. Jason P. Van Vliet! THE LEGACY OF THE REFORMATION July 11 to 19, 2013 Come with us on a journey through the heritage of the Netherlands and Germany with special emphasis on the Heidelberg Catechism. We’ll explore elegant, once-fortified Dordrecht, Palace Het Loo, Vesting Bourtange—a beautiful 16th-century fortress, the Johannes á Lasco Library at Emden, Bad Bentheim’s castle, the majestic Rhineland capital of Cologne, and the storybook city of Heidelberg. We’ll also enjoy a relaxing cruise on the legendary River Rhine. Dr. Joel R. Beeke Against the background of fascinating historical sites, our tour will be a time to revitalize our Puritan Reformed appreciation for, and use of, the gift which has been entrusted to the church in the Heidelberg Theological Seminary Catechism. In addition, the Lord’s Day will be observed with morning and afternoon or evening worship services. The Legacy of the Reformation tour begins in Amsterdam and concludes with a two-night stay in Heidelberg. Those who would like to do so can elect to spend an additional three nights in Heidelberg, returning home on July 22. Attendance at the 4th Annual Heidelberg Conference on Reformed Theology (July 18 to 21) is offered to Legacy tour participants as an option. On the Dr. Jason P. Van Vliet last Sabbath morning, we will worship in Heidelberg Castle (with Dr. Beeke Canadian Reformed preaching), where the Catechism was approved. Seminary For more information and brochures, contact Dr. Beeke at [email protected] or visit Witte Travel & Tours’ website at www.wittetravel.com/calendar-tours/legacy-reformation

22 THE MESSENGER I MARCH 2013 4 See Maclean’s magazine, March 19, 2012, page 4. NEW PUBLICATION 5 http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/extra/eng/ppm/144.html Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty. Isaiah 33:17 6 S. Kranshinsky, “What to do about cyber bullies? Get real, for a start,” The Globe and Mail (May15, 2008), p. A11. This study is based on THE KING IN HIS BEAUTY interviewing more than 2,000 students at 32 different Toronto schools. By Rev. G. Hamstra 7 Digital Citizenship in a Connected Culture – a Common Sense Media unit: www.commonsense.org This rich book with 136 meditations is the 8 Eric M. Roher, Violence in Schools (Aurora, ON: Thomson Reuters fruit of the 50 years our brother Rev. Gerald Canada Limited, 2010). pp. 28-34, 93-96, 107-109. Hamstra has laboured in the ministry of the 9 Please see Part 2 of my articles for more information on Bill 13 (The Word of God. They cover portions of most Messenger, February, 2013). The province of Manitoba is now seeking books of the Bible. The exposition is sound to establish similar legislation. and the message of each meditation is clear 10 Please see Part 1 of my articles for the context of this quote (The and to the point. The strength of these Messenger, January, 2013). meditations, however, is especially their 11 J.D. MacMillan, The Lord our Shepherd, (Bryntirion: Evangelical Press of warm pastoral and experiential tone. They will not Wales, 1983) pp. 52 and 53. P. Keller, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan fail to touch our hearts when they show us our sins and guilt, Publishing House, 1970) pp. 35 to 45. convince us of our great need of Christ and show us what 12 In my first article I wondered about the Ontario Secondary School treasures of grace are to be found in Him. I hope this book Diploma and Christian high school eligibility becoming more will be read by many. It contains wise spiritual instruction dependent on “acceptable” curriculum. At a recent court case in which is much needed in our confused day and age. Quebec (Dec. 2012), a private Roman Catholic school was told it had to teach the province’s Ethics and Religious Culture course from a secular Endorsement by Dr. Arie Baars, minister of the congregation perspective and that its own course was unacceptable because it was of the FRC of Dundas, Ont. from 1981 to 1988, being the not religiously neutral. See ARPA website: http://arpacanada.ca/index. successor of Rev. Gerald Hamstra. At present he is professor of php/issuesresearch/education10/1719-tolerance-unmasked-loyola- practical theology and the history of dogma at the Theological school-the-quebec-court-of-appeal-and-reformed-christian-education University of Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. Price $18.00. $16.20 plus shipping for 10 or more copies Ted Postma is a member and organist at Grace Free Reformed FREE REFORMED PUBLICATIONS Church in Brantford. He serves on the FRC Ethics and Public 18 Chapala Crescent S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 3M4 Canada Relations Committee. Ted is Principal of Calvin Christian Email: [email protected] • Tel. 403-254-6591 School in Hamilton, Ontario, and serves as a school quality evaluator for the Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools. He is married to Heidi Markwat and their grandchildren attend IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO THINK ABOUT Christian schools. SUMMER OUTREACH Children’s Bible Curriculum on CD Christian Ministry to Israel 7 Five-Day Lesson Themes Through the Bible is pleased that we can present to you our upcoming • Beginnings • Children In the Bible tour to Israel. The Lord willing, April 16-27, 2013, we • Loving God (The Ten will set out on a journey that will change the way • Commandments) you read your Bible, and add a whole new dimension • Jesus Saves • Miracles in the Bible to the walk of faith. Rev. J. • Parables in the Bible Lewis of the Pompton Plains • The Gospel Is Spread congregation will be the tour Seven different themes arranged into 5-lesson modules, which may Pastor. We hope that this be printed as is or modified to suit your outreach program. pilgrimage will be filled with Three Levels of Workbooks many reflective memories • Beginners (ages 4 – 6) and a better grounding of • Primaries (ages 7 – 9) with 2 levels of activities the people, places, sights, • Juniors (ages 10 - 12) and sounds of the Holy FREE REFORMED PUBLICATIONS Scriptures. Come with us, 18 Chapala Crescent S.E. Calgary, AB T2X 3M4 Canada and let us go to the land of God’s people of old, and Email: [email protected]; the birthplace of Christ the Saviour. To find out more, Tel. 403-254-6591 and register, go to http://www.cmisrael.org Website: http://www.frcna.org

