Volume 46/1 February 2019

MOSES, the LAWGIVER Moses – the Man and his times 3 Welcome to issue 46/1 of Faith in Focus, in Anno Domini 2019. The signif- icance of this year is much like many other years – the time draws closer Lawgiver and Prophet 6 to the Lord of Glory coming on the clouds of heaven, to usher in the con- summation of the ages. Outward focus However, this issue is not specifically about His coming, but rather about a Eighteen Prayers to Pray for Unbelievers 10 time, which foreshadowed the coming of the Messiah and His salvific mission. It seems reasonable to me to assume that everyone who is a serious Letters from New Zealand 12 student of the Scriptures, and been instructed in them, knows about the Focus on home man Moses. In the history of salvation, his prominence is as significant as Auckland Presbytery report that of Abraham and King David, but less than that of Jesus Christ, who is Wellington Presbytery report 13 preeminent over all (Col 1:15-20). Nonetheless, he is a huge figure in history as a servant of the Lord, whom Books in focus 15 the Lord spoke to face-to-face and not in dreams and visions. He enjoyed a relationship to the Covenant God unlike any other man in history, apart World in focus 17 from Christ Himself, Who enjoyed intimate familial fellowship with YHWH. The Lord has done wonderful things, in that an Israelite born in captiv- Missions in focus ity in Egypt would be exalted, humbled and exalted again as the Prophet John Chau’s death was a missionary of the Lord Most High, to lead His people out of bondage in Egypt to the failure nobody should emulate 19 promised land. He led God’s people for 40 years – a stiff-necked people, a complaining Book Review: people, a challenging people and at heart a rebellious people, who needed My chains fell off 22 to learn the fear of the Lord. Throughout history, the Lord God has brought forth men, put His Spirit upon them and equipped them to do His will. The secular historians and those in Hollywood will never understand the man Moses, nor the events in Published monthly for the Reformed Churches which he was involved. He was a man for his time and very much a man of New Zealand for the time in which the Lord had placed him. Our contributors write about Moses the Lawgiver, prophet, mediator and All correspondence regarding editorial content and servant of the Lord. advertising should be sent to: Mr Sjirk Bajema introduces the life and times of Moses. The Editor: Mr Andre Holtslag writes of a Lawgiver and Prophet and the use of the Law. Walter Walraven Email: [email protected] Mrs Sally Davey shares Tim Challies’ suggestions for praying for the as-yet Reformed Churches Home Page unbelieving. http://www.rcnz.org.nz We consider some snippets by the late D. G. Vanderpyl. Editorial Assistant: For Missions in Focus, Mr Lyman Stone offers a serious critique of the Mrs Sally Davey fatal mission of John Chau. We have World in focus and some book reviews. Production Staff: Distribution: M. & D. van der Zwaag Design & Layout: Matrix Typography Printed by: Flying Colours Cover image: This artists impression of Moses used to hang on the lounge Copy Deadline: wall in the home of my father-in-law. It now has pride of place on mine. Ed. Six weeks preceding the month of publication. Church and family notices are free, subject to sufficient space and editorial acceptance.

All correspondence regarding distribution and payment of subscriptions to: The Secretary: Mrs Nicola Wharekawa 79 McLeod Street The opinions expressed in this magazine are not to be considered the official position of the Upper Hutt Reformed Churches of New Zealand unless they expound the Biblical system of doctrine contained in the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dordt, or the Westminster Email: [email protected] Confession of Faith, or reflect the successive Acts of Synod of the Reformed Churches of New Zealand. On the other hand, care is taken to ensure that articles and opinions do not directly Subscription per volume: contradict the official position of the Reformed Churches as contained in the above sources $40.00 (eleven issues) without attention being called to that fact. Bulk Rate: $40.00 NB: In line with common publishing practice Faith in Focus reserves the right to publish the Overseas: $60.00 names of all contributors with their articles, unless compelling reasons are given to the editor Electronically Mailed (overseas only): $40 for not doing so. This applies to both print and online versions.

2 Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 Moses, the Lawgiver

Moses – the Man and his times

Sjirk Bajema request that his brother Aaron be called to do this; and we can remember his Numbers 12:3 tells us, “Now the man anger shown as he threw down the two Moses was very meek, more than all tablets of stone at the foot of Mt Sinai people who were on the face of the and as he hits his stick in fury causing earth.” This is quite a statement. It is the water to gush out of the rock at The pyramids of Giza close to the not a description of Moses that would Meribah. But meekness, or humility as city Cairo. The Land of Goshen readily come to the minds of many if it’s also called, wouldn’t straight away (Hebrew: Eretz Gošen) is named in they were to be asked about him. We pop up in our thoughts. the Bible as the place in Egypt given can easily think of Moses as the im- This is where we see how powerful to the Hebrews by the pharaoh of pulsive one, he who rashly killed the the process of growing in holiness is. Joseph (Genesis 45:9-10), and the land from which they later left Egypt Egyptian beating a fellow Hebrew; we For it could well have been true of the at the time of the Exodus. It was can recall his hesitancy to be the one young Moses and the middle-aged Moses located in the lush eastern Delta of to speak for the Lord and his pressing that he was not particularly humble. Yet the Nile. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

Photo by Stijn te Strake on Unsplash

Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 3 this is the very characteristic that marks to the Sanhedrin that Moses in his first Moses in his later years. forty years “was mighty in his words and Now the word “meek” can imply an deeds.” In this way, despite the little we aspect of weakness. But scripturally, as do know of the first third of his life, it we know from Matthew 5:5, it actually was not without a clear indication of the speaks of a truly religious man. It is a qualities that would be needed later in a word that describes a man who accepts leadership capacity. But after forty years the need to learn and the need to be away from Egypt and with the increased forgiven. This is the man who truly maturity they could see he had, together knows his place before God. He has a with the passing away of all those who true humility that wipes away pride. It’s had been seeking his life, the Lord’s no wonder this beatitude declares that time for his people’s freedom was ripe. such a man will inherit the earth. He Yet throughout this period he was fully is not full of himself – he’s full of the aware of where he had come from. And Lord! And how much doesn’t he look this the Hebrews also knew, but certainly forward to being with the Lord forever? not in any sense of respect, as we see Let’s consider, then, the path the in what was said to him the day after Lord took Moses through to reach such he had struck down an Egyptian beating an honoured position. How is it that a Hebrew (Exodus 2:14). he is today regarded as the foremost of the Old Testament prophets – by both His humbling Christian and Jew alike? It is after fleeing Pharaoh’s anger for the death of the Egyptian that Moses enters His upbringing the second distinct phase of his life – Here we look at the first forty years of the next forty years. This was spent in his life. And already, right from birth, he the land of Midian where he became is marked out differently. Being brought an exile. These were a people who also up in a fraught time for the Hebrew were descendants of Abraham (Genesis people, his mother in Exodus 2:2 rec- 25:1-6) and who may have held on to The word “meek” ognises Moses as a fine child. And so it the worship of the Lord God in a particu- was she hid him from the Egyptians who lar way. It was in this land that he lived can imply an aspect had made the law that all male children with the family of the priest of Midian. born to the Hebrews were to be killed This priest gave Moses his daughter Zip- of weakness. But upon birth. Then, when at the age of porah to be his wife. three months, and realising she could Of this forty year period there is little scripturally, as we know hide him no longer, she placed him in said in Scripture. Like the first forty years a basket made of bulrushes and floated there is much in the way of extra-bibli- from Matthew 5:5, it him along the river, knowing that the cal legendary tales but as to God’s Word daughter of Pharaoh would be coming there is the simple noting of his keeping actually speaks of a down at that time and place to bathe at the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro. the river. There Miriam was strategically But much as Moses appears to be truly religious man. It is placed, so that when Pharaoh’s daugh- out of the picture as far as Israel is con- ter sought a nurse-maid for the child it cerned, the Lord hasn’t forgotten him. a word that describes could be done by his own Mum. It is In fact, for forty years he was working this incident in his life that gave Moses on him in that foreign land, sanctifying a man who accepts the his name which means being drawn out him for the calling he had planned out of the water. for him. As the apostle Paul spent time need to learn and the It was in God’s will that this would be apart soon after his conversion, so Moses not only the way the baby Moses was needed to be apart for this time. need to be forgiven. This spared his life but also the way “Moses Then, in what is a clear theophany – was instructed in all the wisdom of the a visible manifestation of God to man – is the man who truly Egyptians (Acts 7:22).” This would involve the angel of the Lord appeared to Moses a series of different teachers and tutors, in flames of fire from within a bush, forty knows his place before who themselves were highly placed men years after his fleeing from Egypt. This close to the king. Their respective lan- occurred on Mt Horeb (also known as God. guages were quite close, and there was Sinai). Moses was surprised that though much interaction with the Canaanite the bush was on fire it did not burn up. peoples. Other historical accounts of the It is no wonder Moses went over the see time indicate a varied cosmopolitan mix this strange sight. As he does that, God to the court of Pharaoh, so that there calls out to him from within the bush, were many different ethnicities present “Moses! Moses!” and accepted. Now it is clear to him who is there. Stephen says further in his speech And soon enough he tells him what he

