VOLUME 40/4 MAY 2013
The Psalm 15 man Contents Editorial
The Psalm 15 man (1) “O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? Speaking the truth from your heart 3 He who … .” Psalm 15 requires quite a bit of thought. What is the Psalmist The Psalm 15 man (2) seeking when he asks who may abide in the Lord’s tent and dwell on His Talk the talk 5 holy hill? These questions are calculated and direct, as are the answers which present The Psalm 15 man (3) the character of a man/woman who is a citizen of the Kingdom of God. Who keeps his word 7 There is no avoiding the truth of this psalm. If you want to have fellow- The Psalm 15 man (4) ship with the Almighty God, then you need to take this psalm very, very Biographical sketches of a seriously, because it involves loving Him with all your heart, soul, mind and Psalm 15 man 9 strength and your neighbour as yourself. There is no escaping the neces- Feminine focus sity for a sanctified life in thought, word and deed. It involves having your The feminine virtue of wisdom 11 heart right before the Lord. History attests to the fact that many who have lived before us were Psalm Four good reasons to read good books 12 15 men/women. Some were high-profile people who have been assigned a position among the great – as the world calls great. Yet, there is also the Books in focus 14 unknown record to which heaven can attest, of others, who we might not Focus on home call great, but, nevertheless, were Psalm 15 men and women.They are those Gleanings who in the eyes of the Lord are “the majestic ones in whom is all [His] OMB report delight”. (Psalm 16:3b) Auckland Presbytery report 16 They practised righteousness and integrity, speaking truth from the heart, Dealing with infertility: disdained slander and gossip, honoured the saints, swore to their own hurt, a man’s perspective 19 took no bribes … such a one will never be shaken. Are you a Psalm 15 man or woman? Praise God in His sanctuary – a celebration of His faithfullness 21 Mr John van Dyk heads up our articles on the “The Psalm 15 man” and Missions in focus writes about speaking the truth and what that means. Reformation teaching gaining Mr Andrew de Vries encourages us all to “Talk the talk”. a foothold in Ukraine 22 Mr Fred Braam considers what it means to keep our word. Mr Michael Flinn, Mr Bruce and Mrs Lois Hoyt and Mrs Sally Davey provide biographical sketches of Psalm 15 men. All correspondence regarding editorial content and Mrs Sally Davey reflects on the hidden treasure of wisdom. advertising should be sent to: Mr Mr Tim Challies of Challies.com, and co-founder of Cruciform Press, The Editor: gives four good reasons for reading good books. Walter Walraven Mr Michael J. Kruger reviews, A “New New Testament”: Part 1, by Hal 7 Winchester Avenue, Pinehaven Taussig. Daniel J. Dillard reviews A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Baptism, Upper Hutt 5019 Email: [email protected] by Robert Letham. Mr Charles R. Biggs reviews The Secret Thoughts of an Reformed Churches Home Page Unlikely Convert: An English Professor’s Journey into Christian Faith, by Rosaria http://www.rcnz.org.nz Champagne Butterfield. Mrs Harriet Haverland, with the assistance of other “gleaners”, keeps us Copy Deadline: Six weeks preceding the month of publication. up to date with Gleanings from the churches. Church and family notices are free, subject to Mrs Marrianne Reinders reports on the 60th anniversay celebrations at sufficient space and editorial acceptance. the Reformed Church of Christchurch. Mr John van Dyk, editor of Christian Renewal, looks at a foothold that All correspondence regarding distribution and reformation teaching is having in the Ukraine. payment of subscriptions to: Mr Nathan Ketchen has created a cartoon called “Marty and John” which The Secretary: will appear as space permits. Mrs Nicola Wharekawa 79 McLeod Street Upper Hutt Email: [email protected]
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2 Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 The Psalm 15 man (1)
Speaking the truth from your heart
John van Dyk a semblance of truth. However, the ap- thing when another is true, to play the parent motives are at odds with the real hypocrite. How easy it is to condemn We Christians, generally speaking, think ones which are sometimes referred to as the sin of another, putting out signals we do pretty well when it comes to ulterior motives. If the ulterior motive is that all is well with us, when in fact we speaking the truth. We would never bring not disclosed then craftiness and dishon- ourselves are harbouring even greater a false accusation against anyone, we esty have very likely occurred. sin. Jesus, using the illustration of specks would never give an untruthful answer Flattery, which is to give exces- and planks in the eye, warns us most ef- to a direct question. Would we? As a sive compliments in seeking to ingra- fectively against such acts of hypocrisy.5 famous exchange from a Gilbert and tiate oneself, also plays fast and loose Have we ever put on a brave face, Sullivan musical goes: with the truth. Flattering comments are hiding adverse circumstances, even to “What never?” often exaggerations and the motive from close friends or elders, when the truth is “No, never!” which they are made remains unvoiced. we are in a state of spiritual crisis, family “What never?” A searing observation was made by the relationships are strained to breaking “Hardly ever!”1 Russian novelist, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, point, serious illness has been diagnosed, Our problem is that we are prone when he wrote, “Nothing in this world or our business is near to collapse? Or, to making exceptions, we accept lapses is harder than speaking the truth, nothing conversely, have we ever ignored the and we tend to think that near enough easier than flattery.”3 fact that similar events may be occurring is good enough. At times we deliberately hold back with friends, acquaintances or brothers David, in Psalm 15:1, asks the Lord the truth, letting it out little by little, as and sisters in the Lord and pretended who may dwell in his sanctuary, who may a means of exerting power or control, that all was well? Or perhaps we have live on his holy hill. The answer: he who or of hiding our own failings. In this been aware of serious sin about which speaks the truth from his heart (v. 2b). vein Jane Austen writes, “Seldom, very our brother or sister ought to have been Too often our view of speaking the seldom, does complete truth belong to reproached and we have turned a blind truth falls far short of God’s view. If our any human disclosure; seldom can it eye. All of these are examples of dissim- view of speaking the truth is limited to happen that something is not a little ulating and all lack that truth from the avoiding false accusations and not lying disguised or a little mistaken.”4 heart that the Lord seeks in Psalm 15:2. in answer to direct questions, then our Dissimulation, the second form of dis- Diversion is the third form of dis- grasp of truth is weak indeed. Let’s begin honesty on our list, is to pretend one honesty that we want to consider. It by considering three forms of dishones- ty that violate truth in more subtle and devious ways. They are disingenuousness, dissimulation and diversion. Don’t worry if you don’t know what all of these words mean—all will be explained.
Strategies of dishonesty Disingenuousness, according to the dic- tionary, is not being frank or open, being crafty. Think of the Pharisees who came to Jesus wanting to know his opinion on 2 What is paying taxes. They weren’t interested in hearing his advice, their motive was to trap him. They said to him, “We know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accord- ance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.” Although they spoke truth? the truth, they did not believe it in their John 18:38 hearts. Their words were a ruse; their tactics were ones of trickery. Often a disingenuous approach has
Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 3 can take the form of carefully steer- However, because David describes the in the inmost place”8 and “Search me, O ing a conversation away from a topic truth that a man must speak as coming God, and know my heart.”9 The man of we might feel would highlight areas of “from his heart” we should also consider God shares an intimate relationship with personal weakness or guilt. Sometimes truth from a faith and belief perspective. his Lord. God not only hears our words; abruptly changing the subject can be an “What is truth?” asked Pontius Pilate because he searches our heart he is also effective diversion. So too can switching as he stood before the embodiment privy to our thoughts. To speak the truth the focus to another person or another of truth.7 Jesus had only just finished from the heart does not mean our heart event, or broadening the focus to speak saying to him, “I came into the world, must be right when and only when we in general terms. At times it can be as to testify to the truth. Everyone on the speak. Our heart must hold to the true simple as not answering and waiting for side of truth listens to me.” Pilate, ap- faith, and this faith must work itself out the moment to pass, or staring at some parently, wasn’t on the side of truth; in thoughts that are honest, righteous and unusual object that will divert attention. he hurried back outside to try to avoid God-honouring. The man of truth will A biblical example of this is Mary and making a judgment about Jesus. But Jesus know the importance of living a sanc- Martha’s interaction with Jesus.6 Mary sat does more than testify about truth. He tified life and that will be his aim. He at Jesus’ feet listening to what he had is truth. Too often we are lulled by the will be well versed in God’s word, he to say. Martha (who Jesus knew was worried and upset about many things) appears not to have wanted to discuss her problems with him. Instead she ❝ Our heart must hold to made a show of wanting Jesus to send Mary into the kitchen, thus seeking to the true faith… . ❞ divert attention away from herself and her troubles. pleasing cadence of Jesus’ pronounce- will be prayerful, his thought-world will These strategies are not presented ment, “I am the way, the truth and the be much occupied with the adoration here as arrows for the quiver of those life”, and we don’t think what it means of God and supplication to him. who do not place a high value on truth. that the Son of God is truth. What true Lord, who may dwell in your sanctu- Rather they are held out as warnings comfort there is in that we don’t find ary? Who may live on your holy hill? (v. against behaviours that we all too readily ultimate truth in a teaching or principle 1) The answer: “He who [among other learn and, to our shame, use. May we be alone but we find it in a person: our things] speaks the truth from his heart.” on our guard against them in our own Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. In an age Can we completely succeed in our per- words and actions. May we identify these where the possibility of absolute, invio- sonal quest for truth? While we can pray behaviours in others, too, and counteract lable truth is denied, it is more urgent for the Holy Spirit’s help, and while we them or help those who practise them than ever that we speak the truth––the can and should expect to grow in truth to overcome them as appropriate. gospel of Jesus Christ—from our heart. (both inwardly and in its expression), the answer must be in the negative. We Ultimate truth Truth from the heart cannot speak the truth from our heart to Up to this point we have been con- David also writes “Surely you desire truth such a degree so as to satisfy our heav- sidering truth from a moral viewpoint. in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom enly Father who expects perfect truth. Yet, through Christ’s death and sacrifice we have been clothed with his righteous- ness. We can rejoice that Christ always spoke, speaks and will speak perfect “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” truth, and that he is truth. We can live Prov 1:7 in the sanctuary of the Lord and ap- proach his holy hill (both metaphors of heaven) because of Christ. While cling- Teaching Principal and/or ing to him we must walk in his way, the way of truth, and in so doing we will Teacher have eternal life. The Silverstream Christian School is a Christian school set up to provide Christian education to our covenant children. Our aim is to Notes develop a biblically consistent world and life view in our students 1 W.S. Gilbert, H.M.S. Pinafore, Act I based on the Reformed faith. We believe this Reformed faith to be the 2 Matthew 22:15ff. most accurate expression of biblical Christianity. 3 Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment, Applicants must be committed to the Reformed faith and to Reformed part VI, ch. 4 Christian education. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a 4 Jane Austen, Emma, ch. 13 vibrant covenant community, and we look forward to your application. 5 Matthew 7:3–5 If you have any questions or would like more information please do 6 Luke 10:38ff 7 John 18:38 not hesitate to contact us. Please forward your C.V. with 3 referees to: 8 Psalm 51:6 Contact details: 9 Psalm 139:23 Dirk den Harder Mr John van Dyk is a member of the Email: [email protected] Ph +64 4 528 8066 Reformed Church of Dunedin.
