NEW HORIZONS in the ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
8 Questioning Self-Definition 22 Review: Nichols’s // by George C. Hammond AUG SEPT 2021 R. C. Sproul // by David M. Sarafolean
God’s Faithfulness in A ic on
by DANNY E. OLINGER // 3
Report on the 87th General Assembly VOLUME 42, NUMBER 7 New Horizons CONTENTS in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Editor: Danny E. Olinger Managing Editor: Judith M. Dinsmore FEATURES Editorial Assistant: Diane L. Olinger 3 Proofreader: Sarah Pederson God’s Faithfulness in Affliction Cover Designer: Christopher Tobias By Danny E. Olinger Editorial Board: The Committee on Christian Education’s Subcommittee on Serial Publications 8 Questioning Self-Definition © 2021 by The Committee on Christian Education of By George C. Hammond The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. All rights reserved. 16 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are Fraternal Address to the PCA from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing General Assembly ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. By Chad B. Van Dixhoorn All rights reserved. (We use the 2011 revision.) Articles previously published may be slightly edited. New Horizons (ISSN: 0199-3518) is published DEPARTMENTS monthly except for a combined issue, usually August- September, by the Committee on Christian Education of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 607 N. Easton 10 Foreign Missions Road, Bldg. E, Willow Grove, PA 19090-2539; tel. 215- 830-0900; fax 215-830-0350. Health Research in Karamoja Letters to the editor are welcome. They should deal 12 with an issue the magazine has recently addressed. Christian Education Their language should be temperate, and they may not charge anyone with an offense. They should be brief, God’s Provision to the GCP • and they may be condensed by the editor. Favorite Psalms and Hymns Send inquiries, letters to the editor, and other corres- 14 pondence to the editor at [email protected]. Home Missions Send address changes to [email protected]. Allow Alienation and the Household of Faith six weeks for address changes. The digital edition (PDF, ePub, mobi) and an archive of 17 Prayer Calendar previous issues are available at www.opc.org. Views expressed by our writers are not necessarily 19 those of the editors or official positions of the Diaconal Ministries Orthodox Presbyterian Church. “Most Encouraging Zoom Call of COVID”? Copies are distributed free to members and friends of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Nonmembers 20 News, Views, & Reviews are asked to donate $20.00 for an annual subscription (USD $30.00 if sent to addresses in Canada; $40.00 elsewhere abroad). A free e-mail PDF subscription is also available. Requests for a subscription should be sent to [email protected] or the address below. Periodicals postage is paid at Willow Grove, PA, and at additional mailing offices.Postmaster: Send address changes to New Horizons in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 607 N. Easton Road, Bldg. E, Willow Grove, PA 19090-2539.
In June, the Presbytery of Ohio resumed its annual summer camp, this year at Slippery Rock Baptist Camp in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. Attendance broke all previous records with 144 campers ranging from ages 9–19. Both junior and senior camps studied the minor prophets and learned about OP foreign missions. Then, they teamed up for sports, memory competitions, and other activities. Pictured here are junior campers working to score some points by fetching “big chewy” back across their team’s line.
2 / NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IN AFFLICTION
DANNY E. OLINGER // The theme that permeated the Eighty- Seventh General Assembly—the faithfulness of God in affliction— was put forth at the opening worship service with the sermon of Claude Taylor, pastor at New Hope Presbyterian in Bridgeton, New Jersey. In his first words, Mr. Taylor told those gathered how he came to have this great privilege. He Remembering David Haney church. When the opportunity arose for was standing in the place of his long- Mr. Haney to leave a successful career to Before the election of the new mod- time friend and New Hope Church work for the Committee on Coordina- erator, Danny Olinger and David Na- ruling elder David Haney, moderator tion, he gladly accepted it. Mr. Nakhla khla presented a pictorial remembrance of the Eighty-Sixth General Assembly, spoke about Mr. Haney’s pivotal role in to the praise of God for Mr. Haney’s who had died and gone to be with the mercy ministries, including OPC di- thirty years of service in the Orthodox Lord. Mr. Taylor preached on 2 Corin- saster relief. When Hurricane Katrina Presbyterian Church. Mr. Olinger re- thians 4:7: “But we have this treasure in struck in 2005, Mr. marked that sixty-four jars of clay, to show that the surpassing Haney not only or- years earlier, a young power belongs to God and not to us.” ganized the OPC’s Orthodox Presbyte- In the week that followed, testimo- response but also par- rian from Bridgeton, ny abounded from pastors, ruling elders, ticipated in some way Mr. Haney’s father, and committee representatives of God’s with eleven different George, had traveled goodness during the pandemic. When teams in Mississippi to Iowa to serve as pas- the commissioners gathered for worship and Louisiana. He tor of First OPC of on the Lord’s Day, David VanDrunen also witnessed to Mr. Waterloo, Iowa. There preached from Psalm 119:65–80 on Haney’s love for his George Haney met and God’s goodness and faithfulness in af- wife, Becky, his chil- married Grace Vanden David Haney moderating the fliction. Then, in the evening worship dren, Lauren, Shelly, Bosch, the younger sis- Eighty-Sixth General Assembly service that same Lord’s Day, Bruce and Scott, and his ter of the local Chris- Hollister told those gathered that, in the grandchildren. tian Reformed pastor. providence of God, he had prepared a After the presentation finished, act- What a blessing it was for George and sermon on 2 Corinthians 4, the same ing moderator John Van Meerbeke ad- Grace to see the covenant faithfulness of text as Mr. Taylor. Mr. Hollister rejoiced dressed Becky and her family via Zoom God as David grew into a young man that the message of life out of death on behalf of the assembly and assured who wanted to serve Christ and his once more would be proclaimed. her of the prayers of the commissioners.
NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 / 3 A Representative Body and the previous assembly. Sometimes new Providence, West Lebanon, NH; Em- Moderator commissioners can get up to speed on manuel, Colville, WA; Firelands Grace why an assembly is at a particular point OPC, Sandusky, OH; Wolf River, Col- Since 1975, the OPC has operated in its consideration of a matter. Other lierville, TN; and, Providence, Cum- with a representative assembly that is times it is a struggle. ming, GA. capped at one hundred and fifty min- That is why it is always important Largely due to COVID-19 re- isters and ruling elders. Each of the to elect a moderator who can help the strictions, both morning worship at- sixteen presbyteries can send a certain assembly move steadily through its tendance (-21.6 percent) and Sunday percentage of its presbyters to the as- business without sacrificing needed school attendance (-61.6) dropped dra- sembly. The range this year varied from deliberation for the sake of efficiency. matically. At the same time, however, the Presbytery of the Midwest sending The assembly elected such a man for total offerings increased 3.31 percent eleven ministers and seven ruling el- moderator in Zachary Keele, pastor of as members gave $67.6 million. Sev- ders to the Presbytery of Connecticut Escondido OPC in Escondido, Cali- enty-eight percent of the giving, $52.6 and Southern New York sending two fornia. million, was spent on local church ex- ministers and one ruling elder. Mr. Keele’s calm demeanor and penses. Thirteen percent of the giving, Around two-thirds of the com- godly wisdom helped to guide the as- $8.9 million, was designated for benev- missioners this year did not attend the sembly through forty-three hours of olence offerings to missions, outreach, business that included and diaconal ministry. Nine percent of a record number of the giving, $6.1 million, was used for complaints on appeal capital improvements. (nine) and appeals in Christian Education judicial cases (four) in the pursuit of the The first program committee to peace, purity, and unity report was that of Christian Educa- of the church. tion. General Secretary Danny Olinger thanked the assembly for the prayers OPC Membership that have poured out on his behalf dur- Statistician Luke ing his recovery from COVID-19. Mr. Moderator Zachary Keele, pastor of Escondido OPC Brown reported that Olinger announced that in 2020—de- membership in the spite the pandemic—the CCE was Orthodox Presbyterian able to co-sponsor thirty-one ministe- Church grew during rial internships in which the commit- 2020 by 291 persons tee provided a record-high $344,436 to to 31,809. This total local OP congregations. membership consists of Special note was also made of 570 ministers, 23,304 the service of Mark Lowrey, interim communicant mem- executive director of Great Commis- bers, and 7,935 bap- sion Publications, in helping to keep tized children (non- GCP afloat during a time when most communicant). There churches did not hold Sunday school Bruce Hollister, with Jim Cassidy and Al Tricarico are 1,092 ruling elders classes. and 930 deacons. Home Missions At year end, there were 290 local churches Home Missions General Secretary and 38 mission works. John Shaw praised God for his faith- Eight congregations fulness during the recent pandemic. were organized as new Mr. Shaw reported that the Lord— and separate churches faithful, sovereign, and good to his from mission works: church—provided abundantly during The Haven OPC, Deer this period. Five new mission works be- Park, NY; Christ Cov- gan receiving aid and four new regional enant, Crystal Lake, home missionaries were added (Brad- IL; Pleasant Moun- ley Peppo, Presbytery of Ohio; Bruce Richard Ellis giving the Report of the Trustees tain, Bridgton, ME; Hollister, Presbytery of the Midwest;