4 Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 must now do for the God of his Fathers time again Pharaoh’s heart was hard- – the covenant Lord. All of his upbringing ened. He ignored it, he lied to Moses, while being nursed by his mother, receiv- and he twisted and turned. But nothing ing education in the house of Pharaoh changed and each time again Moses and the time of humbling in Midian were would faithfully go on. Pharaoh would used to prepare him for the special task not let the people of Israel go. After the of being the great leader and lawgiver plagues of water turned to blood, the through whom God brought Israel out frogs, the gnats, the flies, the death of all of Egypt. He was especially chosen to the Egyptian livestock in the fields, the help set up a nation for the Lord God’s boils, the hail, the locusts, the darkness, What happened at Mt. service. He was the one particularly and the threatening of the final plague gifted to bring his people within reach – the death of every firstborn of Egypt, Sinai was monumental in of the land promised to their forefathers. man or beast – it was the same response. Moses balks, however, at the call of Following the institution of the Passo- the history not only of the Lord. He offers up three different ver the tenth plague occurred. This time excuses to the Lord – all excuses which Pharaoh relented and sent the people of God’s people but of the the Lord counters effectively through Israel away. Thus there came about the the declaration of who he is, the dem- Exodus – the mass departure of some whole world. So much onstration of powerful signs given to 2.4 million Israelites and others (This Moses (the staff that became a snake, we understand from Exodus 12:37 de- of what gives the secure the hand that became leprous, and the scribing some 600,000 men on foot and water turning to blood in Exodus 4:1-9), multiplying that by four to include the framework our society and the provision of his brother Aaron as women, children and those not of mili- his spokesman (Exodus 4:10-17). tary age or health). It is this huge number is based on, and what But the Lord hasn’t finished with that the Lord miraculously feeds with preparing Moses for his vividly power- manna (the equivalent of bread which has helped the world, ful confrontations with Pharaoh. At a came from heaven) and quail (Exodus lodging place on the way to Egypt the 16:1-36). originates from what Lord tries to kill Moses. It is an account What cannot but be noticed through- in Exodus 4:24-26 which can throw us. out this time is the communion Moses happened there. What exactly is going on? has with God. It is especially heightened While we do not know the immediate as they arrive at the mount of Horeb – context it is clear that Moses has failed Sinai – and Moses goes up the moun- to obey God by not having his second tain to receive the Law from the Lord. son circumcised. And the displeasure of What he receives there is detailed for us the Lord is clear. It is only through Zip- in Exodus chapters 20 till 33. But let’s porah’s drastic and immediate response also note the times Moses went up to that Moses lives. fellowship with the Lord in the chap- ters 19 till 34. His leading So, how many times do you think It is now that Moses takes on in an Moses went up to meet God in these active way his appointed position of chapters? Perhaps two or three? You leadership. He meets with Aaron on know there is one for sure. And you his way in, telling him all that has hap- know that he went back up to intercede pened. Then they both went and spoke for Israel after their committing idola- with the elders of the people of Israel. try. So there are at least these two and After speaking to them Aaron spoke to perhaps one or two others. But to see the people of Israel and Moses showed that there were actually eight ascents is the signs to them. There was the re- something else! Not only does it tell us of sponse of belief in what he said and did. the crucial matter that is being conveyed After hearing that the Lord had visited to Israel here but also the key place of his people and seen their trouble they Moses in all of this. It is certainly a place bowed in worship. acknowledged by the Hebrews in Exodus It is not long, though, and they realise 20:18-19 when after the people saw the character of what they are up against. the thunder and the flashes of lightning Pharaoh is determined not to let the Isra- and the sound of the trumpet and the elites go. He imposes even harder work mountain smoking they recognised their upon them, which brings further pressure own lack of intimacy with the Lord and on Moses. But each time again there is so they pleaded with Moses to speak to that communion with the Lord in prayer God for them. and listening to his Word. The seventh ascent in Exodus 32:32 Then there come the ten plagues. has a completely different focus than the And what plagues they were! But each six that came before or the ascent that

Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 5 followed. This time Moses went up not fully. This one exception in his leading we realise that with what happens when to receive from the Lord but rather to God’s people proves to us how much we leave those ways? But let’s not forget desperately plead for the people after he was at one with the Lord his God in the man God chose and equipped to be their grievous sin of building the golden leading Israel. He was being constantly his lawgiver. In giving the Law the cov- calf and committing idolatry through it. sanctified throughout his life so that at enant God revealed his holiness, clearly These were a people Moses long the end of it Numbers 12:3 is indeed spelled out sin, and gave the way that struggled with on the extended journey true. He was very meek and so he was would in time bring us to Christ. So through the wilderness their sin had powerfully used by the Lord. The way how much wasn’t Moses the Lawgiver a brought upon them. Indeed, none of he received and implemented advice type of the Messiah who was to come? that generation – bar two, Joshua and from his father-in-law regarding a more And how much doesn’t his mediation Caleb – eventually entered the Promised efficient way to perform his role as on Mt. Sinai vividly focus us on what Land. Even Moses himself, through the judge over Israel is one example of this Christ would do perfectly on the cross? blasphemous sin of striking the rock for (Exodus 18:13-27). In the same way Moses offered himself water at Meribah without calling upon What happened at Mt. Sinai was for his people to take their punishment the name of the Lord, was not allowed monumental in the history not only of upon him so Christ actually did – and into the Promised Land, but could only God’s people but of the whole world. perfectly. look upon it from a distance. So much of what gives the secure frame- Yet, if anything, striking the rock at work our society is based on, and what Mr Sjirk Bajema is the minister in the Meribah as he did sinfully shows up the has helped the world, originates from Reformed Church in Oamaru. rest of his life as one that was lived faith- what happened there. How much don’t

Moses, the Lawgiver

Lawgiver and Prophet

The Bible search program on my call the ceremonial law (worship/sac- judges select the 10 new Non-command- computer tells me that Moses’ name is rifice), thecivil law (judicial), and the ments from the 2,800 submissions. So mentioned 834 times in the Bible. As moral law, which is best summarized here are their Ten Non-commandments. you would expect, 636 of these men- by the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20 tions are in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy 5). Chapter 19 of the 1. Be open-minded and be willing to and Deuteronomy, where the events of Westminster Confession of Faith explains alter your beliefs with new evidence. Moses’ life are described. The Rev. Sjirk that the ceremonial laws were fulfilled 2. Strive to understand what is most likely Bajema has already done a wonderful in Christ and the civil laws “place no to be true, not to believe what you job of describing Moses and his life. But obligation upon anyone now, except wish to be true. what about the other 200-odd mentions as they embody general principles of 3. The scientific method is the most reli- of Moses? What is it about Moses in the justice.” The moral law, however, “binds able way of understanding the natural whole Bible that makes him significant all people at all times to obedience.” In world. for us today? other words, one of the chief ways that 4. Every person has the right to the Well, once you get past the books Moses affects us today is that we are to control of their body. mentioned above, a vast majority of obey the Ten Commandments. 5. God is not necessary to be a good the other mentions of Moses’ name are Now, not everyone agrees with this person or to live a full and mean- this exact phrase, “the Law of Moses,” idea. ingful life. or words to the effect of “that the Lord Lex Bayor, an executive at AirBnB, 6. Be mindful of the consequences of commanded Moses.” And even the many and John Figdor, a humanist chaplain all your actions and recognize that debates that the Lord Jesus had with the at Stanford University, both committed you must take responsibility for them. Pharisees were about the Law of Moses. atheists, decided that we do not need 7. Treat others as you would want them So if we are going to think about Moses Moses and his Ten Commandments to treat you, and can reasonably in the Scriptures as a whole, we must anymore. For their book, ‘Atheist Heart, expect them to want to be treated. begin with MOSES, THE LAWGIVER. Humanist Mind,’ they invited people to Think about their perspective. Moses was given the Law of the Lord submit modern alternatives to the famous 8. We have the responsibility to consider at Mt. Sinai. The Law included what we Decalogue. They then had a panel of 13 others, including future generations.

6 Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 Photo by Tanner Mardis on Unsplash

9. There is no one right way to live. of Charles Stanley, the TV preacher. He 10. Leave the world a better place than is the senior pastor of North Point Com- you found it. munity Church, which has six campuses and over 32,000 attendees each week! Perhaps you noticed that non-com- He has just written a book called ‘Invin- mandment 7 is really the ‘golden rule’ cible’ that is about the new of the New of the Lord Jesus from Matthew 7:12! Testament. The book’s main thrust is that And despite calling these the Ten Non- modern Christianity relies too much on commandments, so as to avoid them the Old Testament. And this, says AS, is sounding like they are actually com- why Christianity has ‘lost its mojo.’ One mandments, they are actually command- of the Old Testament things that Andy ments! Every single one of them is telling Stanley takes aim at is the Ten Com- us what we ought to do/think. As Kevin mandments. He says to New Testament De Young has observed in his book ‘The believers, “The Ten Commandments 10 Commandments’: have no authority over you. None. To be clear: Thou shalt not obey the Ten We live in a paradoxical age where Commandments.” many will say, ‘Right and wrong is So, must we obey the Ten So, must we obey the Ten Command- what you decide for yourself,’ and ments? Or not? Are they relevant today? yet these same people will rebuke Commandments? Or not? What does the Bible say? others for violating any number of Well, some general observations assumed commands. As a culture, Are they relevant today? about the Ten Commandments are we may be quite free and liberal already quite instructive: when it comes to sex, but we can What does the Bible say? You will remember that God com- be absolutely fundamentalist when manded Moses to make two tablets of it comes to the moral claims of the stone. He then wrote the command- sexual revolution. The old swear ments on the tablets with His own words may not scandalize us any finger (Deut. 4:13). But when Moses longer, but now there are other brought them down the mountain he words – offensive slurs and insults found the people worshipping a golden – that will quickly put someone out calf and “he threw the tablets out of his of polite company. hands and broke them at the foot of the And anyway, doesn’t the 9th Non- mountain.” So then God told Moses to commandment commandment make cut two new tablets and He wrote the the other 9 redundant!? If there is no commandments on the tablets with His one way to live, then surely I am free to finger, again (Exodus 34). And those ignore the other commandments! tablets were eventually put into the Ark But even if we step inside the church, of the Covenant and stored in the Holy there are plenty of people there who of Holies. So the very special attention also think that we do not need the Ten given to the Ten Commandments already Commandments anymore. One example makes it clear that there was something is Pastor Andy Stanley (AS). AS is the son permanent about them.

Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 7 Another relevant matter is that the will not listen to my words that he shall laws found in the Ten Commandments speak in my name, I myself will require did not begin at Mt. Sinai. Already, at it of him.” This greater Moses was re- Creation, we see that God established the vealed to be the Lord Jesus. For it was pattern of six days work and one day of on the Mount of Transfiguration, when rest (4th). We also see marriage, which is Jesus was accompanied by Moses, that to be lifelong and between one man and the Father said, “This is my beloved Son, one woman (7th). And soon after that we with whom I am well pleased; listen to learn from the story of Cain and Abel Him (emphasis added).” that murder is wrong (6th), and then from So, let’s do that now as we consid- Abraham and Jacob that lying is wrong er what Jesus Himself said about the (9th). So the Ten Commandments simply Law of Moses: collected the moral law of God and put them down on stone/paper. In Matthew 5:17-19, He said, We also find the Commandments Do not think that I have come to quoted or restated or applied in the abolish the Law or the Prophets; I As believers, we have New Testament (Romans 13:8-9; 1 have not come to abolish them but Tim. 1:8-10). A major change to the to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, been set free from the 4th Commandment was the change of until heaven and earth pass away, day from the Saturday Sabbath to the not an iota, not a dot, will pass from curse of the law, but Sunday Lord’s Day, because that is the the Law until all is accomplished. day that Jesus rose from the dead. But Therefore whoever relaxes one of not from our duty to still we see New Testament believers the least of these commandments gathering for worship on the Lord’s Day and teaches others to do the same obey them. To be sure, (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1) and instruction will be called least in the kingdom not to neglect meeting together, as some of heaven, but whoever does them the law is not a ladder were doing, in Hebrews 10:25. and teaches them will be called There are also some very specific great in the kingdom of heaven. words about the Law of Moses in the to salvation; we are New Testament: In Romans 7:12, the He also said, “If you love me, you will Apostle Paul says, “The law is holy, and keep my commandments (John 14:15).” saved by grace alone, the commandment is holy and righteous And just in case anyone would suggest and good.” The problem is not the law that the commandments Jesus taught are which rests in Christ but how our sinful nature is naturally different from the Ten Commandments, inclined to respond to the law. when asked about the greatest com- alone, which is received As we continue to think, then, about mandment, Jesus said, Love God with whether or not we must obey the Ten all your heart, soul, and mind, and love by faith alone. But we Commandments, let’s step back from your neighbour as yourself, for “on these our consideration of Moses the Lawgiver two commandments hang the whole law are saved that we might to a more wide-angle consideration of and prophets.” It is commonly believed MOSES THE PROPHET. that God wrote the first four command- obey God’s law because Exodus 33 tells us that God spoke ments – the ones that are mainly about with Moses “face to face.” In fact, when love for Him – on one tablet, and the we love Christ and Miriam and Aaron challenged Moses’ last six commandments – the ones that leadership (Numbers 12), God rebuked are mainly about love for neighbour – on because we are thankful them, saying, “When a prophet of the the other tablet. So Jesus was not giving LORD is among you, I reveal myself to new commandments but summarizing to God. him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. the Law of Moses. The commandments But this is not true of my servant Moses; of Jesus are the Ten Commandments. he is faithful in all my house. With him I hope it is clear now that we are to I speak face to face, clearly and not in obey the Ten Commandments. As we riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. conclude, let’s consider the three ways Why then were you not afraid to speak that the Ten Commandments function against my servant Moses?” So Moses today: was the pre-eminent prophet! Later on, though, God told the people 1. God has given us the Ten of Israel that He would send them a Commandments as a mirror greater Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18- If you want to know how you really 19). He said, “I will raise up for them look, you look in a mirror. And in the a prophet like you from among their same way, the law tells us the true spir- brothers. And I will put my words in itual condition of our heart. A paraphrase his mouth, and he shall speak to them of Romans 3:20 says, “For no one can all that I command him. And whoever ever be made right with God by doing

8 Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 what the law commands. The law simply and can choose what side of the road Christ that we eagerly want to know how shows us how sinful we are.” The Heidel- we want to drive on? Do you think the to please our Father in heaven. In this berg Catechism quotes Jesus’ summary of roads would become safer or more dan- way, then, the law becomes our school the law and then asks, “Can you live up gerous? The fact is that road rules make of love and thankfulness and righteous- to all this perfectly?” The answer? “No. for safer roads. And in the same way, ness. We study the law of God so that I have a natural tendency to hate God the Ten Commandments make for a we might learn what pleases Him and and my neighbour.” So, the law of God safer and happier society. We need rules what offends Him. This is how the Ten helps us see that we are sinners. And and we need the threat of punishment Commandments function as a guide for we know from the Bible that the wages to keep each person from doing what Christian living. of sin is death. We deserve eternal con- seems right in his or her own eyes. And So, contrary to what Andy Stanley demnation in hell. because God created the world, it is His says, The Ten Commandments DO But God hasn’t just given us the Law; law that we should follow. We should be have authority over you. Thou SHALT He has also given us the gospel! The like the people of Israel who said, “The obey the Ten Commandments. As be- Gospel tells us that Jesus came “to save LORD our God we will serve, and His lievers, we have been set free from the His people from their sins.” And it tells voice we will obey (Joshua 24:24).” So, curse of the law, but not from our duty us, “Whoever believes in Him shall not the Ten Commandments are also given to obey it. To be sure, the law is not perish but have eternal life.” So, like a to restrain evil. a ladder to salvation; we are saved by mirror, the Ten Commandments show us grace alone, which rests in Christ alone, our sin THAT WE MIGHT SEEK JESUS 3. And thirdly and lastly, the Ten which is received by faith alone. But we AS OUR SAVIOUR. Commandments are a GUIDE for are saved that we might obey God’s law CHRISTIAN living because we love Christ and because we 2. The Ten Commandments also The law as a restraint on evil applies to are thankful to God. RESTRAIN EVIL. absolutely everyone. But this function of This is the legacy of Moses the Law- What do you think would happen the law is for believers. One of the verses giver and Moses the prophet. if the government announced tomor- we mentioned above was John 14:15, row that there are no more road rules where Jesus said, “If you love me, you will Mr Andre Holtslag is the minister on and no more fines or penalties; that keep my commandments.” The believer the Reformed Church in Avondale. we could drive at any speed, do not is an adopted child of God. We should need a WOF, do not have to give way, be soooooo thankful for our adoption in

More information on the newly printed Sing to the Lord book

• It is a smaller book with somewhat smaller dimensions and weighing more than 200gms less than the larger book, making it easier to hold. • It includes the RCNZ confessions, forms, and church order. • It has thumb tabs to help locate the indexes, confessions, and forms. • Though the paper is slightly thinner, it is still opaque enough for clarity.

• The cost is $15, plus postage when applicable.

The books will be available from your local church or by contacting: Stuart Williams at [email protected]

Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 9 Outward focus Sally Davey Eighteen Prayers to Pray for Unbelievers

