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The Synod of Dort, 400 Years of Calvinism

The Synod of Dort, 400 Years of Calvinism

V O L U M E 3 6 | I S S U E 1 JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2019

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The ········································· 2 Men’s Ministry ············································ 12 Why is Important? ························ 4 Youth Activities ··········································· 12 Arminius and His Successors ························· 6 Pulpit Planner ············································· 13 What They’re Reading ··································· 8 Minutes & Actions of the Session ··············· 14 Women in the ································· 10 Treasurer’s Report ······································ 15

The Synod of Dort: The Fullest Expression of Calvinism Pastor Carl Robbins

WRPC is a Calvinistic congregation, known as The . “Canon” is from a unabashedly so. All of our pastors, elders and Greek word for a rule. So, the Canons of Dort are delight in these sturdy truths. What does the Rulings of the Synod of , giving the it mean to be “a Calvinist”? Reformed answer to the Five points of It simply means to hold to the creedal and confessional expression of Calvinism. This is best To briefly summarizing the Issues, historic expressed by the doctrines propounded by the Calvinism teaches: Synod of Dort, which concluded in 1619. So, we  are celebrating the 400th anniversary of the All men are born in sin (Ephesians 2:1- systematic teaching of these glorious, Biblical 6) and are naturally at enmity with God truths (Romans 8:7) The History of the Synod—The Five points of  Calvinism are a Response and a critique of God sovereignly chose to save some Arminianism (named after Jacob Arminius, a men (Ephesians 1:4) before the theologian who promoted these doctrines). foundation of the world , without Arminius was a professor in , looking for any good in them Holland. He penned several works critical of  Calvinist theology, but did not publish any of When Christ died on the cross He was them in his lifetime. After the death of Arminius, atoning for all the sins of HIS chosen 42 Dutch pastors drafted a petition to the people (i.e. His sheep, John 10:11) government asking for toleration and protection of their views. They KNEW their views would be  disciplined in the churches and so appealed to God’s saving grace cannot be resisted the state to protect them from ecclesiastical by the elect person (John 6:37,44), & they come to Christ willingly, because discipline. These Arminians, in their petition (aka God has changed their will. “The Remonstrance”) summarized their deviations from Reformed orthodoxy in 5 points.  Perseverance of the Saints A national synod was called to meet in These redeemed elect will continue in Dordrecht . The Arminians complained that they to the end of their lives (John could not receive a fair trial at such a gathering, 10:28, Philippians 1:6) so the Dutch church invited delegates from Our new (The Psalter Hymnal) Reformed churches throughout to come has “The Canons of Dort” on pages 897 thru 919, as delegates. The Synod of Dort became an take a peek some Sunday when you get to the international council. 90 Delegates came from sanctuary early. Holland, , Germany, Switzerland We don’t attempt to soft-pedal these doctrines and other parts of the continent. What made Dort or ignore them. We are not in the least bit so unusual was the presence of several Ruling embarrassed by these affirmations. We are (i.e. Lay) Elders as delegates. delighted to regularly teach them and persuade After several months of deliberations the men to believe them. Because when they do- they delegates published their findings ; a document

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will be in possession of the absolute truth and they will be given great comfort and hope. The greatest theologians have affirmed these doctrines—from to Jonathan Edwards. Preparing for the The greatest Evangelists have vigorously preached these doctrines, from C.H. Spurgeon to Worship of God D. James Kennedy. The most compassionate orphanage builders have held these truths, from George Whitefield to You cannot prepare adequately just George Mueller. before worship if you are late in The most zealous Missionaries have firmly clung to these affirmations—from John Paton to arriving. At Woodruff Road William Carey. Presbyterian Church we start our This year (2019) we will be frequently referring to our 400th anniversary and rejoicing in our worship service at 9:30 AM, so if marvelous Biblical heritage. you are parking the car at that time you’ll miss the beginning of worship. Pastor Carl Robbins [email protected] Plan to be in your seat, preparing your heart and mind, at least five minutes before the worship starts.