4 / NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 David Chilton, Presbytery of the South; centered service to his Savior during gan, flood in spring 2020, which ruined and Christopher Hartshorn, Presbytery his unprecedented fifty-two years of the homes of two OPC families. The of Southern California). The commit- continuous service on the committee. video showed the efforts of over one tee also announced the publication of Lord willing, the committee is seek- hundred OPC volunteers in rebuilding its newest evangelistic tract, What Is ing to honor Mr. Gaffin at the Eighty- the homes, and the joyful appreciation Truth? by Eric Watkins. Eighth (2022) General Assembly of the families. scheduled to be held on the cam- Foreign Missions pus of Eastern University in St. Quoting J. Gresham Machen, Davids, Pennsylvania. “The truly penitent man glories in the Diaconal Ministries supernatural, for he knows that noth- ing natural would meet his need,” Gen- David Nakhla, administrator eral Secretary Mark Bube stated that it of the Committee on Diaconal is the goal of the Committee of For- Ministries, proclaimed that the eign Missions to advance the cause of ministry of mercy at the local, re- Christ’s kingdom by taking the Word gional, and national level is a tan- of God to the nations. Currently, there gible expression of the gospel of are seven active fields: Asia, East Af- Jesus Christ. During the world- Commissioners Shawn Ritenour, Jeremy Jones, rica, Haiti, Uganda, Quebec, Uruguay, wide pandemic, deacons helped and David Nakhla deliberating at the assembly and the Ukraine. Mr. Bube stated the sessions to implement measures highest priorities for the upcoming of safety, to visit shut-ins, and Ministerial Care year are finding evangelists for Mbale to extend funds to needy families. In and Karamoja, Uganda; Haiti; and 2020, donations totaling seventy-five Director of Ministerial Care John Uruguay. He urged the commission- thousand dollars were given to the Fikkert shared that through phone, ers to consider whether Christ’s Spirit COVID-19 Pandemic Response Fund. email, and Zoom, he had been able might be inclining their hearts to con- The majority of the fund has been used during the pandemic to field inquiries sider foreign missionary service. to help sister churches and ministries regarding the OPC 403(b) retirement At the end of the report, it was an- around the world, including twenty plan, financial planning, counseling nounced that Richard Gaffin Jr. would thousand dollars for Kenya and ten resources, and more. All ministers and not be seeking reelection to the com- thousand dollars for Haiti. full-time employees of the OPC or its mittee. Mr. Bube praised the Lord for A video was presented showing congregations are eligible for partici- Mr. Gaffin’s calm, godly, and Christ- the response to the Midland, Michi- pation in the plan. Approximately 46
NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 / 5 percent of participants in the 403(b) ing with others during plan are under the age of fifty-two. the pandemic. There Gregory DeJong presented the are seven OPC chap- challenges of finding a firm that could lains serving on active provide financial planning assistance for duty: John Carter, Da- ministers. Thankfully, a firm has been vid DeRienzo, Daniel found, but the committee is first run- Halley, Joshua Jackson, ning a pilot program with a few minis- Cornelius Johnson, ters. If the pilot program goes well, the Stephen Roberts, and committee plans to announce the firm Jeffrey Shamess. There and make its services available at the are also eight men serv- Bow tie delegation: Jonathan Cruse, Jacob Cruse, end of the year. ing in active reserves Mike Myers, Joel Ellis, Mark Bube, and Tony Curto or National Guard and Ecumenicity and Interchurch nine men serving as ci- Relations vilian chaplains. The assembly passed the recom- Historian mendation of the Committee on Ecu- menicity and Interchurch Relations to After twenty-two years of distin- propose to the International Confer- guished service as Acting Historian and ence of Reformed Churches (ICRC) Historian, John Muether, ruling elder that the Reformed Churches in the at Reformation OPC, Oviedo, Florida, Netherlands (RCN) should be sus- retired. Under Mr. Muether’s leader- pended from the ICRC. The RCN re- ship, such books as Confident of Better cently acted to permit the ordination of Things: Essays Commemorating Seventy- persons to the offices of minister and Five Years of the Orthodox Presbyterian ruling elder contrary to Scripture. The Church (2011), Between the Times: The John Muether (left) with incoming Historian Camden Bucey committee noted that the constitution- Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Tran- al process that a proposal to suspend sition, 1945–1990 (2011), Choosing the or terminate a member church of the Good Portion: Women of the Orthodox for the Historian and elected Camden ICRC requires the initiation of another Presbyterian Church (2016), and For Bucey, minister from the Presbytery of major assembly of a member church. Me to Live is Christ: The Life of Edward the Midwest, as Historian. The assembly also sought to encourage J. Young (2017) were produced. Mr. The Committee for the Historian the RCN to restore the doctrine and Muether also authored Cornelius Van also recognized the extraordinary ser- practice of its church to be in agreement Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman vice of commissioners Stephen Phil- with the Holy Scriptures. (2008) and helped to oversee the Sev- lips, George Cottenden, and John Ma- enty-Fifth Anniversary celebration of haffy. The assembly marked the fiftieth Chaplains and Military Personnel the OPC in 2011. time that Mr. Phillips served as a com- Chairman Richard Dickinson re- The assembly then followed the missioner, the forty-ninth time for Mr. ported that many chaplains were disap- recommendation of the Committee Cottenden, and the thirty-sixth time pointed that they were prohibited from for Mr. Mahaffy. holding worship services and interact- Updating the Language of the Doctrinal Standards
The Eighty-Fifth (2018) Gen- eral Assembly erected a Special Committee on Updating the Lan- guage of the Doctrinal Standards. Chairman David Noe reported that the committee had been at work the last three years with the understanding that the Eighty- Ed Tress received an ovation Fifth General Assembly had au- for his years of faithful ser- thorized the committee to “pro- Chad Mullinix shares a laugh during a break vice on GA arrangements pose specific linguistic changes”
6 / NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 to the Westminster Standards. He stat- Presbytery of the Northwest that con- the state of Michigan. The Presbytery ed that the committee’s understanding cerned whether a complaint may be of the Midwest will include the states is that, when it submits its final report brought by one session against another of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and at a future assembly with recommenda- session in another presbytery. The as- Nebraska. tions, its purpose will be fulfilled. That sembly sustained the complaint, mean- is, if a future assembly believes in light ing a session could bring of the committee’s final report that such a complaint. Howev- there are changes that are worthy of er, the assembly denied the consideration, then that assembly will complaint on appeal by establish a new committee. the same members of the The committee shared a draft work Presbytery of the North- of its suggested morphological (120), west regarding the ability archaic (27), and other changes (23) to of ministerial advisors to the Confession of Faith. The assembly vote in matters pertaining approved the committee’s request that to an appeal of complaints it be continued with the same mandate against the session they are for another two years with the goal of advising. George Cottenden (speaking), Stephen Phillips, bringing its final report to the Eighty- The assembly also sus- and John Mahaffy were recognized for their Ninth General Assembly. tained a complaint against many years of service as commissioners the Presbytery of the Judicial Appeals Southeast where a minis- The two-year gap between assem- ter was permitted to defend himself in a Day of Prayer and Fasting blies because of the pandemic helped judicial trial by using language that the to create an unprecedented number presbytery had previously determined As the assembly was nearing its of matters, thirteen, to be adjudicated. to be an offense. The assembly passed close, it called for a day of prayer and Two advisory committees on Appeals amends that the presbytery acknowl- fasting on Saturday, August 21, 2021, and Complaints were created and an edge its error in allowing the minister to “that the whole church may pray as one extra day was added to the docket of use reviling language and to communi- people, and call upon the Lord with this assembly so that all the appeals cate this to OPC members Aimee Byrd one voice, that we might lament our could be heard. and Rachel Miller so as to preserve their distress and unworthiness before the During the question-and-answer good names. Lord, confess our sin, and commit our- period of one appeal, a collie entered selves anew to the faithful service of the A New Presbytery the doors and approached a speaker. Lord our God; that we humbly implore As individuals sought to herd the dog The assembly adopted the overture God to send seasons of refreshment, out, the moderator commented that of the Presbytery of the Midwest to di- pour His Spirit of wisdom upon us, their efforts were appropriate because vide the presbytery into two separate re- and draw multitudes to the hope of the “it didn’t have the privilege of the floor.” gional churches. The new Presbytery of gospel by granting faith and repentance Of particular presbyterian polity Wisconsin and Minnesota will include unto life.” interest, the assembly heard a complaint the geographical region within those on appeal from some members of the two states and the upper peninsula of The author is editor of New Horizons.
NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 / 7 QUESTIONING SELF- DEFINITION
GEORGE C. HAMMOND // Is there any “givenness” to one’s identity? Or is it malleable, not subject to physical, genetic, or biological realities? Must we be defined by others, or an Other? Or can we choose our own identity, defining ourselves according to our feelings and desires?
