NEW HORIZONS in the ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

6 Why We Also Sing 16 Summer Reading Club JUNE-JULY 2017 // by Alan D. Strange // by Anne Shaw

Caring for Our Aging Parents

by Lisa Askey and Althea Scott // 3 VOLUME 38, NUMBER 6 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 Caring for Our Aging Parents Proofreader: Sarah J. Pederson Editorial Board: The Committee on Christian By Lisa Askey and Althea Scott Education’s Subcommittee on Serial Publications 6 Why We Also Sing Hymns © 2017 by The Committee on Christian Education of By Alan D. Strange The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are 8 The of Vocation from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing By D. G. Hart ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. 16 All rights reserved. (We use the 2011 revision.) Summer Reading Club Articles previously published may be slightly edited. By Anne Shaw New Horizons (ISSN: 0199-3518) is published monthly except for a combined issue, usually August- September, by the Committee on Christian Education of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 607 N. Easton DEPARTMENTS Road, Bldg. E, Willow Grove, PA 19090-2539; tel. 215- 830-0900; fax 215-830-0350. 10 Letters to the editor are welcome. They should deal Home Missions with an issue the magazine has recently addressed. The productive pastor Their language should be temperate, and they may not charge anyone with an offense. They should be brief, 12 Christian Education and they may be condensed by the editor. Send inquiries, letters to the editor, and other Evangelism at MTIOPC • Our membership correspondence to the editor at [email protected]. vows • Out of the mouth … Send address changes to [email protected]. Allow six weeks for address changes. 14 Foreign Missions The digital edition (PDF, ePub, mobi) and an archive of previous issues are available at www.opc.org. The sovereignty of God in missions 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 Stewardship of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Nonmembers are asked to donate $20.00 for an annual subscription Great Commission theology (USD $30.00 if sent to addresses in Canada; $40.00 21 elsewhere abroad). A free e-mail PDF subscription is News, Views, & Reviews 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.

Downingtown OPC in Downingtown, Pa., held its first service on Sunday, April 30. About fifty people from the community and several nearby OP congregations gathered for worship. The group meets at 10 a.m. at the Downingtown Senior Center each week. Regional home missionary David Holmlund (front left) is leading worship and preaching.

2 / NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 CARING FOR OUR AGING PARENTS

LISA ASKEY AND ALTHEA SCOTT // Every day she drove to her childhood home to check on her mom and aunt. She helped them clean and shop. She took them to numerous doctor visits and for medical tests. Paying the bills and dealing with medical claims fell to her.

Lately, she had noticed that both “sandwich generation” situation: raising Because Lisa’s father wanted to re- her mom and aunt were declining phys- families and taking care of aging parents main in his independent apartment as ically and mentally. But they wanted to at the same time—while working out- he became weak, Lisa moved to part stay in their home, and they assured her side of the home and serving the church. time in her job as a school librarian, they could help each other cope day to For Lisa, it began by caring for both of hired part-time and nighttime aides, day. Then came the day she arrived to her parents, who lived two hours away. transported her father to dialysis (or find one of the stove burners on, the Every Saturday for months (and some- paid for transportation) and was his coffee pot boiled dry, and a tea towel times during the week) she went to pay daytime aide as well. Lisa’s husband and dangerously close to the flame. Neither bills, fill weekly medicine containers, children held down the fort at home woman remembered turning the stove pay the agency that provided full-time and sacrificially helped as needed. on. As she looked around, she thought, aides, do laundry, shop for food, clean Althea’s mother came on short no- “It’s 5 p.m. They are still in their bath- the house, and drive one or both of her tice “just for a while” to recover after robes and their morning pills are in the parents to doctors’ appointments. surgery, but ended up living with the containers. What do I do?” When her mother was failing, Lisa Scotts until her death six years later. This particular scenario is real. found her a place in a nearby medical During that time, her father moved in Haven’t we all heard similar (or worse) facility, and her father came to live with for his final months. Many time, space, stories? What should this daughter do? her and her family. Then after the death and financial adjustments needed to be While there is no perfect plan for work- of her mother, Lisa helped her father made. Although Althea is a nurse, it ing through this life challenge, and so- pack up and sell his house and move was tough to add a 24/7 job to family lutions are as individual as the people into a nearby continuing care facility. life. Involvement with children’s activi- involved, helping our aging relatives Lisa quickly learned that, at her ties became difficult. Meal prep became navigate their golden years is an act of father’s facility, she needed to go to spe- more complicated. Oversight of her kindness and compassion. The authors cific people for answers to her questions parents’ finances became her job. Their learned during their own caregiving about various charges, doctors, trans- house was already full, but they reas- journeys that specific and practical ad- portation, and physical and occupation- signed bedrooms. Bathroom time was vice is a blessing, and so we will share al therapy on site. Getting to know the at a premium. Althea left her part-time what we learned. social worker, chaplain, and head nurse job. The whole family had to make ad- We both found ourselves in the was helpful as well. justments. Each family member served

NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 / 3 both the care-needer other family members. and the caregiver ac- The child doing cording to his or her the caregiving filters ability and skill. The communications from children kept Grand- medical people and fi- ma company, prepared nancial companies, and her meals, and gave then makes appropriate personal care. Althea’s decisions. We suggest husband was an advo- that you send letters cate for his mother- to all relevant people, in-law, and he took stating that your care- Althea for many walks giver has your permis- to let off steam. God sion to discuss you, graciously sustained your benefits, and your them during these assets. This answers all Althea Scott caring for her mother difficult years, often HIPPA laws and other providing creative so- privacy issues. lutions to specific challenges through working. To have someone who loves us Explain your medical insurance her parents themselves, her brothers, walk with us through the process is a and prescription plan to your caregiver. and their church family and friends. gift both to be received and to be given. A list of all your medicines, doctors, In the story at the beginning of this Advice for Aging Parents pharmacy, insurance information, and article, the caregiver was a daughter like emergency contacts, along with a brief us. In fact, 75 percent of caregivers are Be proactive. Put your house in or- medical history, significant health con- women, 85 percent care for a relative der while you are healthy. Before Moses ditions, and special needs should be in or loved one, and 70 percent are be- died, God gave him directives regard- a prominent location in your house and tween the ages of 50 and 64. The aver- ing the leadership and the future for the in your purse or wallet. This is extremely age caregiver lives 20 minutes away and people of Israel. Moses obeyed God and helpful to ambulance and emergency gives care 24.4 hours per week, while 25 put the house of Israel in order before room personnel. percent of those caregivers provide 41 he died (Deut. 31:14ff.). When your children or a wise or more hours of care per week. Thirty- We strongly suggest you finalize friend tells you that your health is im- five percent of caregivers provide help your legal matters. Have a will, a finan- pairing your driving, graciously give up in their own home, and 48 percent in cial power of attorney, and an advanced your driver’s license. If they suggest that the home of the recipient. The average directive and medical power of attorney repairing the roof should be left to oth- duration of providing care is four years. made or update your previous ones, and ers now, be gracious about that as well. (Source: www.caregiver.org/caregiver- make sure all financial accounts have Regarding your final arrangements, statistics-demographics.) up-to-date beneficiaries (IRAs, pen- investigate pre-need funeral and cem- Two Overarching Words of Advice sions, life insurance, annuities). We also etery planning. (You might save some suggest you set up a joint checking ac- money.) Ask your pastor what planning First, PRAY. This can be a highly count with your caregiver and have a can be done for your funeral or memo- stressful time, and the whole family cell phone to use in emergencies. rial service beforehand and make a list needs to be close to the Lord through- It’s best if you start the conversation of suggested hymns and Scripture. You out the whole journey. about how your assets are to be distrib- might consider writing a very brief au- Second, TALK. There should be uted and how and where you envision tobiography to be submitted to the fu- ongoing conversations among the par- being cared for in your declining years. neral director for an obituary and to the ents, the caregiving child, her siblings, While these matters are your decision, pastor for the funeral service bulletin. and her children throughout this jour- telling your children ahead of time may Advice for the Caregiving Child ney. While it is true that death is a ease their grieving process and may and Siblings powerful enemy, that the process of lessen family discord after your death. decline is a huge unknown with new Assets also include special personal pos- Our parents nurtured and pro- difficulties arising often, and that some sessions, so make a list or an album of tected us as we were growing up; now it families find it very hard to talk about pictures to indicate who is to get what. is our turn to care for and advocate for end-of-life issues, we Christians have Also, one child needs to be in charge of them. Remind your parents that God the rock-solid assurance of being pres- your care, handle your important docu- wants you to honor them in their de- ent with the Lord after our bodies stop ments, and help you communicate with clining years. It is important that your

