NEW HORIZONS in the ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3 Waiting upon the Lord in 6 One Body in Christ // MAY 2016 Karamoja // by Benjamin K. Hopp by David A. Okken

FOREIGN MISSIONS TODAY VOLUME 37, NUMBER 5 CONTENTS New Horizons in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Editor: Danny E. Olinger Managing Editor: James W. Scott FEATURES Editorial Assistant: Patricia E. Clawson 3 Cover Designer: Christopher Tobias Waiting upon the Lord in Karamoja Proofreader: Sarah J. Pederson Editorial Board: The Committee on Christian By David A. Okken Education’s Subcommittee on Serial Publications 6 One Body in Christ © 2016 by The Committee on Christian Education of By Benjamin K. Hopp The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations 8 Hurt, Forgiveness, and Healing in the Church are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of By Craig Laurie Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (We use the 2011 revision.) Articles previously published may be slightly edited. DEPARTMENTS New Horizons (ISSN: 0199-3518) is published monthly except for a combined issue, usually August- 10 September, by the Committee on Christian Education Foreign Missions of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 607 N. Easton Road, Bldg. E, Willow Grove, PA 19090-2539; tel. 215- Ray Call in Uruguay 830-0900; fax 215-830-0350. 12 Letters to the editor are welcome. They should deal Christian Education with an issue the magazine has recently addressed. Summer camps and conferences • ABCs Their language should be temperate, and they may not charge anyone with an offense. They should be brief, of Presbyterianism • Out of the mouth … and they may be condensed by the editor. 14 Send inquiries, letters to the editor, and other Home Missions correspondence to the editor at [email protected]. Royston, Ga. • Tulsa, Okla. Send address changes to [email protected]. Allow six weeks for address changes. 16 Stewardship The digital edition (PDF, ePub, mobi) and an archive of previous issues are available at www.opc.org. Treasure in heaven Views expressed by our writers are not necessarily 17 those of the editors or official positions of the Prayer Calendar Orthodox Presbyterian Church. 19 Copies are distributed free to members and friends News, Views, & Reviews of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Nonmembers 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.

Pictured here are those present at the meeting of the Presbytery of Southern California (March 4–5). Licentiates and men under care are kneeling with Chaplain Tim Power, under the watchful eye of the moderator, Doug Watson. Standing beside Doug is Joel Ellis (bow tie) of Reformation Bible Church, whose congregation in the suburbs of Phoenix, Ariz., has petitioned to join the Presbytery. Peter Moelker (back row with tie) was examined and received into the Presbytery from the Reformed Church in New Zealand as the pastor-elect at Sovereign Grace OPC in Redlands, Calif.

2 / NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 WAITING UPON THE LORD IN KARAMOJA

DAVID A. OKKEN // “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7–8).

The call to follow Christ is a call We teach. We scatter the seed of the Waiting upon Our Lord to Return to a life of waiting. We see it in these word in evangelism. We wait for the from Heaven words of James and in so many other Lord to bless. places in Scripture. We work to disciple men who we It is appropriate that we use the These past months, in my times of hope will one day be elders and pas- farming metaphor to speak of the Spirit devotional reading, I have been remind- tors in the church. As Paul instructed blessing our ministries with conver- ed of how much the theme of waiting Timothy, we seek to “reprove, rebuke, sions, sanctification, numerical growth pervades the Psalms. I have often run and exhort, with complete patience and in our churches, the planting of new into words like these words of David: teaching” (2 Tim. 4:2). Progress and ones, and so forth. Indeed, our Lord’s “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let spiritual growth can go slowly. Indeed, parable of the sower would have us your heart take courage; wait for the sometimes it feels like it has halted praying for the seed of the word to fall Lord!” (Ps. 27:14). completely. upon good soil and produce good fruit This has encouraged me, particu- James describes the farmer who in the lives of those to whom we minis- larly as our team in Karamoja has been waits patiently for the precious fruit of ter (Matt. 13:23). and continues to be in something of a his labors. Living in a land full of sub- But, returning to James’s words, waiting phase. Last year ended with us sistence farmers, whose crops rarely last when he employs the farming metaphor having to bid farewell to much-loved until the next harvest, we understand and calls us to wait for the Lord, he is friends and teammates. After that, we the longing for that precious fruit. Sim- directing our thoughts to something waited for our new pastor, along with ilarly, as ministers of the gospel, we long beyond the fruit of our labors, wheth- his family. David Robbins and his fam- to see fruit from our labors. In Karamo- er that fruit is born in our lifetime or ily arrived in the middle of February! ja, we often wonder if not we, but the even in subsequent generations. The And now we continue to wait upon the next generation(s), will at last get to see harvest that James has in mind is that Lord to provide a new missionary doc- a firmly established Reformed church world-ending event of “the coming of tor to take up labors at the Clinic. that is self-supporting, self-propagat- the Lord.” Of course, Jesus also speaks In many ways, our ministries are ing, and self-governing. What precious of the end of the age as “the harvest” ministries of waiting. Often they do not fruit that will be! So we wait. Indeed, (Matt. 13:39). bear the fruit we hope to see in the time we are called to ministries and lives of Jesus is coming again! It was that in which we hope to see it. We preach. waiting for the Lord. promise which James offered for the

NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 / 3 encouragement of a suffering wealthy and corrupt ( James church that was facing “trials of 5:4–6). And it is surely true various kinds” (James 1:2). Yes, when we are called to minis- the saints were to be encour- ter in difficult circumstances aged by knowing that such tri- where progress is slow. als would bring sanctification We may go out to the vil- in this life (1:3–4). But greater lage to share God’s Word and still was the hope that their find people interested only in Lord would soon appear and their gambling card games and that the trials of this life would in sipping bags of gin. We must be no more. “Establish your still deliver that word, even if hearts, for the coming of the only a few are willing to come Lord is at hand” (James 5:8). and listen. We proclaim it, For the believer, waiting for knowing that one day, maybe the Lord is always ultimately David Okken teaching on the Mission compound this day, we shall proclaim it “waiting for our blessed hope, for the last time. “And then the appearing of the glory of they will see the Son of Man our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” We must meditate often on the coming in clouds with great power and (Titus 2:13). hope of Christ appearing in glory and glory” (Mark 13:26). We always need to remind our- the fact that “when he appears we shall Waiting While Laboring Fervently selves of his coming. We must remem- be like him, because we shall see him as ber that it is near. It is near to us as those he is” (1 John 3:2). Then will be revealed Will belief in our Lord’s imminent who are living in the last days ( James to us that glory of which “the sufferings return encourage laziness? Shall we 5:3). It is also near in the sense that it of this present time are not worth com- sit on our hands and wait for Jesus to is at the center of Christian faith. So we paring” (Rom. 8:18). come? Of course, there will always be must always keep it near, at the center of For those who received James’s let- those who distort and misapply pre- our faith. Peter instructed the believers, ter, this was to be the great source of en- cious biblical truths. In Thessalonica, “Set your hope fully on the grace that couragement amidst trials of all kinds! there were those who were probably will be brought to you at the revelation It was true for the righteous who were using the Lord’s return to excuse their of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). being oppressed by those who were refusal to work. Paul had to warn that

David Okken teaching out in the bush

4 / NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 neither should they eat (2 Thess. 3:10). faint” (Isa. 40:31). now be watered by the ministry of Pas- Understood and applied properly, Waiting upon the Lord to Bless tor David Robbins. however, the expectation of Christ’s re- Our Labors What was true in the Samaritan turn will have the opposite effect. Paul village in Jesus’ day continues to be true commended that same church for their Longing for Christ’s return should today. That is, we live in the day of the reputation as those who had “turned to never lead to a defeatist attitude in our great harvest ( John 4:36, 39). For every God from idols to serve the living and gospel ministries. It might seem contra- day, every year, and indeed every gen- true God, and to wait for his Son from dictory to live in expectation of Christ’s eration that the kingdom of glory tar- heaven” (1 Thess. 1:9–10). The Christian return while laboring with a long-term ries, Christ builds his kingdom in this life is a life of waiting, while fervently perspective. If our Lord may return in world. As we preach the word, in sea- serving the Lord. It is as we are “wait- our generation, why bother sowing son and out of season, the cry “Come, ing for our blessed hope” that we live seeds for the coming ones? Admittedly, Lord Jesus!” should also be a prayer for as people “who are zealous for good it is a paradox. Yet, it is a paradox from Christ to come by the Spirit and bless works” (Titus 2:13–14). For Peter, fix- our Lord. our proclamation, so that his kingdom ing your hope fully upon Christ’s return Even if it is difficult for me to may grow. “Let the favor of the Lord means “preparing your minds for ac- wrap my mind around that mystery, I our God be upon us, and establish the tion” (1 Peter 1:13). still find it edifying to meditate on it. work of our hands upon us; yes, estab- Being without a missionary doc- Paul wrote to Timothy the somewhat lish the work of our hands!” (Ps. 90:17). tor has provided our Mission with a strange words, “It is the hard-working So let us wait upon the Lord to- great opportunity to serve the Lord farmer who ought to have the first gether. Please pray with us that our God while waiting for his provision. Only share of the crops.” And then he wrote, would bless our labors in Karamoja. the Lord knows if and when a new “Think over what I say, for the Lord will Pray, believing that he will do great doctor will come. In the meantime, we give you understanding in everything” things. Pray that the young children are not sitting and waiting. It has been (2 Tim. 2:6–7). hearing the gospel every day at Kar- wonderful to see our teammates step up The Lord calls us to long for the amoja Education Outreach (KEO), our as needed. Missionary associate Chris- great harvest at the end of the world preschool, would grow up to be strong topher Verdick is doing a great job as while longing for harvests in our min- Christians who will lead the next gen- our temporary Clinic administrator, istries today and in the ministries of eration in walking in the ways of the with missionary associate Hannah Van those who come after us. We trust that Lord. As we preach and teach in the Gorkom assisting him. Of course, it some of the many seeds faithfully sown church, out in the villages, at the Clinic, helps that Dr. Jim Knox did such good by Pastor Al Tricarico in Karamoja will or wherever we may be, pray for a great work training our staff during his harvest of souls. Pray that Christian years with us. So quality medical men will mature and grow strong care continues to be delivered. The spiritually, so that one day, perhaps gospel is preached. The work goes soon, they will be able to serve as on while we await the Lord’s provi- elders and pastors. sion of a new doctor. And pray for us, that we might Waiting upon the Lord in- “be steadfast, immovable, always volves meditating upon our Savior’s abounding in the work of the Lord” return and all of the glories that will (1 Cor. 15:58). To that end, pray then be ours. It is to live by faith. that our hearts might be established It is to look, with Abraham, “to the as we remember that the coming city that has foundations, whose of the Lord is at hand. Indeed, so designer and builder is God” (Heb. may it be for us all. As was David, 11:10). Only as we do that can we so may we be strong and our hearts find the strength we need, even the encouraged as we wait for the Lord powers of the age to come at work (Ps. 27:14). Wherever King Jesus in us, enabling us to serve the Lord has placed us, let us faithfully serve each day. God promised through him, ever looking up to heaven, be- Isaiah that “they who wait for the lieving that from there he shall soon Lord shall renew their strength; return. they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not The author is an OP missionary in be weary; they shall walk and not David Okken (left) and David Robbins Nakaale, Karamoja, Uganda.

NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 / 5 ONE BODY IN CHRIST

BENJAMIN K. HOPP // You never know who is going to show up at church. The church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti (Reformed Pres- byterian Church in Delmas), has a regular stream of visitors. Back in 2014, I received an e-mail from an Orthodox Presbyterian pastor in Ohio. He wanted to inform me that two Haitian men who were studying in the United States had be- Presbyterian Church sends out mis- with his parents in 1971. He grew up come members of his local OP con- sionaries to plant churches of like faith in a believing home and continued to gregation. Since they were returning to and practice in foreign lands. God has attend church. Providentially, God Haiti after completing their studies, he providentially worked to connect the brought him in 1998 to an OP church wanted to connect them with the mis- churches of the OPC in the United in Manchester, New Hampshire, which sion work in Haiti. States and Canada with believers in he joined in 2000. In 2004, he was or- One Sunday, not long after this Haiti in significant ways. dained as a deacon. email exchange, our family was wor- Many people come on short-term It was following the devastating shipping at the Port-au-Prince church. mission teams to help the OPC Haiti Haitian earthquake in 2010 that we We had arrived early, after the hour- Mission. They forge an important con- met Daniel. The church in Manchester, long drive into the city. As people ar- nection between their churches back along with family and friends, had col- rived and gathered for Sunday school, home and the churches in Haiti. They lected immediate relief for people, and we greeted folks and asked about their share their love for Christ while using Daniel, through family connections, week. On this particular morning, I their talents at vacation Bible school was able to travel to Haiti and distrib- greeted a man whom I did not recog- programs, at pastoral training semi- ute it. He commented, “I was blessed to nize. He introduced himself as Ber- nars, or on construction projects in serve there.” But God also wanted to nard—one of the two men who were Haiti. They bring encouragement to the use this brother in other ways to help members of the OP congregation in churches by showing that they are part connect the OP churches back home Ohio. He had arrived back in his home of a greater body of believers. And when with believers in Haiti. country and had found the church. they return home following their time Language is important in missions. The Scriptures remind us that in Haiti, they carry the prayers of the In Haiti, the two official languages are we, as members of the church of Jesus Haitian believers back to their churches French and Haitian Creole. Much of Christ, are one body. This means that it and share their experiences of what the the official correspondence is in French, is important for the church to be con- Lord is doing in Haiti. and students start learning in French nected both internally and externally. Once in a while, a visitor arrives after the first couple of grades. Hai- We should love our brothers and sisters. who can contribute in a particularly tian Creole is their native tongue. This We should seek to serve them and love special way. This was the case with is what you hear spoken on the street, them. Daniel. He speaks the language, knows in the market, and among friends chat- It is also important for the univer- the culture, and has a deep connec- ting about their day. Daniel speaks both sal, visible church to be connected. This tion to the OPC. Daniel was born in languages. is even more true when the Orthodox Haiti, but he left for the United States While Haiti has the Bible available

6 / NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 in both official languages, there is only a There is a great need limited amount of Reformed literature for solid biblical doctrine available in either French or Haitian in Haiti. It is for this rea- Creole. The Mission is hard at work son that we open up our translating and proofing books and training seminars to men pamphlets. We are also in the process of from other churches as producing training materials for elders well. And they come. It is and deacons in Haitian Creole. Dan- exciting to see them learn iel has agreed to work with us on these and work hard at applying materials. His practical experience as the doctrine they hear to an OP deacon and his language skills, their own church environ- along with his cultural understanding, ment. We are grateful to will be a great benefit to this project see them, with their Bibles as we labor to translate and print Re- open, utilizing the break formed materials. It is our prayer that times to discuss the teach- this connection between the OPC back ing. Your pastor or elder home and the missionaries in Haiti will can help us by traveling to Bernard between missionaries Benjamin Hopp (left) and Octavius Delfils at the church in Port-au-Prince bear much fruit. Haiti and teaching these So you might be asking yourself, church leaders. What else can my church do to con- So what happened with Bernard? knowledge of the Bible and the Re- nect with the church in Haiti? We pray How has the connection between the formed faith. Late last year, he made and we give. These are significant, and OP churches in the U.S. and the fledg- a profession of faith, along with nine the Mission thanks you for your prayer ling church in Haiti been made? Ber- others, at the Port-au-Prince church. support and for your giving. Another nard came to us because you welcomed He is now a member of the Presbyte- important way to connect is to encour- him while he was a stranger in a for- rian and Reformed church in Haiti. He age and facilitate a trip by your pastor eign land. He had left his home coun- faithfully attends not just the worship or elder to Haiti. Since the OPC began try to pursue his education and needed services in Port-au-Prince, but also the working in Haiti back in 2002, one of the spiritual encouragement of a body other times of Bible instruction. Ber- our main priorities has been the train- of Christ. And it was you, the church nard is often one of the first to answer ing of church leaders. This training is of Jesus, who welcomed him into your the questions in Sunday school. He ac- currently going on, both at the Port-au- presence. quired this knowledge from the time Prince congregation and on the island The exciting outcome of your hos- spent among you, feeding on the same of La Gonâve. pitality was that Bernard grew in his Word and partaking of the same spiri- tual food. Maybe one day you will hear about God raising up Bernard as an elder or deacon in this growing congregation. We are praying that God will raise up men whom the missionaries on the ground can train and to whom the church can cheerfully submit as their spiritual leaders. By welcoming Ber- nard into your midst—and by sending him back to Haiti—you have been in- strumental in building the church in Haiti! This is God’s providential work in building connections within the body of Christ. “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13).

A training seminar for Haitian church leaders on La Gonâve The author is an OP missionary in Haiti.

NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 / 7 HURT, FORGIVENESS, AND HEALING IN THE CHURCH: ADMISSION OF SIN AS THE GATEWAY TO FORGIVENESS

CRAIG LAURIE // “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, … that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” ( John 17:22–23). On the last night before he died, Christ prayed for his disciples and those who would come after them.

Jesus’ prayer is the model of what makes it clear that this is not a uniquely denomination and other Reformed he has created the church to be, and modern problem. churches: women in office, the age of what the world is to conclude when As long as there has been a church the earth, various eschatological views, viewing the church. In this article, I of- composed of sinners saved by grace, and the relationship between justifica- fer a few simple thoughts about what there have been controversies and dis- tion, grace, works, and the law. Because we can do to more closely approach our agreements. The Orthodox Presbyterian these controversies involve frail people Savior’s desire for us as members of his Church was born amidst controversy of flesh and blood, all of them have the body. and disagreement, and while God has potential to cause hurt within the body It is surely no accident that the blessed us with sufficient grace that we of Christ. apostle Paul, speaking as the inspired have endured, the journey has not al- The Deepest Hurts author of the Pastoral Epistles in the ways been peaceful, and even today the New Testament, spends considerable OPC is neither as peaceful as we should However, I have observed that time discussing controversy within the desire nor as marked by unity and love more often it is disagreement about church. There was plenty of it to discuss! as our Savior intended. more personal issues at the congrega- In addition, all of the Gospels point- Controversy within the church tional level that have the potential to edly dwell on the infighting and rivalry takes many forms, and it has many ef- hurt people in an intimate way, some- among Jesus’ disciples. We modern fects in the life of the church. Many times causing them distress for many Presbyterians may often despair at the of us are aware of the issues that have years. While issues such as the age of discord within our circles, but Scripture recently caused division within our the earth are important, it is issues such