Blogger Tim Challies recently reposted this list of prayers we could – and a circumcised heart symbolizes having a heart that is fully joined to God, fully should – pray for our as-yet unbelieving friends. Perhaps no prayers are submissive to him. “And the LORD your more important than those we pray for the salvation of others; and few that God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will we can be more resolutely sure please God. He does not desire that any love the LORD your God with all your should perish; and if we love our friends, neither do we. But how should heart and with all your soul, that you we pray? How do we express the yearning of our hearts that our loved may live” (Deuteronomy 30:6). Pray that God would give them a heart friend escape the judgement to come? What words do we use? How do we of flesh. The Bible contrasts a heart of contend with God in the way that Abraham did in Genesis Chapter 18, or as flesh, a heart that is alive and respon- sive to God, to a heart of stone, a heart did the persistent widow of Luke 18? Challies shows us how, in the words that is cold and unyielding. Pray that of the Bible itself. God would work within these unbeliev- Note also that we should pray for our own efforts to bring Christ to ers to change their hearts. “And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I our friends. We need help, we need wisdom and we need persevering will put within them. I will remove the faithfulness. We can ask God for all of these. Here, then, is Challies in his heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh…” (Ezekiel 11:19). own words: Pray that God would put his Spirit within them. The great joy of salvation A friend asked the question: How do is being indwelled by God himself. Pray I pray for unbelievers? How do I pray that God would grant this honor to those unbelievers, that he would choose to effectively? I trust that every Christian take up residence within them. “And I regularly prays for family or friends or will put my Spirit within you, and cause colleagues or neighbors who do not yet you to walk in my statutes and be careful know the Lord. And while we can and to obey my rules” (Ezekiel 36:27). must pray for matters related to their Pray that they would come to Christ. lives and circumstances, the emphasis If unbelievers are to come to salvation, of our prayers must always be for their there is just one way. They must come salvation. Here are some ways the Bible through Christ and Christ alone. “Jesus can guide our prayers. said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to Prayers for salvation the Father except through me’” (John We begin with prayers for salvation. Each 14:6). Remember, too, that he is the of these prayers seeks the same thing, one who calls them to come and to be but in a different way or from a differ- relieved of the burden of their sin (see ent angle or using different language. Matthew 11:28-30). Each of them is grounded in a specific Pray that God would open their hearts text of Scripture. to believe the gospel. Once more, God Pray that God would circumcise their must initiate and people must respond. hearts. Circumcision was the Old Testa- So pray that God would open the hearts ment sign of entering into God’s cov- of these unbelievers so they can in turn enant, of being God’s people. To have believe, just as Lydia did. “The Lord

10 Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 opened her heart to pay attention to senses and that they would escape from what was said by Paul” (Acts 16:14). the devil’s snare. “God may perhaps grant Pray that God would free them from them repentance leading to a knowledge the slavery of sin. Unbelievers may of the truth, and they may come to their believe they are free, but they are in fact senses and escape from the snare of the enslaved. They are slaves of sin, bound devil, after being captured by him to do by their sin and sinfulness. Pray that God his will” (2 Timothy 2:25-26). would liberate them by his gospel. “But thanks be to God, that you who were Prayers for you once slaves of sin have become obedi- You have prayed for unbelievers using ent from the heart to the standard of different words and approaching from teaching to which you were committed” different angles. But you should also (Romans 6:17). pray for yourself. Pray that God would remove Satan’s Pray that you will develop a relation- blinding influence. Unbelievers have been ship with them. For people to be saved blinded by Satan and will only ever be they must first hear the good news of able to see and appreciate the gospel the gospel. For them to hear the good if God works within them. So pray that news of the gospel, they must first en- God would give them sight—spiritual counter Christians—Christians like you. sight. “In their case the god of this world Pray that you would develop deeper, has blinded the minds of the unbeliev- more significant relationship with them ers, to keep them from seeing the light so you can, in turn, speak truth. “How of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who then will they call on him in whom they is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). have not believed? And how are they to Pray that God would grant them re- believe in him of whom they have never pentance. Unbelievers cannot repent heard? And how are they to hear without without the enabling grace of God. So someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14). pray that God would grant them repent- Pray for opportunities to minister to ance, that this repentance would lead them. Many people come to faith after them to a knowledge of the truth. Pray seeing Christ’s love displayed through the as well that they would come to their ministry of Christians. Pray for opportu-

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 11 nities to minister to unbelievers so that (Ephesians 6:19). from seeing people perish. Pray, then, your ministry can have an evangelistic Pray for other believers to encounter that God would be glorified in the sal- effect. “In the same way, let your light them. God almost always uses a succes- vation of these people. “The Lord is shine before others, so that they may see sion of people to share the gospel with not slow to fulfill his promise as some your good works and give glory to your people before they are saved. Pray, then, count slowness, but is patient toward Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). that God would lead other Christians into you, not wishing that any should perish, Pray for them faithfully and persis- the lives of the unbelievers you love, that but that all should reach repentance” (2 tently. Our temptation is to grow dis- they too would provide an example of Peter 3:9). couraged in prayer, to pray for a while Christian living and that they too would Pray with confidence. Finally, pray and, when we see no visible results, to speak the gospel. “I planted, Apollos with confidence. God expects we will give up. But God calls us to persevere watered, but God gave the growth” (1 pray, God invites us to pray, God com- in prayer. “Continue steadfastly in prayer, Corinthians 3:6). mands us to pray. Why? Because God being watchful in it with thanksgiving” loves to hear us pray and God loves to (Colossians 4:2). (See also the parable Other prayers respond to our prayers. So as you pray of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8.) Here are a few more biblical emphases for unbelievers, pray with confidence that Pray for a burden to plead for their to guide your prayers. God hears your prayers. “The prayer of souls. Paul was willing to tell the church Pray that God would use any circum- a righteous person has great power as at Rome of his great longing to see the stance to do his work in them. We pray it is working” (James 5:16).1 salvation of the lost. Do you share this to a God who is sovereign and who deep longing? Pray that God would give sovereignly works his good will. Often Endnotes you a great burden for souls. “Brothers, he saves people through difficult cir- 1 https://www.challies.com/articles/how-to-pray- my heart’s desire and prayer to God cumstances, through bringing them to for-unbelievers/ (originally posted on No- vember 15, 2016.) for them is that they may be saved” the very end of themselves. Pray, then, (Romans 10:1). that God would arrange circumstances, Pray for boldness in generating and whether easy or difficult, to lead them taking opportunities to speak the gospel. to salvation. “Before I was afflicted I Even Paul longed for this boldness and went astray, but now I keep your word” I hope you found this helpful. for the confidence that he was speak- (Psalm 119:67). As you pray for the un- ing the right and best words. Pray that believers you love, always pray to God: It has certainly helped me as God would give you the boldness and, “your will be done, on earth as it is in that when you take the opportunities, heaven” (Matthew 6:10). I’ve systematically prayed for that he would then guide your words. Pray that God would extend his mercy those in my life who need to “[Pray] also for me, that words may be to them. God assures us that he wishes given to me in opening my mouth boldly for all people to turn to him in re- believe in the Lord Jesus. SD to proclaim the mystery of the gospel…” pentance and faith. He receives no joy

Letters from New Zealand D. G. Vanderpyl

August 1981 believe in pulpit expressions of political September views were mostly liberal and action ori- “Clergy preach but don’t practice.” That entated. Both the liberal and traditional The Avondale church had the privi- was the headline on the front page of churches display two ways of avoiding lege of being selected “to go on air.” the Auckland Star, an Auckland daily effective action. One is the traditional The morning service “was recorded by newspaper. The article explained why programme of the conservative which technicians from Radio New Zealand the New Zealand clergy generally do is to prevent action; the other is the for future broadcasting. It sure was not practice what they preach, accord- soft way of the liberal who has so many an exciting time for both preacher ing to a survey by the National Council beautiful ideas of freedom and justice (Rev. John Goris) and the members of Churches. According to this survey, it that he too succeeds in mostly talking, of the church. We’ve just heard that seems that faith and action are far apart and doing very little. the recording has been officially ap- and that a great deal of clergy talk lacks Asked for their opinions on the report, proved for nationwide broadcasting. I the action to back it up. A vast reser- Auckland church leaders said that it was wonder what determined the approv- voir of beliefs is in search of action pro- too early to comment on the survey. I al, the content of the sermon or its grammes in which to express them. think that was quite a “politically correct” presentation? The report stated that ministers who answer.

12 Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 December formed Church of Mangere” once again the fence, with the sign still attached to in bold letters, for all passers-by to read. it, and added some extra reinforcement. A mysterious thing happened in the But now comes the mystery. At the peak In my letter in the September issue, Mangere church during the Springbok of the protest movement against South I may have given the impression that tour. Sometime ago the church had a Africa, the Mangere worshippers found the Silverstream congregation unilaterally large sign erected on the fence around that section of the fence which had the had decided to change their name from the church with the name “Reformed sign attached to it, flat on its face, like “Reformed” to “Reformed Presbyterian”. (Presbyterian) Church of Mangere” in Dagon in Gaza. Some thought that the However, I received a telephonic rap bold letters. A group in the church ob- cause must have been a strong wind over the knuckles. They did not make jected to the name “Presbyterian” and a during the night, others reckoned that that change without first consulting their blank piece of wood was nailed across anti-tour protesters pushed it down. And Presbytery and receiving their consent. the objectionable word. The session then the pro-Presbyterians asked, “Could it be Hope I’ve got it correct this time. decided to have a professional repaint an act of God?” Anyway, the anti-Pres- Abridged the whole thing with the name “The Re- byterians hastily re-erected that part of