In 2015, the national news media woman. But is not choosing one’s own our lives, we have not made ourselves drew our attention to a controversy sexual identity problematic in the same beholden to the “givenness” of things. surrounding Rachel Dolezal. Dolezal way? May one define, without reference We have made remarkably success- had defined herself as, and was living to biological realities, with whom one ful efforts at overcoming, for example, as, someone who was black. A gradu- is sexually compatible? And at what the givenness of disease in the world. ate of Howard University, she was age? Must one reach sexual maturity to Nor have we made ourselves beholden professor of African studies at Eastern make that decision, or can a biological to the givenness that our bodies will Washington University and president male decide to be a girl at eight years not allow us to fly. We have figured out of the Spokane, Washington, chapter of age? ways to soar de- of the NAACP. But she had in fact It is unclear, from a non-Christian spite our bodies. been born to white parents. When that perspective, who has the authority to These conquests became public, much of the condem- answer such questions. When a prepu- of the givenness of nation of Dolezal stemmed from her bescent child identifies as other than his nature have been dishonesty—her deception had been or her biological gender, we are told that beneficial. But for the basis for the positions she held. But the individual must answer that ques- all the benefits of there was also outrage that someone tion. But in the context of the Dolezal overcoming natu- who was white had self-identified as a controversy, we were told that it is not ral realities and black woman. Some secular media out- the individual who makes the choice. limitations, Lewis lets truly wrestled with the tension of raises concern Lewis and the “Givenness” of affirming her freedom to choose while about the idea of overcoming ourselves, Things also condemning her for this particular overcoming the givenness of our own choice. In 1944, C. S. Lewis wrote a short humanity. Dolezal’s case, I believe, raises im- book entitled The Abolition of Man. In it, Lewis points, as one example, to portant questions about self-identifica- he speaks about humanity’s conquest of contraception. In Britain in the 1940s, tion. It seems absurd and insulting for nature and the benefits that have arisen when Lewis was writing, contraception a white woman to identify as a black from it. He notes that in many areas of was not legal, but its relative benefits
8 / NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 and merits were being discussed. Lewis been to remove the necessary connec- Keller goes on to explain that we was uneasy about contraception be- tion between human sexual behavior, do not get our identities simply from cause of the power that it placed in the conception, and the propagation of the within ourselves. We receive some “in- hands of those alive to control those human race. We are thus free to express terpretive moral grid” from outside our- who have yet to be. “By contraception ourselves sexually however we wish— selves, which we lay over our various and simply, [future generations] are denied to define ourselves however we wish. sometimes conflicting feelings and im- existence; by contraception used as a pulses in order to sift through Beholden Still to a Few means of selective breeding, they are, them and determine which without their concurring voice, made Or are we? Lewis noted is “really me” and so should to be what one generation, for its own that what we might call hu- be expressed, and which is a reasons, may choose to prefer” (55). manity’s power is in reality foreign invader and must be He continues: a power possessed only by a controlled. It is the grid that few. The conquest of nature we use—not a raw, innate, If any one age really attains, by eugen- is also the conquest of oth- unadulterated expression of ics . . . the power to make its descen- ers—it’s the rule “of a few our feelings—which deter- dants what it pleases, all . . . who live hundreds of men over bil- mines for us who we should after it are the patients of that power lions upon billions” (58). The or should not be and which . . . There is therefore no question of conclusion is inescapable: gives us our identity. a power vested in the [human] race “The power of Man to make We receive those grids, as a whole steadily growing as long himself what he pleases means . . . the of course, from others—from our cul- as the race survives. The last [people], power of some men to make other men tures and communities. We filter our far from being the heirs of power, what they please” (59). feelings through what we are told is ac- will be of all [people] most subject to Are people able to define them- ceptable, embracing some feelings and the dead hand of the great planners selves, or are they constrained by oth- rejecting others according to our grid. and conditioners, and will themselves ers? Through a helpful illustration in When left to ourselves to create an exercise least power upon the future. his book Preaching, Timothy Keller identity, we choose to conform to the (57) shows no one really defines him or her- external moral grid. Today, the realities are more acute self. We are always defined by someone This may help us explain why an than they were in Lewis’s time. Con- else: eight-year-old boy with conflicting traception is now a socially accepted feelings today is encouraged to ex- Imagine an Anglo-Saxon warrior in reality. But it is not the only reality. press himself as a girl, but why Rachel Britain in AD 800. He has two very Abortion also helps to ensure a eugenic Dolezal is condemned for expressing strong inner impulses and feelings. purity. In 2017, news media reported herself as a black woman. It seems to One is aggression. He loves to smash that Iceland had almost completely have less to do with how either of them and kill people when they show him eradicated Down syndrome. They did feels, and more to do with what their disrespect. Living in a shame-and- this by prenatal screening and abort- current culture tells them they can, honour culture with its warrior ethic, ing any child they suspected of having should, or must do with their feelings. he will identify with that feeling. He an extra chromosome. Down syndrome will say to himself, That’s me! That’s Self-Deception was eliminated by eliminating people who I am! I will express that. The with Down syndrome. Is it possible Self-definition, then, is a self- other feeling he senses is same-sex that it hasn’t occurred to some doctors deception. No one defines him or her- attraction. To that he will say, That’s in Iceland that perhaps other handicaps self. We are always defined by someone not me. I will control and suppress that or diseases could be eradicated in the else. We will either allow ourselves to be impulse. Now imagine a young man same way? defined by the zeitgeist, the changing walking around Manhattan today. The cumulative technologies of spirit of the current age as interpreted He has the same two inward impuls- contraception, abortion, in vitro fertil- by an elite contemporary group of “our es, both equally strong, both difficult ization, gender reassignment surgery, betters,” or we will allow ourselves to to control. What will he say? He will hormone replacement therapy, and be defined by the unchanging God who look at the aggression and think, This cosmetic surgery mean that we are no created us and loved us enough to send is not who I want to be, and will seek longer beholden to givenness in the his Son to redeem us and restore us to deliverance in therapy and anger- area of human sexuality. Whatever ar- our true identity. management programs. He will look guments one may offer for the benefit at his sexual desire, however, and of any of these technologies individu- The author is pastor of Bethel Presbyterian conclude, That is who I am. (135) ally, the cumulative effect of them has in Leesburg, Virginia.
NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 / 9 FOREIGN MISSIONS
HEALTH RESEARCH IN KARAMOJA Leah, Nurse Tinah, who supervises the CHT, and Agnes, a pro- // LEAH HOPP fessor of public health who is advising Leah’s research
I have been very encouraged by her timely and thoughtful feedback as well as the way that she breaks down the tasks of ast fall, when I traveled down to Mbale to renew my the research process into manageable portions and assigns me Ugandan work permit, I stayed with OPC teammates homework. It is a privilege to work with a Ugandan Christian LJim and Jenny Knox. Over dinner, I met their friends Tom woman who is an expert in her field. and Agnes. That meeting was an answer to prayer. In my work Agnes came to visit Nakaale at the end of May, which at the OP Uganda Mission’s clinic and with the Community gave her a better sense of our local setting and how to advise Health Team (CHT), I have seen the need for more research my research. Because it is the rainy season, I was concerned about those we are endeavoring to serve in the name of Christ. about taking the bus four times in one week on muddy roads. I have wanted to return to research for years but have been In an answer to prayer, she was able to ride up with the Knoxes very hesitant to do it alone. for a long weekend. After a few dry days, we walked out to Dr. Jim and Dr. Tom have been friends for many years, the villages together with Akol, a member of the CHT—and and Agnes also works in the field of health. She successfully Agnes didn’t even need her gumboots! She said that she really defended her doctoral thesis in May regarding HIV/AIDS in learned a lot from seeing Karamoja in person, on top of all that pregnant women, is a professor of public health at Busitema I had done to previously describe the place to her and what University in Mbale, has conducted many research projects in she had already known about the region. We look forward to Lira (north-central Uganda), and mentors students in their continuing our research efforts together. research work. At dinner, Agnes and I bonded over both being Research First Steps twins, which I found out when she gave me her email address, which has the name Napyo in it. In Karamoja, the name for Nurse Tinah and I had been discussing research ideas on the eldest of girl twins is Apio. We also both completed our hygiene and sanitation in the community, which we presented masters of public health at the same university (on different to Agnes. We were able to meet with the district health officer campuses). After hearing about in Nakapiripirit to obtain per- her work, I told her that I was mission to conduct operational also interested in conducting research at the mission’s Aki- research in Karamoja and asked syon a Yesu Presbyterian Clinic if I could email her some ques- (AYPC). tions. Agnes not only agreed, Since there is not enough de- she also graciously offered to mographic information officially meet with me regularly through available from our district, Agnes videoconferencing as a research suggested that we might need to advisor. provide our own background in- That has held me account- formation. Thankfully, the clinic able and given me motivation to Agnes’s May visit to the AYPC and the surrounding administrator and I had already maintain focus throughout what villages enabled her to better advise Leah’s research. digitized one full year’s worth could be a long research process. of data from AYPC’s medical
10 / NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 registers from 2019. We will write administrator had started the map- a paper on that data set, which can ping process, which I built upon, to then be used to give a snapshot of plot one hundred and eighty-nine what health is like in our immedi- villages total. The map has also en- ate area. The mission, the clinic, abled us to measure distances be- and the CHT will benefit from this tween all these villages and AYPC summary to help decide which pro- as well as distances to other health grams to continue offering or which centers providing treatment. Many new programs to pursue based on patients prefer to seek care at our the needs of our neighbors. We clinic, which is further away than will also present this initial study their nearest health center. We do to our local government and other CHT member Akol (center) served as guide not yet know why. This map will organizations so that they can ben- to the local villages during Agnes’s visit. likely also benefit others on the efit from the addition of relevant, mission: they could potentially plan local health information to their to host village Bible studies in some archives, rather than generalizing data from the urban city of of the places where a large number of our clinic patients are Kampala and retrofitting it to our rural village setting. coming from. I find maps fascinating, so it has been a joy to I have handed over supervisory duties of the CHT to work on this aspect of the research project. Nurse Tinah, thus freeing up my time to dedicate to our re- Data on Diagnoses search efforts. I am happy to continue advising Tinah and en- abling her to take a more hands-on leadership role in relation Nurse Tinah and I have also been consulting with other to community health. I will still direct the CHT, but will not clinical officers at AYPC about the one hundred and sixty-five walk out to the villages as often, instead spending more time different diagnoses that were listed in the clinician’s registers at my desk for this stage of the research process. I look forward for 2019. We needed to clear up any inconsistencies in spelling to stage two when Tinah and I will again spend more time in of the diagnoses and remove entries that were just symptoms, the villages collecting data on hygiene and sanitation. like “fever” or “pain,” instead of diagnoses. Then, we assigned international classification codes to each diagnosis to ensure Mapping the Surrounding Villages that our research findings will be clear to all who read them. No accurate map exists for the villages in our region. In Once we summarize which diagnoses are most common other regions, we would have been able to inquire of our local at our mission clinic, we can use the findings to help us focus government official and ask for a map of villages and parishes. on offering the programs that best serve our community. The But at our rural level, such a map either does not exist or has government often asks our private clinic to provide specialist not been updated in over ten years. A lot can change in a no- services that cater to only a few people. Providing these ser- madic, pastoral society in ten years! vices could diminish the time and effort we are able to give to Over the past few months, I have been conferring with others with more common diagnoses. Perhaps this study will our mission clinic staff on village names and locations to cre- clarify our reasons for offering the programs that we do. ate a map of all the patients who seek care at AYPC. Our clinic There remains much to learn and study regarding health in our corner of Karamoja. Please pray that the work will sup- port the mission’s efforts and for stamina throughout all the stages of research, for God’s glory.
The author is an associate tentmaking missionary in Nakaale, Kar- amoja, Uganda.