4 / NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 parents know that you are not trying to selected people to be your prayer war- Lisa’s father, a loving bond developed take away their independence, but want riors, and ask friends of your parent or between the ladies. to be their backup. If your parents have yourself to come and give you a break. Arrange meals for the caregiver and not developed a plan for the future as If your parent comes to live in your her family when her parent is in a par- they become debilitated, encourage house, be willing to get help, such as in- ticularly difficult time or when dying. them to do so. Be sure everyone under- home care, a companion, or time in an When her parent dies, draw the care- stands the plan: it is essential that ev- elder day care. Arrange needed physical giver back into the life of the church. eryone be on the same page! This is es- therapy and/or occupational therapy, Advice for the Caregiver When pecially important if parents are moving either through Medicare or secondary Your Parent Is Failing into the home of the caregiver. At some insurance. Ask your parent’s pastor to point, you may have to be the parent to visit regularly. Ask your parent’s elder to Read Scripture to your parent, and your parents—taking away the car, sell- bring the Lord’s Supper frequently. sing and/or listen to hymns and Scrip- ing their house, and disposing of their If your siblings live nearby, ask them ture songs. Learn what makes your par- nonessential belongings. to help in ways that make use of their ent comfortable, such as certain food, This is the time to specifically and strengths. There are many tasks that can slippers, or a blanket. Communicate soulfully review your relationship with be shared—scheduling appointments with your parent’s pastor and your sib- your parent and straighten out resent- and tests, paying bills, providing meals lings and encourage the grandchildren ments against them. Put aside griev- for the hands-on family, and packing up to call or Skype with their grandparent. ances and vestiges of teenage conflict. your parents’ house and belongings. If Both Lisa and Althea found pal- Instead, focus on helping as the Lord your siblings do not live nearby, remem- liative and hospice experts helpful, sup- would and giving a cup of cold water ber to tell them funny quips, old stories, portive, and caring. We strongly suggest (and a whole lot more) in the Lord’s and family secrets shared by the parent. you get involved with hospice sooner name to your parent. Advice for the Siblings rather than later, because what hospice Advice for the Caregiving Child provides is important long before the Do all you can to resolve differ- last week of life. Be an advocate for your parent. ences from the past that may have been Advice for the Caregiver When Take notes on what was said in each swept under rug. The caregiver’s prima- Your Parent Dies meeting or phone call, and ask ques- ry focus is to take care of your parent. tions for your parent. If you are unsure Don’t allow past differences to temper The glorious hope we have in Jesus what questions to ask doctors, lawyers, your relationship with your parent or is that though your parent is now ab- and insurance companies, be sure to ask caregiving sibling. sent from the body, he or she is present others who know about these matters. Siblings who live at a distance may with the Lord. Pray that the Lord will Spend time learning about your not understand the extent of the care- give you hope and courage. Take time parent’s health issues. Learn the ter- giver’s time commitment and stress. to grieve. minology and the possible treatments, Caregiving is not like raising a child Find all the legal documents, con- their side effects, and the prognosis. who progresses toward independence. tact the siblings, lawyer, funeral director Will the disease process cause person- There will be ups and downs for a while, and cemetery, and pastor, and organize ality or psychological changes? Un- but caring for an aging parent gets hard- the funeral or memorial service. Your derstand that your parent may become er with time. Communicate regularly lawyer will help probate the will in the physically dependent on some pre- and be encouraging to your caregiving county courthouse. We recommend scribed pain medications, but this does sibling. Visit frequently and give her a that you get more than the usual five not make them an addict. Diabetics and break—a day, weekend, or week—but copies of the death certificate for vari- those with thyroid disease are physically remember to leave essential decisions to ous legalities that will occur later. If you dependent on their drugs to survive, but the on-site caregiving child. are the executor, you must distribute the no one thinks of that as an addiction. Advice for the Church Family inheritance and special gifts. Being a caregiver causes great We hope and pray that the advice stress, so take care of yourself. Formu- The caregiver can become a virtual we offer above will be helpful to you as late a schedule, so that some vestiges of shut-in. She needs prayer and encour- a caregiver. To obtain more extensive your previous life can continue. Take agement through emails and cards. information, contact Lisa Askey at the time to exercise, to listen to Chris- Volunteer to accompany her to meet [email protected], and she will send tian music, radio, and podcasts, as well her parent. Offer to be an elder-sitter so it to you as PDF email attachments. as sermons from your church, and con- she can go to church or out for an hour tinue to meet with God’s people in wor- alone or to an event that her child is in. The authors are members of Trinity OPC ship services and other activities. Ask When Althea took part in caring for in Hatboro, Pa.

NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 / 5 WHY WE ALSO SING HYMNS

ALAN D. STRANGE // In the last century and more, especially in North American evangelicalism, hymns have eclipsed in the liturgy of the church. Actually, hymns themselves have given way in more recent years in many communions to the ubiquitous Scripture songs and choruses. We would hope that the forthcoming Trinity

Psalter Hymnal might contribute to the provides warrant for such. We are de- least some of the psalms. It was evident- recovery of both robust psalmody and cidedly of the latter opinion.1 ly the synagogue that familiarized the robust hymnody. Worship in Biblical Times Jews with the whole . This comparatively recent loss of The synagogue more than the tem- psalm singing is quite remarkable, es- In times, it is some- ple furnished the pattern for the church pecially in Reformed and Presbyterian times argued, the congregation obvi- as it entered the Christian era. The early churches, whose liturgies historically ously sang psalms. Indeed, there is in Christian church corporately sang more consisted either mostly or exclusively some of the psalms a clear leader/con- of the psalms than the Jews of old ever of psalms. We intend for this book to gregation responsive pattern that would did, certainly more than the Jews who assist in the recovery of psalm singing point to such involvement. Addition- lived before the days of the synagogue for all of those churches, and we have in ally, it is the case that there was likely did. There is evidence from the earli- recent times seen hopeful signs of such. some family and personal use of certain est time of the church, At the same time, we want to foster a psalms, suggested by their content. however, for the singing of Scripture recovery of first-rate hymnody. However, much of the ordinary usage other than the Psalms. The early church We as Presbyterian and Reformed of the Psalter was in the temple by the sang the Exodus (Ex. 15:1–18), Christians affirm that there must be priests or Levites, especially by those the Song of Mary (Luke 1:46–55), the positive warrant in Scripture for what designated as musicians.2 Thus, it was Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:68–79), the we do in worship. We are not free sim- not so much the Hebrew laity in temple Song of Simeon (Luke 2:29–32), songs ply to do what we want, at least as far as worship that sang the psalms as it was recorded by Paul (arguably in Phil. the elements of worship—the Word, sac- the choristers/musicians among the 2:5–11; Col. 1:15–20; 1 Tim. 3:16), and raments, prayer, singing, etc.—are con- Levitical and priestly classes. After the other songs in the Old and New Testa- cerned. (There is latitude with respect destruction of the first temple (in 586 ment. References in Acts, 1 Corinthi- to the circumstances of worship—things B.C.), both in exile and after, the Jews ans, and Revelation further support this like time, place, etc.) Some have averred developed worship in the synagogue. contention.3 Songs based more or less that the praise we render to our God in There is evidence both of selected solo- directly on these passages will be found song during worship is to be restricted ists in synagogue worship (which con- in the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. by such a principle to the psalms. Oth- tinues to this day in the tradition of the Worship in Church History ers have affirmed that hymns may be Jewish cantor and other trained singers) added to the psalms and that the Bible and broader congregational usage of at Pliny the Elder furnishes a pagan

6 / NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 witness to distinct hymns in noting that temple worship, had come in the hymnody in the second and following the Christians sang a “hymn to Christ Middle Ages to belong to the secular centuries, when heretics began to write as God.” Justin Martyr suggests such in clergy in the parish and especially to hymns. Clearly it was safer, many Re- his First Apology, as does Hippolytus in the regular clergy in the monastery, as formers reasoned, to stick to the Psalms the Apostolic Tradition. Tertullian espe- had hymnody; both the psalmody and and other words of Scripture meant cially mentions the early church prac- the hymnody of the period was gener- for, or amenable to, singing. They did tice of singing in worship “something ally singable only by trained musicians. not, however, rule out biblically faithful from the Holy Scriptures or something The Middle Ages witnessed, in other hymns. of [one’s] own composition.”4 Having words, a removal of accessible singing as What of the New Testament? said that, it appears to be the case that a regular part of congregational life and Since we don’t believe that the Old the early church, particularly the Ro- a relocating of much music, highly or- Testament itself prescribed psalms only, man church and those associated with namented and difficult, to the preserve and we’ve noted the prevalent situa- it, predominately sang psalms or songs of clergy particularly trained to sing it. tion in worship both at the temple and drawn directly from Scripture in the The Reformation thus sought to in the synagogue, it would not be rea- churches, meeting as they then did in return to a psalmody that the whole sonable to think that the New Testa- members’ homes. congregation could sing. It also had, to ment prescribed exclusive psalmody. While we have fragments of hymns return to the hymn question, a commit- In the other elements—preaching and from the ancient church, the earliest ment to strong hymnody. The centers of prayer, for instance—extemporaneous complete hymn is that of Clement of Reformed liturgical reforms were Stras- and extra-scriptural expressions (that Alexandria (ca. 150–220), “Shepherd of bourg, Constance, and . The are clearly in line with the teaching of Tender Youth.” Other hymns attributed Psalter of 1537 contained the Bible) are common and expected. to the Fathers of the ancient church numerous songs that were not psalms— Prayer, particularly, is to the point here, are “O Light That Knew No Dawn” what some called “hymns of merely hu- especially since so much of what is sung (Gregory of Nazianzus, 325–390), “O man composure.” So also did, even more is addressed to God. If we may sing only Splendor of God’s Glory Bright” (Am- so, the Constance Hymn Book of 1540. from Scripture, why are we not likewise brose of Milan, 340–397), and “Of the To a lesser extent, the restricted in our prayers? Yet no seri- Father’s Love Begotten” (Aurelius Cle- of 1542 did so. While Calvin, and thus ous arguments are made requiring us mens Prudentius, 348–413). There are Geneva, clearly preferred psalms (and to pray only the words of Scripture and several more hymns from the ancient a lesser number of hymns), other Re- forbidding us to pray extemporaneously church and even more from the medi- formers (such as those at Constance) and in our own words.8 eval church that are worth singing to- had a more positive view of hymns, cit- It is also unthinkable, in all of our day in our worship. ing precedents from the early church.6 corporate singing in the church, that we Did the first generation of Re- Biblical Teaching on Singing would never sing anything that has the formers sing hymns as well as psalms? explicit name of our Lord Jesus Christ Before addressing that, we should note We could continue looking at in it. Unconvincing attempts have been that the Reformation embraced psalm- church history, but that is ultimately made to assert that the Psalms explicitly ody because psalmody was so central descriptive and not prescriptive. Com- name or invoke Christ; however, Scrip- in the early church. The Reformation, mitted as we are to the Bible as our ture simply does not do so explicitly in no small measure, involved a recov- final authority, the question must be: until the New Testament. The thrust ery of congregational singing, such as does the Bible prescribe what must be of redemptive history, particularly as had existed in the churches meeting in sung in worship and proscribe every- set forth in the Pauline epistles and the homes, when the church was still under thing else? Does the Bible itself teach book of Hebrews, is that the complete persecution (until the early fourth cen- that only the Psalms, for instance, may has come, and the provisional has given tury). As Hughes Old notes, “The early be sung? way, and so we are to proclaim to all the Christians sang psalms in the celebra- It quite simply does not. Calvin and world that Jesus Christ is Lord. Hence, tion of the Eucharist and in the daily those Reformers who were of his mind, we are to worship with maximal explic- morning and evening prayers during the especially in their reading of the church itness, all shadows that typified the Old week … [also] at meal times … [and] fathers, seemed to prefer the Psalms having given way to the bright light of at work and during the quiet times of as the proper material for singing, not the New, in the unveiled gospel of Jesus meditation at midday and evening. It as a matter of principle, but for prag- Christ. The hymns recorded in the last was precisely this ideal that the Re- matic reasons: the Psalms were written book of the Bible, Revelation, especially formers wished to see re-established.”5 to be sung, and they were God’s Word.7 furnish us with a clear pattern of hym- Psalmody, as it had belonged chief- Thus, the Psalms were safe and did not nic praise to the Lamb slain before the ly to the priesthood in Old Testament have the sorts of problems that plagued [Continued on page 20]

NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 / 7 THE REFORMATION OF VOCATION

D. G. HART // Lutheran scholar Gene Edward Veith asserted correctly that the Protestant Reformation depended on three doc- trines: justification by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and vocation. The last of these three, Veith added, was in many ways the most practical, since it concerned the everyday life of believers.