MARCH 2013 I THE MESSENGER 23 RADIO EVANGELISM “UTTERANCE PLEASE, LORD!” By Rev. H. Overduin

In this introduction that was sent as part of a report of our Word, and accompanying the Word that is preached! churches’ Radio Ministry, there is a message and appeal Strikingly, the word for utterance in the Greek is the for prayer for preachers of the Gospel, and by implication packed word, “logos.” It is the very word that describes especially the ones who are engaged in radio ministry Christ Himself in various places (e.g. John 1:1 &14). (Rev. Hans Overduin, but also Rev. Gangar in the Punjabi language, and Rev. Aicken locally in the Fraser Valley, Boldly With Authority British Columbia, Canada). Editor. When Paul prays for utterance, he is asking that the Holy Spirit would give him such a view of Christ from In Ephesians 6:19-20, the apostle Paul asks for prayer. the Word and work with the Word, that when he What is it that he asks the Christians in the church preaches and teaches the Word, it would truly be as of Ephesus to pray for in regard to himself? He asks if Christ Himself were speaking in and through him. “that utterance may be given unto me, that I Preaching with utterance is like Jesus may open my mouth boldly, to make known Paul, asking for prayer Himself speaking to us! Our constant need the mystery of the gospel, For which I am for himself, pleading for “utterance” in and with the preaching an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may for utterance in and is reflected also in what Paul writes in 2 speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” with the preaching of Corinthians 4:7, “But we have this treasure Notice the importance of the preached God’s Word, shows how in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the word in this request from Paul. It is dependent we are on power may be of God, and not of us.” Do you expressed in the fact that rather than God in preaching. pray for utterance for your pastor every asking for prayer to be released from week and for all the ministers of the prison, Paul asks prayer for utterance in Word? his proclamation and communication of God’s Word, What does actually happen when God blesses His while he is a chained prisoner. Notice too, the term servants who are called to preach and gives them the apostle uses to describe a preacher of the Word, utterance? Preaching with utterance means preaching namely, ambassador. An ambassador of a country faithfully, using the whole of God’s holy Word and represents the government of his country. Preachers Gospel message as the text of our proclamation, time have the calling to be ambassadors on behalf of God as after time! In Acts 20, speaking to the Ephesian church revealed in Christ Jesus. Paul states in 2 Corinthians leaders, Paul says: “Wherefore I take you to record this 5:20, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though day, that I am pure [innocent] from the blood of all men. God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel be ye reconciled to God.” The Word of God preached and of God” (vv. 26, 27). taught under the blessing of God, even from a prison When there is utterance in the preaching, the Word house, will accomplish almighty works according to comes with divine authority. Preaching with utterance God’s sovereign good pleasure. means coming with the Word that testifies: “Thus Paul, asking for prayer for himself, pleading for saith the LORD!” Then you know there is no reason utterance in and with the preaching of God’s Word, to be apologetic about the Word or to compromise shows how dependent we are on God in preaching. God’s Word, but you proclaim it boldly, just as it is What is utterance? It is not the same as eloquence, or given. Notice that Paul, in connection with having being a very gifted speaker, or a most intelligent person. utterance, twice mentions that he might speak boldly You can be a gifted speaker and have much knowledge, as he ought to speak. Where true preaching is blessed and still be without utterance (see 1 Corinthians 2:1- with utterance, you will preach boldly, speak freely and 4). Utterance, you might say, is the Holy Spirit giving frankly, and hold nothing back that is essential to the opportunity for the Word to work by opening the gospel and to salvation.