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Why is Calvinism Important? Pastor Dan Dodds

Before my years at WRPC I was the Singles and Doctrine Youth Pastor at a Church in . As is Related to the issue of hermeneutics is that of typical in most churches, the topic of Calvinism doctrines of the Bible. Do we hold to doctrines and Arminianism inevitably arose and before it that are drawn from Scripture or brought to got heated, the Senior Pastor announced that we them? Arminianism, (I would argue) is born from were a ‘Calminian Church’ and that was the end a Christianized existentialism that gives authority of it. Later the members of the Session were to the will of man over the will of God. Man has asked, “Is this a Calvinist church or an Arminian the final say in his destiny – not God. As such church?” Half of the elders said, “Calvinist” and man is granted an that is unwarranted the other half “Arminian.” The questioner shook from Scripture. But this is not the only doctrine his head and said, “You all don’t know who you that is affected; because doctrines are connected are.” to one another into systematic . But why is that a big deal? Why does it matter whether or not a particular church holds to Systematic Theology Calvinism or not? Let me suggest several reasons To systematize Scripture is to look through all why this issue is so important to the church the pages of the Bible and to summarize the based on two fundamental premises of doctrines contained in them. This is what the Arminianism, and depravity. Westminster Confession is: a systematic theology. It contains thirty-three chapters on the Hermeneutics major themes and subjects of the Bible. Hermeneutics is the interpretation of Scripture. Systematic theologies attempt to harmonize the Now there are a number of Scriptures that are different doctrines of Scripture with one another, clearly Calvinist in teaching in regard to men’s and we do so because we believe that there is free will (e.g.), including – but not limited to – both a unity and diversity to God’s Word, Ephesians 1, Romans 9 and Acts 13 (Acts 13:48b reflecting His very attributes. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life But if someone insists that he or she holds to an believed.) If we interpret Scripture using the Arminian theology, it is not just the doctrine of historic/grammatical approach, the meaning of man’s autonomy that is affected, other doctrines the texts is clear, though problematic to the must be ‘shaped’ to accommodate the unyielding Arminian theologians. In order to avoid the assertion of man’s autonomy, including: difficulty, such theologians work hard to Theology Proper, the Atonement, Soteriology, the interpret these ‘problem’ passages to fit the , (), the church, schema of an Arminian theology. But to be , perseverance, God’s grace and faithful to God’s Word, we must not interpret the calling, and worship (think here of passages according to our whims, but rather altar calls) and (many) more. In short, it is not according to God’s intended meaning. To just one doctrine we are discussing here; it is an suspend or modify our approach to entire systematic theology. interpretation leads to all kinds of doctrinal errors.

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Parenting absolutely. People are not basically good – they “Okay, that’s a lot of ethereal, spiritual talk – are depraved, and their actions must be held in what about real life for the rest of us?” Well, it check by multiple authorities (think of the doesn’t get much more practical than the issue several branches of government) and of parenting does it? Those who hold to an accountability (the right of the people to vote as Arminian theology also believe that man’s heart well as term limits, etc.). The system of checks is neutral (through God’s ) thus and balances of the US government reflect an giving him the ability to choose for or against inherent skepticism regarding too much God. Those who consistently hold to authority adhering to any one person or office. Arminianism (and not all are consistent) would But note how many Arminian churches are led thus not believe their children’s hearts to be by one pastor rather than Session; this is a recipe naturally depraved, typically resulting in a for trouble. leniency and lack of discipline in addressing In short, the Calvinist/Arminian debate is not their sin. But note Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is a peripheral or inconsequential debate. It is a bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction deep theological difference that produces a will drive it far from him. And Jeremiah 17:9 The culture in the church. It is not an avoidable issue heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately (contrary to my earlier pastor’s conviction) wicked; Who can know it? because too many other doctrines are tied to it. We thank the Lord that the Session of WRPC Counseling holds unapologetically to the Calvinist doctrines Another practical area is that of counseling. as the best summary of the Biblical doctrine. Avoiding the issue of the heart depravity, Arminian counselors will look to other sources for explanations such as empty love tanks or victimization. But the clear teaching of the Word Pastor Dan Dodds would call a faithful counselor to address the [email protected] issue of sin in the lives of the counselees when it is the clear cause of their troubles (as opposed to counseling the grieved, e.g.). Governing Though we could delve into a number of other examples, let’s look at one more, that of government. This can be either church government or civil government. One of the reasons we have the kind of government that we do is because of the past abuses in the church and the state. Tyrannies never work, and we understand that absolute power corrupts