Vocation encompassed such relat- of the priesthood of all believers is even Why Vocation Mattered ed ideas as the priesthood of believers, harder to find in the Confession since sanctification, and good works. Rather “priest” is so closely bound up with Prior to Luther, the medieval than a theological rationale for the the three offices that Christ “executes church maintained a curious mix of pa- Protestant work ethic or private prop- as our redeemer”—prophet, priest, and gan and Christian notions about secu- erty, vocation broke decisively with Ro- king. The closest the Confession comes lar occupations. The influence of Greek man Catholic teachings about work and to mentioning the secular occupations philosophy was particularly responsible the Christian life by recognizing the le- of believers is in its teaching about the for a disdain for the material world. Ac- gitimacy of nonecclesiastical labor. Lord’s Day. It refers to “worldly em- cordingly, the life of the mind and the Yet one will need more than a word ployments and recreations” and teaches pursuit of virtue through contemplation search application to find the doctrine that believers should on Sunday observe were the highest forms of endeavor. By of vocation in the catechisms of the Ref- a “holy rest, all the day, from their own contrast, the body, too often subject to ormation. The Westminster Confession works, words, and thoughts about their passions that closely resembled those of of Faith, for instance, devotes separate worldly employments and recreations.” the animal world, was the part of human chapters to Scripture and justification, Confessional silence about voca- existence connected to ordinary affairs. but not to vocation. Related words, such tion may explain Veith’s lament that it According to a contemporary Roman as “calling,” “priesthood,” and “work,” is one of the Reformation’s lost teach- Catholic theologian, Gary Chamber- are not identical to an understanding of ings. At the same time, nothing could lain, “in the medieval world someone vocation. “Calling,” for instance, takes be more Protestant than the way the who engaged in the work of business one to the chapter on effectual call- Reformers came to understand the or- was certainly suspect.” Business activi- ing. The Bible’s teaching on the Holy dinary life of the average believer. That ties in the ancient and medieval worlds Spirit’s saving calling is indeed crucial Protestant outlook fueled the engines of were regarded as “the lowest sort of ava- to the Christian life. But that chapter political democracy and market capital- rice and as an attitude entirely lacking says nothing about work. Likewise, ism. But it was far more important for in self-respect.” Even Aquinas said of “work” will take one to the chapter on recovering biblical teaching about the commerce that it was “shameful” since good works, another important element goodness of creation and the manifold it lacked “any honorable or necessary in the service that God calls believers ways in which God cares for his crea- defining goal.” This attitude toward to undertake. But it says little directly tures. Recognizing the value of human nonreligious work explains why Ro- about the stations or rank to which work was one of the Reformation’s man Catholics historically reserved the God calls Christians. The doctrine greatest achievements. language of vocation for priests, monks,

8 / NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 and religious orders. According to the good deeds to earn God’s favor. Instead, contribute to the general advantage. Catholic Encyclopedia, a “religious voca- a Christian carried out his duties as part The point of Luke’s story is not tion is the special gift of those who, in of his love for God and neighbor. The to justify , but to observe the Church of God, follow with a pure good works of caring for others was a the importance of visiting with Christ intention the ecclesiastical profession of fruit of faith, not a means of salvation. while he was with his followers. It is the evangelical counsels.” This also added spiritual significance “foolish” to use this story to value con- Salvation in the medieval world di- to the deeds of ordinary Christians by templation above activity. vided Christians into two camps. Those making them part of the sacrifices that set apart for religious work—priests, believers offered to God as part of their Providence, not Predestination monks, nuns—followed a direct path to priesthood (by virtue of the Holy Spirit’s Ever since Max Weber argued that salvation through holy activity. The la- indwelling). In fact, Luther compared the Calvinist doctrine of predestination ity, left outside the church’s orders, led the ordinary activities of Christians fa- was the basis for the rise and spread of a life compromised by shameful activi- vorably to the most pious acts of monks: the Protestant work ethic and the tri- ties, and so increased their dependence It looks like a great thing when a umph of capitalism, scholars have ex- on the sacraments ministered by the monk renounces everything and goes amined why unleashed priestly class as their hope of salvation. into a cloister, carries on a life of as- market forces that produced the West’s And then along came Martin Lu- ceticism, fasts, watches, prays, etc.… unprecedented wealth. Weber’s own ex- ther, breathing fresh air for ordinary On the other hand, it looks like a planation was that predestination pro- Christians with his doctrine of voca- small thing when a maid cooks and duced spiritual anxiety (how do I know tion. His ideas were a direct conse- cleans and does other housework. I am elect?), and this resulted in high quence of the doctrine of the two king- But because God’s command is there, levels of productivity and greater riches. doms. According to Luther, a Christian even such a small work must be What Weber’s argument misses inhabited two spheres, the kingdom of praised as a service of God far sur- is the simple but subtle point in both heaven and the kingdom of earth. This passing the holiness and asceticism of Luther and Calvin: vocation, the work way of looking at life between the ad- all monks and nuns. that people perform in their daily lives, vents of Christ drew on, but did not is part of God’s providential care for replicate, Augustine’s two cities. The Calvin echoed Luther on voca- his creation. Just as God created Adam Christian, Luther held, is a citizen of tion and showed how little separates to work in the garden and care for the heaven’s kingdom (salvation) through the two branches of the Reformation creatures around him, so people con- faith alone. But in the earthly kingdom, in this regard. In his commentary on tinue to fulfill God’s plan by perform- the operative principle is love, since Luke 10:38–42 in particular, the story ing works that contribute to creation’s God calls a believer to embody his sal- of Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha, and continuation. According to the Confes- vation through acts of charity. Vocation, the latter’s frustration with her sister for sion of Faith, God upholds all things by accordingly, belongs to a Christian’s op- failing to help with the chores of hospi- his “most wise and holy providence.” In eration in the kingdom of earth. Luther tality, Calvin took aim at the contem- particular, it teaches that God uses “sec- wrote, “Through the human pursuit of plative life that justified monasticism: ond causes” to order all things. These vocations across the array of earthly sta- When some men were driven by am- might involve the use of medicine to tions, the hungry are fed, the naked are bition to withdraw from the ordinary heal a sick patient or the sun to cause clothed, the sick are healed, the igno- intercourse of life, or when peevish a plant to grow and produce food. Sec- rant are enlightened, and the weak are men gave themselves up to solitude ondary causes also include the work of protected.” In other words, a Christian and indolence, the resolution to adopt rearing children, engaging in business, by working participated in “God’s on- that course was followed by such teaching, exercising civil authority, and going providence for the human race.” pride, that they imagined themselves even fixing leaking toilets. In other The Roman Catholic position, to be like the angels, because they did words, providence, not predestination, which associated vocation only with nothing; for they entertained as great explains the doctrine of vocation. the sort of vows that priests and monks a contempt for active life, as if it had The place to find the idea of call- took, was a perversion of the idea of vo- kept them back from heaven. On the ing, then, is in the chapter on God’s cation. It called Christians away from contrary, we know that men were cre- providential care for his creation. It may the vital services they provided for fam- ated for the express purpose of being require employing a few theological de- ily, neighbors, and countries. It is im- employed in labor of various kinds, ductions, but it is right there if you look portant to recognize that the Protestant and that no sacrifice is more pleasing hard enough. teaching of justification by faith, as op- to God, than when every man applies posed to justification by grace-infused diligently to his own calling, and en- The author, an OP elder, teaches at Hills- works, freed believers from performing deavors to live in such a manner as to dale College.

NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 / 9 HOME MISSIONS

THE PRODUCTIVE PASTOR // CHRISTOPHER CHELPKA

veryone wants a pastor who works hard and works smart. Productive pastors make good use of limited Eresources. And they bless the church with the ministry of Christ. So we ought to encourage our ministers to be good stewards of their gifts. But we must never encourage them J. Gresham Machen, mountain climber to pursue productivity at any cost. This is a real danger. Being productive is certainly a decreased. According to the Harvard Business Review, one virtue, but we live in an age that is obsessed with it. Working study found that “managers could not tell the difference be- hard is good, but the modern world has turned working hard tween employees who actually worked 80 hours a week and into a religion and has made productivity its god. And if we those who just pretended to.” Moreover, studies also show that are not wise to this, we may encourage our ministers to work overwork can lead to “all sorts of health problems, including in a way that does more harm than good. For, as Pascal warns, impaired sleep, depression, heavy drinking, diabetes, impaired when we “pursue virtues to their extremes on either side, vices memory, and heart disease.” present themselves.” The cult of productivity also dehumanizes us. Whereas Like any false religion, the modern cult of productivity God sanctifies our humanity, the idol of productivity destroys promises more than it can deliver. Guardian reporter Oliver it. One way the modern productivity movement dehumanizes Burkeman gives an example of this in his excellent article, us is by mechanizing us. Think of how the priests of produc- “Why Time Management Is Ruining Our Lives.” In the late tivity use the language of machines and assembly lines to talk nineteenth century, housewives were promised that “labour- about how you should “streamline your laundry” or “optimize saving machines” would give them more free time. But as their your digestion.” efficiency in housework increased, so did society’s expecta- J. Gresham Machen once said that he loved to climb be- tions for cleanliness. “Now that the living-room carpet could cause it refreshed his soul and helped him “escape … from the be kept perfectly clean, it had to be; now that clothes never heartless machinery of the world.” But these days, even our needed to be grubby, grubbiness was all the more taboo.” rest and recreation must bow to the god of productivity. Once Ministers face a similar situation today. Now that they a midday nap was a time for quiet, prayer, and refreshment. have access to millions of books, they are expected to access Now you should probably feel guilty for that nap, or at least them. And if a minister can host his own radio shows, pub- “hack it” to get more done when you wake up. lish his own books, and mentor people around the world, why Machen once climbed the Matterhorn in Italy. It became shouldn’t he? Perhaps he should. But no one can do every- a treasured memory. “We sat on the Italian summit, with our thing, or even most things. And those who try to do it all, feet over Italy and our backs to a little wall of summit snow, often find that it backfires. and let our eyes drink in the marvelous beauty of the scene. John Pencavel, a Stanford professor analyzing data on What a wonderful help it is in all discouragements, what a munitions workers during World War II, found that after blessed gift of God, to be able to bring before the mind’s eye forty-nine hours of work in a week, gains in productivity such a vision as that.”