24 THE MESSENGER I MARCH 2013 A Clear Message When a confessing Christian can live comfortably while Of course, when preaching God’s Word boldly we engaged in a known sin, that is not a good indication of must still be tactful, especially over the airwaves, but true Christianity. We need to say this plainly. “For if the we should never want to be untruthful or flatteringly trumpet makes an uncertain sound,” Paul says, “who shall diplomatic. The Word preached has to cut us if it will prepare himself for battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8) truly help us. The wrath of God against sin must be preached if anyone shall truly grasp and glory in the Lifting Up Christ grace of God in and through Christ Jesus. When preachers have utterance, they also preach the Having utterance from God in preaching will also mean gospel of Jesus Christ earnestly. In Acts 20, Paul testifies preaching clearly. Preachers are called to make the truth that for three years he worked in Ephesus and “ceased of God’s word plain: the two ways, either the way of faith not to warn every one night and day with tears” (v. 31). and life or the way of unbelief and death. There is the In 2 Corinthians 5:20, he testifies, “We pray [implore] narrow way to eternal life and the broad way to eternal you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” In view destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Jesus Himself forewarns of the last judgment, Paul says in the same chapter, us that many will follow the broad way and will not follow “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade the narrow way. In Ezekiel, chapters 3 and 33, as well as men….” (v.11). When preaching with utterance, the other places, God warns about His ambassadors giving earnestness of the preacher and seriousness of the an unclear and uncertain trumpet sound. We need to message can’t help but be noticed and felt. make it clear that we can’t have it both ways; thinking Preaching with utterance will mean time and again we are on route to heaven when not truly confessing to point to Christ Jesus as the way, the Truth, and the Christ Jesus as the only Saviour and Lord of our lives. Life, making clear that no man comes to the Father or