4 Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 The Psalm 15 man (2)
Talk the talk
Andrew de Vries They stopped swearing as their speech heart and see what sin lies there. The was transformed. other reason we do this is because we Even with the rise of facebook, texting In verse 4 we have a description of all have a problem with self-righteous- and tweeting, our most common form what our speech as Christians should ness. It makes us feel good to find out of communication is still the humble look like. We should have no slander on about the sin of others, because then conversation. Statisticians have estimat- our tongues. The word “slander” literally we can feel so much better about our- ed that the average person engages in means “to spy out”. So this is the person selves. We think to ourselves, ‘I’m glad 30 conversations a day, and each of us who goes about snooping into the lives I’m not like them, I’ve never done that will spend 13 years of our life talking of others to find out about their sins and before’. Or perhaps we think ‘they’re (some you know will far exceed the shortcomings. It’s the busy-body who’s just as bad as I am.’ Instead of looking average!). Every day, our words could always probing to find out the latest tasty to the righteousness of Christ, we are write a book of 50-60 pages [cited by morsel of church gossip. It’s the person trusting in our own. John MacArthur in Exposing the Truth who is always watching others to pick The other part of verse 3 speaks of About Men’s Hearts1). As you consider up their faults and defects. The purpose not casting a slur on our fellow man. the book that might be made of your implied in Psalm 15, is that they do this This forbids defaming the reputation of words, what would it look like? Would it in order to pass it on to others. another person. We do this in a variety be a book you would like to give away What possesses us to spy out the of ways. We do this when we pass on as a birthday present? Would it be a failure of others? It is not simply idle gossip about someone. We do this when book you could read to the grandkids? curiosity. There are usually more sinister we speak about an incident we had with More importantly, would it be a book motivations lurking in our hearts. Perhaps someone, and we only pass on the bits you would be content to sit down and it is a defense mechanism. It is much of information that cast them in a bad read with the Lord? more comfortable to look at Bill’s life light. We do this when we are critical Psalm 15 describes the character qual- and notice how he struggles with self- of a person behind their back, passing ities of the person who lives in com- discipline, than it is to examine my own on all their faults and flaws. Then there munion with God. Verse 4 in particular highlights the quality of their speech. You could say, this is the person whose multi- volume works of conversation the Lord is pleased to have on his shelf. They don’t just walk the walk of the Christian life, they talk the talk of the Christian life. At this point I’ll add a disclaimer. This Psalm is not saying you need to have pure speech in order to earn ad- mission into the presence of God or to be right with him. For that you need to embrace Jesus Christ in faith. You can only be admitted into the Lord’s presence by his mercy (Psalm 5:7). This Psalm is about dwelling with God, about enjoying communion with him. And the communion we have with the Lord is enjoyed when we are people of pure speech. One of the things that God does in the life of every Christian, is to progres- sively sanctify our speech. Sometimes he does this in rather dramatic ways. Of the Welsh revivals of the early 1900s, it is said that in one town where many miners came to saving faith, they lost a third of their vocabulary in one day!
Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 5 is the pious version of casting a slur on A verse that we should all hide in others. And we can do the same without our fellow man. Who hasn’t been at our hearts is Ephesians 4:29. ‘Do not damaging our tables. When people a prayer meeting where someone has let any unwholesome talk come out of bring a bad report about somebody, said ‘I really think we need to pray for your mouths, but only what is helpful you can defend the reputation of the Dorothy, because she’s really struggling for building others up according to their other person. You can say ‘my experi- at the moment with her temper with the needs, that it may benefit those who ence of that person is vastly different. kids.’ This is just a pious way of sticking listen.’ The pattern we are to learn ac- That doesn’t sound like something they the knife in someone’s back. cording to Ephesians, is to put off the would do.’ Or you could take the more Why do we do this? Why do we unwholesome talk, and to put on a new direct route. You could say ‘pause there find ourselves passing on information way of talking about others. for a moment’, and you can go and find that is going to damage the reputation Sometimes we’re not sure if what we the person they are talking about, bring of others? Perhaps it’s because we are are saying is unwholesome. A few ques- them back and say ‘now continue what angry with another person. We harbour tions might help you to determine if you you were saying’. Perhaps a less humili- some bitterness toward them and instead are gossiping or damaging someone’s ating option is simply to say ‘You may of working things through with them, we reputation. Firstly, ask yourself why you have a point, let’s go and find Bill and sabotage their reputation. Perhaps it’s are passing on this information. Are you talk to him about this directly, just like because we are afraid. We are afraid trying to help the person you are talking the Bible commands.’ to confront another person directly, and about, or trying to hurt them? Secondly, Guarding our tongues, and stopping so we hope that the information will do you have all the relevant information? our ears, is one way to deal with the problem of our impure talk. In some ways this only addresses an exterior problem. Our speech is simply alerting ❝ We need our hearts us to our deeper issues. Our tongues are actually just dobbing us in. Every to be transformed and time we say something to tear another person down, our tongues are saying, shaped by the gospel, and ‘you’ve got a heart problem’. Isn’t that what Jesus said in Matt 12:34? ‘Out of then our lips will naturally the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.’ We need our hearts to be speak that which is useful transformed and shaped by the gospel, and then our lips will naturally speak for building others up. ❞ that which is useful for building others up. Therefore our constant prayer must get back to them via the gossip chain. Do you know the full story, or are you be what David prayed for elsewhere: However, if your brother is caught in a passing on rumours and hearsay? Thirdly, ‘Create in me a pure heart, O God …’ sin, go and speak to him about it to his are you building up the person you are Psalm 51:10. May the Lord be pleased face, not behind his back. speaking to? Can they actually do an- to answer that prayer. Perhaps the most common reason we ything with the information you have do damage to the reputations of others, given to them, or is it going to be to Notes is our self-righteousness. I feel better their harm? (These questions come from 1 The statistics are cited in a sermon by John about myself when I put others down. Bridling the Tongue, by Chris Vlachos2). MacArthur, entitled ‘Exposing the truth about Men’s Hearts’. It can be found at http://www. Men in particular can have a perverse One of the Puritans said: By the grace gty.org/Resources/Sermons/2294 kind of delight in this. When a group of God I am resolved to speak about 2 How to be free from bitterness, and other of blokes get together, have you noticed another mans sins, only before their face, essays on Christian relationships by Jim Wilson. that one of their favourite games is to and of their virtue, only behind their Chapter 6 is by Chris Vlachos and is entitled tear each other down? The men actu- back. What a glorious place of peace Bridling the Tongue. ally start hen-pecking each other – they and security our churches would be if Mr Andrew de Vries is a minister in drag up past failures of someone in the we did this more often. the Reformed Church of Bishopdale. group, they highlight someone’s incom- Now, you might be able to control petence with power tools or driving or your own tongue at times, but what do some other manly activity, or they even you do when someone comes to you bag someone because they’ve said or with a bit of gossip, or a critical comment done something nice. Anything to get about someone else? You could do what a laugh from the boys. But it’s pretty Augustine did. He considered this such a much what is being spoken against in serious matter, that on his table he had the Psalm – don’t cast a slur on your the following words carved: fellow man. Someone once said that ‘He that loves with bitter speech this kind of thing is like a water-polo the absent to defame, game – I can lift myself up by putting Must surely know that at this board someone else down. The trouble is, by [i.e. table] no place is for the same.’ lifting myself up, I am drowning the other person. He banned all bad reports about
6 Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 The Psalm 15 man (3)
Who keeps his word
Fred Braam Keeping our oaths or promises is will always be entering rather than dwell- serious business according to the Bible. ing in his house. In Judges 11 we read the following: We learn from this event in Judges This Psalm also highlights the lord- “29 Then the Spirit of the Lord came 11 that God expects us to keep our ship of Jesus. Many Christians will accept on Jephthah. He crossed Gilead and promises; but also that we should be that Jesus is their Saviour but when the Manasseh, passed through Mizpah of careful about what we promise, because challenge comes to obey Jesus as their Gilead, and from there he advanced promises have consequences. Jephthah Lord it becomes too much. When we against the Ammonites. 30 And Jeph- and his daughter were well aware of understand the lordship of Jesus Christ thah made a vow to the Lord: “If you the seriousness of keeping promises we begin to grow in our devotion to give the Ammonites into my hands, 31 before God. God and grow in our understanding of whatever comes out of the door of my Psalm 15 also talks about keeping our the implications of how to live such a house to meet me when I return in promises even if keeping them comes life. We need the Holy Spirit to teach triumph from the Ammonites will be with a cost. Our integrity and our witness us how all-encompassing the lordship of the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a to the world about the good news of the Jesus Christ is in guiding our lives. burnt offering.” gospel is at stake. We must be clear that the virtues 32 Then Jephthah went over to fight the Verse one does not talk about who mentioned in Psalm 15 are not the means Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into can enter, but who can dwell as a guest by which we are saved but are evidences his hands.33 He devastated twenty towns in God’s house. The question could also of what it means to be saved. They are from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith, as be put this way: who will enjoy God’s not the conditions for acceptance with far as Abel Keramim. Thus Israel subdued fellowship? God, but the consequences of it. Ammon. 34 When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to ❝ A person with integrity the sound of timbrels! She was an only child. Except for her he had neither son is prepared to make nor daughter. 35 When he saw her, he tore his clothes and cried, “Oh no, my material and physical daughter! You have brought me down and I am devastated. I have made a vow sacrifices to be honest.❞ to the Lord that I cannot break.” 36 “My father,” she replied, “you These are worshippers who are in The word blameless in verse two have given your word to the Lord. a true covenant relationship with him. does not mean sinless perfection; it Do to me just as you promised, now They understand what it means to love means having the desire to live a life that the Lord has avenged you of your God above all and their neighbour as that does not bring our faith into disre- enemies, the Ammonites. 37 But grant themselves. pute. It means living a consistent life, not me this one request,” she said. “Give To God it is never enough to be clean always changing the principles by which me two months to roam the hills and on the outside as a worshipper. God we live – unless compelled to do so by weep with my friends, because I will longs to clean our “insides” in order the Bible or by rational persuasion. We never marry.” to produce a blameless walk and right- are to live with integrity. 38 “You may go,” he said. And he let eous living. Satan continually tempts Psalm 15 also speaks to the reality that her go for two months. She and her us to display external moral conform- we are a communal, relational people. friends went into the hills and wept ity divorced from the heart so that our As a community of believers we are in because she would never marry. 39 After consciences are calmed while we go on a relationship with Jesus Christ because the two months, she returned to her worshipping our idols. Ultimately this we are his friends; and we are called to father, and he did to her as he had will lead us away from God. Satan also be in a relationship with our fellow be- vowed. And she was a virgin. tempts us to make our faith one where lievers, since we are commanded to love From this comes the Israelite tradi- we externally do the right things to earn one another and to serve one another. tion 40 that each year the young women God’s favour rather than live a life truly Who shall dwell in God’s house? This of Israel go out for four days to com- devoted to God. This will also lead us question points us to Jesus, who is the memorate the daughter of Jephthah the away from God. Those caught up in ex- only person who can truly dwell in God’s Gileadite.” ternal conformity or earning God’s favour house blamelessly. Today he does not live
Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 7 in the tabernacle of the old covenant but that says “I will get back to you, please parents or do we take forever to do in a in a spiritual house made of living leave a message”, how often do we our assigned jobs around home even stones. These stones are our fellow be- ignore it and not ring back? Modern if its costs us some of our time and in- lievers. We are a holy priesthood where technology allows us to screen out those volves no payment? Joyful obedience is we offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable that we do not want to talk to. By not a wonderful contribution to a peace- to God through Jesus Christ. It is only ringing back we give the impression that ful home. It builds trust and develops a because we have a saving relationship we are hiding something or we are not servant attitude. with him that we can dwell with God interested in those who ring us. Even if As we look at life we can see the in his house. Jesus paid the sacrifice so it is difficult to talk to this person we effects of broken promises all around that we can stand before God in the need to reply. us. When a person repeatedly continues perfect righteousness of Jesus. Marriage vows involve important to make promises that are broken the The Bible refers many times to the promises that in this age seem to carry trust we have in that person diminishes. importance of keeping our promises no weight since they are so easily broken Communication often withers and rec- as part of speaking the truth in love so by many. Jesus uses the marriage imagery onciliation then becomes harder because that we are not found to be liars. James to explain his love for the church as its the guilt of not keeping promises keeps 5:12 and Matthew 5:33-37 says let your head. Marriage is the crucible where re- the offender away from the offended. “Yes” be yes, and your “No” no, or you lationships are refined, where sacrificial As we look at these examples we can add many more to them. As we con- tinue to read and meditate on his Word the Holy Spirit will convict us of many ❝ When a person more situations where we are called to keep our promises despite the difficul- repeatedly continues ties they can bring. Verse five says that he who does these to make promises that things will never be shaken. Because we still sin we will not live a completely are broken the trust blameless life and we will be shaken. The question then becomes, who will we have in that person we turn to when we are shaken? Take heart that God sees Jesus first, then us. diminishes. ❞ He sees us as those whose walk is blame- less and whose righteousness is perfect, will be condemned. We have an obliga- love is displayed and where forgiveness all because Jesus paid the penalty for our tion before the Lord to make what we and reconciliation are worked out. This sin. Hallelujah, what a Saviour. promise the truth. A person with integ- may mean hurt when difficulties come rity is prepared to make material and – but what a witness to the world when Mr Fred Braam is a member of the physical sacrifices to be honest. When they are resolved in the way Jesus wants Reformed Church of Bishopdale. we go through the refining fire of suf- them to be. fering for keeping our promises we learn If we are contracted to do a job or what really motivates us. task, are we prepared to honour all of Since we are in a relationship with all the clauses or do we look at the fine those around us, within and beyond the print to find a way to exit when it gets “The new Christian is church, we need to take great care in too hard – especially if there are mon- what we say. If we are truly committed etary penalties involved? When we work like a man who has to honouring those around us then we for the Lord as men of integrity everyone learned to drive in will follow through with our promises. benefits; and we witness to the source a country where the Many of the promises we do make we of our integrity. traffic moves on the gladly follow through with, and this brings As parents do we set an example to God the glory. But there are times when our children in keeping our promises to left side of the highway we do not lead a blameless life and we them? Do we faithfully teach them about and suddenly finds fail to keep our promises. walking with Jesus or is it too much like himself in another How often have we promised to have hard work? Do we follow through with country and forced to someone over for dinner or a coffee but discipline when we promise to punish we do not get around to it? What does them for breaking the rules? Our chil- drive on the right. He that say about us? Often we make prom- dren can see through us very quickly must unlearn his old ises in the presence of others to make when we fail to respond in an appro- habit and learn a new us look like we are interested in people priate way when they have broken the one and, more serious or to appease our conscience that we boundaries we have set for them. Dis- should have done this a long time ago. cipline hurts both the parents and the than all, he must learn Is it that hard to follow our promises child but it produces a harvest of right- in heavy traffic.” through even if it hurts us by causing eousness. A.W. Tozer us to give up our time? As children do we help with the When we have a voice mail message peace in our homes when we obey our
8 Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 The Psalm 15 man (4)
Men of mature, godly character have lived faithfully in a variety of historical situations. Here are three brief biographical sketches to show us what a Psalm 15 man can look like:
terms of the characteristics listed in Psalm and was more eager to disarm his op- 15, was entitled to dwell in the sanctu- ponents by his kindness than to over- ary of the Lord. power them by his arguments. He had Michael Flinn a quick mind and a playful wit – he was such good company that his home was overflowing and he was always in demand as a guest. He was tremendously loyal to his friends. Always there in any crisis, and one of the first on hand to visit, his gen- erous nature could not do enough to help them. In fact, he kept lists of ways Daniel he hoped to help them. This generosity 7th-6th Century B.C. spilled over toward anyone in need; par- ticularly the poor. In his private papers Who may dwell in the sanctuary of the there were accounts of the money he Lord? Psalm 15’s answer, in part, is: he gave to needy families, to ministers for whose walk is blameless and who does their sons’ education; and to help strug- what is righteous (vs. 2). He must be a gling schools survive. Far from lending out man who speaks the truth from his heart his money to extort (v.5), he often loaned (vs. 2), a man who keeps his oath, even William Wilberforce without ever expecting the money back. when it hurts (vs. 4). (1759-1833) He certainly “honoured those who The prophet Daniel was just such a fear the Lord”; throwing his support into man. Although extremely knowledgea- William Wilberforce, the British parlia- all kinds of Christian causes in his day. ble and powerful (1:20; 2:48), Daniel mentarian and leader of the campaign He was involved with the Bible Society did not succumb to the temptations of against slavery, exhibited Psalm 15 quali- and the Church Missionary Society in political power. He maintained his in- ties throughout his long public life. He their early days; and was a firm friend tegrity and refused all forms of corrup- was a busy and active Member of Parlia- of many groups working to improve the tion. When those who were envious ment, and involved in most of the major moral standards of English society. He of him tried to find charges against Christian causes of his day. His leader- even wrote a best-selling book urging the him, they could not: “They could find ship of the campaign against slavery was upper classes (his own people) to rethink no corruption in him, because he was enough by itself to absorb one man’s their nominal Christianity, to reflect on trustworthy and neither corrupt nor life; but he achieved far more. Always their sin and need for salvation; and to negligent (6:4). conscious that he was wasting the op- live upright, serious and committed lives It took great courage to interpret portunities and abilities God had given that would honour God. He was a great Nebuchadnezzar’s dream truthfully. The him, he strove to increase his efforts. His encourager of those who spent them- dream foretold the eventual downfall of life was always full – of people, of meet- selves to promote the gospel – minis- Babylon. But Daniel was neither fearful ings, of letter-writing, of speech-making ters, missionaries and friends like Hannah nor fawning in the king’s presence. and much other work. It is amazing, More and her sisters, who worked val- He stood up, told the truth, and left given his uncertain health, that he ac- iantly in the Sunday School movement. the outcome to the Lord (ch.2). When complished as much as he did. Always a man of integrity and politi- faced with a decree that could lead to Wilberforce was a Psalm 15 man per- cal courage, Wilberforce never held a his death, Daniel refused to pray to sonifying the opposites of the negative cabinet position. Thus independent, he the image of the king. Instead, he con- qualities it describes. His character was was able to speak without fear or favour tinued to pray to the Lord (ch. 6) and so markedly gentle and Christlike that his on any subject that he thought Parliament when thrown into the lions’ den as a contemporaries were unanimous in their should hear about. He was regarded by consequence, he continued to trust in praise for him. He had a sunny disposi- his fellow parliamentarians as persistent, God (6:23). tion – it was difficult to anger him. He selfless and relentlessly hard-working. Surely Daniel was a man who, in was afraid of giving pain to anybody; It says a great deal about Wilberforce
Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 9 that his recent biographer, William Hague Church. He did so not only because he him, who also sought to build up and – who currently serves as Britain’s Foreign had close friends and relatives by mar- strengthen the church by continually Secretary – admires him intensely. Hague riage who were Jews but because he challenging it to be faithful to Scripture, does not appear to share Wilberforce’s was convinced from Scripture that such and who personally sought to undermine evangelical faith, but honours Wilber- racism was a denial of the Gospel. He the evil rulers of his beloved Germany. force’s Christianity, acknowledging it as had no hesitation in taking this stand On April 5, 1943, three months after the great motivation for everything he since it did not directly put anyone in his engagement to Maria von Wede- did1. He was the rare man who com- danger but himself. meyer, Bonhoeffer was arrested under bined the graces of Christian character However, as the war progressed and suspicion that he had been involved in with fearless and persistent commitment Hitler needed more and more fighting the resistance movement against Hitler to redressing a great wrong. men, he struggled with the question of (which was true though they had no evi- Sally Davey whether it was right for him to serve in dence). For many months he deceived the military. He was fully aware of the his interrogator about his involvement, Notes terrible atrocities committed by the mili- not because he feared for his own life, 1 William Hague, William Wilberforce: The Life of tary against Jews and other helpless ci- that was a matter he had resolved many the Great Anti-Slave Trade Campaigner (Harper vilians in conquered countries. Generals years before. No, his deception was to Press, 2007). ordered their subordinates to slaughter avoid putting the lives of others at risk. thousands. Bonhoeffer was convinced His selflessness showed also in his con- that he personally could not be party to stant efforts over the next two years to such cruelty and bloodshed; regardless help those in prison around him, en- of the cost, he would refuse. couraging them from Scripture, helping Out of genuine concern to uphold physically when he could, even remain- truth he concluded that he must use ing in a dreary cell when he had op- his gifts in the fight against the evil of portunity to be moved to a better one, Nazism. With the help of relatives who in order that someone else would not had high office in the military he was have to endure life in such a cell. employed by the Abwehr, a branch On April 8, 1945, the Sunday after of the military engaged in intelligence Easter, Bonhoeffer had the opportunity of gathering. Under that guise he actually conducting a worship service for a small worked as part of the resistance, travel- gathering of prisoners in a schoolroom in ling abroad and secretly informing the the Bavarian village of Schönberg which Dietrich Bonhoeffer British and their allies of Hitler’s activities was their cell. Then he was taken to (1906-1945) and of the resistance movement within Flossenbürg where he was hanged the the German military. Continuing as a next morning at Hitler’s orders, just three Psalm 15 says the man who dwells with pastor (his cover while working for the weeks before Hitler committed suicide the Lord is a man “who walks with in- Abwehr) enabled him to keep challeng- and the war in Germany ended. tegrity, and works righteousness, and ing the Confessing Church to be faithful Thus did Bonhoeffer seek to be a speaks truth in his heart. He does not to Scripture and to encourage younger Psalm 15 man as he struggled with some slander with his tongue, nor does evil to pastors and men who were training for of the most difficult ethical issues a Chris- his neighbour, …” (NASB) the ministry. tian could face. Though he died nearly When Lois and I read Eric Metaxas’ Bonhoeffer was a man who genuinely 70 years ago, his blood still speaks. biography, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, sought to help and comfort those around Bruce and Lois Hoyt Prophet, Spy, we were often struck by his struggle to be a man of integrity. Raised in a well-to-do family who mingled in the highest echelons of German society, Bonhoeffer was fully aware of the inner workings of the German government. Following the takeover by the Nazis, he had an insider’s knowledge of what was happening as Hitler tightened his grip on German society. As a man who sought in obedience to Scripture to honour God, build up the church, and promote justice in his nation, his inside knowledge caused him a greater ethical struggle than it did most Germans, who were either less informed of the Nazi programme or who had little concern to be faithful to Scripture. Early on he took a firm and public stand against the racist policy Hitler imposed on the German (Lutheran State)
10 Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 Feminine focus Sally Davey
The feminine virtue of wisdom
In an information-saturated age wisdom God will make us wise people. However, kinds of things we need wisdom for, the has become, if possible, more precious that also depends on our willingness to more urgent that will seem. than ever. It is that redeeming quality be changed by what we read. It’s no which, if cultivated, will steer us safely good, as James observed, to be someone Weighing up the choices through the rising tide of foolishness who takes a look at the mirror but turns We need wisdom to make good choices out there. Where is it to be found? In away, forgetting what he has seen (James about our life’s direction. Because we observant people who know the Scrip- 1:22-5). If we read to gain knowledge often face such choices when we’re still tures and read the times. You may read and understanding so that we can make quite young, we need to rely on the it in carefully-considered statements; but good decisions, have the right attitudes wisdom of older people to help us. So often it comes in simple little comments. and live more like Christ, then we will wise mothers and fathers, wise teachers, A week or two ago I was having, as I do gain wisdom. We also gain wisdom by and wise older friends are all indispensa- every few days, a bit of a girls’ talk with living in this world, and serving God ble. A (wise) young person will ask their my mother on the phone. We were just and others in the light of the Word. It advice! Choices about what course of chatting about this and that – her ideas helps refine our wisdom. Every day that study to take, what career to train for and for a new house, the latest doings of the we carry on struggling with our own where to live can be difficult to make grandchildren, and so on – when she made some observations. “You know”, she remarked, “never have there been such beautiful and expensive kitchens but so little cooking done in them. Never ❝ Foolishness, or lack have there been such luxurious and com- fortable beds that have been so seldom of wisdom, has awful made. Never have so much time and money been lavished on weddings for consequences – in this such short-lived marriages.” Well, I was impressed – those were discerning ob- life as well as in the servations that contained a lot of insight. Of course they were about more than next. ❞ just kitchens, beds and wedding cele- brations (though my mother, bless her, sin, living with other sinners and trying without the input of adults who know prays regularly about the state of her to help them is another day of storing us (our strengths and weaknesses) and grandchildren’s outer – and inner-lives.) up “hidden treasures” (Prov. 2:4) that who have knowledge of the world. In a Her point was that getting and spend- will have value forever. A woman who sense, we are borrowing their years of ing on externals these days betrays a sad has worked hard all her life at gaining Bible study and life experience to help emptiness within. We know how to buy wisdom will be a treasure for her family us make our decisions about these things. stuff to look good, but inside we have and her church. It ought to be that the One of the most important things we no clue how to do what really matters. longer we have lived in this world as need wisdom for is the choice of life’s This was practical wisdom – gained from Christ’s servants, the wiser, and the more partner – our husbands. After choosing to decades of walking with God and observ- useful, we will prove. follow Christ, this is the great choice of ing – with compassion – what is going It’s obvious everyone needs wisdom. our lives; and determines so much else on in the culture around us. Foolishness, or lack of wisdom, has awful about our life’s direction. So many other Wisdom, in a nutshell, is sanctified consequences – in this life as well as things about our lives can be changed, common sense. It is the ability to judge in the next. In many of his proverbs but a marriage is for keeps. It matters a correctly and make discerning choices, Solomon contrasts the effects of wisdom great deal whom you choose to marry. If based on knowledge and understanding and foolishness. He draws sketches of you marry a wise and godly man, your – of the Scriptures, primarily. As King what happens to wise people; and of the home will be firmly grounded. If you Solomon wrote, it begins with the fear kinds of disasters that befall the foolish. marry a weak and foolish man, you are of God. It is impossible to have true Who wants to reap the fruits of fool- heading for disaster. For this reason, it wisdom without trusting in him. But it ishness – poverty, ruined relationships, is always worrying to see young women needs to be developed by studying the disgrace? We need wisdom all our lives paying so little attention to important Scriptures all our lives. If we read them long; and the earlier we start gaining it, signs of character in the young men they diligently and regularly it is likely that the better. The more we think about the spend time with. A wise young woman
Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 11 will be asking questions like – does he and reading them carefully is among the There is no better time to set the right encourage me in my walk with Christ? most sensible things a young person can course than when you’re young. Will he be a good spiritual leader in my do to prepare for marriage.1 You see, the sobering thing is that home, and for my children? Will he help Wisdom, as any Christian parent we all leave a legacy. For some it is a prepare me for heaven? Is he (already) knows, is absolutely essential for bringing legacy of godly living that stands firm heading in such a direction that I’ll be up children well. The responsibilities of and shelters generations to come. But able to respect him when he’s 45? You parenthood are huge: they are not for for others, who tear their house down, don’t want to end up in Abigail’s po- the fainthearted. Children expose our it is a legacy of rubble. Poor choices in sition, and be faced with admitting inadequacies. By their imitation of our youth, bad decisions in marriage, reck- your husband is a “worthless fellow” (1 lives they reveal our sin to us; and so less living, ill-discipline, discontentment, Samuel 25:25) – do you? Take a look we long to do better. But the Scriptures living for the moment, all set bad pat- at the way your young man spends his say plenty about being a parent, and terns for the children growing up in such time and his money. That will tell you in the church there are usually many a setting. Sadly, bad marriages and weak what he sets his heart on. If you have who’ve travelled the road before. So parenting get repeated, down the gener- wisdom, you will be weighing up such we can draw on their wisdom. Take a ations. That is what happens, unless the things. Wisdom will quickly tell you that look around – see who’s done well – grace of God intervenes. Heed Solomon; inordinate attention paid to appearance, and ask for their help! and build well. fast cars, loud music and the accumula- tion of money are not an indication of Construction or deconstruction? spiritual maturity. In the book of Proverbs Solomon con- (Endnotes) Wisdom is needed for marriage and tinually sets two ways of living before 1 Two of the best, I think, are Elisabeth Elliot’s parenthood. Living together with other us: the way of wisdom, and the way of Let Me Be a Woman (Tyndale House Pub- lishers, 1976) and R.C. Sproul’s The Intimate sinners is difficult; the more so the more foolishness. But there is one place where Marriage:A Practical Guide to Building a Great intimate the relationship is. Marriage is Solomon draws this contrast particularly Marriage (P&R Publishing, 2003). Elisabeth El- the closest of all the relationships God for women. In 14:1 he depicts the wise liot’s book was written nearly 40 years ago (as, gives us in this life, and is the picture woman as she who “builds her house” originally, was Sprouls’s); but because it is not of our relationship with Christ. Being while “folly” (the foolish woman) as she overly tied in to the particular issues of its day, it still offers a wise counsel to women of our so, it was meant to be very good. But who “with her own hands tears it down.” era. She wrote it as advice to her daughter, because the level of intimacy is great The contrast is stark, and can be put like Valerie, who was about to be married. If you (shared home, shared lives, shared eve- this: Do you want to be like the heavy haven’t already read it, and are planning to be rything…) the potential for sin to destroy machinery in central city Christchurch married, do try it. Her chapters “You Marry a it is also great. In this day, perhaps more right now – bashing and crashing at Sinner”, “You Marry a Man”, “You Marry a Husband” and “You Marry a Person” are among than many others, we need wisdom if damaged buildings; crunching at con- the best things I have ever read on marriage. we are going to resist the many assaults crete and knocking the life out of it – on it. We are exposed to every difficul- or do you want to build wisely, on good ty common to modern man; but having foundations, something that will stand access to biblical wisdom and the grace the test of time? That’s the choice he of God in our hearts we can recognise sets before us. We can either set about sin when it tempts us and say “no” to laying good foundations for lives of it. There have been many wise words wisdom, love and service – or we can spoken and wise books written on the choose all the life-wrecking options that subject of marriage. Investing in a few, drag us and others down to destruction.