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Arminius and His Successors Pastor Scotty Anderson

with representatives from outside the . The representatives of In the year 1603 a charismatic and able Arminius’ teaching, led by professor was invited to the faculty of the intended to begin with a rebuttal of Calvin’s University of Leiden. His name was Jacobus doctrines. The Assembly however rejected the Arminius. He was among the many intrepid attempt to to put the orthodox position into an scholars to come out of the school of Geneva unfavorable light and instead required the founded by Calvin, and had personally studied to defend their novel position. under Calvin’s successor, . As a After several weeks of debate, much of which man who was both scholarly and eloquent, he was spent on procedural matters, the had been called on to serve on a commission Remonstrants were dismissed from the assembly. investigating heresy. In the course of his study he The Assembly took up the issues presented, in began to develop certain doubts about his particular the five points proposed by the reformed theology learned in Geneva, Remonstrants, and answered each with the particularly related to the doctrine of Orthodox Reformed and biblical position which . Interestingly enough, Arminius came to be known as the Canons of Dort. didn’t actually formulate his doctrinal position. Interestingly, the reason we have “Five Points of He simply asked questions, raised doubts, and Calvinism” is not because Calvin so summarized voiced those to his students. An older professor his system of doctrine, but simply because those at Liden, Franz Gomarus, got wind of Arminius’ were the main points of the Remonstrants the writings before he came on staff and kept close Synod was asked to rule upon. It could have been tabs on Arminius’ teaching. Gomarus didn’t have much more. the charisma of an Arminius, but he made up for it with doggedness. He made his objections clear The Legacy of Arminius and challenged Arminius, and Arminius wasn’t The Synod fruitfully met for the next six up to the debate…mostly because in 1609 he months and thoroughly answered and refuted conceded by dying. It is speculated because he the five points of the Remonstrants and affirmed was worn out in having to defend his views. orthodox Calvinism. The state went further and sanctioned the opponents of the orthodox view, The Remonstrants condemning one to death and ordering other That was not the end of the matter. Arminius’ Arminian pastors to depart from their pulpits. influence was already widespread and he had Life imprisonment was merited for anyone who ardent defenders among his students. In 1610, continue to preach Arminian doctrine and heavy this circle of followers who came to be known as fines for those who attended their meetings. That the Remonstrants, using what they had from his persecution was short lived, by 1625 being writings, lectures, and asked the Dutch reduced significantly and in 1631 they Arminians Reformed Church to revise its doctrinal were officially tolerated. Arminian churches were standards (The and the organized and continue to the present day (and Heidelberg ). Eventually in 1618 a are vaguely Unitarian) but the real embrace of National Synod was called, actually an Arminianism was not in the Dutch church.