What’s New // Appointments Miss Joanna R. Grove (Grace OPC, Vienna, VA) has been reappointed to serve as a missionary associ- ate in Karamoja, Uganda, for another two-year term The research will inform the CHT’s preventive which began in May 2021. programs in rural villages surrounding the mission
NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 / 11 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
GOD’S PROVISION TO GCP
GCP produced eighty-three Bible story videos for children to // MARK L. LOWREY view at home as part of its creative response to COVID-19
relevant Bible background, Scripture passages, and spiritual goals for their children. Coloring sheets provided outlets for n the beginning of 2020, churches were faithfully gathering creative expression after the children listened to the Bible to worship each week. The educational ministries of teaching stories. Iand training children, youth, and adults were carrying on with Through special offers ofPilgrim’s Progress, a gospel ad- their normal rhythms. And then in mid-March, everything venture curriculum based on John Bunyan’s classic book, and came to a screeching halt with the arrival of COVID-19. Kids’ Quest! Catechism Club, a curriculum to teach First Cat- After this harsh interruption, slowly, over weeks and echism, churches were able to host drive-throughs for families months—often depending on where you lived—some to pick up materials for the lessons that the children’s min- churches would regather for worship while also streaming istry leaders taught online. Parents received a free app, First online, some ministries would resume, and some children Catechism To Go (FC2Go), that they could download to help would return to school. Few thought that the impact would them teach the catechism. Through it all, it was encouraging continue into the 2020 school year—certainly not into mid- to see the imaginative and resourceful ways God’s people re- 2021. And even now with bright signs on the horizon, our sponded to discipling their kids through the pandemic. churches and ministries still are dealing with the ripples of COVID-19’s Impact on GCP Sales COVID-19. Of course, even with all the ways GCP was able to sup- Meeting the Needs of Churches and Families port churches in their ministries, sales were nothing like a During those first weeks, as the global pandemic hit normal year. At the beginning of 2020, GCP’s sales of curric- home, Great Commission Publications (GCP) gathered vir- ulum, Trinity Hymnal, and other resources were strong. They tually as a staff to pray and decide how we could continue to were even ahead of 2019. We were moving forward with work serve churches and families as we all adapted to a new nor- on new curriculum projects. Then COVID-19 hit. Sales basi- mal. The vast majority of our churches had never hosted on- cally dried up, with a 2020 drop in sales of 60 to 70 percent line teaching for children, and even families who regularly do compared to 2019. family worship and devotions were looking for further ways GCP tightened its belt by cutting expenses and not re- to educate their children on the Lord’s Day. placing two retirees. The budget for 2020 was essentially cut It is wonderful to look back now and see how God’s hand by more than half. With decreasing sales, that was still not led us through these difficult times. He brought together the enough. And yet God met our needs. talents and gifts of our staff to brainstorm new ways to use As churches cut back on their orders, we knew we did existing curricula and to creatively make video Bible stories, not have the resources to print curriculum that would likely downloadable helps for parents and teachers, and so much not be ordered. Analyzing the inventory that we had available more. Through the past year, GCP recorded eighty-three alongside projections for what churches would need, we felt Bible story videos in seven different series, teaching God’s that we would be able to get through the 2020–21 ministry marvelous deeds through the Old and New Testaments. We year without printing curriculum. By spring 2021, as more crafted song lyric videos to help children and families learn churches began to gather in person, we printed a short run of Bible truths through music. Parent pages gave parents the material to meet needs. There began to be encouraging signs
12 / NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 that more churches would be meeting in person and educa- tion for children at church would resume. Favorite Psalms and Hymns God’s Provisions from the Beginning Trinity Psalter Hymnal no. 404
At the founding of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, “The Church’s One Foundation” there was a high priority given to developing a doctrinally Diane L. Olinger sound program of Christian education consistent with the The church’s one foundation church’s standards. The OPC funded and began to develop Is Jesus Christ her Lord; lessons in the mid-1940s and 1950s. From 1961 to 1971, a She is his new creation complete curriculum for grades one to twelve was finalized. By water and the Word: This was a huge accomplishment, and yet once it was com- From heav’n he came and sought her pleted, it was apparent that there would be an ongoing need To be his holy bride; for revisions, requiring a large amount of funding. With his own blood he bought her, As the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) began to And for her life he died. (st. 1) form in the mid-1970s, God provided a solution. Great Com- mission Publications was incorporated in 1975 with a board of This remarkable hymn is an extended contemplation trustees from both the OPC and PCA. The CCE-developed on the holy catholic church and the communion of the materials formed the starting point and basic building blocks saints. It was written by Anglican minister Samuel Stone for GCP materials. By the early 1990s, instead of receiving for the benefit of his congregation in an underprivileged funds from the Christian education committees of the OPC suburb of London, along with other hymns based on theo- and PCA, the GCP board directed that GCP would support logical concepts in the Apostles’ Creed (Leland Ryken, 40 itself through sales of curricula, the Trinity Hymnal, and oth- Favorite Hymns, 32). The hymn declares that Jesus is the er resources. In the decades since, God has faithfully upheld foundation of the church, and that despite threats, the GCP and enabled us to revise older curricula and create new church is united and will survive. It concludes with the curricula. expression of a longing to join the church triumphant and the comfort of our union “with those whose rest is won.” Looking Forward Stone wrote “The Church’s One Foundation” in the While COVID-19 has certainly impacted children’s min- context of denominational conflict. He was responding to istry, worship, and outreach, the 2021–22 ministry year looks unrest in the Anglican church brought about by changing closer to a normal year for both churches and GCP. It will be views of the Bible and its message. Perhaps this is why the a time of transition as churches assess their gains and losses in hymn still resonates within the OPC, which was founded families, children, teachers, and volunteers. We prayerfully look in 1936 as similar conflicts raged in the American church. toward 2022–23 to be even stronger. Join with us now as we The words of the hymn are based on many scriptural praise our sovereign Lord for sustaining GCP and his church passages, one of which is Ephesians 4:4–6: “There is one through these turbulent times. We have seen God’s goodness, body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one sovereignty, and kindness as he provided just what we needed hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one when we needed it. We rejoice in our partnership with the body baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and of Christ as we continue the work of the Great Commission. through all and in all.” On a personal note, this is the hymn that was sung at The author is interim executive director of GCP. my wedding—all six verses, of course, at the insistence of the groom. WELCOME TO THE OPC PCUSA in 1936, and, for those who want to learn more about BOOKLET OPC doctrine and polity, it points to resources like The Con- Welcome to the OPC is a twenty- fession of Faith and Catechisms and The Book of Church Order. seven-page booklet issued by the The booklet then gives examples of ways the OPC is spread- OPC’s Committee on Christian ing the message of Jesus Christ in the present day, inviting Education that serves as a great readers to explore the steps to be taken to join the church as synopsis for what the Orthodox communicant members. Presbyterian Church is, how it came To purchase your copy of Welcome to the OPC, go to to be, and what the core beliefs of store.opc.org or click on the “Publications” button under the the church are. It describes how “Resources” tab on the opc.org homepage to be redirected to belief in the inerrancy of Scripture the online bookstore. It costs $1.00 per copy and only $0.75 led to the OPC breaking from the per copy when you order ten or more.
NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 / 13 HOME MISSIONS
ALIENATION AND THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH
// JOHN S. SHAW
Using an impressive collection of studies and statistics, Carney argues that our communities have lost much of what makes for strong personal connections. What he calls “third uring our first years of marriage, like most young cou- places”—those gathering points between home and work, like ples, Anne and I experienced many transitions, including churches, parks, small neighborhood businesses, and com- Dfrequent moves and the births of four children. A long list of munity centers—are closing in startling numbers. The com- friends, mostly from church, offered their time and labor at munity organizations that depend on volunteer participation each milestone. And they brought food—oh, the many tasty while bringing neighbors together (for example, the Rotary, meals—to help us move forward. After each move and each the PTA, Little League) struggle to find willing participants. new baby, Anne and I had a similar conversation: how do peo- As communities diminish, people are living more of their lives ple survive without the love and support of a church family? isolated from their neighbors. To belong to the household of faith is a privilege. We in This loss of participation and social capital messes with a the church enjoy the benefits of community and connections sense of meaning or purpose. Carney writes, “Strong commu- with deep, even eternal, roots. What difference does it make to nities function not only as safety nets and sources of knowl- be part of such a body? edge and wisdom, but also as the grounds on which people The Story of Alienation can exercise their social and political muscles. These are where we find our purpose” (12). The loss of social capital also means A recent book on politics and culture, Alienated America: that people have “fewer and weaker networks and thus less Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse, answers that trust” (13). question. The author, Timothy Carney, a columnist at the The consequences of such alienation are dire: “The sto- Washington Examiner and a resident fellow at the American ry [of alienation] is the story of the collapse of community, Enterprise Institute, writes from a particular ideological per- which is also the story behind our opioid plague, our labor- spective that many of us might not share. Yet while his treat- force dropouts, our retreat from marriage, and our growing ment plan often left me disappointed from both a political inequality” (205). and theological perspective, his diagnosis simply makes good sense. Reviews from both conservatives and progressives gen- How Should We Respond? erally agree that Carney accurately diagnoses much of the pain I first was introduced to Timothy Carney in an article he in our nation. wrote during the 2016 presidential primaries after he visited The primary argument of the book is that as communi- Oostburg, Wisconsin. That lovely village along Lake Michi- ties weaken, social institutions shrink, and personal connec- gan is my mother’s hometown, where I have enjoyed many tions diminish, a growing number of people in our nation have summer visits. It’s also the home to four Reformed churches become alienated. The alienated person, according to Carney, including Bethel OPC. As Carney chatted with Oostburg res- “not only does not feel a part of the social order; he has lost idents in a little diner called Judi’s Place, he began to formu- interest in being a part of it” (13). That lack of connection late one solution among several to the problem of alienation— contributes to loneliness, inequalities, addictions, depression, a church family that loves and cares for its neighbors. hopelessness, and suicide. My purpose here is not to review Carney’s book or even
14 / NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 necessarily recommend it. But I think Carney’s cultural analy- kinds of activities that were regularly practiced in the early sis gives us an insight about the people our churches serve and church—they were devoted to the apostolic teaching, fellow- the neighbors we are called to love. ship, breaking of bread, prayers, and the ministry of mercy. How can we evaluate Carney’s analysis? And how should One of the striking things about this passage is the emphasis we respond—as believers and as the church? on Christians doing these things together, day by day, in the First, of course, we should view the problem with a bib- temple and in their homes. From the very beginnings of the lical lens. Men and women are made in the image of God, New Testament church, the Christian life was corporate, not designed for fellowship with God and for community and private. When you absent yourself from the fellowship of the connection with fellow image-bearers. Indeed, it is not good church, you do harm to yourself and you deprive the church for man to be alone. Yet sin breaks our relationship with the of your gifts (Rom. 12:3–8; 1 Cor. 12:12–26). We need each Creator God, and sin often leads to broken relationships with other. The church should be a place of comfort for Chris- other men and women. The isolated, alienated existence that tians weighed down by loneliness and alienation, because the so many people live is not good for them, because they were church gives them a place to belong. made for something better. An alienated existence brings Share your abundance and your need with your church family. painful consequences. That, again, is the pattern of the emerging church in Acts 2. Thankfully, to those who feel abandoned, the Bible also They were together and had all things in common; those who provides a remedy through the death and resurrection of Jesus had been blessed with much provided for those who lacked Christ. Abandoned by the Father and by his friends, he was (vv. 44–45). The benefits of community and connection may alienated and alone as he went to be on the decline in society, but the cross for the sins of his people. these benefits should be read- By faith in him, through the for- ily available in a healthy church. giveness of sins, we know that we Christians should run to the will never be abandoned by God church for help in times of need, again. The gospel is the ultimate and they should be ready to help answer to the trials of alienation others during times of personal and abandonment. God in Christ plenty. will never leave nor forsake his Love your neighbor more than people. your causes. You know more about So the final remedy for the the struggles in every corner of alienated man or woman is the the globe than was possible in gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. previous generations, and that can In him, we know for certain that Vacation Bible School at Bethel OPC in Oostburg, WI, leave you feeling overwhelmed. we will never be forgotten again; one of the cities Carney argues has retained commu- But don’t lose sight of the imme- he knows his sheep by name and nity bonds due at least in part to local church life diate struggles in your city, in your leaves none of them behind ( John neighborhood, or even next door. 10:3; Luke 15:3–7). The church The Lord has always put people has the only message to relieve an alienated America, so we and churches in a specific community for a particular moment should speak the gospel message boldly and clearly, applying in time. Put down your electronic devices and focus on the it with wisdom and care. people around you. Second, we should consider how our practice as the If the diagnosis Carney presents is accurate—that as church offers comfort to people who struggle with the kind of communities decline and the number and quality of con- loneliness so prevalent in our particular moment. Here are a nections diminish, people suffer—then you likely have many few suggestions, to which you could add many more. neighbors who are suffering right now. Get to know them by Commit yourself to a specific group of believers in a local name. Spend time with them; listen to their stories; and pay church. In a culture that is struggling with the loss of com- attention to their cares and concerns. As you have opportunity, munity and connection, the Lord provides those very bless- meet their physical and emotional needs. And when the con- ings to us in the visible church. Acts 2:42–47 describes the versation allows, tell them how you handle times of loneliness or isolation. Invite them to visit your community of believers to make personal connections with others who can love them Home Missions Today well. Tell them of your perfect Savior, who was abandoned and For up-to-date news and prayer requests, alienated for a time, but now lives forever and never leaves you request our newsletter by emailing nor forsakes you. [email protected]. New editions: Aug. 4 & 18 and Sept. 1, 15, & 29. The author is general secretary for the Committee on Home Mis- sions.
NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 / 15 FRATERNAL ADDRESS TO THE PCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Van Dixhoorn’s address—via video, due to a packed docket and resulting in origi- // CHAD B. VAN DIXHOORN nal artwork—as a fraternal delegate to the PCA assembly, held in St. Louis, MO
The fact is that the best system for opposing racism from a biblical point of view is the covenantal understanding of r. Moderator, fathers, and brothers: My name is Chad the Bible offered by the Reformed faith. No one has taught Van Dixhoorn, and I bring you greetings from the more clearly that Old Testament Abraham is the father of MOPC. all new Testament believers than the Reformed. No one has It’s important to us that the acronym “OPC” has only one taught more clearly that all nations under the gospel are equal “O,” for we don’t think we’re the “Only Orthodox Presbyterian before the Lord, united in one covenant of grace. The Re- Church.” Evidences of your commitment to orthodoxy are on formed church ought to be the safest place for every race. display in matters as mundane as your review of presbytery re- And so when Reformed people have wandered from these cords, or as substantive as your committee’s report on sexuality. truths in order to promote our prejudices, we have been es- We praise God for your constant reference to the holy pecially guilty. Word of God in debates and key documents. And since even Looking at my own denomination’s history, I see an en- enemies of the truth can quote the Bible, we are especially couraging 1974 committee report on race-related problems grateful when we see church leaders supplying sane scriptural and solutions, but you can hear from the very date of the re- interpretations, offering helpful confessional quotations, and port that we were slow to listen, and then slow to speak. embracing faithful ethical implications. And might it be that we are too slow once more? If Re- May you remain loyal to your Father’s will in all things. formed confessions offer the best biblical theology to help As we in the OPC think about the PCA, items for praise with race, they also offer the best theological anthropology to come quickly to mind. We’re grateful that the PCA has con- deal with sexuality. I pray that this time, we will all be faithful, tinued to own our joint mission of educating God’s people in and in that way helpful. the work of Great Commission Publications. We’re thankful The truth is that we must act as Christians even if our for your faithful preachers, for not a few of our members have diagnosis of the problem cannot be the same as the world’s watched PCA services during the pandemic. And we rejoice diagnosis. We must act, for the world needs to see the bless- to forge closer connections to PCA missionaries consciously ing of God’s grace culture, building people up, instead of the committed to indigenous church planting. curse of our enemy’s cancel culture, tearing people down. May the Holy Spirit draw millions to Christ, and then May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of give them a Christ-like community to support them in their God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit draw together journey home! first his church, and then this country, as only a triune God I’m personally thankful that the PCA keeps grappling can! with the history and reality of ethnic and racial inequalities May God bless the Presbyterian Church in America. and injustice. This is a matter of critical importance, especially for Reformed Christians. There are multiple reasons why Re- The author is an OP minister and professor at Westminster Theo- formed people especially need to grapple with racial injustice. logical Seminary in Philadelphia. His remarks were at the open- One reason is that whenever Reformed people have defended ing of the first full day of business of the PCA’s general assembly, or allowed such injustice, we have had to set aside our biblical prior to its consideration later of overtures that addressed sexual- theology in order to find room for racism. ity and racism.
16 / NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 PRAYER CALENDAR AUG-SEPT
Associate missionaries Christo- pher & Chloe Verdick, Nakaale, 6 Uganda. Pray for the safe delivery of their child due Aug. The Garretts 11. / Summer intern Christian The Bakers (Hanna) Repp at Harvest OPC in San Marcos, CA.
Pray for those at the Church Jeremy & Gwen Baker, Yuma, Planter Training Conference Tentmaking missionary Tina De- 11 AZ. Pray for the everyday out- 1 in ME, August 2–5. / Summer Jong, Nakaale, Uganda. Pray for reach efforts of Yuma OPC. / Pray interns David (Hope) Garrett 7 her preparations to teach mis- for the Boardwalk Chapel as at Covenant Presbyterian in sionary children this fall. / Carl they close their 76th season with Abilene, TX, and Eli Hirtzel at & Stacey Miller, New Braunfels, the Evangelism Conference. Bayview OPC in Chula Vista, CA. TX. Praise God for his continued blessing of new members at Associate missionaries James New Braunfels OPC. Charles & Connie Jackson, 2 & Esther Folkerts, Nakaale, 12 Mbale, Uganda. Pray for the Uganda. Pray for the church’s Pray for Dave (Elizabeth) accreditation of Knox School spiritual health as it has endured Holmlund, regional home of Theology. / Mark Stumpff, lockdown this summer. / Home 8 missionary for the Presbytery of OPC Loan Fund manager, and Missions associate general sec- Philadelphia. / Pray for stated Charlene Tipton, database retary Al Tricarico. clerk Hank Belfield as he works administrator. on the minutes and yearbook Pray for missionary associate of the Eighty-Seventh (2021) Missionary associates Dr. Jim & Leah Hopp, Nakaale, Uganda, General Assembly. Jenny Knox, Mbale, Uganda. 3 that her health research may 13 Pray that Joy Hospice patients open gospel opportunities. / Associate missionary Angela would seek necessary care Pray for Danny Olinger, general Voskuil, Nakaale, Uganda. Pray despite COVID. / Joel Pearce, secretary of Christian Education, 9 for possibilities to reach village director of digital development as he edits New Horizons. children who have returned for the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. from boarding school due to lockdown. / Church-planting Yearlong intern A. J. (Chelsea) Ethan & Catherine Bolyard, intern Isaac (Esther) Zhou at at Sandy Springs Wilmington, NC. Pray that the Millsaps Pasadena OPC in Pasadena, CA. 4 Presbyterian in Maryville, TN. / 14 Lord would bless Heritage OPC’s Mark & Carla Van Essendelft, officer training class. / Pray for Nakaale, Uganda. Pray for sons Pray for Mike (Elizabeth) missionary associate Joanna Josiah, in the US, and Daniel, 10 Diercks, area home missions Grove, Nakaale, Uganda. beginning high school in Kenya. coordinator for the Presbytery of Ohio. / Pray for teachers and students at MTIOPC intensive Paul & Sarah Mourreale, West training sessions in Rockport, Associate missionaries Octavius 5 Plains, MO. Pray that God would ME, August 10–12. / Pray for the 15 & Marie Delfils, Haiti. Pray for give the people of the Ozarks Presbyterian and Reformed safety and wisdom for the church region ears to hear the gospel. / Commission on Chaplains and in Haiti during a time of political Summer intern Nathan (Elisa- Military Personnel. chaos. / Summer intern Zachary beth) Bloechl at Covenant Johnson at Reformation OPC in Presbyterian in Hammond, WI. Oviedo, FL.
NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 / 17 PRAYER CALENDAR AUG-SEPT
Items pertaining to September are in italics.
Give thanks for retired mission- aries Cal & Edie Cummings, 21 Brian & Dorothy Wingard, Greet Rietkerk, and Young & Mary Lou Son. / Mark (Peggy) Sumpter, regional home missionary for the Presbytery of the Southwest.
The Staffords The Westerveld family Shane & Rachelle Bennett, Grand Rapids, MI. Praise God 22 for the increase in membership at Reformation. / Church-planting interns Nate Mr. and Mrs. Pray for Foreign Missions general (Katie) Paschall at Christ the M., Asia. Pray for next steps as secretary Mark Bube and associ- 16 King in Naples, FL, and James lockdowns and visa uncertainties 27 ate general secretary Douglas (Dana) Stafford at Grace in Co- prevented their move. Clawson as they report to the lumbus, OH. / Pray that OPC.org committee this week. / Pray for will edify the church and help it Bruce (Sue) Hollister, regional Ben & Melanie Westerveld, to reach others. home missionary for the Presby- Quebec, Canada. 23 tery of the Midwest. / Affiliated Jay & Andrea Bennett, Neon, missionaries Jerry and Marilyn Melaku & Meron Tamirat, KY. Pray for evangelistic faithful- Farnik, Czech Republic. Pray for Clarkston, GA. Pray for God’s 17 ness and continued growth at rest and a good return to the 28 blessing on weekly Bible studies Neon Reformed. / John Fikkert, field in early September. for local refugees. / Pray for Alan director for the Committee on Strange, president of the board Ministerial Care, and Melisa of trustees of Great Commission McGinnis, financial controller. Mr. and Mrs. F., Asia (on Publications. furlough). Pray for the Lord to 24 raise elder candidates in the Pray for affiliated missionaries Reformed churches in Asia. / Ryan & Rochelle Cavanaugh, 18 Dr. Mark & Laura Ambrose, Yearlong intern Dustin (Amye) 29 Merrillville, IN. Pray for Mis- Cambodia, as they prepare for Thompson at Trinity Presbyterian sion Church’s outreach efforts. home assignment in the Midwest in Medford, OR. / Heero & Anya Hacquebord, from September to December. / L’viv, Ukraine. Pray for the devel- David Nakhla, Disaster opment of new leaders in the Response coordinator. Pray for Foreign Missions staff Tin L’viv church. Ling Lee and Stephanie Zerbe 25 as they prepare for committee Mark & Jeni Richline, Monte- meetings next week. / Pray for Pray for the CDM’s Refugee Min- video, Uruguay. Pray for God’s OPC office managerAnnelisa 30 istry Subcommittee as it seeks 19 blessing on a homiletics course Studley and Christian Education to expand ministry to refugees that Mark begins at the Re- office secretaryAbby Harting. in 2021. / Mike & Naomi Schout, formed seminary. / Yearlong Zeeland, MI. Pray that Grace Fel- intern Kelle Craft at Redeemer lowship would exhibit a culture OPC in Beavercreek, OH. Gregory & Ginger O’Brien, of evangelism and hospitality. Downingtown, PA. Pray for a 26 new worship location for Christ Bill & Margaret Shishko, Church. / Summer interns Filipe Summer interns Josiah (Han- Deer Park, NY. Pray God would (Marianna) Schulz dos Santos nah) Stockwell at Pilgrim OPC, 20 provide Haven with inroads into at Trinity OPC in Hatboro, PA, 31 Bangor, ME, and Dustin (Emily) ministry to its neighborhood. / and Christopher (Laura) Bar- Karzen at Providence OPC in Ben & Heather Hopp, Haiti (on nard at Lake Sherwood OPC in Temecula, CA. / Home Missions furlough). Pray for the children as Orlando, FL. general secretary John Shaw. they begin the school year.
18 / NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 DIACONAL MINISTRIES
“MOST food pantry was suddenly an important help to families whose businesses were closed and whose income was lost. John West, a deacon at Mid Cities Presbyterian Church in Bedford, Tex- ENCOURAGING as, told us about brothers stepping up to help after the recent winter storms that caused power outages across Texas. ZOOM CALL OF Encouraged to Hear about Challenges In his address for the event, Nathan Trice, president of COVID”? the CDM, focused our attention on the challenges faced by our churches, and deacons in particular. This primed the pump for conversation in breakout groups about those challenges. // J. ZACHARY SIGGINS First, Trice spoke about how our churches had to balance ministering to the needs of both body and soul in 2020—to balance legitimate concerns about public health with the im- portant needs of the soul. Recognizing the difficulty of finding that balance, the second ministry issue he identified was the hen I saw the Committee on Diaconal Ministries’ need to preserve peace and unity in the church despite our virtual deacon event “Continuing the Conversation” disagreements over these questions. Rather than leaving me advertisedW as possibly “the most encouraging Zoom call you lamenting (or worse, complaining about) the conflict and dis- have during COVID,” I must admit I was skeptical. Is it even unity we’ve experienced this past year, Trice prompted me to possible to have an encouraging Zoom call now that we’re a reflect on how navigating these challenges should leave us bet- year into a pandemic and Zoom fatigue is part of our lives and ter equipped to deal with conflict in the church in a healthy, lexicon? I opened my email, clicked on the link, and entered loving, and biblical way going forward. the call. Over the next hour and a half, I found that the event Finally, Trice spoke about the challenge of ministering lived up to its advertisement. to the needy apart from physical presence. Recognizing that Encouraged to See an OP Diaconate we’ve always had the category of a “shut-in,” our ministry was considerably complicated by the fact that, briefly, we all be- When we think of the diaconate, most of us probably came shut-ins and then, for longer periods of time, were un- think about the deacons of our local church. As chairman of able to minister in person to the needs of our shut-ins. Even our presbytery’s Diaconal Ministries Committee, I try to re- creative solutions felt inadequate to meet the needs of those member that the presbytery really has a regional diaconate. unable to participate in the regular ministry of the church. But when I sat there scrolling through multiple pages of “gal- Reflecting on the challenges of this past year might seem lery view” on the call and saw the little boxes representing well like an odd way to be encouraged, but Trice’s focus on what over a hundred deacons from across the OPC, I was reminded we’ve learned led to rich conversations in our breakout groups. that we also have a denominational diaconate! This connection Encouraged about Diaconal Ministries in the Future to one another, as CDM administrator David Nakhla remind- ed us, is what it means to be a presbyterian deacon. We have When our facilitator asked about how deacons can a network of deacons with all kinds of gifts and experience to uniquely contribute to caring for the needs of both body and call upon in the mercy ministry of the church. soul, many said that meeting physical needs opened doors for Encouraged to Hear How the Lord Has Blessed ministering to spiritual needs as well. Many of the needs of this past year required elders and deacons to work together. I was also encouraged to hear about the blessings the We care for Christ’s dearly loved people with greater effective- Lord has brought to churches both despite and because of ness and fruitfulness when the shepherding ministry of the the COVID-19 pandemic. Richard Dickinson, a member of session and the mercy ministry of the diaconate are viewed as the CDM, reminded us all in his opening devotional that we distinct but inseparable parts of the ministry that the church often have our best opportunities to serve and glorify and en- is called to carry out in Christ’s name. joy God in experiences and circumstances that we wouldn’t choose. Scott Pearce, a deacon at Church of the Covenant in The author is associate pastor of Living Hope OPC in Gettysburg, Hackettstown, New Jersey, shared that the church’s rarely used Pennsylvania.
NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 / 19 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS
COVENANT OPC ORGANIZED IN COEUR D’ALENE, ID
David G. Graves Coeur d’Alene Reformed, a mission work of the Presbytery of the Northwest, was organized as Covenant OPC, a new sepa- rate congregation, at a service of recogni- tion, ordination, and installation on Fri- day, June 11. Mark Collingridge, pastor of Covenant OPC in Kennewick, Wash- ington, moderated, and Bill Kessler, pas- tor of Grace Presbyterian in Columbus, Ohio, preached the sermon and gave the charge to the pastor. David Graves gave the charge to the elders, and elder Curt Sommerfeld of Faith OPC in Grants At Covenant OPC’s June 11 service (left to right): Bill Kessler, Len Pine, Ed de Bruin, Pass, Oregon, gave the charge to the con- Mark Collingridge, Ryan Woods, Kris Kord, David Graves, Mike Cooper, Jude Reardon, Curtis Sommerfeld, and Mark McConnell gregation. Elder Mark McConnell of First OPC in Portland, Oregon, prayed for the elders. IN MEMORIAM: BERTHA LLOYD Illinois, and was a registered nurse. She Covenant began as a Bible study in HUNT KINNAIRD married John Kinnaird, who would serve 2013 with worship services beginning in for decades as an elder in the OPC. She Patricia E. Clawson 2015. The presbytery called Rev. David taught Bible studies and welcomed all to Bertha Lloyd Hunt Kinnaird faithfully Graves as the organizing pastor in 2016, “The Farm” in Nottingham, Pennsylvania. served her Savior for eighty-six years and he was installed as Covenant’s first But her finest work was raising five chil- when the Lord called her home on June pastor on June 11. Mike Cooper, Ed de dren, including their eldest son, the late 2. The daughter of OPC missionaries Bruin, and Kris Kord were ordained and John Hunt Kinnaird, who was severely Bruce and Kathy Hunt, Bertha was born installed as elders. physically handicapped. on March 8, 1935, in Chungju, Korea. As PRESBYTERY OF SOUTHERN Bertha is survived by her husband, a six-month-old, she witnessed the First CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S RETREAT John; four children and spouses; two sis- Assembly. ters and a brother; and twelve grandchil- Bertha attended West Suburban Hos- Jane Crum dren. Over one hundred and fifty women par- pital School of Nursing in Oak Park, ticipated in our first ever virtual women’s UPDATE retreat this summer with the theme, “Till We Meet Again.” Tricia Mathys, a lo- CHURCHES cal biblical counselor, led us in monthly Zoom devotion meetings and followed • On June 11, Covenant OPC in Coeur up with periodic emails to turn our hearts d’Alene, ID, was organized as a particular to Jesus. We prayed for each other. We all congregation of the OPC. hiked on the same day—and greeted each MINISTERS other across the miles with posts and pho- tos. We also shared a virtual book club, • On June 4, Jeremiah A. Dickinson was reading together Forever by Paul Tripp ordained as a minister and installed as a and Becoming Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen pastor of Lakeview OPC in Rockport, Vaughn. The latter book was chosen be- ME. cause Elisabeth Elliot’s daughter, Valerie • On June 5, Damon A. Young was or- Elliot Shepard, will be our speaker at our Bertha and John Kinnaird with their dained as a minister and installed as a in-person retreat in April 2022! Find out son John at his college graduation pastor of Grace and Peace Presbyterian in more at www.opcwomensretreat.org. California, MD.