8 / NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 as how to school one’s children, how to My point is not that I am a special case, Honest Soul-Searching shape the worship of the congregation, but that difficult and hurtful things Second, I have been helped by hon- and how to care for our youth as they happen within the church. est soul-searching about my own sin. I mature (the majority of them with the When they happen, we naturally have asked myself how the worst things accompanying need and desire to mar- turn to God for guidance, whether by I have done, said, or thought compare to ry) that have the greatest potential for prayer, reading his word, partaking of the painful things that my fellow Chris- deep personal hurt and subsequent es- the means of grace, or the support of tians have done to me. Needless to say, trangement within the body of Christ. our fellow Christians, particularly our I have been humbled and stricken by Christ in his prayer for us says that elders. All of these means have been of my gaze into the mirror. While my sins we are to be one. Any pastor who has great assistance to me, and I am grate- may not have hurt those who have hurt been on the job for more than a few ful for the way that God has used all of me, they have always hurt someone, and, weeks can tell you how far short of that them in my life, but I have still strug- more importantly, they have displeased ideal we fall. gled. God. The difference between our “small- I have been a member of the OPC Lately I have come to believe sev- est” and our “greatest” sins in the sight nearly all my life. I am the son of an el- eral parts of God’s Word more firmly, of God is negligible. Sin is “any want of der who has served the church for al- and they have been of great value to conformity …,” and all of our sins de- most sixty years. I have had the privilege me in being able to lay to rest some of serve judgment. Both mine and yours. to know several of our pastors person- the hurt that I have carried with me for I have often carried my hurts with ally for many years. I have seen much what seems too long. I would like to me, trying to forget them, but failing. I demonstration of God’s grace in the share those things with you. have often prayed that those who have lives of his people during those many What Higher Moral Ground? hurt me would perhaps repent, because years, most of all in my own life, but I that would help me forgive them, which have also seen a great deal of personal First, God has reminded me that I know I should do. God has gently re- damage wrought by division within the any higher moral ground that I may minded me of the endless times when church. have occupied, relative to people who I have been forgiven by him and by Everyone’s experience is no doubt have hurt me, is so infinitely low, rela- my fellow Christians, usually long be- different, but it has been my observa- tive to my position in relation to God, fore God has worked repentance in my tion that over the course of a lifetime, that I have absolutely no room for heart. He has shown me that I have both the greatest joys and the great- pride—nor really any cause to dwell on no grounds upon which I—who have, est hurts enter our lives through the the fact the I am “right.” While I may like all Christians, been forgiven a huge church. In some ways, this seems have more light in some areas of my life amount of evil—can withhold forgive- completely wrong, because within the than my fellow believers (and no doubt ness from one of my brethren. That is church we are dealing with our fellow less light in other areas), I fall so short not to say that it would not be a comfort believers, and we are right to expect of the glory of God that I should dwell to me if such repentance should occur, that our fellow Christians will have “no on my own shortcomings, asking God but I cannot make that a condition of greater love” for us. to change me. forgiveness. However, it is also true that the Put another way, the difference These are simple things, but they church is a very intimate association between the best and the worst of us is are central to the gospel, and they are of sinners who take their faith very practically indiscernible, relative to the hard things to hang on to. Perhaps by seriously, and who spend years in each degree to which we all fall short of the writing them down, I can more ably other’s company. One of our most se- standards in God’s Word, and it is upon remember them! I fear that I will not nior pastors fondly says, “The OPC is that reality we should dwell. If one sin- keep the clarity that God has given me the best church in the world, if you can cerely believes that all one’s righteous- at this time, but I hope that I will re- stand it.” That is a funny line, but there ness is truly “like a polluted garment” member a good deal of what God has is truth in it. With great commitment (Isa. 64:6), then one cannot spend much shown to me. I also hope that my ex- comes great potential for many things, time feeling righteously offended. perience can help some of my readers including controversy and resultant Note that this is not to say that to take the necessary steps to mend as damage to people. offense does not occur, or that such much as possible the tears in what God In God’s eternal and good provi- things should be treated lightly. Offense intended to be a seamless and perfect dence, I have found myself several times is real and often very hurtful. However, garment of fellowship—which it will be in a position within Christ’s church that offense is experienced very differently one day by his grace. has been very painful for me and for my when one’s spiritual gaze is directed up- family. I am by no means unique in this ward rather than at one’s fellow Chris- The author is a member of First OPC in regard; indeed, I am in good company. tians. Portland, Ore.

NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 / 9 FOREIGN MISSIONS

EXAMINING OUR SOURCES OF AUTHORITY Missionaries Ray and Michele Call with chil- // RAYMOND E. CALL III dren (top row) AnnaGrace, Jeremiah, Rebecca; (middle row) Daniel, John, Christina; and Peter

are equally necessary. He believes in a coming worldwide cri- sis, which will include disasters and other calamities. When I haky Sources of Authority ask him where he gets these beliefs, he cannot answer me. I suspect they come from a variety of sources. S “Here in Uruguay, the Mormon missionaries from Several others I have encountered believe in Reiki: a form the U.S. are really part of the CIA.” This represents the gist of spiritual healing that arose out of Japanese Buddhism (see of what at least two men have told me in the roughly seven- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki). Most support for Reiki teen months I’ve been in Uruguay. Setting aside the question here has come in the form of personal thoughts and experi- regarding the truth value of the claim, we can take it as an ences, failing to produce compelling arguments for its effec- example of a more general principle: people have all kinds of tiveness. wild beliefs, many of which have no connection with an au- Apart from the Spirit working in the life of a person, he thoritative source. This is true of people in the U.S. and around or she will believe almost anything other than what God has the world. As in other places, Uruguay has no shortage of revealed in his Word. The Lord teaches us that unbelievers those who have strong beliefs, the foundations of which are cannot understand spiritual things: “The natural person does built upon sand. not accept the things of the Spirit of As part of our new church plant God, for they are folly to him, and he in the capital city of Montevideo, Rev. is not able to understand them because Mark Richline and I have been going they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor. out into the community to ask people 2:14). Knowing this will help us un- a series of questions about God, the derstand why it is that non-Christians church, and related themes. Doing that hold to such a variety of beliefs, many of has given us insights into the culture as which strike us as wild and outlandish. well as opportunities to interact with Because they are dead in their trans- people and share the gospel. One com- gressions and sins (Eph. 2:1), it will be mon thread we have seen is that people impossible for them to believe the au- adhere to many beliefs, which at the end thoritative truths we are sharing with of the day are simply based on their own them as Christians. They need the Lord experience and opinions. to open their eyes (Acts 26:18), so that In response to the claim regarding they will trade in their hodgepodge of Mormon missionaries, I asked the man beliefs based on a shaky foundation for how he knew that, and he could not secure beliefs based on the firm founda- answer me. Another individual I know tion of God’s revealed Word. has what seems like a fairly developed Another common thread we have spiritual belief system. He has preached seen is that people desire a god of their to me for great lengths of time, claiming Ray Call speaking at church own making. All too often people will that light and darkness, good and evil, pick and choose what they want to be

10 / NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 true of God, rather than what actually is true. Their god then becomes a projection of their own wishes, designed to meet their perceived needs. One of my favorite places to go in Montevideo is the Rambla, a coastal high- way running along the shore of the Rio de la Plata. Pastor Mark and I once approached a group of young soccer players who appeared to be around seventeen years old. One of the young men expressed a common theme by saying, “I believe in God, but not in the church.” While we were happy to hear he believes in God, we were not sure he under- stands or worships the same God as we do. How can one worship and love God while at the same time blatantly rejecting the very Christian fellowship around a meal institution that Christ established for his glory, our edification, and the evangelization of the world? Like this young man, many others believe that two adult children. the church has little to no relevance today. We long to see the The Richlines are on furlough in the U.S., and the Rev. Lord open the eyes of those who walk in darkness and estab- Markus Jeromin and his family have joined us as missionary lish his church in Uruguay. associates for 2016. We continue to develop our relationship The exclusivity of salvation in Christ alone can be a stum- with the other Presbyterian church in Montevideo, as well as bling block to some. One man became agitated upon hearing with the ones in Mercedes and Rivera, praying that the Lord our claim that no one can be saved apart from Jesus. Perhaps will one day form a presbytery and then a denomination. he thought that God would not be so narrow. He chose to Please pray for the Lord’s blessings on our weekly meetings, as believe in a god who would accept sinners on his own terms, well as our personal evangelism, distribution of flyers, English rather than on terms that God has actually revealed. Left to conversation classes, and VBS in June. We give thanks to the themselves, people will worship almost anything other than Lord and ask him to build his church in Uruguay! the God who has revealed himself in Scripture. That is why it is so important for missionaries to share the truth of God’s The author is a PCA minister laboring with the OPC Uruguay Word in love. Many are “harassed and helpless, like sheep Mission under a cooperative agreement between the Committee on without a shepherd,” and we must have compassion on them, Foreign Missions (OPC) and the Mission to the World (PCA). For as our Lord did on the crowds in Jerusalem (Matt. 9:36). more information on the work in Uruguay, the Call Missionary The Solid Source of Authority Blog may be found at http://callmissionaries.org.