10 / NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 Sadly, many ministers today—Machen’s men included— One reason is that it requires us to be humble and admit are no longer fleeing from the mechanized world, but have our need for others. I think of the apostles who, in the early taken its ideas into their ministry and into the church. I in- part of their ministry, had to face the fact that under their clude myself among them, for all the times I’ve considered watch a scandal arose: some widows were not receiving church food, sleep, or bodily exercise to be “necessary evils” instead of funds because they were Greek. Remarkably, the apostles did blessed gifts from God. not double down and fix the problem themselves. Instead, they Before leaving this point, I must add that sometimes told the church to find other men to help, so that they could mechanization is only a cover for something even worse: dei- devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. In fication. Just as a minister is not a machine, neither is he God. doing this, the apostles had to tell the church that they were The world, however, suggests otherwise. Daily, we are told that unable to solve a problem that needed to be solved, that they creaturely limits can be overcome, or at least nearly so, by sim- had to rely on other people and trust that God would supply ply working harder and making smarter choices. This cultural the need. That takes humility. impulse is strong. It is so strong, in fact, that in a recent New Today some ministers find themselves in a similar situa- York Times article on the benefits of running, the writer felt tion. They have a particular calling and yet find their schedules compelled to remind her readers that “running does not make filled with duties that more properly belong to ruling elders, people immortal.” Good to know! deacons, and other members. It may be tempting to just try The truth is we all have limitations and we need to admit harder, but sometimes humility is what is really needed. that. Ministers included. Only God knows everything, can fix Church Plants anything, and can be everywhere at once. As Zach Eswine writes in The Imperfect Pastor, we needn’t repent that we’re not Of course, it will be asked: but what if there is no help? God, only for trying to be. But when ministers refuse to repent What about church plants, for example, where there are no for trying to be God, they inevitably harm everyone around local elders or deacons and the church is small? It’s a good them. Ministers don’t burn out like a light, they burn out like question, and it gets us to the second reason why it’s hard to a fuse on a bomb. admit the limitations of pastoral ministry. Admitting our limits means respecting that we are crea- When we admit our limitations, we are forced to make tures. It also means respecting that we are diverse. God didn’t difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions. If help cannot be make all men the same. Some ministers are healthy; some have found, it may require stopping activities that feel important, health problems. Some men need eight hours to prepare a ser- godly, and even necessary. Jesus did that; he would stop heal- mon; others need sixteen. And our life circumstances can also ing people in order to be alone and pray. So it may be that affect the shape of pastoral ministry. B. B. Warfield’s life is an the church directory should wait another year. Or perhaps the example of this. number of meetings should be limited. Or maybe starting an Benjamin and Anna were newlyweds in Germany when evening service should be postponed until the pastor is faster they got caught in a thunderstorm that caused Anna severe at preparing his sermons. Every church will be different and trauma to her nervous system and eventually made her bed- will have to find its own way to live humbly before the Lord. ridden. But Benjamin loved his wife. So because of her fragile Of course, not everyone needs to slow down and do less. condition, he made the choice to stay close to home through- Honesty will require some ministers and churches to be more out his career. This likely increased his literary output—he zealous and effective than they currently are. We must be good “has done about as much work as ten ordinary men,” Machen stewards of all that God has given us—both our individual said. But as Warfield’s friend Francis Patton remembered, this gifts and our corporate gifts. choice also made him unable to preach, take part in the de- But if we are honest, we will learn to recognize that God bates of the General Assembly, serve on church boards, and has given us gifts and limitations. This is humbling on both take other speaking engagements. accounts, but it is also Still, it can be hard to admit one’s limitations. The Wall a double blessing be- Street Journal reported that “out of every 100 people who be- cause it teaches us to lieve they only need five to six hours of sleep a night only lean on God for all that about five people really do.” Why is it so hard to admit our we have and all that we limits? don’t have, to trust him for all the things we can’t do, and, by faith, Home Missions Today to do all that we can. For up-to-date Home Missions news and prayer updates, e-mail [email protected]. The author is the pastor New editions: June 14, 28; July 12, 26. of Covenant OPC in Tucson, Ariz. Christopher Chelpka

NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 / 11 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

REFORMED EVANGELISM AT MTIOPC // PATRICIA E. CLAWSON John Shaw, general secretary for the Committee on Home Missions and new MTIOPC instructor

evangelism, they often have not been instructed in the practice of it. “Our goal is to consider how the faithful ministry of the ohn Shaw, the general secretary for the Committee on church (word, sacrament, and prayer) is necessarily evangelis- Home Missions and Church Extension, recalls how he in- tic,” says Shaw. advertentlyJ learned to evangelize. His boss kept asking him Shaw’s own evangelistic ministry follows the pattern that questions about the Bible and his faith. He simply answered, the Lord sometimes uses: using normal conversations to save never realizing that he was sharing the gospel—until he was people. Shaw encourages being a friendly, quick, and willing called into the office of his boss, who excitedly described his listener, and being a clear and gentle speaker when the oppor- conversion. Then John understood what normal evangelism is: tunity arises. “Conversations often come from the overflow of just talking about your Savior when the opportunity arises. loving our neighbor,” he says. Eric Watkins is today the pastor of Covenant Presbyterian The course will “consider how an evangelistic focus in- Church in St. Augustine, Florida. But when he was twenty- forms their preaching, teaching, praying, leadership, disciple- one, he was a deadhead hippie skeptic—and then transformed ship, and house-to-house ministry,” explains Shaw. They will into a Christian who yearned to tell others about Jesus. Newly not only discuss what it means to “do the work of an evange- converted, Eric often showed up at a rural Baptist church with list” (2 Tim. 4: 5), but also consider the next step: how the ses- a car full of deadhead hippies! Although he made mistakes, sion should lead, train, and equip the congregation to do their Eric found that his evangelistic efforts were worthwhile when part in the evangelistic ministry of the local church. God worked faith in other people’s hearts. Thankfulness for Evangelism programs or event-driven evangelism will those whom God used to share the gospel with him helped also be reviewed, with a goal of enabling the students to sepa- prompt his evangelistic zeal, especially for millennials. His rate the wheat from the chaff. earlier questions as a skeptic spurred him to work on five aca- This course is intended to be distinctive in several ways, demic degrees as he wrestled with ways to defend the faith. according to Watkins. The class will be taught from an un- His Ph.D. dissertation focused on preaching Christ from the apologetically Reformed orientation and present a high view Old Testament in a postmodern world. of the church and the ordinary means of grace. Offering the Both Shaw and Watkins have spent much of their min- perspective of pastoring and church planting in the OPC, istry as OP pastors on the front lines planting churches. Re- both instructors have the goal of strengthening the work of formed Evangelism, a new course offered this summer by the evangelism within our denomination. “Our real goal is to Ministerial Training Institute of the OPC, emerged from their equip servants in the OPC not only to be better at evangelism, experiences, their Reformed theology, and their belief that the but to strengthen the role of evangelism in our churches,” says preaching of the Word in church is the ordinary means that Watkins. God uses to evangelize. This MTIOPC class weds their zeal OP pastors, seminarians or graduates who are licensed to for evangelism with an emphasis on the regular ministry of preach or are under care of a presbytery, and elders may take the Word and prayer, and a call to love our neighbors in word, this class. deed, and prayer. Many pastors’ evangelistic ministry may be similar to their This course is aimed at filling a gap in the training of pas- prayer ministry. They know they should do it, Shaw explains, tors and elders. While most are schooled in the theology of but are ashamed of how little time or attention they give to