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In the following years various individuals and man-centeredness produces bad worship, bad church groups embraced his teachings but a preaching, bad evangelism, bad counseling, and century later, in Great Britain, bad discipleship. became the real successor and popularizer of The legacy of the remonstrants is two fold. On Arminianism. Contrary to his fellow Calvinist the one hand the provoked and hence produced Anglican , George Whitefield, Wesley the Canons of Dort, a useful and sure guide to adopted and espoused the doctrines of Arminius future generations in how we understand the in the context of his . It came working of our , for which we can be in part from the influence of Moravian and other thankful. But, Arminius and Arminianism should theologians of his day, but his tireless be a constant warning to us. In Hebrews 10:23–24 evangelistic efforts and discipleship of itinerant we’re so reminded: “Let us hold fast the confession in America did more than anything to of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is spread the doctrine. The rest of the culture could faithful. And let us consider one another in order to not help but be influenced by so tireless and stir up love and good works…” We must be ever popular a figure as Wesley. The arrival of Charles vigilant and diligent in our doctrine, knowing Finney in the next century carried the movement that challenges to the truth more frequently come on in a more egregious form. from within rather than from without. And we Now, in our world, Arminianism is more the must remember that knowledge of and rule than the exception. It can be found in confidence in the truth must also be zeal for the virtually every denomination: Wesleyans, truth. Calvinist need to out work, out give, out Methodists, and Nazarene Churches; General, preach, and out live because, not merely our Free Will, National, and the majority of Southern superior doctrine is worthy of it, but because our ; Conservative Mennonites, Old Order sovereign God is. Mennonites, Amish; Disciples of Christ and Churches of Christ; Pentecostals & Charismatics; and in the fringe and cult: the Seventh-day Pastor Scotty Anderson Adventist Church, The Salvation Army, [email protected] Mormons, and Jehovah’s Witnesses. The most common evangelical Christian you meet today will be an Arminian whether they know the name or not. They are not likely to realize that theirs was the fringe and condemned position by the early Protestant church. Are Arminians Christians? Certainly. Thankfully, you’re not saved by your soteriology. You’re saved by Christ. But holding to an unbiblical doctrine has consequences. Arminianism at its core is man-centered. And

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What They’re Reading Reading recommendations from the pastoral staff

Pastor Robbins Okie’s fascination with foul weather and OU Each year I plan to read a substantial work on football, boom and bust oil culture, the work some aspect of leadership. I’ve read classics like ethic, and the dustbowl. Oswald Sanders’ Spiritual Leadership and Al Mohler’s The Conviction to Lead. These are Pastor Dodds considered classics for a reason: they have earned The Web of , W.V. Quine – Quine was not a it through their biblical faithfulness and Christian but he was a respected philosopher. helpfulness. This year I went in a completely Greg Bahnsen (the Christian apologist) quoted different direction and read Leaders: Myth and Quine from time to time and so I was glad when I Reality by retired Army General Stanley found this book. Quine makes the case that we McChrystal. Leaders from different nations and believe not individual, isolated beliefs (like eras are surveyed: from Robespierre to Robert E. marbles in a jar) but rather beliefs that are Lee to Walt Disney to Boss Tweed to Winston connected to one another, like a spider web. The Churchill and several others. There were argument here falls right in line with that of fascinating insights from history but too much Christian worldview apologists who think in concern over being politically correct. terms of systems of beliefs rather than individual, Under Caesar’s Sword: How Christians Respond to unconnected facts. Persecution – The number of Christians killed for The Insanity of Madness, Daniel Berger – I heard their faith grew rapidly in the 20th century and this brother speak and was so intrigued by his has accelerated even more in the 21st century. thesis that I invited him to lunch. It was Well over fifty percent of Christians alive today fascinating conversation. This book is a kind of live in a nation where they receive some kind of summary work; its thesis is that much of what oppression or persecution. This anthology of has historically been considered madness is essays published by Cambridge University Press actually ‘fixed false beliefs’, i.e. NOT what is is academic in nature, containing plenty of currently promulgated as chemical imbalance. analysis and charts. The 15 separate essays go This is an interesting, thought provoking into great depth describing the current (2018) presentation. situation for believers in China, Indonesia, The Cruise of the Snark, Jack London – This is a , , Iraq, Syria, Vietnam, Laos, and great read for those who like books about sea several other locales. For believers who seek to travel around the world written with typical obey Hebrews 13:3, this is a timely and important London humor and rhetoric. book. Unlimited Memory, Kevin Horsley – The author Boom Town, Sam Anderson – I would never gives a number of tricks that can increase your have spotted this marvelous, fast-paced history ability to remember things (including people’s of my hometown (Oklahoma City) if not for the names but please don’t test me…..yet). recommendation of Bill Johnson. (Thanks Bill!) Just as you need to read Red Hills and Cotton Pastor Anderson if you’re going to understand the Upstate of Cheap Sex: The Transformation of Men, Marriage, South Carolina, you need to read this 400 page and Monogamy by Mark Regnerus, Marriage in bio of Oklahoma City if you’re going to grasp an Men’s Lives by Steven Nock. Both of these books