As Christians, we have been given special revelation from God, which is contained in the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. What’s New 1:21). The Lord has provided us with authoritative truth that is both objective and reliable. This truth informs our world- view and gives us insight into the nature of reality, especially // Appointments the knowledge of God. While we may sometimes struggle to Rev. and Mrs. John G. (Alice) Steenhof (Reformed interpret and apply this revelation faithfully, we begin with the Churches of New Zealand) have been appointed to bedrock foundation of the Word of God. serve as missionary associates to Mbale, Uganda, for six months, beginning in April 2016. We are his ambassadors, participating in a ministry of reconciliation in which God is challenging preconceived no- // Comings/Goings tions about who he is and how he must be approached. To that Rev. and Mrs. David J. (Rashel) Robbins (missionary end, we are pressing on in our church plant in the neighbor- evangelist to Nakaale, Karamoja) and their four chil- hood of La Blanqueada. In the last few months, the Lord has dren arrived in Uganda on February 17. provided several new folks who are regularly coming to our Rev. and Mrs. Benjamin K. (Heather) Hopp (Haiti) and meetings. Besides a young woman from Brazil, who has been their four children returned to the U.S. at the end of with us from the beginning, we now have three university stu- March to begin a yearlong furlough. dents from Venezuela and a single Uruguayan woman and her

NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 / 11 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

OPC SUMMER CAMPS AND CONFERENCES The OPC Family Camp in Gowen, Michigan

MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE—Deerwander Bible Conference ALASKA—Family Camp (Presbytery of New York and New England) (Grace OPC, Wasilla, Alaska) Junior High (entering 6th–8th), August 16–20 No camp this year. Windsor Hills Camp, Windsor Hills, NH Scott Johnson, [email protected] Senior High (entering 9th–12th), August 13–20 (no website) Chop Point Camp, Woolwich, ME www.deerwander.org CALIFORNIA—Blue Ridge Bible Conference (Presbytery of Southern California) MICHIGAN—OPC Family Camp PineCrest Christian Conference Center, Twin Peaks, CA (Presbytery of Michigan and Ontario) Family/all ages, June 20–24 Lincoln Lake Camp, Gowen, MI www.blueridgebibleconference.org Family/all ages, August 22–26 www.harvestopc.org (select “WALK,” then “Family Camp”) CALIFORNIA—Sierra Christian Conference www.facebook.com/OPCFamilyCamp (OP churches in Northern California) Sierra Christian Conference Association, Groveland, CA OHIO—Youth Camp Memorial Weekend Family Camp, May 27–30 (Presbytery of Ohio) For information, contact Brad DeBoer at 209-577-4341 4-H Camp Piedmont, Piedmont, OH or [email protected] Junior Summer Camp (ages 9–12), July 11–16 (no website) Senior Summer Camp (completed grades 7–12), July 11–16 opcohioyouth.wordpress.com CALIFORNIA—Family Bible Camp (Presbytery of Northern California and Nevada) OREGON—Family Camp Redwood Christian Park, Boulder Creek, CA (First OPC, Portland, OR) Family/all ages, August 1–5 Camp Morrow, Wamic, OR www.pncnopc.org/calendar Family/all ages, August 17–20 www.firstopcportland.org/camp.php FLORIDA—Reformed Youth Conference (Presbytery of the South) PENNSYLVANIA—Conestoga Bible Conference RYC High/Middle School Youth Camp, June 20–25 (OP churches in Pennsylvania and nearby states) Youth entering 6th grade (or 11 by August 31) through Promised Land Camp, Conestoga, PA completing 12th grade Summer Bible Camps Lakewood Retreat Center, Brooksville, FL Grades 6–9 and 10–12, July 25–30 www.lsopc.org/ryc www.conestogabibleconference.org

12 / NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 PENNSYLVANIA—French Creek Bible Conference ABCs of PRESBYTERIANISM (OPC affiliated) French Creek State Park, Elverson, PA Authority in the Church (5) Grades 4–6, August 8–13 Grades 7–8, July 30–August 6 Larry Wilson Grades 9–10, July 18–25 Our Lord Jesus Christ forbids church officers to lord it Grades 11–12, July 11–18 over the flock. Their authority is always under his author- Post-High, July 8–11 ity. Even so, it is real authority. Our Lord Jesus commands Labor Day Family, September 2–5 believers to obey their leaders and submit to them (Heb. www.frenchcreek.org 13:17). This is why the OPC’s Form of Government says: Nevertheless, church government is a valid and SOUTH DAKOTA—OPC-PCA Bible Camp authentic jurisdiction to which Christians are com- (Presbytery of the Dakotas) manded to submit themselves. Therefore the decisions Camp Judson, Keystone, SD of church officers when properly rendered and if in Grades 4–6, 7–9, 10–12 (completed), June 25–July 1 accord with the Word of God “are to be received with www.opc-pca-biblecamp.com reverence and submission; not only for their agreement with the Word, but also for the power whereby they TEXAS—Summer Camp are made, as being an ordinance of God appointed (Presbytery of the Southwest) thereunto in his Word” (Confession of Faith, Chapter Alto Frio Baptist Encampment, Leakey, TX XXXI, Section 2). (III.5) Youth entering grades 4–12, June 20–25 In other words, we are to receive such decisions with www.opcsouthwest.org/summer-youth-camp reverence and submission, not only because we agree that they are scriptural, but also because the Lord endows them VIRGINIA—Machen Retreat and Conference Center with his own authority. (Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic) This is why, when we become communicant members Machen Retreat and Conference Center, McDowell, VA of the church, we vow to submit in the Lord to the govern- OPC Worldwide Outreach Conference, June 24–25 ment of the church and to heed its discipline. Edmund Clowney explains that: Science Camp, July 11–16 Stronghold Camp, August 8–13 Authority in the church is Christ’s authority. It is he Children, 5th to 12th grades who gives the keys of the Kingdom and who validates Labor Day/Family Conference, September 2–5 in heaven what is determined on earth in his name. machen.org (Living in Christ’s Church, p. 154) Submission to church government, then, is always “in WISCONSIN—Camp Westminster the Lord.” First of all, we submit to the Lord. And then (Presbytery of the Midwest) we show that we submit to the Lord by submitting to his Green Lake Conference Center, Green Lake, WI agents. Of course, if we are genuinely persuaded in our All members, friends, all ages, August 1–5 consciences that their decisions require us to sin, then “we www.pmwopc.org (click on “Calendar and Activities”) must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). But if we merely differ in opinion on some judgment call, then we WOMEN’S (AND MEN’S) RETREATS must submit in the Lord. Stephen D. Doe says: For women’s retreats and Bible conferences that are held This commitment springs from God’s grace, and it at various times during the year (not just the summer) in requires us to trust—really trust—Christ, the Head of Southern California, New England, New Jersey, Ohio, and the church. But through believing submission, Christ richly blesses both us and the church. (New Horizons, Virginia, see www.opc.org/cce/camps.html. May 2004) A men’s retreat in New Jersey is also listed there.

Congratulations Out of the Mouth . . . The Shorter Catechism has been recited by: When starting to learn the Lord’s Prayer, our two- • Harrison Chase, Grace OPC, Vienna, VA year-old said, “But deliver us from the mailman.” —Rachelle Bennett • Tiana G. Davies, Harvest OPC, Wyoming, MI Fawn Grove, Pa.

NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 / 13 HOME MISSIONS

“WE BELIEVE THAT YOU WILL.” Young people being received into communicant // MIKE MYERS membership at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Royston, Ga.; Pastor Mike Myers at left

But we are also looking to the future. Our Plan for the Future was fresh out of seminary, sitting in one of my first meet- ings with the provisional session of an OPC mission work During our session meeting in February, we approved a Iin northeastern Georgia. Like much of that Georgia summer plan to guide us toward organization as a particular congre- in 2013, it was muggy and rainy. Lake Hartwell was rising, gation in the OPC. Our plan is a simple one, balancing in- the fire ants were thriving, and questions were swirling in tentionality and flexibility. As I write this, I look forward to my mind. Will this little church plant take root? How will March 23, when we will conclude a course I have been teach- it grow? Can I possibly minister effectively to these people? ing on biblical leadership and Westminster theology, which What on earth am I doing here? has been open to all the men of the church. Then, from March As the meeting drew to an end, my dear brother, regional 27 to April 17, members of Heritage will have the opportunity home missionary Lacy Andrews, prayed. He did not know to nominate men for the offices of elder and deacon. During then, and he may never know, unless he reads this article, that that time, I plan to preach a three-part series on the rule of his prayer has proved to be an immeasurable source of encour- Jesus Christ in his church. Those who accept the nominations agement for me since that time. He gave thanks to our God will then begin a period of more intensive and extensive train- for the mission work, and then, without a trace of hesitation or ing than the leadership course provided. doubt in his voice, he said, “Please cause it to grow; we believe Herein lies the need for flexibility, since it is difficult to that you will.” know how much time we will want to spend training and That was one of the first challenges to me and my then equipping the future shepherds and servants in this part of tenuous faith as a church planter. His petition and example of Christ’s church. Lord willing, when that is complete, our pro- faith urged me to lay the doubts and uncertainty in my own visional session will examine and certify the men we judge to heart to rest. “We believe that you will.” I said amen after that possess the necessary qualifications for office. Only then will prayer, and I am grateful to say that I have since been privi- they stand for election by the congregation. leged to witness God’s amen to it as well. Although a lot of work remains ahead of us, setting out The Lord who leads his people in triumph in Christ in into this new phase of our church’s development is a tremen- every place has cared for our church plant as only our heavenly dous step. We give thanks to God that he has brought us to Father can. We have seen many significant changes since Her- this point, and we continue to look to him to supply us with itage Presbyterian Church was formed in April 2011. Since every need as we move forward. then we have worshipped in three different locations, had Please pray that the Lord would guide our way forward in many children born into the church, and witnessed covenant righteousness and peace. Ask him to protect us from division, children profess their faith. A number of new households have strife, and pride. As you pray, be encouraged, because you will joined, and many others have passed through our doors. We be praying for the continued work of the kingdom of God, have worshipped our God and proclaimed the gospel of life in especially that the Lord would see his church “furnished with Jesus Christ to many. We have tasted the bitterness of death, all gospel officers” (Larger Catechism, 191). Finally, pray with and by his grace have rejoiced in the promise of life. Clearly, confidence that we and all the churches of Jesus Christ will reflecting on the past gives us many reasons for thanksgiving. grow to his glory—and then believe that he will.