Focus on home

for the number of times the chair was Avondale has put Mr Brett Cooper’s passed around throughout the meeting name forward as a student for the min- Auckland Presbytery as various issues were discussed! istry. The Reverends Ryan Sparks and After the minutes were approved, dis- Daniel Wilson presented the report on Short Report – cussion moved to matters arising. The their meeting with Brett and his wife, Mangere church property has been sold Alison. After discussion, the Presbytery and the Church Extension Committee approved Brett as a student for the min- November 2018. has suggested that the funds be held istry. It is expected that Brett will do an The Auckland Presbytery met on Friday in the Auckland Presbytery for future internship year in Avondale during 2019 23 November at the Reformed Church church planting work. On investigating before taking up full-time study at the of Pukekohe. the Mangere trust deed, it was found RTC in 2020. The delegates for the convening that this decision must be made by a Bucklands Beach had presented four church of Hukanui were delayed when synod. Avondale agreed to prepare an songs for Presbytery approval but these neither the elder delegate nor the al- overture to the Synod about this matter. were held over for consideration at the ternate were available, so they had to find another delegate at the last minute. Who says nothing exciting ever happens at Presbytery? Because of this, Avondale stepped in for them and the Rev. Andre Holtslag gave us a preview of his Sunday sermon on John 9:1-7. He noted that the blind man is a picture of human- ity estranged from God and in need of Jesus’ healing touch. We, as sinners, have been called out of darkness into his light

by grace alone, through faith alone. In response, we are called to declare this Digital subscription to Una Sancta, Gospel to others. We then sang Psalm 146 from Sing to the Lord. the family magazine of the The Avondale delegates then checked Free Reformed Churches of Australia, the credentials, voting to receive the Bucklands Beach delegates, who were is available for $10 /year (AUD). credential-less, and the Hukanui “ring VOLUME 65 NO 15 25 AUGUST 2018 in.” After the delegates stood to signify 410 From the Editor 411 Meditation: Emnity with the World is Friendship with God 412 Oh Really. Cliff Diving (Part 2) And if you make Me an altar of stone, you 415 Quotable Church History shall not build it of hewn stone; for if you use agreement with the doctrinal standards, 417 What’s in a Name your tool on it, you have profaned it. Exodus 20:25 419 FRCA History Collection 420 First Australians and Early Mission Endeavours Contact Sharon Heerema 422 Spiritual House Project the Rev. Daniel Wilson took the chair 423 Silverstream Christian Schoo 425 Eucalypt l 427 From the Churches as moderator with the Rev. Graeme [email protected] 428 Sharlet Club Zuidema as vice moderator. Having said that, this meeting may have set a record

Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 13 February meeting, since some sessions reasons for thanksgiving noted. Daniel examination was conducted by the Rev. had not had time to consider them. Wilson is scheduled to lead the studies Ben McDonald, who selected the 2nd North Shore has put Mr Jae Kim forward for the National Youth Camp and century A.D. to test David’s knowledge as a Student for the Ministry and the Graeme Zuidema will be leading studies on church history. Again with the con- Presbytery appointed Andre Holtslag at the Auckland Presbytery Cadets and currence of the synodical examiners, and Leo de Vos to meet with him and Gems camp and also at the 2019 Easter moderator Ben McDonald joyfully an- report to the February meeting. Daniel Camp. nounced that David had sustained this Wilson updated the Presbytery on North The Presbytery agreed to the Over- section of his exam, thanks be to God. Shore’s work in Maungakaramea and a seas Mission Board’s recommendation The happy consequences were that planned church plant for Orewa, and to support the Reformed Church of David’s desire to serve as pastor and their hope to call a minister for each. Hamilton in sending Pieter and Joanna preacher was confirmed by the church The Presbytery was thankful to hear of van der Wel to assist the Presbyterian and that he will be ordained as minster these encouraging developments. Reformed Church in Port Vila. Several in the Masterton congregation. Church visitation reports for all the matters were discussed in closed session. Questions from article 47 of the RCNZ churches were discussed, with many The Pukekohe church advised that they Church Order were asked of the Master- are no longer able to assist the Hamil- ton, Palmerston North and Whanganui ton church in working to transition the delegates. These are normally asked of Tauranga Bible study group towards a each session every year for the purpose church plant. The Hamilton church con- of encouraging Christian education, mis- firmed that they will continue to support sions and good ecclesiastical practice in the group there. the churches. The Rev. Michael Willemse then Peter Kloosterman updated the Presby- The Road closed in prayer and the meeting was tery on recent overseas mission develop- adjourned at 10.33pm. ments, including a proposal to send Pieter Reporter: Michael Willemse and Joanna van der Wel to Vanuatu. A Show motion to approve the Overseas Mission Board supporting the Reformed Church of Hamilton with sending Pieter and Joanna van der Wel to assist the Presbyterian All camouflaged in metal frame Wellington Reformed Church of Australia by serving the mission church in Port Vila, Vanuatu hurtling down life’s motorway Presbytery Short was approved by Presbytery. We heard in cars of varied brand and name… that approval was also required from the Auckland and South Island Presby- their mind-set clearly on display. Report – November teries. The Presbytery was also advised that the Reformed Church of Silverstream 2018 had accepted the request to become the Near acrobatics on the road: sending church for the mission in Papua they think they’re fully livin’ The Wellington Presbytery was con- New Guinea and that a replacement mis- vened on the second and third of No- sionary couple were being considered to Imagining they know the code, vember at Masterton with the first item continue on with the work at the Bible not knowing they are ‘driven’ ! of business being the final examination College and in the churches. of Vicar David Stares, minister elect of We were glad to hear that the Rev. the Masterton congregation. On Friday Alan and sr. Odette Douma had settled Is it about “me first” and so, evening, with the recommendation of well into the work in the Foxton con- examiner the Rev. Peter Kloosterman gregation. Following an initial six weeks’ who cares it grieves another? and the concurrence of synodical exam- preaching and pastoral work at Foxton it This painful glamour on the road iners the Revs. John Haverland and Eric was envisaged that Alan would be avail- Stolte, David’s sermon on Isaiah 43:1-7 able for call as minister of the word and is not to them a bother ! was sustained. The following morning sacraments in our denomination. David was examined by the Rev. Hans The Rev. Joshua Flinn provided an Vaatstra on the doctrine of God, the update on progress in the New Plym- Though their identity is hid, Canons of Dort and family ethics. Old outh church plant. A time of prayer was their number-plate will mark them: and New Testament passages were set set aside giving thanks to the Lord for and examined by the Rev. Peter van the establishment of the church there drivers ‘mature’ or ‘teenage kid’, Huyssteen. David was asked a series of as well as for the needs of minister and yet by their fruits you’ll know them. * exegetical questions on Psalm 127 and congregation and especially the need for 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 and what the main extra leadership in that church. points of any sermon he might preach Ben McDonald closed the meeting John Goris on these passages were. The Rev. Aaron with a brief devotion on the account of Warner examined David on his knowl- the Lord Jesus meeting with a Canaanite *Matthew 7:20 edge of the Bible as well as the RCNZ woman (Matthew 15:21-28) and prayer. church order. The final section of the Reporter, Hans Vaatstra

14 Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 Books in focus

simply, it could aptly be used as a text- a heart committed to it. book for a high school Bible class ex- This volume contains fifteen eloquent ploring these books. gospel sermons and one charge to Dr. I’m thankful for books, like this one, Edmund Clowney upon his installation as which take the Scriptures seriously as in- professor of practical theology, a position spired and inerrant revelation from God. in which his specialty was to be homi- The author has full confidence in the letics. These sermons are full of grace authority of the Bible as timeless truth. and the gospel. They reflect the life of Moreover, he has an excellent under- the preacher in that he was full of love standing not only of the diversity amongst for Christ and his gospel and for the these twelve books, but also their funda- people of God to whom he preached. mental unity as divine Scripture. The portrait (not included) that covered I recommend Little-known Little Gems Murray’s collected works depicts a man to anyone looking to fortify their grasp with a solemn demeanor, but these on this part of God’s Word. sermons depict a man who rejoiced in his Savior and God and the privilege of Rev Wes Bredenhof preaching his Word. He clearly loved Launceston the congregations he preached to, as a Little-known Little Gems is available in result, when we read these transcripts, print and electronic formats. we cannot help sensing that love and Contact the publisher to order: joy, almost coming to feel that he would [email protected] rejoice in our reading these sermons, Little-known Little Gems: The In Australia available at Pro Ecclesia and would plead with God to bring us Message of the Minor Prophets Bookshop afresh to the Christ he loved. John Goris There is a fabulous bonus in almost Published by Matrix Typography, every transcript here. Those who as- $20.00 (including postage within NZ) sembled this collection also blessed us ISBN 978-0-473-45672-6 with transcripts of John Murray’s prayers! O Death, Where Is Thy Sting? They make for powerful reading. I found Though it makes up about two-thirds of by John Murray. Westminster myself hoping that I could learn how the Bible, the Old Testament is often un- Seminary Press, 2017. Hardcover, to pray from this godly minister. For familiar territory to many Christians. And 320 pages, $22.50 this gift to the church, I am thankful the twelve books that make up the minor Reviewed by OP minister Arthur to Westminster Seminary Press and to prophets are likely even more unfamil- J. Fox iar. When was the last time you heard a sermon or series of sermons on, say, This book is a collection of sermons Obadiah? Jonah is perhaps the excep- by Professor John Murray, the most es- tion, but most of the minor prophets are teemed professor of systematic theology strangers to many Christians. John Goris during the formative years of Westmin- seeks to rectify this with this little survey. ster Theological Seminary. It is almost The author is a retired pastor resid- impossible to adequately recommend ing in New Zealand. He has served Re- this book. In the introduction, Scott Ol- formed churches in both Australia and iphint, one of Murray’s successors, notes “the land of the long white cloud” (NZ). that, “What must be highlighted here … Rev. Goris has long had an interest in the is that Murray was, throughout his adult minor prophets and this book is the fruit life, bathed in the system of theology of his many years of study and preach- that finds its home in the Reformation” ing. Little-known Little Gems introduces (xxxi). This gives us a clue as to how us to each of the twelve books in turn. we who preach or teach the Reformed Goris summarizes the historical context, faith might grow to maturity in Christ the contents, and the main message of as Murray did: Let the message of the each book. gospel have its full effect on our hearts Most importantly of all, the author so that we will, as another once put it, connets the main message of each book “Let the flag of the Reformed faith fly to the New Testament and its revela- high.” The Reformed faith is a life com- tion of Jesus Christ. Written clearly and mitment that cannot do its work without

Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 15 John Murray’s son, Dr. Logan Murray, erature, namely Lamentations and the who granted Westminster permission to Song of Songs. He says that the wisdom publish this material. books may be called the “how-to books” New Horizons, June 2018 of the Old Testament. Thus, he offers the following summary for each book—Prov- erbs: How to Walk in Wisdom’s Way; Job: How to Puzzle; Ecclesiastes: How The Christ of Wisdom: A to Cope with Life’s Frustrations; Lamen- Redemptive Historical Exploration tations: How to Weep; Song of Songs: of the Wisdom Books of the Old How to Love. His explanations for the Testament inclusion of Lamentations and Song of by O. Palmer Robertson. Songs in this list is unpersuasive, even P&R, 2017. Paperback, 432 pages confusing. From this explanation, all $15.00 Scripture could be understood as wisdom Reviewed by Peter Y. Lee, instruction. Any distinctive features of OP minister and professor at Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes are now Reformed Theological Seminary in lost. Yet, given the insightful comments Washington, DC of Robertson, to have more from him is hardly a problem. This is a helpful book on the wisdom lit- The greater weakness of the book is erature of the Old Testament by Dr. O. highlighted from its title, The Christ of Palmer Robertson. It provides useful, and Wisdom: A Redemptive Historical Ex- indeed often outstanding, commentary. ploration of the Wisdom Books of the For instance, Robertson offers a way to Old Testament. When I saw this, I was preach/teach Proverbs 10–31 by identi- In Lamentations, Robertson shows the very enthusiastic since there is a lack of fying wisdom themes (74–99) that can interconnection between the outstand- redemptive historical and Christocentric function as sermonic topics. ing literary form of the book (numerous treatments of the wisdom literature. But, He also briefly comments on the rela- acrostic poems) and its overall message. disappointingly, the book was neither tionship of biblical law and wisdom. This However, Robertson often equates the strongly Christocentric nor redemptive was insightful, and I would have appre- suffering of the city with the sufferings historical. Robertson says that redemp- ciated further reflections on it. After all, of Christ (298, 303). I wonder if this tive history moves not only in a linear no matter how helpful wisdom literature is a legitimate parallel, since Israel suf- fashion but also cyclically. This cyclical is, we still are unable to live wisely due fered due to their sins, while Christ did pattern is found in the daily aspects of to our fallen nature. Just as there is a not. The former needed to repent, but life: the cycle of daily sin, father-son re- three-fold use of the law, couldn’t there not the latter. lations, dialogue amongst friends, coping also be a three-fold use of wisdom? He Some of Robertson’s thoughts on Ec- with frustrations of life, etc. (xvi–xvii). In never presses this relationship, but his clesiastes and Song of Songs were not essence, he redefines the term “redemp- thoughts would have been valuable. persuasive to me. For example, he says tive history” and thus turns our attention In Job, he points to the abundance of the Song of Songs is not about Christ per from history to daily living. images in chapters 3–37 and the pow- se. Rather, it is about human love and For students looking for an innovative erful way in which they are utilized to the effects of Christ’s redemptive work redemptive historical analysis (as it is tra- communicate the message of the book. (334; 338–39). As true as this may be, ditionally defined), this book will be a He states, “Without the figures of speech, it is a rather disappointing conclusion disappointment. For pastors looking for the whole piece of literature would for a book that wants to focus on the preaching aids and traditional, conserva- fall flat. But with the images, the book Christ of Wisdom. tive introductory discussions of wisdom comes to life” (139). As with his com- The most obvious weakness is that literature, this book will be a benefit. ments on Proverbs 10–31, this is helpful Robertson includes two books that are New Horizons, May 2018 for preaching purposes. not traditionally examples of wisdom lit-

Let us be jealous over our own conduct in the matter of observing the Sabbath. There is little danger of the day being kept too strictly in the present age. There is far more danger of it being profaned and forgotten entirely. J C Ryle

16 Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 World in focus Jesus Christ reigns as King of kings and UN Committee says, of abortion without restriction which in itself will deny the right to life of the Lord of lords, and He “Right to Life”means unborn baby,” said Ambassador Ahmed Amin Fathalla somberly, the Chair of the WILL have the victory “Right to Abortion” committee. By Stefano Gennarini, J.D. | November 8, 2018 He added, permitting abortion “with over those who oppose no criteria or restrictions or conditions” NEW YORK, November 9 (C-Fam) The under the pretext of free choice and Him. Continue to pray “right-to-life” clause in an important UN privacy would result in giving higher human rights treaty must now include a status to the right to personal autonomy for the advancement right to abortion. So says a committee than the right to life and that the com- of experts charged with monitoring com- mittee’s approach “ignores all medical of His kingdom and pliance with the International Covenant evidence” of when the life of a child on Civil and Political Rights, which most might begin. righteousness. states have ratified. Fathalla’s intervention was made after The committee says governments he thought all other members of the must decriminalize abortion in all cir- committee who wanted to speak had cumstances and “remove existing barriers an opportunity to do so. But as soon that deny effective access by women and as Fathalla mentioned abortion other girls to safe and legal abortion including members angrily raised points of order illegally, and their actions cannot give barriers caused as a result of the exer- to interrupt him. rise to any new obligations. cise of conscientious objection by indi- “I don’t feel this is the time or place One of the co-drafters and signers of vidual medical providers,” according to to give our subjective views and to crit- the San Jose Articles, Director General the committee which monitors the im- icize,” complained Tunisian professor of the European Centre for Law and plementation of the UN treaty on civil Yadh Ben Achour. Justice (ECLJ) Gregor Puppinck told the and political rights, ratified by the United “Perhaps this is not the right time,” Friday Fax, “The Committee has clearly States in 1991. said French legal scholar Olivier De exceeded its mandate and violated the “History will judge to what extent we Frouville. rules governing the fair interpretation of have succeeded in rendering a norma- Harshest of all, Sarah Cleveland, a treaties in affirming that States parties tive statement for generations to come,” U.S. law professor elevated to the com- should legalize abortion, and may permit said Jerusalem-based law professor Yuval mittee by U.S. President Barak Obama, assisted suicide. To infer rights to eu- Shany as the committee adopted the accused Fathalla and said he had “egre- thanasia and abortion from the right to legal commentary last week in Geneva. giously abused the spirit of this conver- life is contradictory and contradicts the Shany, who steered the drafting of sation and the position of chair.” intent of the Convention.” the commentary described the general “I have the right to make a statement comment, as the document is known, as a member of the committee,” Fath- as possessing a “deep humanitarian sen- alla retorted, explaining that he expect- Belarus renews pressure sibility.” ed his statement to be on the record on Baptists after 10 years In addition to decriminalizing abor- of the general comment alongside all without conflict tion, the committee tries to impose an other opinions. December 13, 2017 By World Watch Monitor Belarus obligation on states to “provide safe, legal The general comment is the culmi- and effective access to abortion” any time nation of a four-year process. Over one Baptists in Vebel, north-eastern Belarus, a pregnancy might lead to “substantial hundred states and non-governmental have been detained and fined for singing pain or suffering.” The committee also organizations urged the committee not songs and offering Christian books to promotes the notion that “termination to interpret the UN civil and political passers-by in the market square, reports of life” is a way to allow persons to rights treaty as requiring any changes to regional news agency Forum 18. “die with dignity” and an abolitionist abortion laws, among these, the United Two church members complained to approach to the death penalty. States, Japan, Egypt, and Russia. It is not the authorities at their treatment during All of the experts on the committee binding, though committee members their detention. Andrei Fokin sustained who took the floor praised Shany, de- like to describe their opinions as “au- an injury to his face; the other church scribing the general comment as a water- thoritative.” member said his hands went numb from shed moment. Of the eighteen members According to international experts who handcuffs being put on too tightly. of the committee, only one sounded a undersigned the San Jose Articles, there Although churches should be regis- note of discord, and he was swiftly and is no international right to abortion under tered with the state, like in many other harshly reprimanded by other members. any UN treaty, and when treaty bodies former Soviet states, Baptists in Belarus “This language will imply legalization promote abortion as a right they do so refuse on principle, said Forum 18.

Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 17 The Baptists in Vebel had enjoyed Al Abdy who was jailed in 2014 for es are held in secret places. Christians a long period without police harass- becoming a Christian, said there is a from Muslim backgrounds usually keep ment. The last time their activities at- “spiritual hunger” among Saudis. their faith hidden; several have been tracted police attention was in 2004, “They’re really seeking for peace, and forced to leave the country after their when police detained Baptists who were they’re really in big need to be served, newfound faith was discovered. Leaving running a street library. and … to help them,” said Al Abdy. Islam is technically punishable by death Fokin could not explain why after so However, becoming a Christian in Saudi in Saudi Arabia, yet the number of Saudi many years the police and courts had Arabia means “almost certain shunning Muslims becoming Christians is increas- renewed pressure on the Baptist com- and persecution by family, friends, and ing, according to Christian charity Open munity. the government,” he added. Doors International. “I’ve been conducting the street The Saudi Christian Association was library ministry for 16 years, offering established by, and is run by, Saudi Chris- Church leaders in Mexico Bibles, children’s literature and maga- tians. They believe that despite opposi- face persecution zines for people to read and return,” he tion from the government, Saudi people In Mexico, persectuion against church told Forum 18. “Over the last 10 years should have a choice to be Christian if leaders is on the rise. According to we never had any conflicts.” they want. reports, recently, an assassin entered Recently, during his first official trip the home of a church leader, instruct- ‘No better time’ for growth abroad, the Saudi Crown Prince, Mo- ed him to kneel before him and pulled of Christianity in Saudi hammed bin Salman, visited the UK the trigger with the intent of killing him Arabia and had a meeting with the Archbish- yet the weapon did not fire. Following April 12, 2018 By World Watch Monitor op of Canterbury, Justin Welby. In the this, the assailant robbed the pastor and course of the meeting, the heir to the Emad Al Abdy, one of the leaders of left the house. Saudi throne promised to promote inter- the Saudi Christian Association, believes The assault came days after the attack faith dialogue in his country as part of “there is no better time than now” for on Eduardo Garcia, a local pastor who his wide-ranging programme of reforms. growth of Christianity in Saudi Arabia, was pursued and shot by unidentified At present, there are no church build- despite the pressure on Christians, attackers believed to be individuals in- ings in Saudi Arabia; Christian servic- Mission Network News reports. volved in the drug trade.

Are you interested in serving God as an Early Childhood Teacher? Would you like to become part of our community here at Avondale Christian Kindergarten? Scholarship available to study for a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) ECE Avondale Christian Kindergarten is a ministry of the Reformed Church of Avondale, Auckland. We believe in the importance of having teachers serving at our kindergarten who have a strong Christian faith and desire to serve God through the education of pre-school children. We would like to offer a scholarship to a person who would like to train as an early childhood Teacher. If this is you, please email Ann Hunt, [email protected] for more information

18 Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 Misions in focus

John Chau’s death was a missionary failure nobody should emulate

Recent news in the media concerning By Lyman Stone fully aware of Chau’s intended strategy for his mission. the death of missionary John Chau Christian missionary work has been in Indeed, Chau’s plan was unusual. He brings to light the reality that sometimes the media’s crosshairs recently thanks to had previously served in the mission field missionary endeavour is dangerous. We the murder of John Chau, a young man in Kurdistan leading evangelistic soccer hoping to spread the gospel to an isolated camps, and similar work in South Africa. certainly ought to be saddened by the people group in the Indian Ocean. Many He was also a world-traveler and adven- news of his death and the loss to his evangelical and Christian leaders have ture tourist, partly paid for by a sponsor- spoken up for Chau, identifying him as ship deal with a beef jerky company and family. a martyr, as he was shot to death with by travel-blogging. There will be criticism to what has arrows by the people he had hoped to With experience as an EMT, soccer evangelize. coach, and social media marketer, Chau happened, possibly for quite some time Meanwhile, critics on the left have took a missionary training course from All to come. Some of it may be harsh and accused Chau of engaging in a colonia- Nations and headed to Sentinel Island, unwarranted. list project. This criticism has expanded in the Indian Ocean. It appears he had in some cases to seemingly call all mis- learned about Sentinel Island on a pre- Some of our readers may consider sionary work an inherently colonialist and vious adventure-tourism-evangelism trip this article premature and even exploitive project. to India. For orthodox Christians who hold to Sentinel Island is one of the last “uncon- somewhat harsh in its assessment of the the revealed truth of scripture and believe tacted” places on earth, and certainly the events that led to John Chau’s demise. in gospel-focused missions, this whole easiest one to reach. Most places in the However, it is not our intent to media circus is frustrating. The conser- world where there are still people totally vative media and the liberal media have isolated from modernity are deep in the discourage anyone from going on both adopted wrong positions. Amazon or other jungles. Sentinel Island, missions, nor to be harsh. I would however, is comparatively easy to reach Did God give him a mission to the by boat from India’s Andaman Islands. encourage those who desire to do so, furthest place on earth? Of course, it isn’t quite “uncontact- to be fully prepared through a well First, some facts. Chau was a gradu- ed.” In the 1880s, a British admiral, sci- ate of Oral Roberts University, a major entific pervert, and probable pedophile structured and well formulated process institution in American evangelicalism. kidnapped then returned some of the which may be found in the Missions He was associated with and took a children to the island some time later. It Policy Handbook prepared by the short training course from a missionary was after this traumatic experience, the sending organization called All Nations, first-ever documented contact between Overseas Mission Board of our churches. which has a fairly standard evangelical Sentinel Island and the outside world The following article offers a clear, faith statement. (and probably first substantial contact in I’ve been unable to identify his exact at least 2,000 years based on linguistic logical and convincing argument for full denomination, but the public record is evidence), that Sentinel Island seems to preparation for missionaries, churches broadly consistent with a young man who have turned aggressively inwards. and mission boards alike. Ed. possessed a fervent and basically ortho- Since that expedition, virtually every dox faith. It is not clear if All Nations was person to set foot on Sentinel Island

Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 19 has been killed by the locals, or barely But Chau was not like these men. dispute that he was genuinely motivated escaped. Fishermen, naval helicopters, The five men had, between them, more by a love for Christ and for the Sentinel take your pick: the Sentinel Islanders than 15 years of experience working with Islanders. Rather, the critique is about were evidently so traumatized by their various related people groups in Ecuador evangelical institutions that catastrophi- first encounter with the outside world as missionaries. They had done thorough cally failed to guide and nurture Chau’s that they decided to defend themselves linguistic preparation, and could actually zeal towards a more productive end. aggressively. In other words, the Sentinel speak to the people they were hoping For all that God sometimes works Islands are isolated by choice. to evangelize to. through unexpected means, the usual Chau, who did not speak any related way that God accomplishes his work local languages, had little substantive ex- He recklessly endangered himself for is through the mundane vocations perience in the region, and whose main a project he wasn’t qualified for, and of normal people. God heals diseas- previous experience in mission work was es mostly through doctors, proclaims soccer camps in Kurdistan and South in the process endangered others. his word mostly through pastors, and Africa, believed he was the man to bring reaches uncontacted people groups these people Jesus. He appears to have They hadn’t gone to missionary mostly through long-term missionaries sincerely believed that God gave him summer bootcamp: they were part of a doing years of advanced preparation in specific instructions to evangelize the disciplined set of institutions working in a variety of disciplines and skills. Sentinel Islanders. concert to evangelize the world, backed The Kingdom of God is not a kingdom This was despite his own aware- by a large network of supporters. So, of lone wolves, but of sheep working as ness, according to his diary, that Senti- when those five men died, there were a team. Chau even wrote in his journal nel Islanders were isolated by their own other people around to take up the work that he believed he was more use to choice, that exposure to his germs could and carry it over the finish line. God’s kingdom alive: then islanders tried kill them, and that contacting them was As best I can tell, while he was ob- to kill him! He only survived during a basically a form of illegal immigration viously well-intentioned, Chau was previous encounter because the arrow into an area India treats as a kind of in- essentially a lone ranger, an Instagram- they shot at him hit his Bible instead. dependent country under its protection. generation missionary. Far from having Chau had to bribe some local fishermen a fallback plan if he failed, Chau’s ex- Making yourself a martyr isn’t the to take him to the island. pedition has gotten at least seven other goal people arrested, including, according to There’s an old pastoral joke about a Mission work is not an Instagram some accounts, another missionary in flood coming and a man prays for God adventure India. He recklessly endangered himself to save him. The waters began to rise, Chau was killed while serving as a mis- for a project he wasn’t qualified for, and and a neighbor with a Jeep comes over sionary. But he was not killed on account in the process endangered others. and offers him a ride out. The man of the gospel. He was killed on account Christian media figures have defended answers, “No, God will save me.” of his unpreparedness. This may seem Chau as a sincere missionary: he was. A few hours later the waters rise more a harsh assessment, especially so soon Nothing can be said against his motives and a man with a boat comes by, offer- after his death, but for the protection or the sincerity of his faith. Liberal ing to get the man out. He replies, “No, of the church’s mission, it must be said. critics have claimed he was a colonial- God will save me.” Hours later, the water It is vital that we understand what ist: he wasn’t. He genuinely cared for had risen so much that he had to get went wrong with Chau’s mission, and the people he felt called to, and had on his roof. A life jacket floated by, but what it says about mission work today. no desire to dominate or control them. he didn’t reach for it, saying to himself, To do that, we can compare Chau’s ex- But both sides miss a key point. It “God will save me!” perience to a seminal event in the history is deeply concerning that nobody who Of course, the man drowned. In of evangelical missionary efforts. knew of Chau’s plans, nobody in a po- heaven, he asked God, “Why didn’t On January 8, 1956, five Christian sition of influence at All Nations, ever you save me?” And God of course an- missionaries were murdered in Ecuador. told him the truth about his calling. A swered, “I sent you a Jeep, a boat, and They were attempting to contact the 27-year-old adventure junkie with an Ins- a life jacket!” Huaorani tribe, a violent, uncontact- tagram sponsorship, no experience in the ed people group. Their attempt ended work to be undertaken, very little formal Somebody, whether a pastor, a in chests full of spearpoints. But their training in any of the nuts-and-bolts of teacher, or someone else, shirked families did not abandon the project, mission work, and no plan for long-term his job to tell Chau that his mission and over the next few years, peaceful involvement in the culture, is unlikely to contact was made. Eventually, many of experience any kind of success. wasn’t to the Sentinel Islands, but to the tribe converted to Christianity and all the other people God had put in his renounced violence. It is deeply concerning that nobody life. The story was immortalized in Elizabeth who knew of Chau’s plans, nobody in Elliot’s “Through Gates of Splendor,” and Chau’s story is a sad one. He was, in 2006 was made into a movie, “End of a position of influence at All Nations, from all appearances, a faithful Christian, the Spear.” These five missionaries were ever told him the truth about his passionate about spreading the gospel, indeed martyred for their faith, and in calling. but somewhere along the way someone circumstances that seem, on their surface, misled him about how to do it. They to be similar. Comparisons between Chau Again, the critique here is not about allowed him to become convinced that and these men have been rampant. Chau’s motives or character. I do not his vocation was in a place where he