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are thoughtful reminders that as our culture has tinkered with the marriage institution through easy divorce and looser definitions of marriage and extramarital sex more destruction has been wrought than one can imagine. Through both of these books, it becomes evident how much men need marriage and how radically they are transformed by it for the better. We shouldn’t be shocked when God makes this a focal point of only the second chapter of the Bible but you might be surprised to learn some of what happens when people decide they are above the institution. The implications are astounding. Time Out: the Gift or God of Youth Sports by John Perritt is that book I have been studiously avoiding until I could get through the fall football schedule (Would want to be convicted over any idolatries). Actually, Perritt writes with a great deal of balance and insight on youth sports as a both a father and a youth pastor and as someone who enjoys football as much as anyone. Any parent of preteens and teens should read this and not merely those who have involvement in sports. Perritt’s take applies to every activity (academics included) that make up the life of a child and student. He emphasizes the grace that sports are, the stewardships we as parents and student athletes have to exercise with them (health, money, time), and the idolatries we are in danger of that are more measurable than we might want to realize. It’s a good moderating position and should resonate with Woodruff Road parents who place a high premium on church and family and yet recognize that these Practical tip: aren’t the only callings God gives to Christians. Where do you get the finest books for the best price? At the WRPC Library, or on the web at www.heritagebooks.org

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Women in the Church (WIC) Betty Smith, WIC President

start reading – January 24th will be here before we Bible Studies know it! (The location will be announced Our spring Bible Studies will begin in depending on the number of ladies February, meeting every Thursday. Both participating.) morning and evening studies are using Nancy Guthrie’s series, Seeing in the . Prayer Pals The morning study, The Son of David – Seeing We are starting a program for girls in grades 1- Jesus in the Historical Books (Book 3), will be led by 5 to have a prayer pal among the ladies in our Betty Smith in the WRPC gym from 9:30-11:15. church. This program will begin with a social on The evening study, The Word of the Lord - Seeing Saturday morning, February 23, where the girls Jesus in the Prophets (Book 5), covering Habakkuk, will meet their prayer pal. Ladies who sign up for Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, and Malachi, will be this will be assigned a girl to pray for, encourage, led by Suzanne Patterson and will meet in her write notes to, and have fellowship with at home at 7 PM (211 Crepe Myrtle Court, church, and will begin a long-term fellowship Greenville). with that girl. Sign up for this will be at the WIC Signup for both studies will begin in January. If kickoff in January. you have any questions, please contact Betty Smith at [email protected] or Suzanne WIC Kickoff Patterson at [email protected]. Kickoff for WIC 2019 activities will be Sunday, January 27 during the SS time slot. I encourage you to sign up at the Kickoff to serve on a WIC Fellowship committee of interest to you. The committees are Large fellowship groups will continue in 2019. as follows: This was very popular in 2018 with ladies  Baby Showers: Hosts baby showers for meeting at a local restaurant to enjoy a meal and first time moms following the arrival of conversation together. Look for further our children announcements on specific events.  Funerals: Helps with onsite funeral arrangements and meals NEW FOR THE COMING YEAR  Hospitality: Organizes hospitality gatherings throughout the year Book Night  Meals for New Moms: Organizes If you like to read, this event is for you. volunteers to take meals to new WRPC Participants will read a pre-selected book and we moms will meet for discussion led by Wendy  Meals on Wheels: Meets at the Meals Wilkinson. We plan to meet quarterly, with the on Wheels office (15 Oregon Street just first Book Night set for Thursday, January 24 off Augusta Road) each 5th Friday (from (additional dates: May 2, July 18, and October 9 to 10:30-11 AM) to package meals. 22). Our first book is Identity Theft by Melissa This project provides a way to serve Kruger. Go ahead and purchase your book and both our church and those in our