14 / NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 people. Despite our relatively smaller size, Providence is blessed with musicians: a cel- list, two oboists who also play the piano, and a harpist who is yet another pianist. Our facilities have also changed. Worship services be- gan in members’ homes. Then, for about a year, Providence held its worship services in the chapel of Holland Hall School. But Providence had access to it only for two hours each week, making it difficult to expand our ministries. Pastor Stevenson preaching at Providence OPC in Tulsa, Okla. Since then, Providence has moved to a small store- front, which was previously used by another church until they IN GOD’S PROVIDENCE outgrew it. While this new place is significantly smaller, the folks at Providence have access to it all week long—and for the Jim Stevenson same rent as the chapel! This has allowed Providence to begin On April 8, 2012, a small group gathered in a home in the a Sunday school program consisting of two classes for children south Tulsa area for their first worship service after the Pres- and one for adults. The change in facilities has also allowed us bytery of the Central U.S. approved their petition to be a to begin having a second Lord’s Day worship service. daughter church of Westminster OPC in Bartlesville, Okla- We meet each Wednesday for a number of activities: a homa. The new group, known as Providence OPC, was com- book study currently using The Rare Jewel of Christian Con- mitted to establishing a solidly Reformed work in the Tulsa tentment by Jeremiah Burroughs, a shared meal, a prayer meet- area. They desired simplicity and reverence in worship, purity ing, and a hymn sing in which we practice the hymns for the of Reformed doctrine, and preaching that exalted the Lord coming Lord’s Day. As a body, we are memorizing a question Jesus Christ and provided instruction in how to live in obedi- and answer from the Westminster Shorter Catechism each ence to him. They wanted to be a church committed to the week—including our covenant children! As of the time of ordinary means of grace by which Christ builds his kingdom. writing this, we have made it through question 95. In July of that same year, the congregation issued a call to On May 15, 2015, Providence OPC became an organized Mr. Jim Stevenson, a recent graduate of Greenville Presbyte- congregation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Two men rian Theological Seminary. He had been ordained as a ruling were ordained and installed as ruling elders, and Rev. Steven- elder in 2001 and had served two congregations in that capac- son was installed as the pastor. It was a joyous occasion for ity. He and his family moved to Tulsa in September 2012. Mr. all involved. Nevertheless, we were quickly reminded that our Stevenson was ordained and installed as the organizing pastor work is just beginning. While particularization was a wonder- of Providence OPC on November 2, 2012. ful and noble goal to reach, it is not the end. We cannot and Many things have remained the same for Providence will not be complacent or think that somehow we have now OPC. She remains resolute in her commitment to God’s Word arrived. We are still the church militant. The lost still need as the standard by which we live and worship him. Neverthe- the gospel. The sheep in Christ’s church still need the sanc- less, much has changed as well. The church experienced some tifying work of the Holy Spirit, applying the grace purchased initial growth as a few families united with her. However, some by Christ for them. Thus, we have made a concerted effort to of those families later moved, due to employment changes. pray fervently, both individually and corporately, for Christ’s Attendance each Lord’s Day is usually between forty and fifty kingdom to advance here in Tulsa. Praise God for: • Providing local officers Home Missions Today • Providing a good meeting place For up-to-date Home Missions news and prayer • Good fellowship in the congregation updates, e-mail [email protected]. Pray for: New editions: May 4, 18. • Continued spiritual growth • Opportunities to reach the lost

NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 / 15 STEWARDSHIP

The answer to this question involves the whole of the Christian life. We are to live our faith in a way that shows STORING UP that we desire the things of heaven more than the things of this life. We are to seek those rewards that are heavenly and bound up with God. We are to “seek first the kingdom of God TREASURE and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). We are to “seek the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God,” and to IN HEAVEN “set [our] minds on things that are above” (Col. 3:2). One way that we do this is by using the material goods of // CALVIN D. KELLER this life well. In 1 Timothy 6, after warning of the dangers of materialism and exhorting us to be content with our lot in this world, Paul gives an exhortation to rich believers, using the same language that Jesus uses in Matthew 6. Paul writes, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, n Matthew 6:19–21, Jesus says to his disciples, “Do not lay who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to Idestroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good founda- yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust tion for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For truly life” (1 Tim. 6:17–19). where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” To share what we have with those in need and to invest We all know the dangers of materialism that can snatch in the kingdom of God on earth with our material goods are our joy and diminish our faith. The apostle Paul tells us that ways in which we “store up” treasure in heaven. Are you stor- through the sin of materialism (i.e., the desire to be rich) “some ing up treasure for yourself to take hold of that which is truly have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves life? Instead of being focused solely on a comfortable retire- with many pangs” (1 Tim. 6:10). It’s important to note, how- ment plan on earth, Paul encourages us to think about invest- ever, that when Jesus exhorts his disciples in regard to seeking ing in the kingdom of God. That is a far better investment, wealth, he does not simply say, “Don’t do it.” Rather, he says, with much greater rewards. “Seek the better treasure!” Jesus teaches what Thomas Chalmers described as “the expulsive power of a new affection.” The an- The author is the pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in swer to materialism, according to Jesus, is not simply depri- Chattanooga, Tenn. vation and self-denial, but to catch a glimpse of the eternal riches of heaven. The desire for Worldwide Outreach Year-to-Date heavenly things will drive out worldly mate- 2016 Receipts with 2016 Goal rialism. Like the pilgrims in Hebrews 11, we 4,500 need to seek a better country and a better re- Total YTD budget deficit: $167,057 (-18.6%) 4,000 Christian Ed deficit: $15,407 (-15.4%) ward. Heavenly riches can never be idolatrous Home Missions deficit: $54,772 (-19.6%) because those riches are bound up with the 3,500 Foreign Missions deficit: $96,879 (-26.8%) enjoyment of God himself. 3,000 Our heavenly inheritance, as believers, is something that has already been secured for 2,500 us through the finished work of Christ. We Thousands 2,000 have this living hope “through the resurrec- 1,500 tion of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Yet in Matthew 6:19–20, Jesus uses a 1,000

Greek verb that describes actively seeking to 500 build up this treasure—storing up goods in a 0 treasury or storehouse. What does he mean by Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec that? And how do we do it?

16 / NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 PRAYER CALENDAR MAY

1. Ray and Michele Call, Montevideo, Uruguay. Pray for Church. / Mr. and Mrs. F., Asia. Pray that the Lord would Ray as he preaches and teaches the Word at the new use them to develop deep and meaningful relation- church plant. / Mark and Karissa Soud, Birmingham, ships with contacts. / Pray for tomorrow’s meeting of Ala. Pray that the Lord would make Redeemer Presby- the Board of Trustees of Great Commission Publica- terian Church a blessing to the community. / Charlene tions. Tipton, database administrator. 9. Mr. and Mrs. M., Asia. Pray that more workers would 2. Tim and Deborah be sent to carry out the work of ministry in Asia. / Paul Herndon, West Leba- and Sarah Mourreale, St. Louis, Mo. Pray for spiritual non, N.H. Praise God maturity and growth in grace at Gateway OPC. / Army for new visitors and chaplain David (and Jenna) DeRienzo. for steady finances 10. Chris and Megan Hartshorn, Anaheim Hills, Calif. Pray at Providence OPC. / for weekly visitors, boldness to share and invite, and Missionary associates conversions at Anaheim Hills Presbyterian Church. / Markus and Sharon Missionary associates Mr. and Mrs. C., Asia. Pray that Jeromin, Uruguay. their students will come to faith in Asia. / Matthew (and Pray for a bold wit- Elin) Prather, yearlong intern at Harvest OPC in San ness as they interact Marcos, Calif. with unbelievers. / Tim and Deborah Herndon Doug Watson, part- 11. Missionary associates M. D., D. V., and S. Z., Asia. Pray time staff accountant. that their students will have open hearts. / Home Mis- sions staff administrator Sean Gregg. / Pray for stated 3. Mark and Jeni Richline, Montevideo, Uruguay (on clerk Ross Graham as he works to print and distribute furlough). Pray that their furlough will refresh and the agenda for the General Assembly that will begin strengthen them for future service. / Home Missions on June 8. general secretary John Shaw. / New Horizons manag- ing editor Jim Scott. 12. Jim and Bonnie Hoekstra, Andover, Minn. Pray for effective follow-up to Immanuel OPC’s conference on 4. Josh and Kristen McKamy, Chambersburg, Pa. Pray suffering. / Tentmaker missionary T. L. L., Asia. Pray for that God would bless Covenant OPC’s outreach efforts her relationships with students developed during the by adding three new families this year. / Affiliated mis- school year. / Mark Stumpff, office assistant. sionaries Jerry and Marilyn Farnik, Prague, Czech Re- public. Thank the Lord for providing them with ministry 13. Pray for the labors of Foreign Missions general sec- opportunities. / Navy chaplain John (and Linda) Carter. retary Mark Bube. / Mika and Christina Edmondson, Grand Rapids, Mich. Pray that God would grant New 5. Ben and Melanie Westerveld, Quebec, Canada. Pray City Fellowship grace to love and wisdom to serve her for the translation and publication of Reformed litera- neighbors well. / Charles Williams, yearlong intern at ture in French. / Jim and Tricia Stevenson, Tulsa, Okla. Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Ada, Mich. Pray for growth in numbers and in love for one another at Providence OPC. / Pray for the preparation for the 14. Andrew and Billie Moody, San Antonio, Tex. Pray Marriage, Sexuality, and Faithful Witness pre-Assembly for the Lord to raise up men to serve San Antonio conference on June 8. Reformed Church as elders and deacons. / Foreign Missions administrative assistant Linda Posthuma and 6. Pray for David Crum, regional home missionary for the secretary Katrina Zartman. / Janet Birkmann, Diaconal Presbytery of Southern California, as he visits mission Ministries administrative assistant. works and established churches. / Missionary associate Jennifer Nelson, Quebec, Canada. Pray for her study 15. Pray for Foreign Missions associate general secretary of French. / Kathy Bube, Loan Fund administrator. Douglas Clawson, in Haiti to assist with the training of church leaders. / John and Wenny Ro, Chicago, Ill. 7. Pray for the health and well-being of retired mission- (downtown). Pray that God would bring new people to aries Betty Andrews, Cal and Edie Cummings, Greet Gospel Life Presbyterian Church through its outreach Rietkerk, and Young and May Lou Son. / Joshua and activities. / Brian Guinto, yearlong intern at Grace Pres- Jessica Lyon, Carson, Calif. Pray that the new Sunday byterian Church in Columbus, Ohio. school curriculum will be a blessing to the children of Grace OPC. / Committee on Coordination: Jan Greg- 16. Phil Strong, Lander, Wyo. Pray that the Spirit of God son, assistant to the finance director. would attend the preaching of the Word at Grace Reformed Fellowship. / Heero and Anya Hacquebord, 8. Kim and Barbara Kuhfuss, Eau Claire, Wis. Pray for L’viv, Ukraine. Pray that more people eager to know the the discipleship and ministry of Providence Reformed

NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 / 17 PRAYER CALENDAR Continued Lord will attend worship services. / Tim (and Jeni) Son, Redeemer OPC Mission. / David Haney, director of yearlong intern at First Presbyterian Church in Ipswich, finance and planned giving for the Committee on Mass. Coordination. 17. Ben and Heather Hopp, Haiti (on furlough). Pray that 24. Christopher and Ann Malamisuro, Cincinnati, Ohio. Ben will give a clear vision for missions to the churches Pray that the Lord would bless Good Shepherd OPC’s he visits. / Ron and Carol Beabout, Gaithersburg, Md. spring picnic and summer VBS outreach activities. / Pray that the Lord would add five families to Trinity Bob and Martha Wright, Nakaale, Uganda. Pray for Reformed Church this year. / Lowell (and Mae) Ivey, literacy training to the end that people will be able to yearlong intern at Covenant Community Church in read the Scriptures. / Andy (and Anna) Smith, yearlong Taylors, S.C. intern at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, Ill. 18. Pray for Steve Doe, regional home missionary for the 25. Pray for the labors of missionary associates Leah Hopp, Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic, as he follows up on con- Nakaale, Uganda, and Sarah Jantzen, Mbale, Uganda. tacts and visits Bible study groups. / Associate mission- / Brian and Sara Chang, Cottonwood, Ariz. Pray for aries Octavius and Marie Delfils, Haiti. Pray that the new opportunities for Verde Valley Reformed Chapel Lord would provide men for leadership in the church. to make known the name of Christ. / Alan Strange and / Wayne (and Suzanne) Veenstra, yearlong intern at Derrick Vander Meulen, coeditors of the proposed Harvest OPC in Wyoming, Mich. Psalter-Hymnal. 19. Pray for affiliated missionary Linda Karner, Japan, 26. Jonathan and Kristin Moersch, Capistrano Beach, as she provides guidance to her students. / Jeremy Calif. Pray that members of Trinity Presbyterian Church Logan, Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Pray that God would bless will continue to grow in love and service toward God Knox Presbyterian Church’s weekly Bible studies and and neighbor. / David and Sunshine Okken, Nakaale, prayer meetings. / New Horizons editorial assistant Pat Uganda. Pray for David as he proclaims the gospel to Clawson and proofreader Sarah Pederson. the lost in Karamoja. / New Horizons cover designer Chris Tobias. 20. Robert and Christy Arendale, Houston, Tex. Praise God for his continued blessing on Cornerstone OPC. / Affili- 27. Missionary associates Jesse and Hannah Van Gorkom, ated missionaries Craig and Ree Coulbourne, Urayasu, Nakaale, Uganda. Pray for their efforts to witness for Japan. Pray for those providing leadership in the local Christ. / Bill and Sessie Welzien, Key West, Fla. Pray church. / Short-term missions coordinator David that God would add more locals to Keys Presbyterian Nakhla. Pray for the teams and individuals preparing Church. / Pray for Christian Education general sec- for short-term missions projects this summer. retary Danny Olinger as he serves as director of the Ministerial Training Institute of the OPC. 21. Charles and Con- nie Jackson, Mbale, 28. Jim and Eve Cassidy, Austin, Tex. Pray that the Lord Uganda. Pray that God would bless South Austin Presbyterian Church’s radio would guide and equip ministry. / David and Rashel Robbins, Nakaale, Ugan- them for their ministry da. Pray for David as he presents the gospel to those in Mbale. / Mike and who come to the clinic for treatment. / Navy chaplain Katy Myers, Royston, Tim (and Janine) Power. Ga. Pray for direction 29. Missionary associates Christopher and Chloe Verdick, and wisdom as Heritage Nakaale, Uganda. Pray for Christopher in his responsi- Presbyterian Church bilities as administrator of the medical clinic. / Home considers nominations Missions associate general secretary Al Tricarico. / for office and moves Greg Reynolds, editor of Ordained Servant, the online toward organization. / Charles and Connie Jackson magazine for OPC church officers. Daniel Adams, yearlong intern at Calvary OPC in 30. Eric and Donna Hausler, Naples, Fla. Pray that the Glenside, Pa. Lord would bring more year-round families to Christ the King Presbyterian Church. / Pray for the labors of 22. Jay and Andrea Bennett, Neon, Ky. Pray for the Lord missionary associates Fiona Smith, Rachel Turner, and to organize Neon Reformed Presbyterian Church into Angela Voskuil, Nakaale, Uganda. / Ordained Servant a particular congregation by 2020. / Eric and Dianna proofreader Diane Olinger. Tuininga, Mbale, Uganda. Pray for continued spiritual growth in the churches with which they work. / Benja- 31. Brian and Dorothy Wingard, South Africa. Pray for their min (and Emily) Gordon, yearlong intern at Trinity OPC witness to the students at Mukhanyo Theological Col- in Hatboro, Pa. lege. / Brad and Cinnamon Peppo, Springfield, Ohio. Pray that God would give wisdom to Living Water OPC 23. Pray for new missionary associates John and Alice as they seek to reach out to their community. / Darryl Steenhof, Mbale, Uganda, as they begin their labors (and Anita) Kretschmer, yearlong intern at Lakeview with the Uganda Mission. / Tom and Martha Albaugh, OPC in Rockport, Maine. Pittsburgh, Pa. Pray that more visitors will come to

18 / NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS

TITUS 2 SEMINAR

Emily VanDixhoorn On February 27, Grace Presbyterian Church in Vienna, Virginia, hosted its annual Titus 2 seminar. This eary Emily VanDixhoorn spoke, basing her remarks on Ed Welch’s book, Side-by-Side: Walk- ing with Others in Wisdom and Love. Fit- ting for the side-by-side topic, twins Jo- anna and Janelle Grove coordinated the half-day event. About ninety women from local OP churches participated, as well as women from other denominations. We enjoyed fellowship, listening to talks, journaling, Ladies of all ages at Grace Church’s Titus 2 seminar and discussion, followed by lunch. Grace Presbyterian Church welcomes husband retired in 1995, she did also, but Willow Grove Christian School, and then women to the fall retreat, scheduled for continued to serve as the proofreader of was asked by the Committee on Christian November 11–12. To be added to our New Horizons until 2006. Education to help write Sunday school email list, please contact Berta Badenoch A native speaker of Dutch, Ali learned materials for primary and junior grades at [email protected]. English so well that she could copyedit for Great Commission Publications. On and proofread Eng- behalf of GCP, IN MEMORIAM lish writing. She also Penny trained ALI KNUDSEN taught Dutch and did Sunday school translation work. She teachers through- James W. Scott was known for her out the North- Ali Mulder Knudsen thrift, efficiency, com- east. Theologically was born on October 7, mitment to the Lord’s astute, she taught 1931, and raised in the work, and dedication Bible studies and Netherlands, where she and to her family. Sunday school her family endured the bru- In her final years, classes—even for tal Nazi occupation during Ali battled Alzheim- high schoolers at World War II (1940–1945). er’s disease and died Trinity OPC in After the war, she met on March 25, 2016, at Hatboro, Penn- Robert D. Knudsen, an Ali Knudsen at her retirement the age of 85. sylvania, at the Penny Pappas in 2011 American pursuing doctor- age of seventy! al work at the Free University of Amster- IN MEMORIAM With diverse gifts, Penny played the dam. They married on February 13, 1951, PENNY PAPPAS piano at her high school graduation, was a and moved to the United States, where Phil-Mont Christian Academy principal, Bob became an OP minister and a profes- Helen Anne “Penny” Pappas, 93, entered catered at weddings, ran a boarding house sor at Westminster Theological Seminary her eternal rest on March 20, 2016, af- for troubled young people, worked in real in Philadelphia. ter exuberantly serving the Lord and his estate, remodeled a church basement, The Knudsens had four boys: Donald, church since she became a Christian at age and baked goodies for Lakeview OPC in Timothy (who died of a brain tumor while 13. Born Helen Smith on June 10, 1922, Rockport, Maine, where she was a mem- a teenager), Richard, and Steven. After she graduated from Macalester College ber in her later years. raising her children, Ali became the office with a primary education degree, which She is survived by her four children— secretary for the Committee on Christian aided her future service to the Lord. Jon (Arlene), Merrie ( John) Bettler, Education, serving under general secre- She married serviceman John Pap- Stephanie (Dennis) Gentilin, and Mark taries Roger Schmurr (1980–1988) and pas on December 24, 1942. During their (Laurie)—thirteen grandchildren, and Thomas Tyson (1989–1995). When her fifty-seven years together, Penny taught at fifteen great-grandchildren.

NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 / 19 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued

affected the entire universe, introducing UPDATE LETTERS the principle of death, so Jesus’ resurrec- tion affects the universe, restoring and MINISTERS SEX AND MARRIAGE advancing the principle of life, even eter- nal life.” He also states that “the resurrec- • John W. Belden was installed as pas- Editor: tion is big in its scope,” and he goes on to tor of Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in The articles and book reviews in the elaborate on how “the resurrection is the Metamora, Mich., on March 18. March issue on sex and marriage could accomplishment of big salvation.” • On February 19, Robert N. Canode III not have been timelier. Just how big is the scope of the resur- was ordained as a minister and installed A quick way to make the writers’ rection, and how big is Jesus’ salvation? as a pastor of Providence Presbyterian point is to urge reflection on the ques- Doesn’t his resurrection affect theentire Church in Pflugerville, Tex. tion “What is sex for?” Both nature (i.e., universe, just as Adam’s sin does? If we say God’s created reality) and Holy Scripture that all die in Adam, but only some live in • On December 14, 2015, the Presbytery testify that in the animal kingdom sex dif- Christ, aren’t we thinking too small about of New Jersey was notified that retired ferences, desire, and activity are first of God›s purpose and plan? It’s impossible minister Claude D. DePrine III had been all for purposes of procreation and—for to think too big (Eph. 3:20)! received into Evangel Presbytery of the those made in God’s image—years of Diane Castro PCA on November 8, 2014. child rearing by married parents, and fam- Beverly, Mass. • On March 22, the Presbytery of the ily formation and solidarity. Throughout Northwest dissolved the ministerial re- history, societies at their best have recog- PUBLIC SCHOOLS lationship between Paul O. Johnson and nized these realities. Covenant OPC in Kennewick, Wash. Since the Fall, sinners have pursued Editor: (and their daughter church, Covenant sexual satisfaction apart from its divinely I wanted to thank you for including OPC in Colville, Wash.), effective May intended purpose in various ways—for- the article on public school as an option 1, because the Colville congregation is no nication (especially unmarried cohabita- in the February issue of New Horizons. As longer able to support a full-time pastor. tion), adultery, homosexual liaisons, in- one who grew up in a homeschool-only cest, and many other evil and destructive home, being taught to fear and disdain • Michael A. Kooy, formerly a PCA pas- deviations. We’ve now arrived at the place the public schools (and any Christians tor, was installed on February 20 as as- where a person’s sexual gratification— who may choose them), I find it refresh- sociate pastor of Little Farms Chapel in physical and emotional—trumps every- ing to hear stories from godly people who Coopersville, Mich., to serve as the orga- thing else, even for too many Christians. have chosen public schools with great re- nizing pastor of Providence Presbyterian The vaunted “sexual revolution,” far sults. God has been teaching me in recent Church in Manistee, Mich. from being a mid-twentieth-century years to love my brother, rather than stand • Cecil R. “Cris” Simpson III was in- invention, is almost as old as the hu- in judgment over him. God truly is bigger stalled on October 11, 2015, as associate man race. What’s different about the last than the tiny boxes we often like to put pastor of Cornerstone OPC in Ambler, hundred years or so across the West is a him in! Pa., where he had been serving as a teacher. cascading loss of ancient moral and so- Daniel Schanzenbach MILESTONES cial restraints on sexual activity. Behavior Round Hill, Va. that nearly every culture used to forbid, • Muriel Grace (Lambourne) Kline, discourage, or hide, we not only tolerate Editor: 93, widow of OP minister and professor but even shamelessly require everybody I would like to comment on Mr. Turn- Meredith G. Kline, died on February 10. to celebrate. The widespread embrace of er’s letter to the editor in the April issue “same-sex marriage” is only our latest leap against public education. First of all, edu- • Ali Mulder Knudsen, 85, who worked toward the abyss. Absent true spiritual re- cating our children is a decision parents for the Committee on Christian Educa- newal and reformation, it certainly won’t must pray about. Second, as an educator, tion from 1980 to 2006, died on March be the last. Lord have mercy. wife, mother, and OPC member for 39 25 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Don Poundstone years, I’d like to let you know that public • Helen Anne “Penny” Pappas, 93, who Portland, Ore. education is not always filled with godless was long active in Christian education, indoctrination. I and many other Chris- notably for Great Commission Publica- BIG SALVATION tians work in public schools. We often tions, died on March 20 after a period of consider it a ministry. Many of us work declining health. Editor: with children who have special needs, In his article in the April issue, Wil- whom public schools are able to serve. • Bryan J. Weaver, 60, a chaplain in the liam B. Kessler says, “Jesus’ resurrection A while ago, when a student in my U.S. Navy, died on April 2, after fighting has cosmic significance. As Adam’s sin class was sharing her Awana awards, it brain cancer for over two years.

20 / NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued was wonderful to see the other children attractions into downplaying the serious show interest and want to learn more REVIEWS character of their heterosexual sins. In about the Christian club. There are many chapter 6, Butterfield offers additional in- Christian families in the school I work in. sights into the use of these contested con- Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts Yes, there is sin in public schools, just as in cepts and terms by describing her collegial of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Iden- Christian schools, churches, and homes. It interaction with a friend who describes tity and Union with Christ, by Rosaria is a good thing public education is avail- herself as a “gay Christian.” Champagne Butterfield. Crown & Cov- able as an option. Thankfully our Father in In the midst of this discussion of iden- enant, 2015. Paperback, 206 pages, list heaven is in control of all things! tity, chapter 3 offers important reflections price $13.00. Reviewed by Prof. David Faith Hybert on repentance as the antidote VanDrunen. Wheaton, Ill. to shame and temptation. As its subtitle indicates, this While Butterfield’s descrip- THE AGE OF THE EARTH volume is a companion of tion of the relationship be- sorts to the author’s strik- tween grace and repentance Editor: ing 2012 memoir, Secret (and of the nature of Christ’s In the April issue of New Horizons, a Thoughts of an Unlikely Con- temptations) is not quite as highly favorable review was presented of a vert, in which she chronicled clear as it could be, her main book edited by Richard Phillips defend- her conversion to Reformed point is crucial: Christians ing the young earth view of creation. He Christianity from her former must never let confidence in thinks this book should be required read- life as a lesbian. While the God’s grace be a substitute for ing for our high school students attending earlier book was primarily repentance, and must commit public schools. biography interspersed with themselves to confessing sin I believe such a review was ill advised, theological reflection, this and not just admitting it. given that the OPC has published a po- new work is more theological reflection The final chapter, on community, goes sition paper allowing flexibility of views interspersed with biography. It is a valu- far beyond the matters of sexuality that on this subject. As a nuclear physicist and able resource, whose message and tone the are the book’s main concern. But in many an OP church member, I subscribe to an church would do well to absorb. respects it brings the volume to a fitting old earth perspective. Cosmologists have After introducing some important close, for Butterfield points to mutual determined the universe to be just under themes and recounting aspects of her life’s encouragement and hospitality as chief 14 billion years old, based on several inde- story in the preface and opening chapter, means by which God equips his people to pendent methods of measurement. Such a Butterfield moves in chapter 2 to a key resist temptation—sexual or otherwise— dating does no violence to Scripture. idea, both in her book and in larger soci- and to grow in grace. We risk significant damage to the etal debates about sexuality: identity. She One of the best things about this vol- gospel by going on record as stating that argues that believers should not find their ume is its underlying tone and attitude. the universe is less than 10,000 years identity in their own experience or ac- It wholeheartedly promotes holiness and old. When the falsity of this claim be- tions, but in who God is and what he has godly sexuality, but without the rancor, comes fully manifest, we will be seen as done. We are united to Christ, she high- vitriol, and self-righteousness that too foolish and the gospel message will be lights, and thus justified and sanctified. often poison conservative Christians’ con- damaged. This discussion of identity bears fruit tributions to societal debates on sex and We should stay neutral on this subject, especially in chapters 4 and 5, in which marriage. Butterfield’s self-critical and as our denominational position statement she argues against the very concept of generous spirit is far from the least of this maintains. “sexual orientation” and opposes use of the book’s virtues. Charles Cain term “gay Christian” to describe believers Arlington, Texas who feel same-sex attractions but strive to Riots, Revolutions, and the Scottish Cov- resist them. These are controversial asser- enanters: The Work of Alexander Hender- Editor’s note: As stated in our masthead, tions, with which many thoughtful Chris- son, by L. Charles Jackson. Reformation the views put forward by our writers (in- tians disagree, but I believe that she makes Heritage Books, 2015. Hardback, 354 cluding reviewers) “are not necessarily a compelling case on both issues. Chris- pages, list price $30.00. Reviewed by those of the editors or official positions tians should, at least, contemplate her ar- Prof. Alan Strange. of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.” gument that such concepts and terms do Our writers may express a wide variety no favors to anyone: they tend to deceive Charles Jackson, in this version of his of views, on this and other controversial Christians who are struggling with same- doctoral dissertation under John Coffey issues, provided they are not inconsistent sex attractions into defining their identity at Leicester, has given us a fine treatment with the system of doctrine set forth in in sexual terms, rather than in Christ, and of Alexander Henderson (1583–1646), the confessional standards of the OPC. to deceive Christians without same-sex perhaps best known to us as a member of

NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 / 21 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued

me?” So went the exchange between Phil- Short-Term Missions Teams ip and the Ethiopian official in Acts 8. The letters of James, Peter, John, and Follow the short-term missions teams this summer at OPCSTM.org Jude are brief enough to be easily read in and on the OPC Short-Term Missions Facebook page. one sitting, but they are often avoided be- cause they contain things that are “hard to understand” (to turn Peter’s ironic state- ment regarding Paul’s writings back upon the Scottish delegation at achieved particularly no- him!). What can it mean when James the Westminster Assembly. toriety as a preacher, and says, “You see that a person is justified by Henderson was the main promoted covenanter views works and not by faith alone” (2:24); when mover in the 1638 National of church and state also as Peter says, “Baptism … now saves you” (1 Covenant in Scotland and a churchman and pamphlet Peter 3:21); when John says, “No one born thus a fountainhead of the writer. Jackson shows how of God sins” (1 John 3:9); and when Jude covenanting movement. Henderson viewed his work cites extracanonical writings (v. 9)? The success that he enjoyed broadly in an eschatological Brandon Crowe’s nontechnical and early on in that movement, fashion, seeing Presbyterian readable book employs four methods of in which he and his fellows polity as the culmination of study: topical, exegetical, redemptive- stood against Arminianism, Reformed theology. historical, and systematic. It is divided episcopacy, and Erastian- While Jackson argues topically by chapter into four sections ism (in short, the Laudian that the notion of the na- (“Scallywags,” “Scoffers,” “Schisms,” and impositions of Charles I) and for the idea tional covenant is not merely political but “Wisdom”), each dealing with themes that nations can now enter into covenant theological, this reviewer would like to within these letters. Although these with God as did Israel of old, was not have seen more theological engagement themes track more or less with spe- matched at the Westminster Assembly. of that issue, so important for covenant- cific letters, Crowe’s treatment has some Henderson has received scant treatment ers, specifically the warrant for a national “cross-pollination” from the other letters in recent years, with Jackson’s book be- covenant in the new covenant era, when in each section, and thus these epistles are ing the first scholarly work on him since God no longer deals with the nations in treated as a corpus. 1836. the same way that he did with Israel in the Crowe briefly introduces each letter, Although the English agreed to a joint theocracy. That having been said, this is a explaining its historical and cultural mi- version of the civil covenant (the Solemn careful history that refuses to decontex- lieu, knowledge of which is indispens- League and Covenant), the covenant- tualize Henderson in order to serve cur- able for sound exegesis. Crowe also sets ing movement never got off the ground rent concerns, but insists that we take the the epistles in their redemptive-historical in England and subsequently failed to proper measure of him in his own time context. He uses a Luke 24–inspired her- receive widespread support in Scotland and place. meneutic to expand upon how the letters’ (especially after the Restoration under Henderson died a rather disappointed citations of the Old Testament bear wit- Charles II in 1660). Henderson was dis- man, not able to bring about the unifor- ness to Christ. mayed that the dissenting brethren were mity of faith and practice that he longed This is capped off by a systematic treat- able so long to derail the Westminster As- for. Jackson’s book serves as an encourage- ment of the topics that are raised in each sembly, as he saw it, over ecclesiological ment to labor hard for the kingdom, but of the letters, such as election, justification matters, when he believed that such had also as a cautionary tale: our hard work and sanctification, baptism, and escha- been solved in Scotland and on the Con- does not insure a particular outcome, and tology. If evangelism is “what man is to tinent. we must continue to praise God even believe concerning God,” and discipleship Jackson not only updates Henderson when things occur in our ministry that is “what duty for us, using primary sources previously look to us like failure. God requires neglected or misread, but also advances of man,” the discussion about him on several im- these epistles The Message of the General Epistles in portant fronts. He considers Henderson (and thus the History of Redemption: Wisdom from as a covenanter, preacher, presbyter, and this book) James, Peter, John, and Jude, by Brandon pamphleteer. For his theory of covenant- are focused D. Crowe. P&R, 2015. Paperback, 232 ing, Henderson looked back particularly on disciple- pages, list price $16.99. Reviewed by to Knox in seeking to ground his resis- ship. Pastor George C. Hammond. tance theory in the Bible (as opposed Benefit- to Buchanan, who grounded his theory “Do you understand what you are read- ing from this less directly in the Bible). Henderson ing?” “How can I, unless someone guides book will be

22 / NEW HORIZONS / MAY 2016 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued anyone who has stayed away from these LORD, the letters because of their difficulty. The book Creator of the Marriage, Sexuality, would be particularly beneficial to those universe, and without formal theological training who the source of and Faithful Witness: are called upon to teach one of these epis- divine law.” tles. De Jong be- A Conference for Church Officers Although Crowe focuses on the in- gins the study dividual letters in turn, each one is ref- guide by look- Sponsor: the Committee on Christian Education erenced throughout the book, so that the ing at some Glasgow Presbyterian Church (PCA), Bear, Del. reader’s understanding of each letter will current issues Wednesday, June 8, 2016, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. be enhanced by reading the book in toto. in the church In an age of snippet information and In- today, namely Speakers: ternet “research,” which in my experience feminism and Carl R. Trueman, Westminster Theological Seminary has done tremendous harm to the faith of homosexuality. the saints, this book begs to be read in its His analysis is Randy Beck, University of Georgia Law School entirety and deserves to be. that these is- Tim Geiger, Harvest USA sues in the Panel Discussion: church are a re- When Democracy Comes to Church, by sult of church- Joining the speakers will be Jennifer A. Marshall Norman De Jong. Redeemer Books, es being run from the Heritage Foundation. 2015. Paperback, 69 pages, $10.00 at as democracies Redeemer Books (6527 Leisure Creek Conference fee: $20 ($30 for families) rather than by Dr., S.E., Caledonia, MI 49316; 616- Free for all GA Commissioners the truth of 862-2821); $14.95 on Amazon.com. God’s Word. Reviewed by OP pastor Robert M. Van Th e Manen. guide continues with chap- writes, De Jong does provoke a discussion Norman De Jong, an OP ters dealing with the history on topics not always thought about in to- minister and former col- of the United States, the ac- day’s society. lege and seminary professor, tual form of government in This work continues De Jong’s practice has published a new study the United States, and how of identifying a problem, seeing its rami- guide entitled When Democ- the educational system over fications in society, and offering a biblical racy Comes to Church. His the years has taught a false solution. Given the present state of the previous writings, including view of man. The final chap- world, the nation, and the church, this Education in the Truth, Chris- ters include an analysis of work is timely and worth the discussions tianity vs. Democracy, God’s the both the Democratic and it will create. Wedding Band: Reflections on Republican the Creation-Evolution Debate, and Lies, parties’ official platforms. Lies, and More Lies: Waging War with This study guide con- Positions Available Satan, have served the educational and sists of fourteen chapters church world with much-needed insights. followed by study ques- Associate Pastor: Redeemer Presbyterian In addition, he has published nine induc- tions. It is ideal for a se- Church (OPC) in Ada, Mich., is seeking to tive Bible studies. mester in a church edu- call an associate pastor. He will be particu- De Jong states that this study guide cation program, a small larly gifted in the private ministry of the “provides a powerful antidote for all group Bible study, or per- Word (teaching and counseling). He will be churches who are trying to resist the al- sonal use. Our congrega- committed to a biblical counseling model lure of radical feminism and the human tion made use of the ma- and have clear, courageous, biblical convic- rights agenda.” Additionally, he writes, terials, and they proved tions. His ministry will be exercised primarily “Democracy is not a form of government, to be a source of lively in individual discipleship and small group but an ideal of sinful humans who desire discussion and extremely contexts, with opportunities to preach about the right to make their own laws, control beneficial in helping to twice a month, primarily in the evening their own lives, and refuse to be ruled by understand the current service. Interested applicants may request a anyone who wants to lord it over them. political and church cli- role description by contacting Pastor John A true democrat will insist on making mate. While not every- Currie at [email protected]. his/her own laws and rules. This becomes one in your church will devilish when he/she rebels against the agree with everything he

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