12 / NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 it. “This class provides a good opportunity for experienced OUR MEMBERSHIP VOWS ministers and elders to recharge in the area of evangelism,” says Shaw, who wrote a booklet on Evangelism in the Local The Doctrine of Salvation Church, which is available on the OPC website. Pastors will likely come away with practical ideas that they can implement Glen J. Clary in their churches, says Watkins. The first membership vow of the Orthodox Presbyterian Although every minister is called to “do the work of an Church states that the Bible teaches “the perfect and only evangelist,” many don’t carry out this task with energy and true doctrine of salvation.” What is the doctrine of salva- effectiveness. “This is a great opportunity to improve in our tion taught in Scripture? role as evangelists, and even to build accountability relation- All Scripture is about Jesus Christ. The Old Testament ships where we can encourage each other to do the work of an anticipates his coming by promises, prophecies, and vari- evangelist and celebrate the plentiful harvest the Lord might ous types that point forward to him. The New Testament gather through our congregations,” Shaw explains. records his life, death, and resurrection, and explains the Seminarians are engaged in the intellectual challenge of significance of his person and work. From Genesis to Rev- ministry preparation, but many lose sight of the practical min- elation, the story of salvation in Jesus Christ is progressively istry that flows from their theology. “The typical evangelism revealed as redemptive history unfolds (Luke 24:25–49). class in seminary focuses on the why of evangelism (the theol- Salvation is a work of the triune God: Father, Son, and ogy), but there is usually little emphasis on the how,” Shaw Holy Spirit. The Father sent his only begotten Son to save says. This course seeks to keep students from feeling paralyzed us from sin. The Son infallibly secured our salvation by his in the practice of evangelism by putting their theology into righteous life and atoning death. The Holy Spirit personally practice. applies the salvation accomplished by Christ to each person The class will first consider evangelism from a Reformed whom God chose to save before the foundation of the perspective by looking at what the Bible says, what church world (Eph. 1:3–14). history reveals, and what OPC history shows. They will also There are many false religions in the world, but Chris- tianity is the only true religion. According to Christianity, evaluate various evangelistic tools. The highlight will be hit- there is only one way of salvation because there is only one ting the streets of Columbus, Ohio, sharing the gospel with Savior, Jesus Christ. Some people claim that all religions residents of the community. are basically the same. “There is only one mountain, but “Our hope is that we might all be willing to be stretched there are many different paths that lead to the top of the beyond our comfort zone for the sake of Christ,” says Wat- mountain,” they say. “Christianity is only one of those paths, kins. “By doing evangelism together and then reflecting on it, but there are many others.” This is false! It contradicts the we should be able to take some ideas back to our churches and Bible. consider, alongside our pastors and elders, how we can do the According to Scripture, Christianity is the only true work of evangelism better together.” religion, and Christ is the only Savior. Jesus said, “I am the “Years from now, we look forward to hearing the stories way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father of how God has been pleased to use our frail gifts to honor his except through me” (John 14:6). Salvation is only by grace name through the spread of the gospel,” says Watkins. “My alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone ( John 3:16; prayer is that students will come away with a greater love for Acts 4:12; 16:31; Gal. 2:16). Salvation is a work of God, Christ and his church, and that a renewed zeal for evangelism and therefore he alone deserves the glory (Eph. 2:8–9). will flow from that love.” Reformed Evangelism joins a slate of summer MTIOPC classes: A Hebrew Refresher, A Greek Refresher, and OPC His- tory. The registration deadline isMay 30, 2017. Online classes begin on June 1, 2017. The Intensive Training session will be Out of the Mouth . . . held August 15–17 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Colum- My six-year-old grandson Logan was praying on bus, Ohio. Applications and more information are available at www.opc.org/cce/MTI.html. his bed with his face down. All of a sudden he flipped over and looked up to the ceiling. His mom asked, “Why did you flip over?” He said, “I want to pray up to God. I don’t want the devil to Congratulations think I’m praying to him!” The Shorter Catechism has been recited by: —Gary Metzger • Rocky Judah La Belle, Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, Pa. Cape Cod, West Barnstable, MA Note: If you have an example of the humorous “wisdom” that can come from children, please send it to the editor.

NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 / 13 FOREIGN MISSIONS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD IN MISSIONS // RAYMOND E. CALL III Missionary Ray Call speaking with a woman after a worship service in Montevideo, Uruguay

over the hearts of men and women. He has called us to pro- claim the word of God, sharing the good news with those who ike many places in the world today, Uruguay has its fair are lost in darkness. Our job as missionaries here in Uruguay, share of skeptics. Recently, I had the privilege of talking just as it is for all Christians everywhere, is to testify to the Lto a woman about the things of God. Our dryer broke, and I grace of God in the Lord Jesus Christ—no matter what the was determined to find the needed part. After a quick online response. The psalmist tells us of the sovereignty of God over search and a call, I went downtown to an import warehouse to all things: “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he purchase the item. In God’s providence, I was able to converse pleases” (Ps. 115:3). God is Lord even over the heart: “The with the woman who worked at the counter. king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he After finding out that I am a pastor, this retail worker turns it wherever he will” (Prov. 21:1). respectfully raised some serious questions about the faith. As This truth should encourage us in our evangelism. First, a law student, she had some pretty strong beliefs! She pointed we can rest in the truth that it is God who is responsible for out that believers get sick and die, just like anyone else, and conversions, not the messenger. Sometimes I struggle with then she asked me, “Where is this promised paradise?” Fur- getting frustrated or angry at the person who refuses to believe thermore, she espoused the common objection that religion in Jesus—as if I could force him or her to believe! The sover- is a “crutch” for the weak, pointing out her own strength and eignty of God corrects this attitude. Or I might be tempted self-reliance. to be sad and despondent, especially if it is a relative or close While she respectfully listened to my responses, it was friend who does not trust Christ. The sovereignty of God gives clear that she was not going to budge in her opposition to us rest, as we know that God is King. the Christian faith. It was a wonderful opportunity to address Second, we can have confidence and hope that our evan- her questions, while also sharing the gospel of the Lord Jesus gelistic efforts and prayers will not be useless. When a Chris- Christ. Considering we were on opposite ends of the pole, it tian shares the gospel with, or prays for, a non-Christian, was quite nice and surprising that our discussion was so peace- the Lord is able to use that as a means of converting them. ful and courteous. She even thanked me for talking with her, Contrary to the old criticism that those who hold to a robust and I thanked her for her time! view of predestination will lose all motivation to evangelize, This story highlights an important truth that is indispens- the doctrine of the sovereignty of God actually gives us all able for the Christian, especially one living in a post-Christian the confidence in the world that there is hope that the person culture: the sovereignty of God. One of the first things I heard we care about will come to know Jesus. We can plead for that about Uruguay is that it has been labeled “the missionary person before the throne of God, knowing that he is able to graveyard.” That is not a pleasant thing to think about as one change even the most hardened of hearts. Of course, God is considers moving his family halfway across the world! On my the one who changes hearts and brings people into the king- first visit to Uruguay, a Brazilian missionary pastor told me dom. Sadly, some persist in rejecting Christ. The gospel is re- that if it were not for his confidence in the sovereignty of God, ceived by some as a fragrance of life and spurned by others as he would not have lasted there as a missionary for very long. an aroma of death (2 Cor. 2:14–16). Above all, the message That statement has stuck with me. I cling to the sover- must be broadly proclaimed: “But thanks be to God, who in eignty of God. He is absolutely in control of all things, even Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through

14 / NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere” (v. 14). And that is what we hope to do with increasing intensity in Uruguay. Uruguay is a spiritually dry country, with secularism operating as a dominant force. I’ve heard it described as more like France than the United States in terms of its openness to bibli- cal Christianity. In fact, the educational system is based on the secular French system and was im- plemented in the early twentieth century. Holi- day seasons, which were once largely recognized as religious, are now referred to in secular terms. Holy Week is now officially called the Week of Tourism, and Christmas has been replaced with the Day of the Family. Despite the cultural context of skepticism, the Lord has blessed our church plant here in the capital city of Montevideo with fruit, dem- Ray Call (left) and Markus Jeromin manning a book table at a local market onstrating his sovereign work of grace. We re- cently heard professions of faith from two young men. They were also baptized and became members of our leaders from among them for the future work of gospel min- church, Iglesia Presbiteriana Evangélica de Montevideo. One istry here in Uruguay. Prayer is paramount if we are to see our of the young men, Santiago, comes from a Roman Catholic sovereign God establish his kingdom in Uruguay and to the background and is studying history at the university. An avid ends of the earth! student of English, he began attending English conversation meetings led by Rev. Markus Jeromin and later visited church, The author is a PCA missionary with the OPC Uruguay Mission. where he sat under the preaching of the Word. Speaking about God’s work in his life, Santiago says, “I believe God changed my heart by giving me the wisdom to correctly understand What’s New Scripture, and through that I came to a biblical church in which I grew—and continue doing so—in faith and under- // Appointments standing until I’ve completely repented of my sins.” It is amaz- ing when God changes lives, and he deserves all the glory! Miss Hannah J. Carroll (Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, Another young man who has come to faith in Christ told OPC, Raleigh, N.C.) has been appointed to serve as a me that he never really took religion seriously before. But re- missionary associate in East Asia for July 2017. cently God has taken hold of his life. When Rafael first came Miss Rebecca J. Call (New Life Presbyterian Church, to our church, he was reserved and just beginning to explore PCA, La Mesa, Calif.) has been reappointed, and Miss the faith. Over time, God has brought him to faith in Christ, Sabrina M. Richline (Sovereign Grace Community and he now has a strong profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Church, OPC, Hughson, Calif.) and Mr. Bennett A. Sunder (St. Elmo Presbyterian Church, PCA, St. Elmo, as well as a desire to serve and grow. He and his fiancée, who Tenn.) have been appointed to serve as missionary is also a believer, are currently going through premarital coun- associates in Uruguay for the summer of 2017. seling with Rev. Mark Richline and hope to marry this year. Our church recently finished its first new members’ class, // Comings/Goings and we received our first five new members, including San- Mr. David I. Voytek (Rehoboth Reformed Church, tiago and Rafael. We continue to meet each Lord’s Day in the RCUS, Cerritos, Calif.) and Miss Stephanie L. Zerbe evening for our weekly worship service. Pastor Richline and (Manor Presbyterian Church, PCA, New Castle, Del.) I alternate preaching. He is going through a series on the life completed their teaching at Yanbian University of Sci- of Jacob, and I am preaching through the gospel of John. We ence and Technology in Yanji, China, in June and July, also recently finished a VBS outreach (Club de Niños), where respectively. we had the opportunity to share the word of God with about Mrs. Elizabeth H. Andrews, who, with her late hus- thirty or so children from the neighborhood, most of whom band, the Rev. Egbert W. Andrews, served as an OP came from non-Christian families. missionary in Taiwan for twenty-two years, anticipates We need to be praying for the next generation, that God celebrating her 100th birthday on June 29. would be pleased to save many and that he would raise up

NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 / 15 SUMMER READING CLUB

ANNE SHAW // “Those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it.” This quote has been attributed to many people, but whoever said it first, its truth is widely acknowledged, but often ignored. Believing that a knowledge of church history is an impor- tant component of Christian education, retired school teacher