MARCH 2013 I THE MESSENGER 25 reaches heaven except through Him, and faith in Him (John 14:6). “Christ in you,” Paul says, “is the hope of LISTENER RESPONSE glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching - This Time Mainly From Canada - every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man Calgary, Alberta perfect in Christ Jesus. Whereunto I also labour, striving I listen every week and am so blessed [1140 AM] according to his working which works in me mightily” (1 Enclosed is a small donation of $50.00 to help with radio Colossians 1:27ff.). ministry. [1140 AM] Preaching with utterance means lifting Christ Jesus Coquitlam, B.C. up high as the once crucified and now exalted and My sister and I very much enjoy listening to the Banner of triumphant Saviour of sinners. It means showing truth every Sunday on KARI 55 – your messages are very and proclaiming Christ in all His fullness, from all timely and reassuring. of Scripture, again and again. Paul’s passion and Chesley, Ontario preoccupation as preacher was to have utterance to We greatly appreciate the time you give to preparing your preach Christ and Him crucified and risen, as the only messages. May the Lord give you daily grace and strength. The enclosed is for some special need of the broadcasts. Saviour and Lord (see Acts 17:2-3; 1 Corinthians 2:2; We hear it on CKNX Wingham. Galatians 6:14). Is there anything that is more needed in the church and the world today than this? Toronto, Ontario Please find enclosed a donation for the purchase of air time for your radio ministry on CJYE 1250 AM in Toronto. Holy Spirit Anointed I was listening to The Banner of Truth today on Joy 1250 On Pentecost Sunday as recorded in Acts, Peter was FM in Toronto and unfortunately only caught the last por- given utterance by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit tion of the message. Please send me a recording of today’s anointed Peter, equipped him, guided him and message. I would really like a second chance to hear it in blessed him in opening the Scriptures and giving him its entirety. In response to sending the CD we received this note: “Thank you for sending me a CD of your sermon on opportunity to preach the Word! Utterance is preaching ‘The Christian motto.’ I received it recently and just wanted which is led by and is empowered by the Holy Spirit to say how much I appreciate it.” Who is sent from God the Father and God the Son in WWCR Shortwave in United States testimony and promotion of the gospel of Jesus Christ! Continue to enjoy downloads of your sermons. Also, your Paul writes about this to the Thessalonian church:“For program on WWCR. our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in Via Sermon Audio power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance…. Thanks for allowing the Lord to preach through you on Psalm For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, 119:162 because the Bible is treasure beyond measure. when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that Utterance Is Especially Needed Today believe” (1 Thessalonians 1:5 and 2:13). Do you see why Paul so fervently requested prayer that Utterance in preaching means preaching with Spirit- he might have utterance in bringing and proclaiming driven and Spirit-winged power! Spirit-less preaching the Gospel? If Paul, the apostle, asked prayer for accomplishes nothing. As someone put it, when given utterance, preachers today have all the more reasons to utterance from the Triune God by the Holy Spirit, it is ask for such prayer. In Ephesians 6, Paul is concerned like “wielding lightning” in God’s name with the two- to have utterance in the face of the onslaughts of edged sword of His gospel Word! Such preaching always Satan and his relentless forces of evil. It is the Word has impact and brings results, either unto life or unto of God proclaimed in faithfulness and boldness under death (2 Corinthians 2:16). Under such preaching, God’s the Holy Spirit’s leading and blessing that will turn Word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish the world upside down and overcome Satan and his that which He pleases (Isaiah 55:11). “Where the word schemes and evil workings. In the context of Paul’s of a king is, there is power…” (Ecclesiastes 8:4a). Until plea and the spiritual battles of our day, as we more the last Day, preaching with utterance is the main key and more approach the end of the age, what reasons of the kingdom of heaven, the key that opens the door there are to cry out to God, “Lord give us preachers of to the kingdom of heaven to whoever will hear. But it the gospel, and give utterance to all such preachers!” shuts it to whoever refuses to hear (Matthew 16:18-19; “Utterance please, Lord!” If even Paul, the apostle, Heidelberg Catechism, L.D. 31). realized his need for utterance and asked prayer for

26 THE MESSENGER I MARCH 2013 utterance in preaching, should we most certainly not pray this for Free Reformed Missions International preachers today? Yes, and also in financial report connection with the radio ministry? Our report depicts the results We don’t know how many in the of last year’s activities. Due to the strong Canadian dollar church in Ephesus actually did pray coupled with a number of to God, asking that He graciously sizeable gifts and a reduction and continually give the apostle Paul in expenses, our report reflects utterance in preaching. Reading a positive balance. We are pleased to inform you that Revelation 2:4 about their first love most of the gifts received were growing cold, gives reason to think from Free Reformed members. that some did not. Needless to say, this has left a nice surplus, which can be What about us? Please pray, even used to recover from previous now after reading this article, “Lord shortfalls. The Lord has truly God Triune, in Jesus’ Name we ask, blessed us in 2012 and we look bless preachers, including the radio to Him to prosper the work of F o r e i g n M i s s i o n s i n 2 0 1 3 a s w e l l . pastors, giving them utterance William Laman that they may open their mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel; … indeed, that they may speak boldly, as they ought to speak!”

Rev. Hans Overduin is the Radio Pastor of the Free Reformed Churches, which broadcasts weekly messages over various radio stations in Canada, the United States and a number of countries throughout the world by Shortwave. See page 58 of the Yearbook of the Free Reformed Churches for more details. He is also the pastor of the Free Reformed 2o13v Church of Calgary, Alberta. Cambridge Reformed