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community in need of food. (This congregation, staff, missions, etc. We typically occurs 4 or 5 times during the also send cards to greet, cheer, year.) encourage, and celebrate.  Mercy Care Team: Organizes meals  Welcoming Committee: Assists in and other care needs for families with welcoming visitors to WRPC by long-term or immediate illness or the extending fellowship and a meal that death of a close family member day in someone’s home. Volunteers are  Military Ministry: Puts together and needed. sends care packages and cards to  Ladies of WRPC Facebook: This is a WRPC members serving in the armed closed group, open only to women who forces are WRPC members. Members can  Widow Ministry: This support system invite other WRPC women to join the for the widows of WRPC seeks to meet group. to share experiences, prayer, and fellowship.  Missions: Provides care and Other WRPC Ministries in need of volunteers: communication with the WRPC supported missionary wives and their Sunday School: Our children’s Sunday School families, including preparing gift boxes, ministry is always in need of volunteers to help making prayer cards, and sending teach Sunday School or to be placed on the sub regular emails and birthday and list. anniversary cards to the family. Our Nursery: We are always seeking volunteers to goal is to help them feel personally serve in our nursery on a six-week rotation basis. connected to WRPC by emailing

frequently and getting to know them and their needs and praying for them. WIC Council Members  Poundings: Hosts events to help soon- Betty Smith, President to-be married couples get started by Tonya Scott, Vice President filling their pantries and encouraging Sandy Robbins, Fellowship them through fellowship Lisa Pitts, Wendy Wilkinson, Pat Boettner, Shelly  Women’s Conference: Meets Perkins throughout the year to plan the annual WIC Conference  Visitation: Visits and encourages WRPC members who are homebound and suffering long-term illnesses  Prayer: This is NOT a committee that you have to sign up for! We meet in the Parlor at 10 AM on the first and third Mondays of each month. You are welcome to come any or every time (childcare is not provided). We use the printed prayer guide to pray for our

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Men’s Ministry Youth Activities Pastor Dan Dodds Pastor Scotty Anderson

Ongoing Early registration for summer camps and  Men at the Gates conferences begins in January! Meets weekly to discuss selected theological books – Tuesdays at 6:30 Senior High RYM (Week #2) AM at WRPC or Thursdays at 12:15 PM at IHOP (Woodruff Rd) July 8-13 Rising 9th grade students through high  Men's Prayer Meeting school grads are eligible to attend. The cost Fridays at 6:30 AM in the church of registration has increased to $475. Please office plan ahead if you want to attend. Because of the cost, we will need a firm registration commitment. Deposits or registration fees Service will not be refundable unless you are able to  Ridge Haven secure a substitute. (If we are unable to get Spring – May 1-4 Week #2, we will attend Week #1 July 1-5.)

 Ridge Haven Fall – November 6-9 Middle School Conference - Ridge Haven July 22-26 Rising 6th through 9th grade students may Fellowship attend. Cost is $300. Early signup begins  Basketball January 1 and closes February 3. Pastor Mondays at 7 PM in the church Anderson will secure registration on gym February 4.  Good News Club Golf Tournament April (TBA)  Camping October 11-12 at Lake Hartwell (family)  Meat and Greet October 17 at the Reeves’ house  Wing Night Sporadic and spontaneous

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Pulpit Planner for January-February 2019 AM Sermons PM Sermons

Jan 6 Pastor Robbins resumes Jan 6 “Ruth Draws Near Her ” examination of “The on the is the focus of Pastor Robbins’ Mount” by expounding Matthew exposition of Ruth 3. 6:22-24, “The Impossibility of Serving Two Masters.” Jan 13 Pastor Anderson preaches a vital message from 2 Corinthians 1:3-11, Jan 13 Pastor Anderson begins a study of “The God of All Comfort.” The 2 Corinthians with “Grace and Sacrament of Holy Communion Peace.” will be served.