Patricia Watkins put together a Summer doctrine is important. People have died age range of participants, reading lists, Reading Club in 2014 for the children defending doctrines we too easily take times for discussions, expectations, etc. (aged eight to thirteen) of her church, for granted. Plan ahead as much as possible to avoid Mission OPC in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Summer Reading Club was confusion and potential difficulties Each participant received a folder welcomed by parents and children with down the road. with a list of resources (books and web- enthusiasm. There were challenges, 2. Materials. See what resources sites), a time line of church history, though: getting kids to read at all in an may already be available in your church worksheets to fill out as they read, and age of instant entertainment; finding library, or ask families in the church if directions for a final project. All of the materials to challenge and inspire read- they have any appropriate materials books were biographies or collections of ers at various levels of ability and inter- in their home libraries. If more books biographies of noteworthy Christians est; allowing for busy family schedules, are needed, Ms. Watkins recommends through the ages, and most were avail- including family vacations, during the investing in biographies by Simonet- able from the church library. The books summer months; sustaining interest ta Carr from Reformation Heritage were to be read as interest led the reader over the entire ten weeks. Books, the History Lives! series by or books became available in the library. In the end, the participants agreed Brandon and Mindy Withrow, and the The Reading Club met every that the program did indeed further Trailblazers series from Christian Fo- month for about twenty minutes fol- their knowledge of, and appreciation cus. For a complete list of the resources lowing the church’s fellowship meal. The for, the Lord’s work throughout history. Ms. Watkins used, please e-mail a re- readers talked about what they had read One young participant said he liked quest to [email protected]. and shared what they had found most the Club because “it encouraged you to 3. Incentives. Choose a few appro- interesting, what they enjoyed, or what read biographies and set goals for your- priate incentives—competition or small they disliked about what they had read self about how many books you wanted rewards—to encourage reading. Un- that month. The emphasis was always to read.” One mother appreciated the fortunately, the joy of learning is rarely on what they had learned from reading, Club because it got her children “to enough motivation, but even reluctant rather than on how many books they read a number of books that they would readers have been known to work hard completed. Pat Watkins functioned as not otherwise have read.” Three years for the right incentive. a facilitator, but allowed the children to later, participants still recall the stories 4. Simplicity. Keep the whole plan take the lead and “own” the discussions. of people—including children—who as simple as possible. This is summer, Discussions naturally led from suffered and died for their faith. after all. what happened to each Christian to Here are some things to consider if If you think the young people in why it happened, and this led to dis- you are planning to implement some- your church would benefit from this cussions of theology. Ms. Watkins an- thing similar in your church: kind of summer reading program, get swered questions when she could, and 1. Organization. Ms. Watkins’s busy now and make it happen! then referred the children to further Summer Reading Club is just one way reading and discussions with parents to do this sort of thing, so figure out The author is a member of Calvary OPC or elders. Children learned that right what works for you, considering the in Glenside, Pa.

16 / NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 PRAYER CALENDAR JUNE–JULY

Items pertaining specifically to July are in italics. 8. Bob and Grace Holda, Oshkosh, Wis. Pray that 1. Pray for missionary associate Janine Eygenraam, members and visitors Quebec, Canada, as she prepares for three weeks of to Resurrection Presby- English for Kids camps this summer. / Pray for Home terian Church will con- Missions general secretary John Shaw, attending tinue to grow in faith General Assembly this week. / Pray for the work of and love. / Missionary stated clerk Ross Graham during the 84th General As- associates H. C. and sembly, which meets through June 6 at Trinity Christian S. Z., Asia. Pray for the College, and in the following weeks as he works to summer ministry pro- complete the minutes and yearbook of the GA. grams. / Benjamin (and 2. Andrew and Billie Moody, San Antonio, Tex. Pray that Tiffany) Ward, summer San Antonio Reformed Church’s officers will serve intern at Redemption Bob and Grace Holda faithfully and effectively. / Foreign Missions administra- OPC in Gainesville, Fla. tive assistant Linda Posthuma and secretary Katrina 9. Tentmaker missionary T. D., Asia. Pray that she will Zartman. / Pray for the Psalter-Hymnal Committee make good progress in her study of the local lan- members as they present their work to the 2017 Gen- guage. / Pray for Jim and Judy Bosgraf, regional home eral Assembly. missionary for the Presbytery of the Midwest, as he 3. Heero and Anya Hacquebord, L’viv, Ukraine. Pray for visits mission works in the presbytery. / Jeremy (and students and leaders at this summer’s English/Bible Kourtney) Brandenburg, summer intern at Calvary camp. / Steve and Joanie Doe, regional home mission- OPC in Glenside, Pa. ary for the Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic. Pray for Steve 10. Phil Strong, Lander, Wyo. Pray that God would provide as he does church-planting exploratory work. / Pray for a new place for Grace Reformed Fellowship to meet. the students as classes begin for the summer term of / Mr. and Mrs. M., Asia. Pray for Mike’s ministry to the the Ministerial Training Institute of the OPC. future generation of church leaders. / Army chaplains: 4. John and Wenny Ro, Chicago, Ill. (downtown). Pray Stephen (and Lindsey) Roberts and David (and Jenna) for the discipleship and ministry of Gospel Life DeRienzo. Presbyterian Church. / Ben and Melanie Westerveld, 11. Missionary associates Markus and Sharon Jeromin, Quebec, Canada. Pray that the English for Kids camps Montevideo, Uruguay. Pray that they will have fruitful will impact the lives of those who attend. / Pray for contacts in their community. / Jay and Andrea Ben- Christian Education general secretary Danny Olinger nett, Neon, Ky. Praise God for his continued blessing as he presents the work of Christian Education to the on Neon Reformed Presbyterian Church. / Ryan (and General Assembly. Rachel) Heaton, yearlong intern at Tyler Presbyterian 5. Pray for Mr. and Mrs. F., Asia, preparing to return to Church in Tyler, Tex. the U.S. in July to begin a six-month furlough. / Brett 12. Mike and Katy Myers, Royston, Ga. Pray that Heritage and Maryann Mahlen, Orland Park, Ill. Pray that Brett’s Presbyterian Church will be able to become an orga- students at Stateville Correctional Institute will be re- nized church soon. / Mark and Jeni Richline, Monte- formed by Christ. / Summer interns: Brendan Wester- video, Uruguay. Pray for the care and development field at Redeemer OPC in Beavercreek, Ohio, and Ben of the young church in Montevideo. / Alan Strange, Petersen at Bonita OPC in Bonita, Calif. president of the Board of Trustees of Great Commis- 6. Christopher and Ann Malamisuro, Cincinnati, Ohio. sion Publications. Pray that Good Shepherd OPC’s hope and joy in the 13. Ray and Michele Call, Montevideo, Uruguay. Pray Lord will be sustained. / Pray for tentmaker mission- for Ray in his ministry responsibilities. / David and ary T. L. L., Asia (on furlough), as she maintains a busy Rebekah Graves, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Pray that furlough schedule. / Andrew (and Cyndi) Meyers, sum- God would grant growth to Coeur d’Alene Reformed mer intern at Trinity OPC in Hatboro, Pa. Church through its outreach efforts. / Jan Gregson, as- 7. Missionary associates E. K. and D. V., Asia. Pray for sistant to the finance director. a good wrap-up to the semester of teaching. / Matt 14. Home Missions staff administrator Sean Gregg. / Pray and Elin Prather, Corona, Calif. Pray for God to bless for missionary associates Rebecca Call, Sabrina Rich- Corona Presbyterian Church’s outreach efforts and line, and Bennett Sunder, Montevideo, Uruguay, as- send new visitors. / Jeremiah (and Natalia) Dickinson, sisting the Uruguay Mission for the summer. / Diaconal summer intern at Lakeview OPC in Rockport, Maine. Ministries administrator David Nakhla. Pray for the

NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 / 17 PRAYER CALENDAR Continued Lord’s blessing on the travel and teaching connected Czech Republic. Pray for preparations being made for with the OPC Diaconal Summit to be held June 15–17 this summer’s outreach programs. / Josh and Kristen in Wheaton, Ill. McKamy, Chambersburg, Pa. Pray that Covenant OPC will effectively reach out to their community. / Kathy 15. Affiliated missionariesCraig and Ree Coulbourne and Bube, Loan Fund administrator, and Mark Stumpff, Linda Karner, Japan. Pray for their bold witness when OPC office assistant. they interact with unbelieving contacts. / Brad and Cin- namon Peppo, Springfield, Ohio. Praise God for bring- 24. Pray for Home Missions associate general secretary Al ing Living Water OPC to the point of particularization. / Tricarico. / Affiliated missionariesJerry and Marilyn Doug Watson, part-time staff accountant. Farnik, Prague, Czech Republic. Pray for Team Praha, beginning three weeks of ministry to children and 16. Eric and Donna Hausler, Naples, Fla. Pray that Christ young adults this week. / Zachary (and Annie) Sim- the King Presbyterian Church will have wisdom as they mons, yearlong intern at Bethel Presbyterian Church in seek to reach local families. / Ethiopian Reformed Wheaton, Ill. Presbyterian Church. Pray for the church’s outreach in both urban and rural areas. / David Haney, director 25. Ben and Heather Hopp, Haiti. Pray for Team Haiti, of finance and planned giving for the Committee on assisting with VBS programs on La Gonâve from June Coordination. 24 to July 6. / Joshua and Jessica Lyon, Carson, Calif. Pray that God’s elect will be brought in at Grace OPC. 17. Bob and Martha Wright, Nakaale, Uganda. Pray for the / Daniel Bobick, summer intern at Calvary Community completion of ongoing construction projects. / Jim Church in Harmony Township, N.J. and Bonnie Hoekstra, Andover, Minn. Pray that the preaching of the Word will be used to convert sinners 26. Kim and Barbara Kuhfuss, Eau Claire, Wis. Pray that and build up the saints of Immanuel OPC. / James Providence Reformed Church will be a church of (and Ella) Clark, summer intern at Grace OPC in Lynch- prayer. / Associate missionaries Octavius and Marie burg, Va. Delfils, Haiti. Pray for the translation and publication of Reformed materials into Creole. / Andrew Moody, 18. Larry and Kalynn Oldaker, Huron, Ohio. Pray that the OPC.org website technical assistant. Lord would add several new families to Grace Fel- lowship OPC. / Foreign Missions associate general 27. Pray for the labors of missionary associates Leah Hopp, secretary Douglas Clawson. Pray for his participation Sarah Jantzen, and Angela Voskuil, Uganda. / Paul and in a conference in Colombia this week. / Ryan (and Sarah Mourreale, St. Louis, Mo. Pray for a better meet- Rochelle) Cavanaugh, yearlong intern at Prescott Pres- ing place and three new families for Gateway OPC. / byterian Church in Prescott, Arizona. Adrian (and Rachel) Crum, yearlong intern at Bayview OPC in Chula Vista, Calif. 19. David and Sunshine Okken, Nakaale, Uganda. Pray for faithful and gifted Karimojong men to teach others the 28. Chris and Megan Hartshorn, Anaheim Hills, Calif. Pray Word of God. / Jim and Eve Cassidy, Austin, Tex. Praise that God would send more members and more con- God for South Austin Presbyterian Church’s newly verts to Anaheim Hills Presbyterian Church. / Eric and rented meeting location. / Bryan (and Heidi) Dage, Dianna Tuininga, Mbale, Uganda. Pray for the ministry yearlong intern at Covenant OPC in Komoka, Ontario. of the men attending Knox Theological College. / Charlene Tipton, database administrator. 20. Lowell and Mae Ivey, Virginia Beach, Va. Pray for God’s blessing on Reformation Presbyterian Church’s leader- 29. Retired missionaries Betty Andrews, Cal and Edie ship class. / Missionary associates Christopher and Cummings, Greet Rietkerk, Brian and Dorothy Win- Chloe Verdick, Nakaale, Uganda. Thank God for the gard, and Young and Mary Lou Son. Pray for Betty, committed clinic staff. / New Horizons cover designer turning 100 today. / Tim and Deborah Herndon, West Chris Tobias and proofreader Sarah Pederson. Lebanon, N.H. Praise the Lord for new visitors at Provi- dence Presbyterian Church. / Navy chaplain Cornelius 21. David and Rashel Robbins, Nakaale, Uganda. Pray (and Deidre) Johnson. that seekers will understand God’s Word. / Bill and Sessie Welzien, Key West, Fla. Pray for Keys Presbyte- 30. Mika and Christina Edmondson, Grand Rapids, Mich. rian Church, that the preaching of the Word will bring Pray for unity and growth within the congregation of edification and conversion. / New Horizons managing New City Fellowship. / Church in the Horn of Africa. editor Jim Scott and editorial assistant Pat Clawson. Pray for the believers who have been imprisoned for their faith. / Scott (and Elizabeth) Creel, summer intern 22. Pray for Lacy and Debbie Andrews, regional home at Calvary OPC in Tallahassee, Fla. missionary for the Presbytery of the Southeast, as he visits mission works. / Pray for Foreign Missions general 31. Charles and Connie Jackson, Mbale, Uganda. Pray secretary Mark Bube, as he reports to the Executive that the local radio ministry will bear fruit. / Mark and Committee meeting tomorrow. / Daniel (and Marcy) Peggy Sumpter, regional home missionary for the Pres- Borvan, yearlong intern at Merrimack Valley Presbyte- bytery of the Southwest. Pray for Mark as he follows up rian Church in North Andover, Mass. on contacts in the region. / Janet Birkmann, Diaconal Ministries administrative assistant. 23. Missionary associate Kathleen Winslow, Prague,

