VOLUME 63 Number 9 October 2016 EDITION

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FREE REFORMED CHURCHES OF NORTH AMERICA THE MESSENGER October 2016 • VOLUME 63 NUMBER 9 EDITOR: Rev. Cornelis (Neil) Pronk 655 Park Road N., Unit 29, Brantford, ON N3R 0A2 CANADA • T/F: 519 751-4470 E: [email protected] or [email protected] The Editor reports to the Synodical Publications Committee. All unsigned articles are by the Editor Assistant Editor Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes • E: [email protected] Committee Members Hans VanDoodewaard, Secretary P. O. Box 534, St. George, ON N0E 1N0 T. 519.414.0090 • E: [email protected] • Dr. Lawrence W. Bilkes Christ’s • Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes • Rev. Joel Overduin • Rev. Jerrold Lewis reformation • Rev. Robert VanDoodewaard • Mr. Herman DenHollander • Mr. John DenDekker, Treasurer • Rev. David Kranendonk Scripture Reading: John 2:13-17 SUBSCRIPTION RATE Canada & U.S.A. - $31.00 annually for individually mailed subscriptions. The Messenger is published 11 times per year (July & August issues are combined). SUBSCRIPTIONS/REMITTANCES Requests for subscriptions, all payments and inquiries regarding rates, invoices, and all remittances should be addressed to: THE MESSENGER c/o Janey Slingerland, Administrator 18 Chapala Cres. S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 3M4 CANADA T. 403 254-6591 • E: [email protected] ANNOUNCEMENTS/NOTICES MEDITATION All notices for family announcements, obituaries, anniversaries, and non-commercial advertisements for the November 2016 issue should reach the editor no later than Tuesday, October 11, 2016 and should be sent to: lmost 500 years ago, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the THE MESSENGER 655 Park Road North, Unit 29, Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. It was a simple act. Yet, though simple, it Brantford, ON N3R 0A2 CANADA T/F: 519.751.4470 • E: [email protected] Awas done with a burning zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of sinners. Luther FOREIGN MISSIONS saw that the teaching and practice of the Roman Catholic Church was in error, and the great Keep in contact with your missionaries online: www.frcmissions.org Reformer was deeply moved to confront it. Departmental Editor: Mr. Duane Rogers 14 Twaits Rd., Towaco, NJ T. 973.476.0713 • E: [email protected] Go back about 1500 years before Luther, and we see another Reformer. Another simple OUTREACH act; another burning zeal. It is the zeal of Jesus Christ Himself. In John 2:13, we find the Departmental Editor: Rev. Joel Overduin 60 Carmine Crescent, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3M5 Lord Jesus in Jerusalem to commemorate the annual Passover feast. We are told that He T. 905.327.3844 • E: [email protected] “found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS AND OUTREACH CAUSES SHOULD BE DIRECTED sitting” (v.14). In other words, when Jesus arrived, He immediately took note of two grievous AS FOLLOWS: practices that were openly tolerated in the temple. Foreign Missions Mr. William F. Laman, Treasurer All funds should be remitted to: Peter Luth, Financial Administrator Meat Market R.R.7, Dresden, ON N0P 1M0 CANADA T. 519.397.4988 • E: [email protected] The first was a meat market. Now, thepresence of this meat market was in itself commendable. Radio Evangelism The Lord had commanded Moses in Deuteronomy 14:24-26, that Jews who travelled from far Banner of Truth Radio Broadcast Mr. John denDekker, Treasurer away were permitted to purchase sacrificial animals near the temple, so they wouldn’t have 16726 – 80th Avenue, Surrey, BC V4N 0G8 CANADA T. 604.576.8935 • E: [email protected] to transport them. However, the place of this meat market was not commendable. These Home Missions animals were corralled inside the temple, most likely in the outer, Gentile court. Probably, Mr. Bert Marskamp, Treasurer 78 Windsor Dr., P.O. Box 126, St. George, ON N0E 1N0 these markets had started outside the temple, but had slowly edged ever closer to the holy CANADA • T. 519.448.1763 • E: [email protected] building. First, near the gate, then in the gate, and soon inside the temple itself. This moved Refugee Fund James Van der Zwan, Treasurer Christ to act. The place designated by God for Gentiles to worship Him was occupied by a 26829 – 33B Ave., Aldergrove, BC V4W 3G8 CANADA • T. 604.818.3423 • E: [email protected] meat market! If a Gentile, such as the Ethiopian eunuch, would come to seek Israel’s God, he Christian Ministry To Israel was forced to do so in a meat market, with lowing cattle, buzzing flies, cooing doves, clinking Mr. John Wilbrink, Treasurer 8 Weneil Drive, Freelton, ON L8B 0Z6 CANADA money, and stinking manure all around him! T. 905.659.7413; E: [email protected] This was not all; the divinely sanctioned practice had become grossly abused. This meat THE YOUTH MESSENGER This semi-annual publication for youth is under the market had (also over time, no doubt) become part of a subtle system somewhat resembling direction of the Youth & Education Committee of the Free Reformed Churches of North America. Editors: organized crime. Jews who brought their own animals from their home or farm did so at Rev. Timothy Bergsma T. 519.354.3100; E: [email protected] considerable risk. The temple authorities were sharp-eyed and quick to discover even the Rev. Joel Overduin: T. 905-327-3844; E: [email protected] tiniest blemish in the animal, rendering it unusable for sacrifice. They might have said Read The Messenger on the Free Reformed website: something like, “I’m sorry sir; your lamb is unacceptable. But, don’t worry, just over there, www.frcna.org