Four good reasons to read good books
Tim Challies reasons to read good books: To know, others have learned and we do that to grow, to lead, and to love. through books. Books are an impor- This weekend I spoke to a group of tant part of our lifelong task of coming men down here in Nashville, Tennes- Read to know to know the person and works of God. see. The pastor asked me to speak to The best reason to read books is to know There are many people who are in- the men about reading and, specifically, God. We believe, of course, that each of timidated by reading theological works. why Christian men need to be readers. us can and will meet God in his Word, However, we are well-served with en- While what I prepared was directed spe- but this does not mean that he reveals try-level and mid-range books. It doesn’t cifically to men, it is applicable to both himself to each of us in equal measure. matter who you are, there is a book men and women. Here are four good We can and should benefit from what written at your level. One of the prob-
12 Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 lems with allowing ourselves to be in- ministry a regular part of their reading ing the intelligence necessary to lead.” timidated away from difficult books, diet. Parents ought to read books on par- So the question for every man is this: books that are just a bit beyond us, is enting, bosses or owners ought to read Where are you a leader? This will then that we can begin to believe we’ve got books on leadership, and so on. If you direct your reading. It may be very spe- God pretty much figured out. But here’s are the one who manages your fam- cific: I lead my wife as her husband and the thing: You may capture and box up ily’s finances, read the occasional book I can be a better leader by reading Tim the God of Joel Osteen, but then you that provides a biblical perspective on Keller’s The Meaning of Marriage. It may read John Calvin or Jonathan Edwards money (perhaps Randy Alcorn’s Manag- be less specific than that; I lead my wife and are utterly humbled by just how ing God’s Money). If you are a member as her husband so I need to continue little you know of this God. of a church, read Thabiti Anyabwile’s growing in character and holiness and If you do not read, you deny yourself What Is a Healthy Church Member?. therefore I will read The Pursuit of Ho- a great way to learn who God is and Tip: Biographies can be very helpful liness by Jerry Bridges. how he acts in this world. There is no in each of these areas. A biography of As a leader you owe it to those you study more satisfying and more enlarg- a great leader will allow you to be a lead to continue to grow as a leader. ing than this. better leader; a biography of a great Men are leaders and leaders are readers. leader who was a terrible father will So read! Read to grow teach you how to avoid succeeding in Reading is a means through which we one area but failing in another. Read to love initiate and maintain personal growth. There are many ways the Lord shapes While we tend to consider reading as a We read to know God and we read to us and causes us to grow. I do not mean personal pursuit, it can also be a means grow in our ability to honor him in every to downplay the value of sermons, per- of loving others. Here are three ways to area of our lives. There are three kinds sonal Bible study and even circumstanc- love others by being a reader. of growth I want to point you toward: es. Still, books are a very significant Read to understand. I have already Growth in areas of weakness, in areas means of the Lord’s grace to us. said that we should read in order to of strength, and in areas of responsibility. know the Lord better, to grow in personal Identify areas of weakness and read Read to lead development, and to be a better leader. books to strengthen yourself there. This Every man is called to lead in some area This kind of reading does not benefit you may be weakness of knowledge, weak- of life, whether that is leadership in the alone, but also those around you. You ness of character, or weakness of under- home, in the workplace, in the church learn to love your wife better by reading standing. If you have too low a view of or elsewhere. Good leaders are good When Sinners Say “I Do” by Dave Harvey. God, read The Holiness of God by R.C. readers. There is, of course, lots of an- You learn to love your church when you Sproul. If you are struggling with par- ecdotal evidence to prove that the great read Love Or Die by Alexander Strauch. enting, read Gospel-Powered Parenting men of history were readers – find me You learn to love your children better by William Farley. If you struggle with a great man whose mind was shaped when you read Shepherding a Child’s making decisions, read Decisions, Deci- by television and I’ll find you a thou- Heart. That is all important, but there is sions by Dave Swavely. If you don’t know sand who were shaped by books – but a second kind of understanding I want where you are weak, read a book on we need more than anecdotal evidence. to direct you to – understanding other humility. Whatever your weakness, there Help came from Al Mohler and a chapter people. If you are a husband, read Des- is almost definitely a book that answers in The Conviction to Lead titled “Leaders perate, a book on mothering, to better it specifically and well. are Readers.” understand your wife’s responsibilities Identify areas of strength and read to It is obvious that to be a good leader, and challenges. This will help you love grow all the more. Here is where you you need to lead in a distinctly Chris- her all the more. If you are a church push yourself to grow beyond the basic tian way. Mohler advocates what he member, read a book on pastoring to principles and move to advanced works. calls “convictional intelligence” which better understand your pastor. If you are comfortable with Gospel-Pow- he defines as: “the product of learning Read to recommend. You can love ered Parenting and all its principles, then the Christian faith, diving deeply into others by recommending books that move on to God, Marriage, and Family biblical truth, and discovering how to will help them in their circumstances. by Andreas Kostenberger. Move to books think like a Christian.” In other words, This may involve reading books that on the fatherhood of God or books on the best Christian leaders learn truth, will apply more to others than to your- the Trinity that allow you to study the apply it, think like someone who has self. A married pastor may want to read relationship between the Father and Son. been formed by it, and lead accord- books on singleness so he can recom- If you are very comfortable with Deci- ingly. The unavoidable fact is that your mend the best ones to the people in sions, Decisions or Kevin DeYoung’s Just convictions determine where you lead his church who are single (and a single Do Something, go to Decision Making and how you lead. You will not lead pastor may want to read books on mar- and the Will of God which is about five opposite to your convictions and you riage). Reading widely allows you to help times longer. won’t lead better than your convic- people in very directed ways. Identify areas of responsibility and read tions. Therefore, you need to continu- Read toward discipling. Even better books to strengthen you there. Wherev- ally define, develop and refine those than reading books for people is reading er your responsibilities are, find books convictions. Mohler says “When you books with people. When you read that will allow you to fulfill them with find a leader, you have found a reader. books with others, you can let the author greater skill and greater understanding The reason for this is simple – there is be the “Paul” and you and the people of biblical principles. Pastors need to no substitute for effective reading when you read with can be “Timothys.” I am make books on preaching and pastoral it comes to developing and maintain- currently reading The Discipline of Grace
Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 13 by Jerry Bridges with 35 young adults to know, to grow, to lead or to love. Yet to love and pursue, even if it requires and I am reading Galatians For You by for other people reading is no pleasure some effort at first. However, whether Tim Keller with my wife. In both cases at all. Might I suggest that these people it is pleasure or pain, commit yourself I initiated reading these books because would do well to learn it as a pleasure? to read to know, read to grow, read to I knew the others would benefit from it Pleasures can be learned! There was a lead and read to love. (though, obviously, I benefit as well). I time that I hated coffee, but people kept learned to do this from men who took telling me to learn to enjoy it as a pleas- Mr Tim Challies, is a pastor at Grace the time to read good books with me. ure. I learned to drink it and now find it Fellowship Church in Toronto, Ontario a great pleasure. In the same way most and owner of the website Challies. Conclusion husbands and wives can attest that they com, and co-founder of Cruciform For some people reading is a great and have developed common interests that Press. natural pleasure. These people would at one time were not a natural interest. read even if they didn’t feel compelled Reading is a pleasure worth learning
Books in focus
Review of a “New New ered, authenticated, translated, these “new” documents were written in Testament”: Part 1 debated, celebrated. the first century None have any claim Hal Taussig to be original or early And none were Notice that right from the beginning Reviewed by Michael J. Kruger written by apostles. And yes they were these apocryphal writings are described shunned The Gospel of Thomas, for as “lost scriptures.” Thus, it is already example, was widely and broadly con- assumed from the outset that these books demned by early Christian leaders and are scripture, but somehow they have been left out of the canon (no doubt never made it into any NT lists, nor is it by those pesky, narrow orthodox folks). ever found in manuscripts alongside any The problem with this language, of other New Testament writings. Thus, one course, is that the scriptural status of could hardly say the Gospel of Thomas these books is precisely what is in dispute was one of the books that “sparked the If one is writing a volume about why rise of Christianity.” apocryphal literature should be regarded Finally, we read: as scriptural, it is hardly appropriate (or Why should these books be set persuasive) to just assume your conclu- aside? Why should they contin- sion before you even begin. There has been much chatter recent- ue to be lost to most of us? And Next we read the following: ly about the new book by Hal Taussig don’t we have a great deal to gain called A New New Testament (Houghton Many of these documents were as by placing them back into contact Mifflin, 2013) It intends to combine the important to shaping early-Christian with the twenty-seven books of traditional 27 books of the New Testa- communities and beliefs as what the traditional New Testament – ment along with 10 apocryphal writings we have come to call the New by hearing, finally, a full range of from early Christianity As I observed in Testament; voices that formed the early chorus a prior post, there is nothing particular- of Christians? Again, this is misleading Although ly “new” about this sort of project – it some communities no doubt where influ- Here we finally come to the plea for has been tried again and again since the enced by some of these books, they were inclusiveness – a plea that will no doubt time of Marcion. not nearly as influential as the books of ring true in many postmodern ears. This post is the first installment of my the New Testament I have argued else- These apocryphal writings are presented review of this book, with many more where, that apocryphal writings are not to us as the unfortunate victims of exclu- to come We will focus here just on the nearly as popular within early Christian- sion and oppression, and now finally in promotional description on the inside ity as often claimed Thus, there is little the modern day we have the opportunity cover flap This is an unusual place to reason to say they are “as important” as to right the wrongs of the past and let begin a book review, I know, but it is the canonical books. these writings have their rightful place. warranted by the imprecise and some- The next sentence reads: Notice that such language entirely times false statements contained there skips the issue of the historical merits of And these statements serve to frame the These were not the work of shunned these books What matters is not so much entire book. sects or rebel apostles, not alterna- the books themselves, but the principle The inside flap begins with the fol- tive histories or doctrines, but part that no books should be privileged over lowing: of the vibrant conversations that any other This is 21st century relativism sparked the rise of Christianity. Over the past century, numerous at its best. lost scriptures have been discov- Again, this is simply not true None of In the end, the promotional descrip-