18 / NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 STEWARDSHIP

with this in mind, one begins to see the wisdom of the Holy Spirit’s work in inspiring the book. The theology of Paul’s let- GREAT ter would instill commitment to the Great Commission in the Roman believers. Reading of the horrors of human sinfulness (chapters 1–3) would stir up in the Romans a love for those COMMISSION still lost in that depravity. A deeper understanding of the righ- teousness that comes by faith in Christ (chapters 3–5) would THEOLOGY motivate the Romans to give, so that others would hear of this righteousness. Paul’s instruction about the victory over sin that // DAVID HARR is ours in union with Christ (chapters 6–7) would have them praying for the holiness of the elect in cities yet to be reached. A confidence in God’s sovereign plan (chapters 8–11) would encourage the Roman believers to sacrifice for the work of the gospel, knowing that their labors would not be in vain. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, intended the theol- here are few books of Scripture that are more dear to ogy of Romans to be Great Commission theology. The deep the hearts of Orthodox Presbyterians than Paul’s letter things of God and his gospel were to inspire and motivate toT the Romans. Its theological richness guides our doctrine the church to pursue the Lord’s call to make disciples of all and shapes our ministry. The Holy Spirit has used this book nations. of Scripture to bring many of us to the Lord or to ground us The richness of the Bible’s theology should still motivate in the faith. us today. Endeavor to bring this to mind the next time you dig But why did Paul write this letter in the first place? Why deep into the truths of Scripture. Perhaps your church is in the did such theological riches first get communicated to the middle of a sermon series on Ephesians or a Sunday school Christians in Rome and not to some other church? Paul even class on the Westminster Confession of Faith. Maybe you are admits that Rome fell outside of the main area of his ministry. working through the latest release from your favorite theologi- The gospel had already taken root in Rome, and the apostle’s cal writer. Don’t forget to meditate on the Great Commission. ambition was to preach where Christ had not yet been named Because God is so great and his gospel is so glorious, we will (Rom. 15:20). So why write such a magisterial letter to Rome, want to give and serve, so that the nations will hear of this of all cities? great God and be saved by this glorious gospel. While several motivations seem to emerge from the text, an interesting one comes to the surface in Paul’s concluding re- The author is the pastor of Immanuel OPC in Medford, N.J. marks. In Romans 15:24, he reveals his future plans: “I hope to see you in passing as I go to Worldwide Outreach Year-to-Date Spain, and to be helped on my journey there 2017 Receipts with 2017 Goal by you, once I have enjoyed your company for 4,500 a while.” When his pioneer mission work in Total YTD budget deficit: $126,261 (-10.9%) the eastern Mediterranean world was draw- 4,000 Christian Ed deficit: $21,702 (-16.9%) ing to a close, Paul set his sights on Spain, a Home Missions deficit: $54,433 (-15.2%) 3,500 Foreign Missions deficit: $50,126 (-10.8%) land where Christ had yet to be proclaimed. The Christians in Rome were strategical- 3,000 ly placed to help make this plan a reality. Their 2,500 hospitality would provide a place for him to Thousands rest on the long journey to Spain. Their -fi 2,000 nancial support would provide the critical 1,500 resources to kick-start the Spanish mission. In order to lay the groundwork for such a 1,000 partnership in ministry, Paul wrote the letter 500 to the Romans with all its theological depth. 0 Going back to the main body of the letter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 / 19 SINGING HYMNS gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus 4 Hughes Oliphant Old, The Patris- Christ, to whom be honor and glory, tic Roots of , American [Continued from page 7] forever. Amen. Edition (Black Mountain, SC: Worship Press, 2004), 235–36, 260. The author, an OP minister, teaches at 5 Ibid., 258. foundation of the world, to whom all Mid-America Reformed Seminary. 6 Ibid., 251–53. glory is due. 7 Calvin never makes an argument for There is nothing in the New Testa- principled exclusive psalmody, nor, as ment that hints that this glorious mes- 1 The Reports of the Committee on Song in we’ve seen above, was it his practice. sage will not be on our lips in preach- Worship (together with a minority report) 8 The OPC Reports of the Committee on ing, praying, and singing, both in the to the 13th and 14th General Assem- Song in Worship uphold both the regula- blies (1946, 1947) of the OPC (available implicit form that this takes in the tive principle of worship and the free- at www.opc.org/GA/song.html) defined dom that we enjoy in divine worship in Psalms and in the explicit form that it and affirmed the “regulative principle of our singing and praying: “Although the takes in the hymns, which we see ex- worship,” arguing that it is in keeping Bible gives us much instruction and direc- ampled on the pages of the New Testa- with such a principle to sing hymns as tion in the matter of prayer, indeed even 9 ment and in the ancient church. And well as psalms (the minority disagreed). though the whole Word of God is of use then we see it in every succeeding pe- 2 Tim Dowley, : A Global to direct us in prayer and even though our riod of the church, which continues to History (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, Lord gave us a special rule of direction in apply the Word of God in every age in 2011), 11n25. prayer, we are not required to use any set 3 Hughes Oliphant Old, Worship: Re- all her worship: preaching, praying, and form of words exclusively and invariably formed according to Scripture (Louisville: in our prayers.” Neither are we required to singing in ways that are in keeping with Westminster Press, 2002), use such in our songs in worship. the Word, seeking to communicate the 36–40. 9 Dowley, Christian Music, 26–35.

Trinity Psalter Hymnal Update be troublesome and time-consuming completed by the end of September, because some copyright owners sim- although we realize that this may not Alan Strange and Derrick Vander Meulen ply don’t respond, while others may prove possible. At that point, we hope (coeditors of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal) respond with difficult or unreasonable to get firm quotes and choose a printer After receiving the final song approval requests (or even denial of permission). by the end of October. We will then from both the 2016 General Assembly The URCNA Liturgical Forms submit the files for printing and, Lord of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church committee has submitted their final willing, have the published Trinity Psal- and the 2016 Synod of the United copies of the Three Forms of Unity, ter Hymnal ready by the end of 2017 for Reformed Churches in North Ameri- which, with the Westminster Stan- distribution. ca, the primary focus of our work has dards, will be included in the back of This book, containing no docu- shifted from music selection to editing, the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. ments that are specific to any one de- pursuing copyright permissions, and All of this means that Jim Scott, nomination or federation, will represent layout. our layout editor, has begun the com- Reformed ecumenism at its best, and we Our music editor, Lou Ann Shafer, plex job of laying all of this out in prep- hope that it will be used to draw confes- has completed all the editorial matters aration for printing. This will involve sional Presbyterian and Reformed com- related to the music and lyrics. This was reconfiguring all the music scores to fit munions worldwide closer together. In of first priority, since a copyright holder on hymnal-size pages by the music edi- these days of societal decay and the per- must see the song in the exact form that tor (and perhaps some assistants). vasive embrace of worldviews antitheti- it will appear in the published book be- We have received quotes from cal to the Christian faith, what could fore giving permission. Even though multiple printers, based on the size be more needed? We would affirm that she has completed that work, we still and specifications of theTrinity Hym- nothing is more needed than all faith- have proofreaders who will continue to nal (Revised). We will not make a final ful churches calling the world to its only search for typos or other mistakes until decision on choosing a printer until the and true hope: the worship and praise the files are submitted to a printer. layout of the entire Trinity Psalter Hym- of our triune God, focused particularly Since the editing has been com- nal is complete. The reason for this is on the person and work of Christ, the pleted, our copyright subcommittee that printers must know the exact num�- only Redeemer of humanity and the has contacted nearly all of the copy- ber of pages and when the printing will only one who has done for us what we right owners of those songs that require occur before they can give a firm quote. could never do for ourselves. All praise permission. Many have already granted The timing is important because, like to our great and gracious God! That is such, but there are still some that we lumber, the cost of paper fluctuates. just what the Trinity Psalter Hymnal continue to pursue. This process can Our goal is to have all the layout seeks to promote.