2 octoberOctober 2016 CONTENTS

02 Meditation: Christ’s Reformation 06 Church News 08 EDITORIAL: Luther and His Ninety-Five Thesis

By Rev. J. Procee 11 BOOK REVIEW: J.C. Ryle’s 200th Birthday you can buy another lamb. They’re all pre-filtered, pre-checked, and pre-approved.” But…they were also pre-priced. Men would pay exorbitant sums of money for these animals, and the high priest’s 12 coffers overflowed every Passover. This extortion is closely connected to the second grievous practice A GOODLY that Jesus noted. HERITAGE (27): Foppe Martin Ten Hoor Money Market Every Passover, the males twenty years old and up were required to pay a tax, or the “atonement 16 money.” This had also been commanded by God to Moses (Ex. 30:11-16). However, the foreign BIBLE STUDY: currency many travellers carried could not be used in the temple: only local coinage, exactly half Studies in John (17) Safe in the World a shekel, was accepted (Ex. 30:13). So, these foreign Jews had to exchange their money. But, this was painful business. The temple money-change managers were well aware that they could get away with charging hefty exchange rates. The foreign worshippers dared not refuse. Their legal fear and 19 superstition, binding them to their religion of works, was simply too powerful. Thus we see the second PEACE HAVEN’S grievous practice Jesus noted. DAY PROGRAM: “The Farm” All this reveals a twisted, selfish zeal in these opportunists. These sellers and moneychangers were zealous for themselves, for their pocket books and for their personal gain. But we also see another kind of zeal in this passage: Christ’s zeal, a zeal for the salvation of sinners, and a zeal for God’s glory. 20 Our 60th Church/ My Father’s House Seminary Day We should understand that Jesus had noticed these things before. He had been to the temple yearly since age twelve, but then His time was “not yet.” However, having begun His official earthly ministry, 22 the Lord Jesus Christ now acts with divine authority. We read in verses 15 to 16: “And when he had missions: made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and Visit to Malawi and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, Take South Africa these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.” What a scene that must have been, as Jesus stepped in and took charge. Single-handedly, He drove 24 men from their stands and oxen from their pens; He flipped over money tables; He commanded dove- ANNOUNCEMENTS keepers to remove their wicker cages, and pronounced His prohibition: “Do not turn my Father’s house into a market-house!” The effects of Christ’s reformation were unmistakable. None of those men could stand before His divine authority. He came “suddenly into his temple…like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap…[to] purify the sons of Levi” (Mal. 3:1-3). When the dust had settled, silence reigned,

October 2016 3 MEDITATION not only in the temple court, but also in the disciples’ hearts! We salvation of sinners marked His ministry. His most vehement read: “and his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal moments concerned this issue. He strongly rebuked His of thine house hath eaten me up.” own disciples for hindering little children (Mark 10:14). He Maybe you wonder: what does this long-ago event in a long- denounced the religious elite of his day for taking away the key gone temple have to teach me? Let us consider two things we of knowledge, and hindering those who were entering in (Luke can learn from this account. 11:52). He gravely warned that offending “one of these little ones which believe in me” would be worse than being drowned in the The Subtlety of Error sea with a millstone tied to your neck (Matt. 18:6)! Nothing and First, this account teaches us something about the nature of nobody upset Christ like those who hindered salvation. error. Error is patient. Its subtleness lies in its slowness. Error is We must learn from this where our priority must be. Do you like a stick insect. It blends in with its surroundings. It looks like promote the salvation of others around you? Do you expose it fits. It moves so slowly, one can hardly detect it. This is how your children to the gospel’s influences more than the world’s? these post-exile Jews got so far from Ezra’s reform (Ezra 9-10). Is your attitude toward Sunday worship positive, expectant, This is how the church of Luther’s day got so far from the and thankful? Does your walk reflect your talk? Would your teachings of Augustine. This is how many churches in our day daily witness lead others to the Savior and salvation? If so, your are so far from the Protestant Reformation. They fall prey, not heart must be a spiritual temple. to the hurricane winds of error, but to the soft, slow breeze of error. Let us be on our guard against wafts of error in our Spiritual Temple churches, our homes, and our hearts. Practically, that means While today there is no temple, God still has His dwelling choosing your reading/viewing material wisely and discerning place. The Scriptures are clear that God’s people are spiritual it by the light of Scripture. Small changes in worship patterns, temples, in spirit and in body (1 Cor. 3:17; 1 Cor. 6:17, 19). This physical props, uninspired lyrics, and even imbalanced was the original purpose of man’s creation, which Christ came preaching can function as a kind of “Trojan horse” to carry to restore, and which will one day be restored fully, as John confusion and error into congregations and hearts! heard the great voice in Revelation 21:3 saying, “Behold, the Let us not esteem ourselves to be better than the Jews. They tabernacle of God is with men” (Rev. 21:3). are set for an example. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take Therefore the Lord also comes to us, just as He came to the heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Without constant vigilance, temple that day. What does He find in you? Does He find the yes, without God’s blessing and preservation, it doesn’t take world burrowed deep within your heart? Does he find a place long before we tolerate practices for which Christ would make where His glory is disregarded, and salvation not valued? Then whips. May He never have to say of our sanctuaries or our you need not just some outward reformation but a radical hearts: “Take these things hence!” change of heart. In Ezekiel 36, the Lord promises to take the stony heart out of your flesh and to give you a heart of flesh. Hindered Purpose Plead with Him for it, so that your heart may be filled, not with Second, this passage teaches us that Christ vehemently opposes pollution, but with prayer and praises fitting for God’s own all that would keep sinners from God. Christ did not drive these presence. men and animals out because a beautiful building was being Or, as He comes, does He find your heart fit for His indwelling? ruined by hooves and manure. He drove them out because If so, He has made room for Himself. Yet, Christ’s purging they hindered the temple’s purpose. In Isaiah 56: 6-7, the Lord work continues, also in your heart, to work out remaining sin speaks to the strangers who would worship in the Gentile court by constant reformation of life. Then, not only Christ, but you of the temple, saying: “Also the sons of the stranger, that join also, as partaker of His anointing, will want to make “a scourge themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the of small cords” and heed the apostle’s command to “mortify LORD…even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make therefore your members which are upon the earth” (Col. 3:10; them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their cf. Rom 8:13). Then, error will be thwarted and the glory of sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall God in the salvation of sinners upheld. Then, at last, by His be called an house of prayer for all people.” Jesus actually quotes Spirit and power, Christ will “present you faultless before the this prophecy at His later temple cleansing in Mark 11. presence of his glory with exceeding joy,” a Bethel-heart, a The temple’s purpose was the glory of God in the salvation “house of God,” fit for His presence forever! of sinners. Yet these marketeers had prioritized sales over salvation and their gold over God’s glory. This is what Christ Pastor John Procee is the minister of the Free Reformed vehemently opposed. This priority of the glory of God in the Church of Bornholm, Ontario.