20 Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 had none of the requisite skills for the work in Benin created positive effects like in the future. That is, unless Christian work, instead of through more plausible more than a century later. There are nu- churches push back against that trend, channels: his travel writing, his connec- merous other examples, but the point is: and demand of mission-sending organi- tions in the outdoors industry, his family, while colonial governments did horrible zations that they have realistic plans for his soccer coaching. things to dominated peoples, missionary how missionaries will be engaged in a Somebody, whether a pastor, a work tended to be the least-bad part of materially productive relationship with teacher, or someone else, shirked his job that, and sometimes genuinely good. their local community. to tell Chau that his mission wasn’t to The reason for this is that, far from The church must guard vigilantly the Sentinel Islands, but to all the other what some modern evangelicals might against a future where “mission work” people God had put in his life. As harsh imagine, mission work isn’t just walking is simply a Christian sub-genre of travel as it may be to say this mere days after into a village, proclaiming the name of blogging and adventure tourism. Even his death, before his body has even been Jesus, and having people line up for when well-intentioned, as Chau’s mission recovered, still it must be said: he had baptism. For every person a mission- clearly was, the fusion between status- no business being on Sentinel Island. ary tells about Jesus, there will be 100 symbol adventure tourism and mission A month previously, according to his people they tell about how to shape work will inevitably have bad conse- Instagram account, he’d been faithfully their tongue to pronounce the English- quences for the church. pursuing his missional calling with soccer language sound “th” as in “theatre.” That future is fast-approaching, and camps in South Africa: he should have For every baptism, there will be 500 will be hastened by the hagiography stayed there, where he had the right root canals or eyeglass fittings. For every about Chau. The man was sincere, well- skills to do the work of the kingdom. conversion, there will be weeks of les- intentioned, and faithful, but he was a But again, it’s not Chau I mostly blame son-planning, learning the local language, victim of a moral failure of evangelical here: it’s all the people who could have translating documents, working with institutions who have taught a genera- told him to stay in South Africa, and ap- locals to develop a writing system for a tion of young Christians a long list of parently didn’t, or didn’t do anything to rare language, and other similar tasks. falsehoods about how mission work is interdict his quest. Throughout Christian history, mission- supposed to happen. Young men on well-intentioned but aries have spent as much time tentmak- We should not revile Chau, as the misguided adventures are a constant ing as teaching. This is as it should be: left is doing, nor saint him, as some on through time. The specific failure here daily work is a vital part of human life, a the right are: rather, we should mourn isn’t Chau’s recklessness, but the reck- vital way we connect to each other, and that a life that promised such faithful lessness of evangelical culture and in- a way we build relationships. By spend- service for many years to come was stitutions that aided and abetted rather ing years working together, sharing life to- ripped from its vocation by a lack of than counseling and directing. gether, long-term, committed missionaries good pastoral counsel. don’t just get people to sign their name Mission work is important, so do it on the dotted line as a Christian, they Lyman Stone is a Research Fellow at well help build new communities of faith and the Institute for Family Studies, and In his epistles, Paul often raises the practice, enable economic advancement an Advisor at the consulting firm issue of not embarrassing the work of of locals, and alleviate pressing social ills. Demographic Intelligence. He and the church. We are supposed to do no his wife serve as missionaries in the wrong in the eyes of anyone; to be a Doing missions poorly doesn’t Lutheran Church-Hong Kong Synod. Jew to the Jews and a Roman to the glorify God First appeared in The Federalist, Romans and a Greek to the Greeks. We Unfortunately, modern American concep- http://thefederalist.com are supposed to be diligent stewards of tions of mission work are dominated by the good name of Christ. short-term trips that often look as much Used with permission. This whole escapade with Chau, un- like vacations as they do useful service. fortunately, serves to obscure a key fact American churches are increasingly keen about mission work: not only is it good to support missionaries who do less of for the kingdom of God, it’s good in a the hard work of integrating into com- very earthly sense as well. A growing munities and building relationships, in body of academic literature, even from favor of charismatic parachute-preachers. secular, progressive researchers, has found that historical missionary activity American churches are increasingly has large, positive effects on societies keen to support charismatic receiving missionaries. parachute-preachers.

Mission work isn’t just walking into Chau is not emblematic of how a village, proclaiming the name of mission activity has historically proceeded Jesus, and having people line up for but, sadly, his approach, disconnected baptism. from any rational assessment of vocation, untethered from durable community After hundreds of years, the positive roots, decontextualized and nomadic like effects of Jesuit missionaries in Brazil can an Instagram travel blog account, may be still be detected in the data. Missionary what much Christian mission work looks

Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019 21 wire were just physical distrac- decided that if you want to, you tions. The inmates were led out to will disagree with God, are you “Church” up to twenty at a time sure ? Well, guys, the only thing in the large outdoor exercise area, I can say is go ahead and do it. many sat quietly on the asphalt, Go ahead and shake your fist at others just paced the walls listen- God, you tell God where to go, ing with one ear. you tell God to get out of your The message was always the life, you can do that, it is pos- same he would say to us. But sible. You don’t have to come he brought the Gospel, from a back next Sunday. Yes, you can new angle, a simple message do that. But I tell you, that you that each listener could relate to, will do that to your everlasting whether it be creations order, or regret. If you do that, tell God man’s lostness or sins destructive where to go, you will regret it for power – and then, Jesus speaks, all eternity, forever and forever.” God’s plan of salvation comes Then, as in every message, the into focus, then restoration and Gospel is pressed home “Guys, the call to faith and trust in our you don’t have to go that way, Saviour. The messages in this book there is another way… .” are aimed at inmates, they often The 35 messages in this book use the language spoken by these can also be used as devotional men confined to the walls around reading. The messages are always DICK NIEUWLAND them and trapped in the conse- for those who are at a point in life quences of their actions. They are where a reality check is needed. messages of love, Gods love, they Inmates who were occasionally are aimed at the heart. Often, they questioned, were often struck as Book Review: start with a question: Who am to the severity of their situation, I ?, What is truth ?, What are you and their deep need to find a doing here ? Ten to fifteen minutes better way to live. Lord willing My Chains is the average reading time. these messages were used by our Well known Bible characters Lord to begin a life of faith in the are brought into the messages Saviour, whom they could find in fell off as examples of faith in trying cir- prayer, and repentance, in their cumstances, the futility of sinful cell, at any time. The urgency of Reviewing this book is timely. extravagance, and the chasing of this is pressed home. Now in its third publication, it wealth or revenge are often used These days, the wardens limit is proving to be an invaluable to expose common human ten- the “church” group sizes. As resource to our prison ministry dencies. One message entitled always, the presentation of the teams. It is a book that every “Nobody is telling me what to message is accompanied by ministry team should have avail- do” sums up how the author at singing, Bible reading and prayer. able to its team leaders. For the times confronts his audience… . Earnest worship is the focus, reviewer, it’s a privilege to write “Guys, come to your senses, all of God speaking to the assembled this review, firstly because the us should look at ourselves some- sinners, who respond in prayer author is well known to me, and times, we should ask ourselves and song. Some who come to secondly because I have seen the question, who are we ? Who church know, they are in the and heard the messages of this are you ? Did you make your- presence of a holy God. Most book presented from the day they self ? You are a creature, aren’t keep silence, yet others, we can were conceived by the author. I you ? You are made by God. He see clearly, are firmly under the can picture him, working in his owns you. You are His. He is your power of the evil one. This book orchard, while pruning, while maker and He tells you what to comes highly recommended by thinning, while picking, working do. But you are not taking that our three prison ministry teams. on the next message he was to lying down are you ? You have John Verbokkem present to inmates at Hawkes Bay Prison. Imagine the sun- soaked apple orchard, neat rows Price, includes postage: NZ $10. of apple varieties, just 5 kms from R.D. delivery extra the razor wire and walls of the prison, with its 600+ inmates. For Australia: includes postage $16 NZ. Those first visits to the prison For more information and orders, please contact: in 2003 were daunting for most [email protected] of us. High walls and razor-sharp

22 Faith in Focus Volume 46/1 February 2019