20 / NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS

REFORMADA, SAN JUAN

Dick Ellis During a conference in San Juan com- memorating the five hundredth anniversa- ry of the Reformation, elder Jaime Zapata said to me, “We have turned the corner.” Iglesia Presbiteriana Reformada has seen evidence of God’s work in several ways. People from several nearby churches joined the Reformada congregation in commemorating the Reformation. Sev- eral pastors spoke on the theme of sola Scriptura. God is growing the church in knowledge of the truth and joy appropri- ate to gospel-saturated people. The high point of the weekend was the Sunday morning service. On March 19, New members received at Iglesia Presbiteriana Reformada in San Juan, Puerto Rico ten people were received as members, in- cluding two by covenant baptism. Also on that day, Angel Carrasquillo seem to have an irrepressible joy. Christ, crucified for our sins and raised for was ordained and installed as an elder of One of the phrases repeated by Pas- our justification. In the renewing power of the church. Participants in the service in- tor Carlos Cruz is “El pecado embrutéce” the Spirit, there is new and joyful life in cluded Pastor Carlos Cruz, elders Miguel (“Sin makes us brutes”). But more power- the Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Flower, Jaime Zapata, and Efrain Girau, ful than our sin is the glorious gospel of Puerto Rico. Rev. Richard Ellis, and Rev. Bill Green (URCNA missionary to Costa Rica). The Spirit is adding people to the church as members share their joy in the gospel of God’s sovereign grace. People are eager to hear the truth of the Re- formed faith, and the Spirit is growing solid disciples. The Lord has recently brought a number of young adults, both single and married, into the Reformada congregation. Years ago, construction of their build- ing ground to a halt; even today the sanctuary is without a roof. But money coming from the OPC Loan Fund, and work promised by a contractor, a fellow Christian, underscores that the corner has indeed been turned. The two OP churches in San Juan and one mission work in Arroyo, on the southern end of the island, are congrega- tions of the Presbytery of New Jersey. The economy of Puerto Rico creates financial At the installation of Lane Keister on April 7 as pastor of Momence OPC in Momence, pressures for the families and the church- Ill., were: (front row) Arne Keister (PCA elder), Dr. J. C. Keister, Lane Keister (with son es. But the churches are confident in the Edmund), and Momence elders Michael Cornwell and Larry Herman; (back row) OP ministers Bruce Hollister, Michael Kearny, Camden Bucey, and Alan Strange ongoing work of the Lord, and members

NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 / 21 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA born for adversity.” Reformed Seminary, was installed as an WOMEN’S RETREAT Before we descended from the moun- associate pastor of New Covenant Com- tain, some said good-bye until next year. munity Church in Joliet, Ill., on April 2. Jane Crum Many returned to their churches, encour- • On March 25, the pastoral relationship The thirty-fifth annual Southern Cali- aged to serve together as friends in the between Resurrection OPC in State Col- fornia OPC Women’s Retreat was a joyful Lord’s harvest field. lege, Pa., and Jeremiah W. Montgomery weekend conference! Eighty-seven wom- was dissolved effective June 30; he has en set aside their normal responsibilities been called by the Committee on Foreign to get away and consider the blessings of UPDATE Missions to serve in East Asia. Christian friendship. Biblical Counselor Tricia Mathys CHURCHES • The Presbytery of the South has dis- taught on “Iron That Sharpens: The Glory solved the relationship between Mark D. of Christ in Everyday Friendship.” The • Grace Presbyterian Church in Madera, Soud and Redeemer Presbyterian Church very first OPC Retreat in our area was the Calif. (Terry Thole, stated supply), a mis- in Birmingham, Ala., effective December 1982 conference, and it was on the same sion work of the Presbytery of Northern 31, 2016, due to the dissolution of the topic: counseling each other as friends! California and Nevada, was closed by the congregation. Many church friends, as well as moth- presbytery as of May 1. ers and daughters, attended this retreat MINISTERS together, making the topic immediately REVIEWS applicable. • On April 21, the Presbytery of the The mountain town of Idyllwild, Cali- South dissolved the pastoral relationship Bringing the Gospel Home: Witnessing to fornia, afforded many opportunities for between Robert A. Berry and Covenant Family Members, Close Friends, and Oth- enjoying God’s beautiful creation in the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Ft. ers Who Know You Well, by Randy New- free time on Saturday afternoon. The most Pierce, Fla., and placed him on retired man. Crossway, 2011. Paperback, 224 energetic of us hiked the Ernie Maxwell status. pages, list price $16.99. Reviewed by OP Trail, some checked out the shops in the • Richard M. Edwards retired as a teach- member Emily Van Dixhoorn. village, and others participated in the er at Bethel OPC in Oostburg, Wis., as of crafts being taught or practiced with the As Chris- March 31. choir for Sunday worship. Our resource- tians, we share ful sisters revealed their various gifts at • Carl E. “Erick” Erickson, retiring after a longing for the talent show on Saturday night; some serving fifty years as pastor of New Cove- people to know of them were hilarious! nant OPC in South San Francisco, Calif., Christ as we On Sunday morning, we gathered ear- preached his last sermon as their pastor do, especially ly for devotions on the topic of prayer, led on April 2. the people by Della Chelpka from Covenant OPC in closest to us, • On April 28, John M. Fikkert was in- Tucson. After breakfast, we thanked the like family and stalled as a teacher at Grace Reformed Lord and interceded for the churches and friends. But Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, Ia., many personal needs in our presbytery. people who are to serve primarily at Hope Reformed Regional home missionary Dave Crum close to us are Presbyterian Church in Pella, Ia. led us in worship and preached on “Jesus, often the most difficult to witness to. They What a Friend!” We were reminded that • The Presbytery of the Southeast has have heard it before, or they just aren’t in- “a friend loves at all times, and a brother is voted to dissolve the pastoral relation- terested. Perhaps we have even given up. ship between Irfon P. Hughes Randy Newman’s book offers practical and Shiloh OPC in Raleigh, encouragement in this difficult but wor- N.C., at his request and with thy task. the concurrence of the congre- Newman humbly shares lessons in gation, effective May 1, due to witnessing—including those he learned his retirement. from watching his seventy-five-year- old Jewish mother come to faith—and • Lane B. Keister, formerly “somehow, mysteriously, having God in- a PCA minister, was installed volve me in the process.” His book is not a as pastor of Momence OPC in set of rules or a “how-to” program. Rather, Momence, Ill., on April 7. he tells stories that demonstrate how God • Marcus A. Mininger, a has worked in many families before yours Some of the ladies at the Southern California retreat professor at Mid-America and mine.

22 / NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued

Perhaps God is calling you to be in- volved in the process of another com- Free Literature in Spanish ing to faith. This book holds out a full- orbed approach to witnessing, including Free materials in Spanish are available by writing to Steve Larson at silent displays of love, prayerful waiting, [email protected]. These include The Westminster Shorter compassion, empathy, seeking common ground, asking questions, what he calls Catechism and Confession of Faith, The Heidelberg Catechism, (the illustrated Catechism for Young Children), “stepping on the clutch before shifting Bible Lessons The (for youth, by OP pastor Roberto Quiñones), gears,” and even conversations by the Ten Commandments (by J. Gresham Machen), and Book II of hospital bed. The Living Savior Institutes His stories, which come from others as of the Christian Religion (by ). well as from his own life, give us the ben- efit of an outside perspective. We can see what has worked and what hasn’t—and have many good laughs along the way. We can be encouraged by the faith of others, and perhaps usefully reflect on our past witnessing attempts, or lack thereof. In addition to stories, the book pres- ents practical strategies that are consistent with solid, presuppositional apologet- ics. This is not another book about the evidence for Christianity, although he acknowledges that such books have their place. This book is more about discerning where your friends are spiritually and en- gaging with them there. It is about rais- ing thoughtful questions in conversation more than unloading the answers. The book also encourages us to be prepared with an answer for when it is needed. Newman sympathetically acknowl- edges that this kind of witnessing isn’t Short-Term Missions Prayer Calendar easy. The author gives us a flavor of it Summer 2017 by offering sample scenarios, such as the holiday family dinner table. He presents Pray for health and safety, boldness in witness, effective ministry, increased mission- conversations between a non-Christian ary vision, and spiritual growth for those participating in short-term missions this and a Christian, including a predictable summer. The 2017 schedule includes: evangelical response and more gracious alternatives. His approach can pave the May–July OP Uganda Mission/KEO summer helpers (Karamoja) way for healing in broken relationships. May–September Boardwalk Chapel (Wildwood, New Jersey) He demonstrates how we can not only June 24–July 6 Team Haiti (La Gonâve, Haiti) point to God’s grace and truth, but also be June 26–30 English for Kids Bible Camp (Quebec City) gracious while doing so. July 1–8 English for Kids Bible Camp (St-Georges de Beauce, Quebec) Thankfully this book doesn’t include July 1–31 English House outreach to university students in Asia everything. It is an easy, enjoyable read. July 3–7 English for Kids Bible Camp (Quebec City) For those who need more time to medi- July 3–7 English Club (Montevideo, Uruguay) tate on this approach, Newman’s books July 10–14 English for Kids Bible Camp (Quebec City) Questioning Evangelism and Corner Con- July 12–24 English Camp (Czech Republic) versations provide substantive follow-up. July 22–31 Team Utah (Magna, Utah) Significantly, Randy Newman assumes July 24–August 14 Team Praha (Czech Republic) that witnessing is not comfortable or August 21–25 English for Teens Bible Camping Trip (Quebec) natural for most Christians, but he makes Visit OPCSTM.org and click on General Information for the complete STM the case that it is worthwhile, even urgent, Prayer Calendar and an STM Prayer Guide. and he gives us a helping hand.

NEW HORIZONS / JUNE-JULY 2017 / 23 Is there more than one true God?

Where is God?

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