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October 2016 5 Church News

NIPISSING, ONTARIO CHURCH PLANT (Powassan, south of North Bay, Ontario, off Hwy. 11). Free Reformed Missions International Services are held every Sunday at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM with a fellowship lunch in between, usually upstairs at the Financial Report Powassan Sportsplex, 433 Main Street, Powassan. For up- 2016 has been a slow year for financial activities so far. Transfering funds to AMG to-date information check online at www.nipissingfrc.com and Cubulco along with salary payments to our mission worker, Nico Kattenberg, or contact Pastor Van Doodewaard, 604 Lindquist Line, sums up the activity. Only one cheque was written to pay the air fare for brother Powassan, ON P0H 1Z0; T: 705.724.5070; Dibbet’s trip to E: [email protected]. Africa (see article Please check website for up-to-date service location. about this trip elsewhere in this Address Changes: Rev. Jerrold Lewis, e: [email protected] issue). Income is up a bit compared John Wilbrink, new postal code: L8B 0Z6 to last year but New Clerk: Abbotsford Free Reformed Church – Karl that is mostly due Noordam, 116-45473 Ariel Place, Chilliwack, BC to the tremendous V2R 0K7 • 604.846.8900 • E: [email protected] fund raising activity for Camp All items for the Editor of The Messenger should Canaan by the be sent to: [email protected] Fenwick Young People Society. Fortunately, the Cubulco expenditures are well below budget. Translation expenses are partially covered by support from The Guatemala Bible Society, which is giving greater support this year compared to last year. The bank account is monitored and funds are sent as needed. Nico continues to send monthly finance reports to Canada. These are monitored and received with satisfaction. Interest income comes mostly from Christian Stewardship Services. Their rate of return has dropped from last year so there will be a shortfall on interest. We welcome Dietrich DeKruyff who was added to the board with the intent that he takes over the finances of FRMI. A convenient time to make the transition will be the first of the New Year. This should provide him with adequate time to make the necessary adjustments such as signing authorities. With Christian greetings, William F. Laman

RECYCLE YOUR GOOD USED BOOKS REFORMED BOOK SERVICES will thankfully receive your good used books, specifically books by Reformed authors. Contact Susan Keuning at 905.627.3910; Fax 905.628.2896; Email: 2016 Fall Synodical Committee Meetings [email protected] Thank you very much for the books that were donated!

Host Church: 2016Brantford FALL FRC SYNODICAL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULE - Host Church: Brantford FRC

15-10-2016 17-10-2016 18-10-2016 19-10-2016 20-10-2016 21-10-2016 SATURDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

10:30:00 AM 9:00:00 AM Publications 10 Inter-Church Relations 13 Theological Ed 12 Theological Ed 12

lunch 10 lunch 13 lunch 12

FRC/HRC Elders & 1:00:00 PM Publications 10 Inter-Church Relations 13 Theological Ed 12 Theological Ed 12 Deacons Conference

supper 0 supper 0 supper 0 supper 0 7:00:00 PM Youth & Ed 9 Outreach 11 Church Order 6 Ethics 5

6 October 2016 October 2016

ELDERS & DEACONS CONFERENCE Combined FRC & HRC Office Bearers Conference Saturday, OCTOBER 15. Topic: The Church in Exile • Speakers: Dr. Barrett (HRC), Rev. Moerdyk (FRC) Location: Burgessville Heritage Reformed Church 685 Main Street, Burgessville, ON N0J 1C0 Times: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM (coffee served at 10:00 AM)

Worship and missions are intimately related. Missions aim to see God create new worshippers, while worship declares BOOKS TO FEED God’s worthiness YOUR MIND AND SOUL of the praises of For Catechism Material, Bible Study Guides, Daily Devotions for Adults and Children, Children’s Bible Lessons, and much more,request an Order Form or visit: www.frcna.org all people (click on RESOURCES) Quoted in Calgary FRC bulletin by Rev. Hans Overduin FREE REFORMED PUBLICATIONS 18 Chapala Cresc. S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 3M4 CANADA Email: [email protected]; Tel./Fax: 403.254.6591 • frcna.org Churches and bookstores can be invoiced at reduced prices for bulk quantities of 10 or more. PEACEH AVEN FREE REFORMED ASSOCIATION

PEACE HAVEN Free Reformed Association in Brantford, Ontario operates two homes with assisted living in a Christian environment for persons with disabilities. For more information about either full-time residential care or regular part-time respite care, please contact Peace Haven Director, Margaret Heemskerk, email: [email protected] • cell: 519-770-8816 or Secretary, Jorina Bouman [email protected]

October 2016 7 BEGINNING OF THE REFORMATION Luther and His Ninety-Five Theses

EDITORIAL

ext year will mark the 500th anniversary of the All Saints’ Day, October 31, 1517 Protestant Reformation. Much will be written and It was the eve of what the Roman church called All Saints’ Nspoken about this great event throughout 2017, and Day or All Hallows. The word Halloween comes from All rightly so. The Reformation brought back a doctrine that had Hallows’ Eve, the night before several Roman Christian almost been forgotten by the time Luther was born. He became holy days. Maybe today’s costumes of goblins and spooks God’s instrument to re-introduce it to the Church and via her to are carried over from the time when people believed that the world. The doctrine in question was that of justification by Satan came in the form of little devils and evil spirits that faith alone through grace alone. So important was and is that can be seen. You can understand why we as Christians are doctrine that Luther called it the article by which the church glad to celebrate October 31 as Reformation Day rather than stands or falls. as Halloween. Luther, we know, struggled for many years to find peace 95 Theses on a Church Door for his soul. As a monk he fasted, beat himself, made a Yet important as the Reformation was and turned out to be, it pilgrimage to Rome and spent hours reading the Bible. It began with a rather inauspicious event, involving a monk nailing was while reading the book of Romans that he finally found a piece of paper or parchment to a door somewhere in Germany. peace. “The just shall live by faith…. For by faith are ye But as insignificant as this act seemed to be, the sound of saved, and not by works”--not through the church or the a hammer pounding on a wooden church door marked the words of the church, not through works of men or papers of beginning of the Reformation that God had been preparing. indulgence--but only through Jesus Christ and by faith in Martin Luther never dreamed that by doing this he was ushering Him. As professor at the University of Wittenberg, Martin in one of the most important changes in the history of the world. Luther now began to teach these newly discovered truths. He went from the monastery where he taught in Wittenberg, The Ninety-Five Theses Luther had nailed to the church Germany, to the Castle Church on the other end of the city and door soon were printed and spread far and wide. People read nailed a list of Ninety-Five Theses or statements to the church and believed them, and they stopped buying indulgences. door. His reason for doing this was to call attention to something The pope excommunicated Luther from the Roman Church that greatly bothered him. He believed that he had to speak out and his writings were burned in a public bonfire. against the “practice of buying forgiveness” for sins. He wanted to stop his people from buying indulgences from a monk named A Sampling of Luther’s Theses Tetzel who was “selling forgiveness,” as directed by the orders Everyone of the statements or propositions that Luther wrote of the pope. The practice of selling indulgences was a scheme to are important and worth reading. Here are a few samples. make money for St. Peter’s cathedral, which was built in Rome. Luther’s first thesis was: “When our Lord and Master Jesus