Jan 20 “The Sin of Worry” will be in view Jan 20 Pastor Robbins expounds Ruth 4:1- as Pastor Robbins preaches 10, “The Redemption of Ruth.” Matthew 6:25-34. Jan 27 Ruth 4:11-16 is under examination Jan 27 Matthew 7:1-6 is the focus of Pastor as Pastor Robbins preaches “The Robbins’ exposition, “Improper Redeemer Restores.” Judgments.” Feb 3 Pastor Robbins concludes the Book Feb 3 Pastor Robbins preaches “Ask, of Ruth by preaching “Ruth and Seek, Knock” from Matthew 7:7-11 Boaz, David and Jesus” from Ruth as Jesus returns to the subject of 4:17-23. prayer in “The Sermon on the Mount.” Feb 10 With great trepidation, Pastor Robbins begins an in-depth Feb 10 After Pastor Robbins unpacks “The exposition of The Book of Daniel by Golden Rule” from Matthew 7:12, focusing on “The Book and The the Sacrament of Holy Communion Man.” will be served. Feb 17 Pastor Robbins expounds Daniel Feb 17 We begin to hear Jesus draw to the 1:3-21 in a very timely sermon, close of His “Sermon on the “How to Live as a Christian in a Mount” with His application, as Pagan-dominated Nation.” Pastor Robbins preaches “The Narrow Gate” from Matthew 7:13- Feb 24 The supernatural is in full view as 14. Pastor Robbins examines Daniel 2:1 -19, “Daniel Given the Dream and Feb 24 “Known by Their Fruits” is the the Interpretation.” subject of Pastor Robbins’ sermon on Matthew 7:15-20.

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Minutes and Actions of the Session C.F. Marcinak, Clerk of Session

Presbytery and General Assembly Administration  Elected RE Johnson, RE Marcinak, and  Received regular reports from the RE Jobe as commissioners to the winter treasurer indicating that the Lord meeting of Calvary Presbytery. TE continues to bless WRPC financially Robbins, TE Dodds, and TE Anderson  Approved revisions to the Child will also attend. Protection Policy  Received report on the fall meeting of  Accepted the resignation of Billy Calvary Presbytery Witbeck from the diaconate  Approved the church calendars for 2019 Membership  Received the dismissal of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Caton to Palmetto Hills PCA, Long Range Planning Simpsonville  Continue working with the architect on  Received Miss DeeDee Vaughn as a a master plan communing member by letter of  Approved negotiations for purchase of transfer from Westminster PCA, land west of the WRPC church site Jacksonville, FL  Received Mr. and Mrs. Hank Ludwig

as communing members by letter of Christian Education transfer from Midway PCA, Powder Springs, GA  Approved the following adult Sunday School teachers and topics for 2019:  Dan Dodds: Intro to WRPC Shepherding Matters  Zack Groff/Mark Kuo: The  Continued to shepherd the flock and to Parables of Christ visit and pray for the sick  Craig Bradenbaugh/Miguel D’Azevedo: The Attributes of God  Bruce Jobe/Scott Clark: The Christian in the Marketplace  Bill Johnson: Westminster Confession of Faith  Received update on Catekids video project

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Treasurer’s Report Eddie Roberts, WRPC Treasurer

WRPC uses a fiscal year for budgeting purposes that runs April through March. For 2018/2019, our budgeted revenues are $1,300,000 and budgeted expenses are $1,307,872. As of the end of November, total cash on hand is $528,000 which includes a $321,000 operating reserve and multiple restricted ac- counts like the ’s fund and monies for missionaries.

Our financial report through November 2018 is shown below.

If you have any questions about WRPC’s finances, please contact me.

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.”

J OHN 6 : 4 4 - 45

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2019 | THE VISIONARY 15 “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

R OMANS 8:29- 30

The Visionary is published bi-monthly by Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church (PCA). You can reach us at 2519 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, SC 29681 Phone: (864) 297-5257 | Email: [email protected] and our website address is www.woodruffroad.com. The radio program The Presbyterian Pulpit airs at 9:00 AM every Sunday on 106.3 FM and 1330 or 950 AM.

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