20 / NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 our two-month trip to the United States in 2007, when our children were old enough to carry their things, and young enough to want to come with us. It was a great experience for which I thank God. Angela Meletiadis Volos, Greece FAULT LINES AT FAULT
Editor: I am happy to see pastors in the OPC engaging with books that wrestle with racism in America, as Michael Myers does with Voddie Baucham’s Fault Lines ( June). But unlike Pastor Myers, I would argue against the usefulness of Fault Lines. Mr. Baucham’s critique of Criti- At Dorman’s ordination and installation: (front) James La Belle, Joshua Littlefield, Seth cal Race Theory (CRT) is derived from Dorman, Micah Bickford, Russell Hamilton; (back) Leonard Gulstrom, Stephen Tracey, a fundamental misunderstanding of the Logan Murray, Jeremiah Dickinson, Steve MacDonald, Luke Powell, Don Theriault, movement. Second, he is inconsistent in Josiah Stockwell, Nathan Lambert, Daniel Patterson, Albert Tricarico suggesting when Christians may use cer- tain ideologies and when they may not. For instance, it seems right to Mr. Bau- • On June 11, Seth M. Dorman was or- having served that congregation for cham to borrow almost entirely from an dained as a minister and installed as pas- twenty-six years. The Presbytery of Ohio atheist, James Lindsay, for his analysis tor of Limington OPC in Limington, dissolved the pastoral relationship, and of CRT, yet we are asked to eschew Bell ME. Faith OPC granted Snyder the status of and Crenshaw because of their unbelief. “pastor emeritus.” • On June 11, David G. Graves, previ- And finally, the central weakness toFault ously the organizing pastor, was installed • On June 30, D. Leonard Gulstrom Lines is Baucham’s answer to racism, that as pastor of Covenant OPC in Coeur retired as pastor of Limington OPC in it must be resolved in the “gospel of free d’Alene, ID. Limington, ME. grace in Jesus Christ.” Although this ap- pears self-evident, it is actually a histori- • On June 11, Daniel Schrock, previously • On July 1, David A. Crum retired as cally rooted trope that has been used to a PCA minister, was installed as associate regional home missionary for the Presby- truncate the gospel by eliminating the pastor of Bethel Presbyterian in Whea- tery of Southern California. gospel’s full implications: loving and seek- ton, IL. MILESTONES ing the welfare of our neighbors. As sure • On June 12, C. Steven McDaniel Jr., as it is to be choir music for the already • Dennis J. Fullalove died on June 1. A formerly pastor of Providence OPC in convinced, Fault Lines is not helpful for ruling elder at New Covenant OPC in Mantua, NJ, was installed as associate those seeking racial clarity. South San Francisco, CA, Fullalove was a pastor of Calvary OPC in Glenside, PA. John Livingston former presbytery moderator and was due Glenside, PA • On June 18, Aaron P. Mize was or- to be a commissioner at this year’s general Editor: dained as a minister and installed as pas- assembly. I was happy to see this publication ad- tor of Providence OPC in Kingwood, TX. dressing injustice and racial matters since • On June 19, John Paul Holloway was LETTERS both justice and the image of God are ordained as a minister and installed as a ON SABBATICALS fundamental components of the gospel pastor of Sterling Presbyterian Church in we proclaim. However, I disagree with the Sterling, VA. Editor: reviewer that Baucham’s book is full of Thank you for your March features. I had “solid principle” and “righteous polemics.” • On June 28, the Presbytery of Ohio dis- to laugh at the title of “The Why and Baucham’s definition of Critical Race solved the pastoral relationship between How of a Sabbatical for Your Pastor.” My Theory as a worldview, as opposed to an Mark A. Garcia and Immanuel OPC in husband, pastor of the Greek Evangelical analytical tool set, is not solid. Situat- Coraopolis, PA, as Garcia takes up a call Church in Volos, Greece, has been serv- ing CRT within the broader notion of as teacher of the Word at Westminster ing since 1994 and has never had a paid “Theory,” as Baucham does, is building on Theological Seminary. sabbatical, nor has any other pastor we the work of Dr. James Lindsay, a math- • On June 30, Douglas W. Snyder retired know in (economically strapped) Greece. ematician famed for publishing hoax pa- as pastor of Faith OPC in Indiana, PA, I think the only thing that came close was pers and a non-expert in legal studies or
NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 / 21 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued religion. Yet Baucham treats Lindsay’s does a masterful job explaining Sproul’s portedly agreeing with Roman Catholics work as authoritative, rather than engag- rise to professor, theologian, prolific au- on a number of sticky theological issues. ing with how CRT scholars themselves thor, pastor, and chairman of Ligonier At stake were core doctrines like justifica- characterize their work. The righteousness Ministries. Much of the book is based tion by faith alone and the imputation of of Baucham’s polemics is also suspect. It is on personal interviews that Nichols con- Christ’s righteousness to the believer. quite a bold statement to place Christians ducted with both R. C. and his wife, Vesta. If we wish to trace the rise of Reformed like Thabiti Anyabwile, Tim Keller, Rus- Sproul died in December 2017 theology in the evangeli- sell Moore, the Southern Baptist Con- at the age of seventy-eight. cal church over the last thirty vention, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Sproul’s path to becoming years, we need look no further Commission, 9Marks, The Gospel Coali- a theologian is fascinating. His than R. C. Sproul. Through tion, T4G, Jemar Tisby, Anthony Bradley, parents were both believers, his influence, untold millions and Latasha Morrison, all on one side of but the family found itself at- of people have been exposed a “fault line” (2, 135). Certainly it is pos- tending a Presbyterian Church to the truths of the Protestant sible large groups of Christians could de- that was rather liberal. Sproul Reformation and the doc- viate from the true gospel, what Baucham attended Westminster College trines found in the Westmin- presents as implied in joining the “New just north of Pittsburgh on an ster Confession of Faith and Religion” of “Critical Social Justice” (3, athletic scholarship. Sproul its catechisms. As someone 66–90), but such grave accusations must came to faith early in his freshman year. touched by Sproul’s ministry, my heart was give us pause before we join our voices There he was mentored by Dr. Thomas warmed by reading this biography. He was to them (Rom. 16:17–18; Titus 3:9–11; Gregory, who “was an island in a sea” of my introduction to Reformed theology, James 4:11). liberalism (59). Gregory was a graduate and, through his influence, God moved Adam Wells of Westminster Theological Seminary in me out of parachurch ministry to ministry Middletown, PA Philadelphia and the only theological con- as a pastor, now serving in the OPC. CHRISTIAN STUDENTS IN STEM servative on the college faculty. Through Enjoying God—Experience the Power and the influence of Gregory, Sproul changed Love of God in Everyday Life, by Tim Editor: his major from history to religion, and Chester. The Good Book Company, I very much appreciated Katharine later changed it again to philosophy. 2018. Paperback, 192 pages, $14.44. Re- Olinger’s review of Kruger’s Surviving Re- Upon graduation, Sproul found him- viewed by retired OP minister Larry E. ligion 101 ( July). One statement in the re- self at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Wilson. view captured my attention: “The training where he studied under John Gerstner, opportunities . . . are unparalleled—espe- who became his close friend and mentor. We affirm that our “chief end is to glo- cially for young people working in STEM. Gerstner was the only theological conser- rify God, and to enjoy him forever” (WSC But is it worth the risk for young believ- vative at Pittsburgh, and it was under his Q. 1). But do we really enjoy him in the ers?” Christians have long realized the influence that Sproul blossomed. With day-by-day grind? Alas, all too little. Tim importance of education from a Christian guidance from Gerstner, Sproul pursued a Chester sets out to help remedy that in worldview, but almost all of the colleges PhD at the Free University of Amsterdam Enjoying God. He does so by apply- they have established for that purpose are where he studied under G. C. Berkouwer. ing sound, gospel liberal arts schools. Christians should start The book also chronicles Sproul’s work -centered doctrine colleges that teach STEM from a Chris- facing major issues affecting the church. to ordinary living. tian worldview, colleges that bring forth For instance, in 1973, Sproul convened the This easy-to-read the best STEM practitioners in the world. first major council on the topic of biblical book is written so Daniel Burns inerrancy, The Conference on the Inspira- as to not unneces- Harvest, AL tion and Authority of Scripture, held at sarily scare away Ligonier. Participants included J. I. Packer, those who aren’t John Warwick Montgomery, John Gerst- familiar with Re- REVIEWS ner, Sproul, and others. In 1977, he was formed vernacular, invited to participate in the International but it’s thoroughly R. C. Sproul: A Life, by Stephen J. Nich- Council on Biblical Inerrancy, where he Reformed. Ches- ols. Crossway, 2021. Hardcover, 400 pag- served as president and James Montgom- ter quotes Calvin and various Puritans es, $26.99 (Amazon). Reviewed by OP ery Boice served as chairman. The council throughout. In large part, he digests and pastor David M. Sarafolean. convened in the fall of 1978 in Chicago. applies the teaching of John Owen from R. C. Sproul: A Life is a delightful story of In 1994, Sproul led opposition to “Evan- Communion with God. how God raised up a kid from Pittsburgh, gelicals and Catholics Together” (First This book is scriptural. Not only Pennsylvania, and made him an ambassa- Things, May 1994), a document signed by does it exhibit a sound doctrinal frame- dor of the gospel whose life touched mil- a number of evangelical leaders like J. I. work, but also Chester takes pains to lions around the globe. Stephen Nichols Packer, Chuck Colson, and others, pur- make clear the biblical basis for his
22 / NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued
help apply the principle Keller cites numerous theologians be- discussed in the chapter. loved within the Reformed tradition, Women’s Fall Fourth, each chapter is including G. K. Beale, John Murray, Conference followed by questions for Michael Horton, John Owen, Herman discussion. Ridderbos, and Geerhardus Vos. Given Sept. 10–11 • Green Bay, WI Let me highlight a few Keller’s broad readership, it is quite pos- points I really appreciat- sible that his interaction with these au- • Designed for His Glory: Cultivating Our ed. First, his clear discus- thors may draw many new readers to Time and Talents for the Kingdom sion of real communion their works! • Speaker: Hannah Anderson in the Lord’s Supper was In the first chapter, Keller reviews the outstanding. Second, so evidence for the historicity of the resur- • Location: New Hope Presbyterian was his discussion of the rection. Yet as he unfolds the facts, he 2401 Deckner Ave “means of grace.” While also emphasizes that no soul approaches • For details, email [email protected] or we do well not to reduce them without biases: “When we confront visit www.nhopc.org. them to “spiritual disci- the claim of the resurrection, we address plines,” he suggests that it not only with logic but with a lifetime we might do even better of hopes and fears and preexisting faith observations and suggestions. Two un- to think of them as “means of communion” commitments. And we will never be able derlying principles saturate Enjoying God. with the triune God (132–134). This can to accept it until we see our need for First, we can know the living and true help us steer clear of an impersonal misuse God’s grace” (15). God; we know him through the three of them. Third, throughout this book, he Keller next explores how the resur- persons of the Trinity, so we relate to the stresses the importance of Christian fel- rection of Christ changes everyday life. Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Sec- lowship. Our union with God in Christ is “When Jesus rose, he brought the future ond, we can grow in knowing the triune at the same time union with everyone else kingdom of God into the present. It is not God; our union with him in Christ is the who is united to God in Christ. yet here fully but it is here substantially” basis for ongoing communion with him This book is quite good for personal (24). This “already-but-not-yet” reality in experience. Chester fleshes out these reading, but it also provides great fodder cautions us against unrealistic optimism principles in fourteen practical chapters. for discussion in a small group or an adult or unwarranted pessimism (28–29), while “The first step in relating to God,” writes Sunday school class. at the same time affirming the prospect Chester, “is to relate to each distinct Per- for real change: “When we unite with the Hope in Times of Fear: The Resurrection son of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Spir- risen Christ by faith, that future power and the Meaning of Easter, by Timothy it” (17). Then he proceeds to show how to that is potent enough to remake the uni- Keller. Viking, 2021. Hardcover, 272 do so in the ups and downs of life—with verse comes into us . . . To be brought out pages, $21.02 (Amazon). Reviewed by three chapters on engaging with the Fa- of one kingdom into another . . . means to OP pastor Jeremiah W. Montgomery. ther, three chapters on engaging with the be freed from things that once controlled Son, and three chapters on engaging with Reading The Reason for God in 2008, I us” (31–32). the Holy Spirit. was struck by Tim Keller’s emphasis on Several chapters (ch. 6–8) deal with This book is also pastoral. It’s by no the centrality of the resurrec- how the resurrection of Jesus means abstract or merely theoretical. tion. If Jesus rose from the brought hope into the lives of Chester writes to ordinary Christ-follow- dead, then everything he said individuals in the New Testa- ers in today’s context. He makes concrete matters—including the things ment—and how that same applications in a number of ways. First, he that modern people find most hope can now enter our lives. starts the book with a story about Mike offensive. But if Jesus was not Subsequent chapters (ch. 9–11) and Emma. Their Lord’s Day fills them raised, nothing he said matters. suggest how the resurrection with comfort and gospel encouragement. The point was simple: settle the and its implications address They’re excited about living for the Lord. big question first. contemporary issues of race, But by Monday morning, it all seems to go More than a decade later, injustice, sexuality, and suffer- wrong. He comes back to their story with Keller has returned to the centrality of ing. Though the issues are thorny, Keller’s each chapter, showing how the theme the resurrection with Hope in Times of analysis provides biblical wisdom that of each makes a huge difference—not Fear. In this volume, his focus is not as avoids the double trap of either conser- to their circumstances, but to their walk philosophical. As he writes in the pref- vative reactionism or liberal reduction- with God in the midst of those circum- ace, “I am concentrating on the resurrec- ism. Particularly commendable is the stances. Second, he strews helpful illustra- tion as a key to understanding the whole discussion of poverty and injustice, in tions and examples throughout the book. Bible and to facing all the challenges of which Keller demonstrates that the Bible Third, each chapter ends with a “putting life” (xiv). “gives full weight both to personal re- it into practice” section—suggestions to Over the course of twelve chapters, sponsibility and social structures,” while
NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 / 23 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued acknowledging the deep sin that perme- the apostolic teaching concerning the further argues that the resurrection is the ates all hearts (160–168). resurrection, including judicious studies key thematic ligament holding these cor- The final chapter and epilogue dem- of Peter and Paul as heralds of the res- pora together. Seeing the resurrection as onstrate that the resurrection alone can urrected One. Luke, the writer, grants central to apostolic teaching in Acts, and lead us to “the world and life that we us authoritative access to all three of the Acts as the intended and proper context have always longed for but never had” lions of the apostolic church—Peter, for reading the epistles, Crowe concludes (208). Writing during the COVID-19 James, and Paul—so it is fitting to listen that the resurrection thus provides “part pandemic and amidst a personal struggle to Luke’s summaries of especially Peter’s of the necessary framework for interpret- with pancreatic cancer, Keller confesses and Paul’s apostolic teaching and note the ing all the New Testament epistles” (189). that “writing in such dark times helped special role the resurrection has for them Dr. Crowe is professor of New Testa- me see in the resurrection new depths both. In the second half of the book, ment at Westminster Theological Semi- of comfort and power” (217). May Hope Crowe outlines the place of the resurrec- nary, at which institution Dr. Richard B. in Times of Fear do the same for all who tion in relation to the accomplishment Gaffin Jr. famously taught and wrote on read it. of redemption and then the application the resurrection of Christ in Paul’s theol- and experience of salvation. This includes ogy to great effect. Dr. Crowe thus con- The Hope of Israel: The Resurrection of a discussion of how the resurrection fig- tinues that tradition, but extends and de- Christ in the Acts of the Apostles, by Bran- ures as an argument for Holy velops it in ways that are both don D. Crowe. Baker Academic, 2020. Scripture itself: Luke’s many appropriate and promising of Paperback, 256 pages, $16.99 (Amazon). references to the resurrection yet further advancement. There Reviewed by OP minister and professor as “according to the Scriptures” is a tendency to read the New Mark A. Garcia. reflect the definite pressure ex- Testament writings as vehicles On the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the erted upon Luke by the Old of theological truth that is ages turn as on a hinge, and all of cos- Testament itself in the direc- somehow detached from the mic and human history is swept up and tion of the resurrection. Even form and shape of the vehicle through the empty tomb. By way of the the genre of Acts, Crowe sug- itself. The canonical shaping transition in history from cross to resur- gests, indicates that Luke sees of the New Testament is a key rection, all are either judged or delivered, himself as participating in Old part of any serious explora- caught in the train of Christ’s ascension Testament historiography. tion of its teaching, however, in glory or condemned to perdition and In his final chapter, Crowe then ex- and requires our attention, if for no other utterly undone. Dr. Brandon Crowe’s plores plausible and important canonical reason than that we take the doctrines of book demonstrates this importance of implications of the centrality of Luke’s providence and of the church (as an inter- the resurrection with verve, but extends resurrection teaching. As he carefully ex- pretive community) seriously. I commend it to matters of biblical interpretation as plains, the placement of Acts in the New Dr. Crowe’s study, then, not only as edify- well. Focusing on Luke and Acts in par- Testament manuscript tradition is not ing reading—which it certainly is—but as ticular, Dr. Crowe argues that the resur- stable or fixed. Crowe argues, with good a proposal worthy of careful consideration rection provides a guide to interpreting reason, that this variety suggests that Acts in thinking through the providential or- many other biblical texts and concerns, performs a flexible role in the New Tes- dering of the New Testament. and reaches and spreads like tentacles tament canon, uniting it theologically to Editor’s Note: This review was written when through the vast body of Holy Scripture. all other New Testament literary groups Dr. Garcia was serving as pastor of Imman- This additional move is key to his argu- and effecting a unity among them: the uel in Coraopolis, PA. He has now been ap- ment, which he executes with care. Gospels, the Catholic Epistles, the Pau- pointed Associate Professor of Systematic The- The first half of the book focuses on line Letter Collection, and Revelation. He ology at Westminster Theological Seminary.
24 / NEW HORIZONS / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021