8 october 2016 Christ said, Repent, He willed the entire life of believers to firmly, “My conscience has been taken captive by the Word be one of repentance.” Here the teaching of indulgences, of God. I cannot revoke anything, nor do I wish to, since to the idea that once you have paid your money and got your go against one’s conscience is neither safe nor right. Here I indulgence all is well and that you are done with repentance, stand, I can do no otherwise. So help me, God, Amen.” is attacked head-on. If friendly Prince Fredrick of Wittenberg, Germany, had not Thesis 32 is also important in this connection: “Those who ordered his soldiers to kidnap Luther and hide him, Luther believe that they can be certain of their salvation because certainly would have been killed. Hidden in the Wartburg they have indulgence letters will be eternally damned, Castle for a year, he wrote a catechism book still used in together with their teachers.” Lutheran churches today. He also translated the Bible into And what about this one? Thesis 36: “Any truly repentant ordinary German so that all the people of Germany could Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt read it. even without indulgence letters.” Again, listen to Thesis 62: “The true treasure of the Church Other Accomplishments is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.” Luther We remember Luther for other things too. He wrote many is reminding the pope here that this is the true treasure of hymns. Two of his best-known hymns are the militant song, the Church, not some supposed accumulated treasure made “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” and the children’s Christmas up of the good works of the saints. carol, “Away in a Manger.” We will also look at Theses 94 and 95: “Christians should He wrote many books as well. He became the leader of be exhorted to be diligent in following Christ, their Head, a whole new group of churches that broke away from the through penalties, death and hell; and thus be confident of church of Rome which call themselves Lutheran. Germany entering into heaven through many tribulations rather than became filled with these churches, and many German princes through the false security of peace.” This false security of made the Lutheran faith the official religion of their state. peace, of course, referred to the peace that these poor ignorant Lutheran churches are now found all over the world. people expected to receive as the result of purchasing these Above all, Luther stood for three things that were the heart worthless pieces of paper. of the Reformation:

The Diet at Worms 1. The Bible is the final authority for all. It is above popes In 1521 Luther was called to the city of Worms to stand before and councils. the emperor at an important meeting of princes called a Diet. 2. We are saved only by faith in Christ. We cannot add He was ordered to give up his teachings. But he answered anything to His work by our works and prayers or money.

october 2016 9 EDITORIAL

3. Every Christian can pray directly to God. Because Christ the teachings of Scripture and were justified by faith in has opened the way, the believer does not need saints or Jesus Christ, the only Saviour. Members of these churches priests or any other person to intercede for him or her are heirs of this great Reformation. May we also be truly when they pray. spiritual heirs of this great Reformation!

Martin Luther struck the opening blow of the Reformation. Note: For a helpful overview of the history and significance There were other great leaders in the Reformation, who of the Reformation, read Rescuing the Gospel: The Story and formed Reformed and Presbyterian churches. With them Significance of the Reformation by Erwin W. Lutzer, on the multitudes of people in many lands by God’s grace accepted Reformed Book Services advertising page.