FLORIDA WORSHP BiBle ConferenCe

SERVICES DATE: March 22-23, 2O13 Speaker : Dr. David P. Murray is pro- ANNOUNCEMENT fessor of Old Testament COnFEREnCE THEME: and Practical Theology. He The final worship services for this was born in Glasgow, Scot- land and worked for 5 years winter’s season are scheduled for EvidEnCE of Faith in financial services before being converted to Christ. April 7 with Rev. Neels bringing the He studied for the ministry Friday March 22 @ 8:00 pm Session 1: Call to Faith at Glasgow University and Gospel. The correct e-mail address Saturday March 23 @ 10:00 am Session 2: Coming to Faith the Free Church of Scot- Saturday March 23 @ 1:00 pm Session 3: Living by Faith land College (Edinburgh). for Marinus Staal is mcs2032@aol. He was a pastor for 12 years, first at Lochcarron Free Church of Scotland and then at Stornoway Free Church of Scotland com LOCATIOn: (Continuing). From 2002 to 2007, he was lecturer Calvary Pentecostal assembly in Hebrew and Old Testament at the Free Church Services are scheduled at the 127 Hespeler Rd., Cambridge, Ontario Seminary in Inverness. He has a Doctor of Ministry degree from Reformation International Theological

American Red Cross Building at 2905 www.cambridgerbc.ca Seminary for his work relating Old Testament Intro- duction Studies to the pastoral ministry. Dr. Murray 59th St. W, Bradenton, Florida at joined the faculty of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in 2007. He and his wife, Shona, have 4 10.30 a.m. and 3.00 pm. each Lord’s www.cambridgerbc.ca children: Allan, Angus, Joni, and Amy. day.

JULY/AUGUSTMARCH 20122013 I THE MESSENGER 27 ANNOUNCEMENTS OBITUARY OBITUARY OBITUARY “In My Father’s house are many February 4, 1944 January 29, 2013 On January 11, the Lord took to Himself, mansions; .... I go to prepare “And we know that all things work after years of sickness and treatments, a place for you.” John 1:2 together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 On Tuesday January 29, 2013, God took

Willie Cornelia Noordam (nee Koomans) home to her eternal rest at the age of 68.

She is lovingly remember by her husband Paul, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild

Liz and Rick Vandenbor Mandy and James Forbes and Laikyn, Shelby, Matt, Josh, Brayden, and Keegan Elisabeth Johanna John TenHove Sommer on November 7, 2012 Henry and Stacey Noordam in her 75th year. in his 75th year, God took him home. Tanner, Riley, Logan and Reeve Dear wife of Marius Sommer

Sadly missed by his loving wife of 51 The funeral service was held on Loved mother and grandmother of years, Arlene, Friday February 1, 2013 at Diana and Chris Kleyn with Ben, Mark and children Living Hope Free Reformed Church and Tim Rick TenHove (Michelle) - Kirkfield, ON Chatham ON with Eric and Nancy Sommer with Ryan and Nora Drewett (Ken) - Burlington, ON Pastor Tim Bergsma officiating. Nathan Sandra Olschewski (Mike) - Kirkfield, ON Richard and Laura Sommer with Devoted Opa of 14 grandchildren Home Address: Jonathan, Evan, Stephanie, Ulissa and 1 great-grandchild born 42 Queensway Drive Sarah-Lynn November 3, 2012, Chatham, Ontario N7M 4G4 Christine Sommer with Chandra and daughter of Peter & Felicity Tamminga John Anokye, Sarah and Judith John Sommer and Myra Bresnahan with Sisters, ANNUAL DUTCH DAY Liam and Calil Johanna Westerink (Gerrit) James and Kristal Sommer with Makayla Iti Bargeman (John) and Ryleigh Jantina Schaaff (John) DATE: May 14, 2013 William Sommer, who died in 1999. sister-in law Jane Wubs (John) LOCATION: St. George Free and many nieces and nephews Reformed Church “I have waited for Thy salvation, O LORD” Genesis 49:8. Predeceased by sisters 269 St. George Road, Toos Hofstee and husband Peter St. George, Ontario Survived also by Joop Blom, Rieneke van Dinie VanderMarel and husband Joe den Dool, Marja Sommer, and Egberta sister-in-law Martha VanHullebush SPEAKER: Rev. B. Elshout, Streefkerk, and predeceased minister emeritus of the by Corrie Blom. Jesus said, “Come to me, .... and I will give Reformed Heritage Church you rest.” Matthew 11:28 The funeral meditation focused on Psalm Topic: “Het Kruis Van Christus” 65:4, “Blessed is the man whom thou Home Address: choosest, and causest to approach unto 1915 County Road 48 Coffee is served at 9:45 am; thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we Kirkfield, ON K0M 2B0 Meeting begins at 10:30 am shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy Tel. 705-438-1357 house, even of thy holy temple.” Everyone who understands Dutch is most welcome! Mailing Address: [email protected]

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