14 Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 tion of the book actually reveals a lot express his love, and, after the Fall, to The Secret Thoughts of an about this project While this book has express his redemptive grace. God rein- Unlikely Convert: An English the guise of neutral scholarship, it is, at forces and applies his promises by means Professor’s Journey into Christian its core, a book with a clear religious of his sacraments. Letham also corrects Faith commitment To be sure, it is not the our modern individualism by calling at- Rosaria Champagne Butterfield religious commitment of historical Chris- tention to the corporate aspect of salva- Reviewed by Charles R. Biggs tianity. Instead it is the religious commit- tion. Baptism points to God’s grace to ment of postmodernity But it is a religious households within the covenant com- commitment nonetheless. munity, the church. Now, there is nothing wrong with In “Part Two: What Baptism Signifies,” writing a book that has a religious com- Letham carefully explains the significance mitment But it should at least be ac- of what God does in our baptism. He knowledged when it is done. shows that baptism fittingly portrays the reality of God’s cleansing us from Mr Michael J. Kruger is President our sin. Letham also shows that in our and Professor of New Testament baptism God points us to and unites at Reformed Theological Seminary, us with Christ, in whom God’s grace is Charlotte, NC. In addition, he is an both exhibited and conferred. Through ordained minister in the Presbyterian baptism, God assures believers of their Church in America and serves as an salvation, along with his promises. This “And such were some of you. But you Associate Pastor (part-time) at his home section also includes helpful discussion were washed, you were sanctified, you church, Uptown PCA. of the relationship between baptism and were justified” (1 Cor. 6:11). Have you regeneration, and further reinforces the http://michaeljkruger.com/ thought lately about how great and covenantal household principles under- amazing God’s grace is to sinners? Here lying baptism. The concluding chapter is an invitation to do so once again. in this section outlines the teaching of Rosaria Butterfield, the wife of an A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Protestant confessions on baptism. RPCNA minister, has written an excep- Baptism In the third section of the book, tional spiritual autobiography that details by Robert Letham Letham brings his redemptive-historical her pains, frustrations, emptiness, and Published by Christian Focus, 2012. study to bear on the practical questions confusion in a world of sin and misery. Reviewed by Daniel J. Dillard of adult and infant baptism. He shows Although she was a highly successful, that the children of believers are gra- intellectual woman, and a tenured pro- ciously claimed by God and ought to fessor at a major university, she was in be baptised and nurtured in the church desperate need of God’s forgiving grace as believing disciples, instead of being in Christ. regarded as strangers to the covenant Rosaria uncompromisingly and vulner- and outside of God’s grace. “They are, as Paul says, to be raised ‘in the nurture ably shares the incredibly great power of and admonition of the Lord.’ It is to be God’s grace to a sinner who was caught expected that, given faithful teaching by up in homosexuality. She writes about the parents and church, that through the joys of learning about salvation from the work of the Holy Spirit, they will soon lips of humble Christians who practiced confess their faith and grow in the grace mercy and hospitality, and the fullness and knowledge of Jesus Christ” (p. 101). of hope and light in her soul, and yet This little book will enrich both new the messiness and chaos that can often “Good things come in small pack- and mature Christians in their under- attend seeking to follow Christ in this ages.” That saying is certainly true of standing of the meaning and signifi- world, especially when breaking with the this amazing little book on baptism by cance of their baptism. The style is very past to live a life of holiness. This book Robert Letham. It is jam-packed with readable and easy to follow. The book is a testimony to the power of the Holy biblical teaching on the riches of God’s employs a simple system of symbols in Spirit, the Lord and Giver of all life, as grace in Christ, which are signified and the margins to help the reader remem- he makes Christ known to his people! sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism and ber key points. Footnotes explain some Because of Christ’s powerful grace received by faith. points in greater technical detail and to Dr. Butterfield, the book reveals the The book has three sections. In “Part offer references to more detailed studies, dear, regenerated heart of an affection- One: Foundational Principles,” Letham as does the extensive bibliography. The ate mother who loves her children and advocates what he calls a “canonical” small size and visual format of the book seeks to raise them in the covenant. Now approach, meaning that we must un- add to its user-friendliness. she serves as the faithful minister’s wife derstand baptism in light of the history who honours her husband and family as of redemption recorded in both the Old Reproduced from the OPC website, the church serves Christ (Eph. 5:21–32). and New Testaments. He refutes false March 2013 Now she is the compassionate and caring dichotomising between material and friend who seeks to show the same mer- spiritual. He shows how God uses ma- ciful love of Christ to unbelievers. Now terial signs from the Garden onward to she is the learning disciple, seeking to
Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 15 know how to be like Christ in a fallen May you read, rejoice, ponder, and to those caught up in sinful lifestyles, world of misery. Now she is the con- digest this wondrous testimony to God’s without hope and without God in the fessional Christian who has committed amazing grace. I recommend the wisdom world. Let us never forget when ap- herself to the truth of God’s Word, who here with hopes that it will make you proaching unbelievers: “And such were holds these truths faithfully and seeks more compassionate, caring, and hopeful some of you.” Highly recommended the means of grace that Jesus has gra- in the incomparably great power for us reading. ciously given us to grow. In the words who believe (and those who haven’t be- of another redeemed sinner, “Amazing lieved yet) (Eph. 1:19ff.). I pray that you Reproduced from the OPC website, grace! – how sweet the sound – that will read it to think more deeply about February 2013 saved a wretch like me!” how Christ’s love can be demonstrated
Focus on home Harriet Haverland
his studies for at least the coming year. Congregational Meeting to discuss and Gleanings … Meanwhile, another student, Mr John vote on a motion put to the congrega- Lee, is coming to the close of his first tion to approve the building project we By the Gleanings year of theological studies at Westminster have been discussing for a number of Team: Seminary (West). Indications are that he years. Members voted in favour of pro- is doing well and loves what he is doing. ceeding with a church building project Pukekohe – Pastor John Haverland that would see the entire site cleared Odette De Kock – Auckland th preaches his 3000 sermon on March and a new church facility built on the Presbytery th 17 . present location. Over the next few Yvonne Walraven – Wellington months the Building Committee will Presbytery CHURCH BUILDINGS & complete construction drawings and Frances Watson – Christchurch ANNIVERSARIES Presbytery apply for building consent. Construc- Bishopdale: The building extention was Collated and Edited by Harriet tion could begin in June. The Session nearly completed and the congregation Haverland will be looking for an alternative venue hoped to resume worshipping in their for worship while the new church is own building again by Good Friday being built. (March 29th). MINISTERS AND CHURCH Christchurch: The 60th anniversary of WORKERS the Reformed Church of Christchurch The Auckland Presbytery ministers and was held on Sunday 10th March. We wives (current and retired) gathered on commemorated this in the morning March 11th at the Haverlands’ in Puke- worship service on that day and cel-
kohe for a time of fellowship and en- ebrated with a lunch after the service. couragement. Past members remembered the Lord’s
Wellington: The Rev Andrew Nugteren, blessing to us as his people. Plans are pastor of the Reformed Church of Wel- also under way to hold an event in lington, has accepted the call extended to June which will look back on the past him by the Reformed Church of Toow- 60 years and Lord willing outline our oomba in Queensland Australia. He will plans for the future. preach his final sermon in Wellington on Christchurch – We give thanks for the April 28th; then the family will take a few meeting that was held with our insur- weeks of annual leave in Christchurch ers this past week. It appeared to be before flying to Australia in late May. fruitful and another meeting is sched- Obviously this will be welcome news uled for May 22nd. for Toowoomba but sad news for both Palmerston North: After quite a long Wellington and Hukanui. Please keep process the committee has narrowed RCNZ Home Page can be found on the these churches and the Nugterens in down the external look of the new your prayers. church building. We would very much http:// www.rcnz.org.nz Geelong: Br Luke Scheepers has com- appreciate your input regarding the final in Focus Back issues of Faith pleted his studies at the R.T.C. and has colours and look as the building is some- obtained a degree (Master of Divin- thing all of us are to be proud of as a ity). He is however, on the advice of generous gift from our gracious God. our Deputies to the College, extending Pukekohe: The Session called a Special
16 Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 DENOMINATIONAL The National Deacons Conference was the community and others from the con- The Synodical Forms & Confessions held in Christchurch at the Dovedale gregation who are attending. committee has completed their work Church. They had a two day conference Foxton: Session has agreed with great of reviewing and updating the RCNZ’s on the 26th and 27th of April 2013. joy to recommence the Sunday School forms and confessions. They expect these The South Island Easter Camp was held for the youngsters in our congregation. to be available in printed form to our from the 28th of March to the 1st of April The Lord is good indeed that this is pos- churches at some stage next year. at Mount Hutt Retreat. sible again after quite a number of years. The Youth Easter Camp (age 15+) was North Shore: The LABS (Language As- MISSIONS held from the 28th of March to the 1st of sisted Bible Study) course started with Hastings: Please continue to uphold in April at Karakariki Christian Camp near seven attendees and went very well. All your prayers the ministry of the Doumas Hamilton. The theme was 80’s fluoro. but one indicated that they would be and Hagoorts, together with the two Rev Peter Moelker from Avondale led back the following week. newly graduated students from the Bible the studies. Bucklands Beach: the LABS classes have College: Aisi Kosa and Nawai Renagi. been, on the whole, well attended. The News from the Solomon Islands were CLASSES & COURSES Thursday classes has had about 12 and that Jair and Lauretta Duinkerke had Dunedin is currently running the Chris- 20 students respectively. The potential of finalised all of the adoption matters sur- tianity Explored course. Please continue this ministry is so very real! Please pray rounding their daughter Theresa! She is to pray for the couple of people from for those who teach and assist in this now their daughter in every sense and the Duinkerkes give thanks for this. The family would DV have had a break in Queensland (Brisbane) and while there Jair would have received some medical attention for a hernia. Do you Ruhan Snyders has departed for Thai- have a special needs child or adult? land to spend at least six months working for and with the “Partners Relief and De- velopment” ministry – a ministry based Are you in Thailand and directed to helping the interested in helping special needs people within the victims of war-torn Burma. May the Lord RCNZ? protect and use him in this work. (Buck- lands Beach) Do you COMMUNITY OUTREACH & have expertise in the area of disability or special needs? EVANGELISM Dovedale: The Vege Co-op is well un- derway, with the first order of 10 growing Can you to 22 in the 4 weeks that we have commit to financially supporting a Home for special needs been running. The word is getting out adults? to South Hornby School and the local preschool, and for this we are thankful to the Lord. We are truly grateful for all Are you the volunteers. able to provide some form of employment for Christian CAMPS & CONFERENCES special needs adults? Hastings – Women’s Presbyterial – We would like to “Thank you” for coming last Saturday (2nd March) to the Women’s Presbyterial. It was great to If you can answer “yes” to any see so many ladies attend both Friday night for dinner and the hand pam- of the above questions, we would pering, and on Saturday to hear Jenny Waldron speak on Women Mentoring like to hear from you! Women. We hope you all took home ideas and ways on how to implement The RCNZ Care Services Committee has commenced planning for the them in your own church and in the future care of members of the RCNZ who have special needs and who wider community. We raised $1000 are no longer able to be cared for by their parents or family. from the collection, Op Shop and sale of peaches. This will go towards Jair and Please contact the Secretary of the Committee, Herman de Jonge via Lauretta Duinkerke and Ant and Petra email – [email protected] if you are able to assist in any way. Lagas in the Solomon Islands.
Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 17 work as well as for the students. Many Though it appeared the meeting might of them have very, very limited contact have ended early if we had pressed on with English speakers. To establish this with the agenda, the brothers were un- A tool for contact around the Gospel makes it all willing to forego a break in the pro- the more special. ceedings in view of the bountiful array purity of refreshments provided by Mrs Ally ACTIVITIES Kloeg. It was unanimously decided that 1 of 8 Internet searches is for Avondale: The Men’s Fellowship Break- this matter needed to be attended to inappropriate material. 65% of fast takes place once a month and is before the meeting could resume. children surveyed know how to The meeting received a report from intended for all men, young and old, hide their online activity. Office- the National Diaconate Committee that in the congregation as an opportunity bearers are far from immune offerings received for the Compassionate for fellowship, prayer, Bible study, and in this area also and called to mutual encouragement. Catalogue Ministry and the special Christ- mas offering for the Henry Murray School be above reproach. Having the Bishopdale: The Session met at Lake for the Deaf were both greatly encour- computer in the living room Coleridge for a session retreat to discuss aging. Mr. Joshua Flinn, student for the is no longer enough because what it means to be a disciple and to ministry who will be taking up studies tablets and smartphones mean make disciples of Jesus Christ. Our desire at Mid-America Reformed Seminary later internet access is with you is that we would become more deliber- this year, shared with the meeting his ate about this as a church. wherever you are. Vast hours plans for the year. Mr Pieter van der of time are misspent or wasted Christchurch Churches: The three Re- Wel was re-appointed for another term online tweeting/facebooking/ formed churches in Christchurch had a as Clerk of Presbytery. youtubing, etc. Of course, this combined church picnic at Spencer Park The meeting was concluded at 9:40 nd is a heart issue. However, many on the 2 of March. pm with the Rev Michael Willemse of you will know about Cove- leading us in prayer. nant Eyes already but if not we Reporter: The Rev Peter J A Moelker hope this info is useful. Cove- Short Report of nant Eyes is a tool you install the Auckland Short report of the on your computer/tablet/smart- Presbytery phone. It generates a report of Overseas Mission all your online activity and the time spent online and sends it, The Auckland Presbytery met for its Board Meeting weekly, to a nominated person. first meeting of 2013 on Friday the 1st of March at the Reformed Church of Puke- Since this was an annual planning It is better than a filter in that kohe. Though meeting without three of meeting Presbytery liaisons were present you know someone knows its regular attendees, the meeting was along with representatives from mis- where you are going and for augmented with an honoured special sionary-sending churches in Hastings, how long. The administrator guest in the person of the Rev. Tom Hukanui and Hamilton. Mr. Derek is supplied with a username Tyson of the Orthodox Presbyterian Cressy opened the meeting with a de- and password which they use Church (Presbytery of Central Pennsyl- votion from Isaiah 11, after which we to add them to the account vania), currently serving as stated supply were welcomed by the Chairman, the and which they then use to log of the Reformed Church of the North Rev. Peter Kloosterman. in and download the tools as Shore. MrTyson opened the meeting Some time was spent revising the needed for their devices (You with a reading from Philippians 2:5-8 Missions Policy Handbook, especially can set up sub-accounts for dif- and a passionate plea for us to imitate definitions and guidelines for deputa- ferent members of the family the humility of Jesus Christ; a message tion and furlough for our missionaries so activity is linked to a spe- which was much appreciated. After the on the field. While progress was made singing of a hymn, the Chairman, the it was agreed to garner more informa- cific person). It normally costs Rev. Michael Willemse, welcomed all tion in the interests of best mission policy $8.99 p/m but set up this way it the delegates and extended a special and practice. It was also decided that a is just $2 p/month. Please have greeting to Mr Tyson. special meeting of the OMB would be a look at www.covenanteyes. Church visitation reports regarding held on the 21st of June, 2013 to final- com for far more accurate and the Reformed Church of Hamilton, the ise revision of the MPH. useful info than I can give you. Reformed Presbyterian Church of Buck- The Reformed Ministries Team in This may sound drastic but lands Beach, and the Reformed Church Papua New Guinea plans to organ- this is a huge problem and we of Avondale were presented. After discus- ise another conference in October this believe this is a way we can sion of the reports and a time of mutual year. This will be a conference for rep- assist individuals and families encouragement regarding the ministry of resentatives of all the foreign boards in the matter of purity and use involved in Reformed Ministries. The the Lord among us, the delegates sought of time – Phil 4:8 and Eccl 7:6. the Lord in prayer for wisdom to faith- OMB agreed that the chairman would From the Dovedale Bulletin. fully lead God’s people in imitation of attend; and if it can be done at no cost the Good Shepherd. to the OMB, that a representative from
18 Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 the South Island would also attend this as lecturer at the Bible college and as provide sufficient support for the RCBC conference. It is hoped that the event a minister on the field. ‘garden block’ and ‘photocopier’ appeals. will coincide with the ordination of two Mr. Pieter van der Wel, as representa- The meeting concluded with an op- recent diploma graduates, Aisi Kosa and tive of the Hamilton Session, commend- erational review. Questions such as; “Are Nawai Renagi. These men are currently ed Miss Janice Reid’s valuable missionary meeting procedures clearly defined and completing their vicariates in the Boroko service of more than two decades. The adhered to? Is agenda and discussion and 9 Mile churches respectively. board also noted, with gratitude, the focused on mission matters rather than The Rev. Cornelus Kleyn, a Canadian appreciation expressed by Mr. Derek management? What proportion of the Missionary working with the Rev. Alan Kickbush from HJCB for Janice’s work, agenda should be devoted to strategic Douma at the Bible College, has been training Christian radio broadcasters in planning?” were discussed. suffering from health problems on the South East Asia. The next meeting was set for 10th field. BrMr. Derek Cressy led in prayer Thankfulness was also expressed at this of May, 2013. At 7pm. The Rev Peter for Mr. Kleyn and his family that the meeting for the Lord’s provision seen in Kloosterman closed the meeting in Lord would sustain them in PNG, ena- the generosity of the churches, thus en- prayer. bling Cornelus to carry on his ministry abling the Board to meet its budget and Hans Vaatstra
Dealing with infertility: a man’s perspective
This article does not presume to outline on certain occasions. Some talk of their nerals of younger children. Many might an approach which will be comforting struggle for purpose. Some blame the comment that ‘they had such a promis- to all people going through grief. It will devil. Some blame themselves. Many ing future’ or ‘they weren’t able to ex- also quite likely fail to alleviate the long people tend to find some consolation perience life.’ term pain which people who struggle in the understanding that their loved As Christians we acknowledge that with infertility will go through for po- one had a full life. They may remem- God has planned this pain for us. He tentially the rest of their lives. I do not ber the blessings enjoyed together or has numbered our days. We under- profess to be an expert on this issue or the joy which they brought into the stand it is for our good. We are being to have suffered as long as some. What lives of others. refined for a greater purpose. We are I hope to do is to simply give one man’s This tends to be more difficult at fu- being forced to rely on God rather than perspective about their experience with long-term unexplained infertility. About one in four pregnancies in New Zealand end in miscarriage. These are only the recorded numbers of women who had to be hospitalised or were even aware of the outcome. It has been sug- gested that a further quarter of embryos die shortly after conception. Consider also that roughly one in ten women struggle to have or to keep their chil- dren. Do the number crunching and you quickly realise that infertility and failed pregnancies are very common. Most people understand what it is to lose a loved one yet we all deal with it differently. Some people actively look for support yet others struggle to open up to anyone other than the Lord. Some experience a constant emotional pain and others only experience the pain
Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 19 the work of our own hands. We might the problem will be solved or at least operations. I wanted to remove all of echo the words of the hymn that ’Our improved. In my experience this doesn’t these pains but all I could do was sit in hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ help with infertility. the waiting room praying and twiddling blood and righteousness.’ Or perhaps ‘A ‘Get your wife to hug other people’s my thumbs. Regardless of how strong Mighty Fortress is our God, a bulwark babies … it works!’ ‘Adopt and you’ll my wife may be it does not change my never failing.’ These hymns and many get pregnant.’ ‘Stop eating meat.’ ‘Stop desire to be strong in her stead. I felt others speak of where our true hope and eating beans.’ ‘Eat this root!’ ‘Learn to helpless. This is an awful feeling for a joy lie. Man’s chief end: ‘to glorify God do massage.’ ‘Go on a long holiday to man who feels a responsibility to protect. and enjoy him forever.’ Romans 5:3: ‘… France.’ ‘My friend did it and …’ ‘There Yet men will generally become iso- but we also glory in tribulations, knowing was this woman …’ ‘My auntie’s Scot- lated through their desire to be strong. that tribulation produces perseverance; tish cousin knows this person who saw When people are aware of the problem and perseverance, character; and char- it happen …’ Believe me, if the theory they will ask ‘how is your wife doing?’ acter, hope.’ sounds half-pie-decent it’s been tried and This is not wrong but it does leave us Yet how do you respond to someone hasn’t worked. It may have worked for lonely. We need other men in particular who is suffering because they have been some but the Lord has different plans for to extend support and care even though trying to have a child and the Lord has different people and we cannot direct we won’t admit to it or we don’t appear never blessed them with one? Does your our steps. If only it were that easy. to be having any difficulty. reaction change as time progresses? Is It becomes even more frustrating A comment also on adoption: Almost it different after one year? Five years? when you start to wonder whether your all people who have gone through in- Fifteen? Perhaps it seems a bit hollow to desire for children is distracting you from fertility have considered adoption. The issue is much more complex than the theology suggests. I completely agree that adopting a child has similarities with God ❝ But the Lord has an adopting us into his family and that it is a noble and selfless thing. Nevertheless, intended end even realise that it is much easier to agree in principle than it is to make a decision. though we may not see it. My wife and I are open to adoption but there are some big issues we have The end is good ❞ to work through before we actually go to the hospital and pick up someone tell someone after fifteen years of trying the Lord. At what point does ‘wrestling else’s child. for children that ‘It will happen even- with God’ for something become idol- Consider for a moment: Are we tually because other people have been atry? At what point does the recurrent forcing the issue with God and saying trying longer and they were eventually pain suggest a lack of faith and trust? we will have children no matter what successful.’ Maybe you change your ap- The Lord speaks of children as a his will is? We are making a choice proach and start talking about the danger reward and a blessing. Psalm 127:3-5: here. Most people don’t have to con- of making idols out of earthly things or ‘Sons are a heritage from the Lord, chil- sider these questions. Whether they like the sin of not trusting in the Lord. You dren a reward from him. Like arrows in it or not God provides them with a child could also reprimand them for jealousy the hands of a warrior are sons born in and they must learn how to be parents. or envy. one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose But if God does not provide then what These criticisms may have a lot of quiver is full of them. They will not be is His will? There are consequences to truth in them and in some cases this sin put to shame when they contend with this decision: how will you deal with it may need to be highlighted explicitly. their enemies in the gate.’ when your adopted son tells your wife The frustration for the people who go Many people fail to understand that that she ‘isn’t my real mum anyway!’ or through this is palpable though. As often when dealing with infertility or miscar- ‘I want to find my birth parents’ or the as I pray to the Lord for contentment; riage, it is not only the woman who has adoptive process falls through after you as often as I think I have put it to rest, to go through pain and hardship. A man have already invested your emotions into the Lord seems to keep reminding me is called to raise his family in the Lord. a child. Are you strong enough? Is your of it while I try to forget it. Just like a Just like a wife is made to bear children wife strong enough? Does God’s plan husband who is prompted to remember a husband is made to lead his family; require that we don’t have children for his wife after ten years of her death and not just his wife. It is also a husband’s some reason? misses her once again, the pain caused God given purpose to look after his So where does that leave us? My wife by a lack of children can come when wife though; to be willing to lay down sent me 1 Peter 4:7 the other day: ‘Give you least expect it. his life for her; to protect her. In fact, all your worries and cares to God for The temptation we have as men is to these concepts are both implicitly and he cares about you.’ God will protect try to solve issues. Especially early in a explicitly in the traditional vows we took both me and my wife and cause us to marriage we may end up in some con- as husbands. grow spiritually even through these dif- versation which ends with: ‘Well if you When you are dealing with this kind ficulties. Psalm 23: ‘I will fear no ill for didn’t want advice why did you tell me of issue, however, you take your wife You are with me.’ about it?!’ We tend to take the same ap- to the hospital where she is continually The Lord gives an amazing promise in proach with grief. We will give advice poked and prodded. There are count- Psalm 27:14. ‘Wait on the Lord; Be of with the intention that if they follow it less blood-tests and physically painful good courage, And He shall strengthen
20 Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!’ He intended end even though we may not withdraw for some time alone they are does not promise that he will provide a see it. The end is good. not actually alone. The Lord is with them. child but he does promise that in His I praise the Lord that my wife is pri- When you extend support, do not feel time our heart will be made strong. James marily in His hands rather than mine. I the need to give advice to solve the 5:11: ‘You have heard of the persever- thank Him for his providence in other problem but don’t let that stop you from ance of Job and seen the end intend- areas of our life. And when the pain asking how we are going. And please ed by the Lord – that the Lord is very gets too much we turn directly to Him pray for those of us who continue to compassionate and merciful.’ Job had to in prayer and wait for that comfort. It struggle with this pain and will quite persevere through the difficult times. It doesn’t always come in the first week likely do so for the rest of our lives – was painful and hard and the loss of his or year but it does come. that we will learn contentment and we family lasted far beyond the restoration Please also be aware that when will find rest for our souls. of his possessions. But the Lord has an people who suffer in this way need to Name withheld on request
Praise God in His sanctuary – a celebration of His faithfullness
On the 10th of March 1953 the Reformed gation, but as we gathered for worship ings while seeking His direction in the Church of Christchurch was instituted. at a Commemoration Service on 10th times that lie ahead. 31 adults were present for the occasion. March 2013 we were reminded that we Dr Tim Rott lead the service, preach- Over the next ten years the congregation are still the body of Christ – building or ing on Matthew 13:44-52 and Eccle- worshipped in seven different facilities no building. Jesus is the same yesterday, siastes 3:11-15 – “What God Does until the completion of its own building today and tomorrow. We are still here Endures Forever”. Gerard Haverland in Cornwall Street in 1964. A plaque ce- to glorify God, and should continue to reflected briefly on the 60 year history mented into the foundation reads ‘Praise thank Him for past and present bless- of the church and God’s faithfulness to God in His Sanctuary …’. In succeed- ing years the congregation grew to over 500 members leading to a decision to establish the Reformed Church of Bish- opdale in 1981. Since then the Dove- dale church has been instituted, and a preaching post has been established in Rangiora. That makes Cornwall St church a grandmother! Eleven ministers have faithfully pastored the Cornwall St flock since 1953, the current pastor being Dr Tim Rott. The Lord has blessed and been gracious to the Reformed churches in Christchurch. On February 22nd 2011, in the Lord’s providence, a major earthquake put the Cornwall St building out of commission, and the congregation has been blessed to be able to use the Seventh Day Ad- ventist Church building in Papanui for worship since that time. At the time of writing, the ultimate fate of the Corn- wall St building is not yet settled, though the congregation supports the idea of a ‘clear site rebuild’ if suitable agreement can be reached with the insurer. It has been unsettling for many in the congre-
Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 21 it over that time. After the service, attended by a number of visitors, a shared lunch was provided in the hall. This time of fellowship and reflection was enhanced by a continuous power point slide show of photos taken throughout the history of the church. It was a challenge to young and old alike to pick familiar (and much younger!) faces out from under the hats of the 60’s and the long, often pudding bowl, haircuts of the 70’s. A more formal celebration is planned in June, date yet to be confirmed. Watch your bulletin for details. All welcome to celebrate this joyous oc- casion with us. God is indeed to be praised! Marrianne Reinders
Missions in focus Reformation teaching gaining a foothold in Ukraine
John Van Dyk cal effort, according to URCNA emeri- cording to Rev. Royall, classes have been tus minister, Rev. Dennis Royall, over taught in a local theatre, in rented apart- Donetsk, Ukraine is home to a Reformed the last 10 years the seminary has been ment space, at a facility that combined theological seminary, whose students under the direction of an organisation a school with a church, and finally, last receive instruction and training in the known as RITE (Reformed International autumn, RITE was able to purchase a ministry from visiting North American Theological Education) with branches in partly finished building to both house Reformed and Presbyterian ministers. both the United States and Canada. The its students and to provide them with The result of the work so far is tangibly aim of RITE is to bring “biblical and re- facilities for instruction. seen in five new Reformed church plants formed teaching to students from various According to Mrs. Thea Van Dixhoo- in tough Eastern European soil. Christian backgrounds,” with a view to rn, a member of RITE’s board, rent for The ministers, many of whom come preparing men for the ministry and to the classrooms previously utilised more from United Reformed congregations, equip laypersons for service in teaching than tripled, forcing the seminary to spend two weeks in Ukraine, volunteer- and leadership. relocate. With few or no other rental ing their time with the permission and Unlike the seminary facilities North options available, RITE decided to pur- funding often provided by their home Americans enjoy, RITE has had to scram- chase a building that was only partially congregations. While the training began ble over the years to provide teaching constructed. With the help of finances nearly 20 years ago as a wider ecumeni- space for its growing student body. Ac- from supporting churches, the building
22 Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 was completed and furnished to house wonderful work and I hope that I may “In the early days of the 15th and the students who needed housing. Bunk be allowed to teach there until men from 16th centuries the reformation swept beds were made and showers installed. Ukraine are ready to take over the task.” eastward from Germany into Hungary Rev. Royall, who has made many trips Already the fruits of Reformed teaching and the western part of what is now to Ukraine to teach, explained that for and preaching are paying off (each min- known as Romania,” Rev. Royall ex- 10 months of every year, ministers from ister from NA is expected to preach in plains. “It seems, however, that the ref- North America come to Donetsk to teach an area church each Sunday they are in ormation truth never seemed to scale for two weeks, eight hours each day. Donetsk). Rev. Royall reports that “Re- the ‘Transylvanian Alps’ in northwestern “These ministers teach various subjects formed churches (are) being born under Romania and on into the more eastern in Theology and Biblical Studies,” he ex- the leadership of men who have studied nations that made up the former Soviet plained. “Our student body is made up with us. Indeed, we now find that after Union, including the Ukraine. Now, due mainly of Baptist and Pentecostal men just a couple of years of study with us, to the generosity of God’s people and and women. The women study to be our students, with very few exceptions, the working of God’s Spirit through the effective leaders of women’s groups and give up their Arminian errors and whole- biblically faithful teaching and preaching children’s Sunday schools in their church- heartedly embrace the reformed faith.” of reformed and Presbyterian men, the es. Most of the men already ‘preach’ in their churches,” he said. “The churches in Ukraine do not support their ministers so all of the men who study at the seminary must work at some other job. The Donbass region, (where Donetsk/ Makeevka lie) is a huge coal mining area and many of the men work in the mines.” Translators are provided for the teach- ing ministers. Rev. Al Bezuyen has taught at the sem- inary, and plans to go again this Spring. “I was asked by Rev. Royall to teach in Donetsk at the seminary there, which I have been doing over the past four or five years, teaching the Belgic Confes- sion, Exegesis and Homelitics. “Each time I go I am amazed to see the growth in the knowledge and the ability of the students and the seminary itself,” he told Christian Renewal. “The Gospel is a hard sell in Donetsk which is still very Russian and communist. But Rev. Dennis Royall leads a class in Ukraine with interpreter close at hand. the men labour on. Each year we hear the students becoming more and more sound in their preaching and at present we have four men in churches who have signed on to the three forms of unity and are presently in a loose covenant system together. The need for teach- ing is great since there are not a lot of commentaries and study helps written in Russian from a reformed perspective. Since the Reformation never affect- ed Russia and Ukraine, Rev. Bezuyen said that “the teaching of the Reformed Confessions and the reformed approach to seminary training is eye-opening and life-changing as the pastors and stu- dents learn to understand the Bible in a deeper way.” For ministers considering taking up the challenge, Rev. Bezuyen has high praise for what he has experienced. “The stu- dents are keen for the most part, the translators top notch, the hospitality is wonderful. It is two weeks of hard and The building purchased was partially finished when RITE took ownership.
Faith in Focus Volume 40/4 May 2013 23 reformation is finally breaking into the nation of Ukraine, praise be to God!” Church planting is the next step in the process. “There are works now on-going in reformed church planting in Kyiv and Odessa under the auspices of other ministries,” says Rev. Royall, “and now the work being done through the ministry of RITE (U.S.A. and Canada) in the Donetsk region has result- ed to date in at least five fledgling reformed church plants.”
Mr John van Dyk is the editor of Christian Renewal “A magazine of distinctively Reformed faith and vision”. Used with permission.
Bunk beds in the new seminary building purchased by RITE.
The class having a break for a photo shoot.