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10 october 2016 BOOK REVIEW J.C. RYLE’S 200TH BIRTHDAY n the year Charles Spurgeon died (1892), many biographies were written to Accessible Icommemorate his life and legacy. Less than half that have been written to Murray does an excellent job explaining various remember the ministry of the “Anglican Spurgeon”—Bishop John Charles Ryle. aspects of Ryle’s historical and ecclesial context. For He was born in 1816 and died in 1900. But like Spurgeon’s, Ryle’s writings are not non-Brits in general and non-Anglicans in particular, forgotten and most of his major works are in print today. Ryle is loved for his gospel- Ryle’s world can be somewhat inaccessible. Few non- oriented, direct, serious, uncomplicated and Bible-centred approach. A recent book Anglican evangelicals have ever read the Book of Common Prayer; even fewer are by prolific author, Iain Murray, explains who this Anglican bishop was and why he familiar with the debates surrounding its history, interpretation, and relationship wrote as he did. Editor. to other church formularies. Murray fills in the contextual gaps with clarity and simplicity. For example, in the third chapter he provides a concise explanation J.C. RYLE: Prepared to Stand Alone by Iain H. Murray. Published by Banner of of the theology and history of the Oxford Movement, as well as an illuminating Truth Trust, Edinburgh, UK, 2016; softcover and hardcover editions. Available discussion about the evangelical roots of many of its leaders. And in chapter from Reformed Book Services in Brantford, Ontario, and Reformation Heritage six he discusses the place of Ryle’s popular works within the larger evangelical Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan. publishing strategy. Thanks to Murray’s attention to contextual details, Ryle’s world and place within it becomes much more intelligible. Introduction Although one of the most widely read evangelical authors of the Personal nineteenth century, Ryle’s writings lost influence after his death. The world Murray’s work is the most personal treatment of Ryle to date. Ryle had the had moved on, as was supposed. Then, fifty years later a ‘rediscovery’ began. reputation for being unsocial, reserved, remote, and aloof. It originated, according Research on his life was accomplished by able authors, and from a new to his son Herbert, with his High Church opponents who sought to “destroy his wealth of material Iain Murray has put together a compelling biography. Ryle position by detraction,” and was reinforced by his reputation as a controversialist. believed in definite doctrine, in a message which does not adjust to the times, Unfortunately for Ryle and his legacy, this reputation has managed to stick for in revival, and in the living Christ. He knew that all the great turning points of more than a century. Those who knew Ryle best, however, knew this accusation church history have been attended with controversy, and that ‘there are times was simply untrue, as their writings attest. Even some of his most determined when controversy is not only a duty but a benefit.’ J.C. Ryle’s life is convincing ritualistic opponents in Liverpool grew to love him, as Murray points out. This evidence that Christianity stands or falls depending on its relation to the biography should finally put this criticism to rest. The Ryle of Murray’s work is a word of God and to the Holy Spirit. That he is being read widely again at the loving father, devoted husband, concerned pastor, and even-handed bishop. In present time gives hope of better days. short, he’s just the man his children, friends, clergy, and many of his opponents Many are familiar with Murray and his works. He has written biographies remembered him to be. This, perhaps, may be the single greatest achievement of some of the great evangelical leaders of the past three centuries, including of the work. John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, John Murray, and a magisterial two-volume life Revealing of Martyn Lloyd-Jones. He has also written a number of popular historical works Murray highlights aspects of Ryle’s life and thought that often go unappreciated on revival, Puritanism, Scottish Christianity, and 20th-century evangelicalism. If or unnoticed. One such example is Ryle’s love of Puritanism. Murray devotes you’ve enjoyed those works, you’ll surely welcome J. C. Ryle: Prepared to Stand an entire chapter to the subject, arguing that Ryle gained more from Puritan Alone. authors than from any other source. His love for the Puritans is all the more (From the Banner of Truth Trust website, Sept. 14, 2016: https://banneroftruth.org/ remarkable when it’s remembered they were regarded by many churchmen— us/store/history-biography/j-c-ryle) including evangelicals—as traitors, regicides, and enemies of episcopacy and the establishment. Readers who share Ryle’s enthusiasm for English Puritans will Storyline appreciate this unique focus. The main contours of Ryle’s life and thought have been sketched by previous Another unnoticed aspect of Ryle is his relationship with his son, Herbert biographers such as M. Guthrie Clarke (1947), G. W. Hart (1963), Peter Toon Edward Ryle. Herbert was his father’s favourite son and, for a time, looked as if he’d and Michael Smout (1976), Marcus Loane (1983), Eric Russell (2001), J. I. Packer follow in his father’s spiritual footsteps. Like many of his generation, however, he (2002), and Alan Munden (2012). Ryle was born and raised in a wealthy but embraced higher critical views of the Old Testament and departed from the “old unspiritual home. He distinguished himself academically and athletically at path” of plenary verbal inspiration. As a result, Herbert could no longer serve his Eton and Oxford. He experienced an evangelical conversion in his final year at father as an examining chaplain and had to be dismissed. Murray deserves high university, the account of which has achieved a semi-legendary status among praise for drawing attention to their relationship and theological differences. evangelicals. Not only is it essential to understanding the last decade of Ryle’s life, but it also Shortly thereafter, his father’s bankruptcy ruined the family, ended his highlights, in a very personal way, what was taking place on a large scale within political career before it started, and forced him into the ministry of the British Christianity. Church of England. Although he initially became a clergyman because he felt “shut up to it,” Ryle quickly gained a reputation for being a powerful Welcome Addition preacher, diligent pastor, popular author, and effective controversialist. He rose Murray’s work is an excellent introduction to the famed Anglican bishop’s life through the evangelical ranks to become the undisputed leader and party and work. It’s ideal for those generally unfamiliar with the man and his times. spokesman—the first to hold that distinction since Charles Simeon (1759– And those who know him well will appreciate Murray’s unique emphases, 1836). He became the first Bishop of Liverpool in 1880 at an age (64) when contextual sensitivity, and focus on the man. J. C. Ryle: Prepared to Stand Alone is a many clergymen contemplate retirement, and served as the chief pastor of the welcome addition to the all-too-short list of Ryle biographies, and a fitting tribute second city of the British Empire until his death in 1900. to the First Bishop of Liverpool on his 200th birthday. While Murray follows the main storyline of Ryle’s life, he does more than merely cover the same ground as previous biographers. There are two enjoyable chapter- By Ben Rogers (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) who did his length digressions on Ryle’s love of Puritanism and the abiding emphases of his doctoral work on J. C. Ryle. From The Gospel Coalition website, May 10, 2016: www. teaching. Murray includes two valuable appendices as well. thegospelcoalition.org/article/book-reviews-jc-ryle-iain-murray

October 2016 11 A GOODLY HERITAGE ( 27 ) Dutch-American Secession Theologian: Foppe Martin Ten Hoor

CHURCH HISTORY By Rev. C. Pronk, Editor

In his book, American Secession Theologians on Covenant and that he held fundamentally different views on the nature, and Baptism, the author, Dr. Jelle Faber discusses the essence and task of the church, the way of salvation, and many covenant views of seven Christian Reformed theologians other subjects. In this chapter the focus will be on his view of the and their influence on Secession theology both in Ameri- covenant and related matters. Ica and the Netherlands. In our last instalment (The Messenger: Like Hulst and other Secession theologians in the CRC, Ten June 2016), we looked at one of these influential church leaders, Hoor was a convinced infralapsarian and therefore opposed namely Rev. Lammert Hulst. We will now turn to another promi- to the notion of a covenant made only with the elect. In his nent defender of Secession principles, Rev. F.M. Ten Hoor. Compendium, he argues against the idea that we cannot abstractly deduce the doctrine of the covenant of grace from His Life the doctrine of election. Just as we cannot proceed from God’s Foppe Martin Ten Hoor was born in 1855 in Haulerwijk in hidden will in our volitions and actions, we cannot proceed the province of Friesland, the Netherlands, and ordained to from His hidden counsel or decrees either when it comes to our the ministry in 1880 following his theological studies at the thinking and reasoning. Theological School of the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk at The only knowledge we have access to in this life has been Kampen. After serving three congregations for a combined period revealed to us in Holy Scripture. What we know about God’s of sixteen years in the Netherlands, he was called by the Oakdale decrees is what the Word of God teaches us. As far as the doctrine Park Christian Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan, a of election and the doctrine of the covenant are concerned, we call he accepted in 1896. In 1900, the Synod of the CRC appointed cannot go beyond what the Scriptures teach, even though we may him to the chair of dogmatics and ethics. Ten Hoor retired in never fully understand how these two are related to each other. 1924 and died ten years later, in 1934, the centennial year of the Secession whose principles he so dearly loved and which he had The Covenant of Grace and Election ably defended for many years. According to Ten Hoor, the covenant of grace is closely related to As we saw in the previous article, Ten Hoor had already election. But we also need to recognize an important distinction become well-known in the Netherlands as a leading critic of between the two. The connection consists in this that the covenant Kuyper’s theology, mainly through his articles in De Vrije Kerk of grace is the way or the means whereby God executes the decree (The Free Church), a periodical dedicated to the exposition of election. The decree of election becomes reality when the elect and defense of Secession principles. In America, he continued sinner is effectually called and regenerated. his polemic against Kuyperianism (or Neo-Calvinism) in De But there is also a distinction. The decree of election, like all Gereformeerde Amerikaan (Reformed American), the journal God’s decrees, belongs to the works of God within Himself (opera of the Confessional party in the Christian Reformed Church. Dei ad intra), while the covenant of grace belongs to the works He also wrote a textbook on systematic theology, Compendium of God outside of Himself (opera Dei ad extra). In election, der Gereformeerde Dogmatiek (Compendium of Reformed man is completely passive, but in the covenant of grace he is or Dogmatics). becomes also active. Election determines only who will be saved; Ten Hoor was convinced that Kuyper’s system of thought the covenant of grace represents the way or the means whereby marked a radical departure from classic Reformed theology the elect will attain to salvation. The covenant as a historically

12 october 2016 By Rev. C. Pronk, Editor existing salvation institute comprises more than elect persons. and birth; thus from eternity. They do not need to be born again According to Scripture there are also non-elect persons in the by or through the Word because they are already regenerated covenant (Gen. 17:7-11,23). immediately, i.e., without or apart from the Word. In this view, the elect are considered as justified from eternity Distinction Between a Legal Bond and the Fellowship of and regenerated from birth. Consequently, the ground for baptism Life and for the promises of the gospel are not the fruit and result of Ten Hoor sees the covenant as a legal bond (rechtsverbintenis) the historically existing and functioning covenant of grace, but and as a fellowship of life (levensgemeenschap). As a legal bond, something that precedes it. According to Kuyper, the means of God enters a relationship with man, the sinner, and promises grace do not bring spiritual life into existence, but they bring it him salvation through Christ. That promise gives him the legal to consciousness. In other words, the purpose of the covenant right to the redemption accomplished by Christ. But having the established in history, is not to communicate spiritual life, but promise objectively does not yet mean possessing the content of only to bring it to manifestation. It is the means whereby God the promise subjectively. The latter takes place when the Holy announces or declares what He has already communicated to His Spirit applies the salvation Christ has accomplished to the sinner. elect and serves to assure them of this fact in an ever-increasing When that happens the legal bond becomes a fellowship of life. measure. For Ten Hoor and the other Secession leaders the promise of Ten Hoor completely rejects this view. There is no room the covenant of grace constitutes its essence, while for Kuyper here for an objective covenant relationship that precedes a and the supralapsarians the covenant is about the fellowship of subjective and spiritual realization and appropriation. The life or the saving relationship of the elect sinner with the Triune objective covenant promise in this scheme cannot be the God. ground for baptism either. The essence of the covenant is seen Ten Hoor does not deny that fellowship of life or communion as the subjective realization of it in the lives of the elect and with God is the goal and objective of the legal covenant bond. regenerate. Consequently, according to Kuyper’s view, baptism He cautions that these two aspects of the covenant should not be should be administered only to those known to be or presumed separated from each other. We must distinguish between them, to be in the covenant in this subjective and saving sense. Where but we should also realize that the promise of saving fellowship such a covenant relationship does not exist, the sign and seal of is of primary importance. Why? Because that promise contains the covenant may not be administered. everything that we need for salvation, including regeneration, faith and repentance and comes to us not as elect sinners, but as Ten Hoor’s View on Conditions in the Covenant lost sinners who by nature lie under divine wrath. Ten Hoor insists that a covenant relationship does exist between God and believers and their seed, but he cautions that being in Kuyper on Justification from Eternity and Immediate the covenant is no guarantee of salvation. Only those who come Regeneration to faith and repentance will be saved. These are the conditions According to Kuyper, the saving graces, justification and in the covenant of grace, although Ten Hoor prefers to speak regeneration, are not bestowed on sinners in time, but they of requirements because the term conditions can easily be possess these graces, be it in seed form, prior to their conception interpreted in an ‘Arminian’ way.

october 2016 13 CHURCH HISTORY

He does not agree either with those who teach that only the a sinner and not as already regenerate, capable of exercising faith. covenant of works includes both promises and requirements and On the contrary, says Ten Hoor, when God promises that He is that the covenant of grace contains only promises. This is not true, our God and the God of our seed, His purpose is not to convince he insists. Both covenants include promises and requirements, us that we are already born again and justified in His sight, but with this difference, that in the covenant of works the requirement that He is willing to make us partakers of His salvation which precedes the promise and must be fulfilled by man in his own begins with regeneration. The point Ten Hoor is making here is strength, whereas in the covenant of grace the promise precedes that the blessings of salvation are communicated by means of the the requirement. The covenant member receives the legal right to covenant of grace and these blessings are addressed to us as lost the blessing of the covenant by way of the promise and is enabled sinners and not as those who are already in a state of grace or to fulfill the covenant requirement through strength supplied by assumed to be so from birth. God’s grace. The promise as such brings with it the responsibility to believe God’s Promise: The Essence of the Covenant this promise. When God promises something to man, he is obliged According to Ten Hoor, the essence of the covenant of grace is the to believe it. A person who does not believe God’s promise does promise of relationship and the goal is the appropriation of its not believe in the God who makes the promise. God never saves gracious benefits through the Holy Spirit. To put it another way: anyone without first promising to do so. God’s promise is: ‘I am the promise relationship or the legal bond is the most important your God and the God of your seed.’ This promise comprises the aspect of the covenant, but its purpose or goal is the communion whole of redemption from beginning to end, not only justification, or fellowship of life. This goal, however, is not reached in all sanctification and glorification, but also regeneration, faith and members of the covenant because Scripture makes it abundantly conversion. clear that there are also non-elect children of believers within the This promise and the requirement to believe it come to man as covenant community who may remain in it all their lives without Organ and Panflute Concerts October 26 November 1 Bethel Christian Reformed Church St Andrew's Presbytarian Church Corner of Wwy 11 and Township Rd 381 67 Victoria Ave., Belleville ON Saskatoon SK Time: 7:30 pm Time: 7:30 pm Info: 613-968-8998 Info: 306-382-0714 November 2 October 27 Abundant Life Reformed Church Providence Canadian Reformed Church 475 Lafayette Ave., 12905 122 Ave., Edmonton AB Wyckoff New Jersey U.S.A. Time: 7:30 pm Time: 7:30 pm Info: 780-458-3470 Info: 973-699-2540 or 937-471-7506

October 28 November 3 Neerlandia Canadian Reformed Church Maranatha Free Reformed Church Downtown Neerlandia, AB 1114 Old Mohowk Rd., Ancaster ON Time: 7:30 Time: 7:30 pm Info: 780-674-4502 Info: 905-289-426-1630 November 4 October 29 Mountainview Christian Reformed Church Trinity Reformed Church with quest organist Christopher Dawes. 1100 40 Ave. North, Lethbridge AB 290 Main str. East, Grimsby ON Time: 7:30 pm Time: 7:30 pm Info: 403-308-9866 Info: 905-309-0853 October 31 November 5 Holland Christian Homes ANDRE KNEVEL, Organ Pilgrim Canadian Reformed Church 7900 McLaughlin Rd., Brampton ON 266 High Street, London ON Time: 8:30 pm LISELOTTE ROKYTA, Panflute Time: 7:30 pm Info: 905-459-3333 Info: 519-455-8569

14 october 2016 coming to saving faith. The latter are only externally and also learned much from another American Secession theologian, not internally in the covenant. Ten Hoor, however rejects namely William Heyns. It is to him that we will turn in our next the distinction between an external and internal covenant. instalment, D.V. For him there is only one covenant of grace to which one can be related either outwardly and legally or inwardly and Resources: savingly. F.M. Ten Hoor, Compendium der Gereformeerde Dogmatiek. In light of the above it comes as somewhat of a surprise to A. Kuyper, Dictaten Dogmatiek. read Ten Hoor’s definition of the covenant. “The covenant of J. Faber, American Secession Theologians on Covenant and grace,” he writes, “is the alliance between the offended God Baptism. and the offending but elect sinner, in which God promises salvation by way of faith in Christ, and the sinner accepts this in a believing manner.” HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL invites applications for the following teaching positions for the 2016/2017 academic year: Part-time Faber ascribes this definition to the influence of Elementary Teachers. We seek: Qualified applicants who seek to Geerhardus Vos on Ten Hoor. Faber may well be right. Vos serve Jesus Christ in the area of Christian education and who submit was not a Secession theologian in the strictest sense of that to Holy Scripture as confessed in the Reformed creeds; committed term, but leaned more in the direction of Kuyper and his professionals who positively lead students to a life of dedicated service to our Lord; enthusiastic, dedicated rookies or seasoned veterans supralapsarian view of the covenant made with the elect. looking for a positive change. How to join us: Submit a résumé, with It is interesting to read, however, how Ten Hoor arrived a statement of your philosophy of education, a statement of faith, and at this seemingly supra view of the covenant. Referring to references, including one from your current pastor. Please forward Abraham with whom God made His covenant, he writes: inquiries and/or applications to: Mr. Brian C. Bosch, Principal; email: According to Genesis 12:1-8 God had entered into a [email protected] relationship of command and promise with Abraham and Abraham with Him. Thus Abraham already possessed the contents of the covenant promise before God entered into a formal covenant relationship with him. He had already believed the promise that God was his God. This faith Christian Counselling Centre’s Annual Fall Conference 2016 was a gift of the covenant and now the covenant had to be established formally as an historical institution, which Staying Connected In A needed to be continued throughout the coming generations. This could only be done with someone who already Disconnected World possessed saving faith. Such faith was required in order for Abraham to understand the meaning of the covenant and to accept the promises on behalf of his seed and to hand it over to his descendants. It was for this reason that Ten Hoor spoke of the “offending but elect sinner,” as the party with whom God entered His gracious covenant relationship. That Abraham was elect was proved by his faith and, of course, this is still true of everyone who shares his faith (Gal. 3:7). Although Ten Hoor joined the Union of the Secession and Doleantie Churches in 1892, he remained a strong opponent of the leader of the Doleantie, Dr. Abraham Speakers: Saturday October 22 9:00 a.m-3:30 p.m. Kuyper. His Secession theology became an important Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman - URCNA Pastor Location: Rehoboth United Reformed Church resource for professors and students at the Theological Topic: God’s Connection with Us 77 Glancaster Road, Ancaster ON

School of the continuing Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerken Kevin Hoogstad - CCC Counsellor Topic: Connecting With Others Early Registration: Before Oct 1st $30 in the Netherlands (CGKN) in their effort to formulate their Late Registration $40 position over against the neo-Calvinism of Kuyper and his Brian Schoustra - CCC Counsllor Topic: Connecting With Communication To Register: Go to our Website: followers. Inge Devisser - Teacher http://www.christiancounsellingcentre.ca/ All our Free Reformed founding ministers, being graduates Topic - Connection and Culture from Apeldoorn, were taught Ten Hoor’s theology. But they

october 2016 15 scripture READing: John 17 STUDIES IN JOHN (17) Safe in the World

BIBLE STUDY DR. G.M. BILKES

ow will it ever be possible for the people of God to make the temptation. But Adam failed and so he could never rightly pray it safe through the tumultuous waves of sin, sorrow, this prayer. Glory was taken from him and all his descendants Hand Satan? Many times we wonder how the church can after the fall in paradise. The man, Adam, had failed to glorify continue despite the attacks and the sin around and in us. It is God, and therefore he and his descendants, failed in the purpose an absolute impossibility from man’s side. Only from God’s side for which they were made. can it be explained. And specifically, this miracle of preservation On the basis of the work that He will accomplish Christ prays: is grounded in the work and prayer of Christ, the Mediator. He “Glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee” (v. 1). The glorified His Father on the earth, and on the basis of His work He Father and the Son will now be glorified by the work of Christ and has earned a complete redemption for all times and places. His sacrifice for the sinful world. However, the Son cannot glorify In this chapter Christ prays as the Son of God in our nature, Himself, but the Son will glorify the Father, and the Father will the second Adam, the Lord of heaven. His prayer is gloriously glorify the Son. answered in the glorification of Himself and the final, eternal While Christ is praying for the Father to glorify Him, He shows glorification of all His people of all times and places. In fact, this us what it means to truly live. “This is life eternal, that they might is the focus of the whole prayer: He asks for this glory of God know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast for Himself (vv. 1-5), for His disciples (vv. 6-19), and for all His sent” (v. 3). The world thinks it is alive, but it is dying and dead future disciples as well (vv. 20-26). already. It is only when we know God that we are alive, truly and forever alive. No wonder that Christ had such a great sense of Glory for Christ Himself accomplishment and satisfaction in doing what God gave Him to This prayer is very special and mysterious. Although He speaks do. He says: “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to consciously of His death on the cross, Christ mentions neither do” (v. 4). He could appear before God with the sense that His the words cross or death, and makes no reference to the great mission was accomplished. wickedness of people that will be evidenced in and around His What we have here is a wonderful illustration of Hebrews 12:2: cross. Even though great suffering awaits Him, and His mind “For the joy that was set before him [He] endured the cross, is deeply troubled, He cares for His children so much that He despising the shame.” That is the attitude we see in this prayer of prays for their safekeeping and their glory through Him. Here the Christ. He has joy in anticipation of completing His work. Despite darling of heaven and the glory of eternity prays that He would the terrible suffering that awaits Him, through it all He sees the have what He had before the world began, and that in it He would glory. have His people with Him. Amazingly, He prays for a people, who had actually taken His glory away from Him. Glory for His Disciples If Adam had withstood the temptation in paradise and While Christ stands on the threshold of His own sacrifice, He overcome the sly serpent who tempted him to fall, Adam might holds His church close to His heart. He knows what awaits His also have been able to have prayed something like: “Glorify me.” people and He knows they are weak in themselves. The world will He would have earned a final state of glorification for himself, for want to draw them away from their mission. Like a wolf, Satan Eve, and all his descendants, because he would have conquered will want to use the physical absence of Christ to try to snatch

16 october 2016 Him, and thus they can be joyful even in the midst of suffering and sacrificing. They can have Christ’s joy! This is not ajoy that the world knows, for the world sees joy being related to circumstances. The joy of the Lord is a joy that is fixed in God. Sometimes we wonder how the church of Jesus Christ, after His death, could continue, thrive, and expand throughout the centuries. It is because the Father has heard this prayer of Christ. This prayer is unquestionably answered by God, for the Father upholds the church, keeps it safe in this world, and protects it from the deadly hands of Satan.

Glory for His Future People All believers of all times and places were in the heart of Jesus and on His lips as He prayed this prayer of consecration. “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word” (v. 20). Although He is about to suffer, Christ has all His people in His heart. This shows His great care DR. G.M. BILKES and concern for them, not just for their physical protection but for all their needs. It is as if Christ finds it difficult to part from His children and leave them by themselves. He prays for them some sheep, especially some of the weak ones. First of all, Christ’s prayer provides an explanation of how the disciples have become His disciples. It happened because God the Father gave them to Christ (v. 6). They are His own. Christ revealed the Father’s name to them, and these disciples have kept the Father’s word. What a glorious view of the people of God who in themselves are so weak, helpless, and foolish. Even more astounding is the fact that we hear Christ saying that He is glorified in them (v. 10). That certainly is not what it looks like from the outside, but Christ sees perfectly. Secondly, Christ’s prayer for His disciples focusses on two specific points. First, their preservation, as Christ prays: “Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me” (v. 11). Christ knows the threats against them and the weakness of His disciples. He puts them into the strong arms of Ministry to Ministers His Father so that He might preserve, hold, love, and cherish them. “They are thine and all mine are thine,” Christ says (vv. 10-11). If it were not already so wonderful to belong to Him as Son of God, While initial training of men for the ministry is essential, Christ’s people also belong to the Father! Such safe-keeping is a equipping already ordained pastors in an ongoing great comfort for believers. Satan and evil cannot touch them, way is perhaps in some ways an even more critical because they are Christ’s. undertaking. Pastor Datsko of Ukraine, recognizing this, Next, Christ prays for their sanctification. Remarkably, Christ has initiated a unique and valuable program for pastors says: “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world” called ‘M2M’. COAH is privileged to come alongside (v. 15). Christ wants us to be in the world, yet not of it. He wants these men by supplying them the necessary means to us to be a visible demonstration of His work in us in the midst of a dark world. Now His glory must shine through the works of His make these trips and come together, and by providing children. And what will sanctify them? God’s Word, His truth (vv. the pastors with sound books to take home for further 17, 19). study. Christ prays for the preservation and sanctification of His people because His glory will be manifested in them as they live in the world. Those around them will be exposed to it and Christ’s disciples will experience His joy as a result. Christ says: “These things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in Phone: 888-844-2624 Website: coah.org Email: [email protected] themselves” (v. 13). God’s people are preserved and consecrated to

october 2016 17 Bible Study Continued... with His whole heart, knowing that the Father will hear Him. Christ’s mission will continue through His disciples. Many people, Jews and Gentiles, will believe through the testimony of His first disciples. His desire is that they may be one, in union with Him. Christ is greatlv concerned with the unity of His people. This unity here does Questions not mean uniformity, or an institutional unity, but it means that the divisions of pride, error, prejudice, selfishness, lovelessness and other According to verse 3, what is eternal life? How is such sins, will not triumph. In the same sense Paul instructs us to “keep 1. this understanding of eternal life richer than what we typically think it is? the unity in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). It means that we don’t need to construct this unity; it is already there. Yet so often we don’t see it. Why is glorifying God so important? How did Christ For Christ, this unity is of such great importance that we need to make 2. do what we failed to do in Adam? How do we sure we guard it, treasure it, and preserve it. Where it is broken, we glorify God again through Christ? need to remove the causes by exercising forgiveness, peace, and love, How can Christ’ prayer give us a view of what we with much fervent prayer. Whenever we sense true unity in Christ, in 3. should be like in this world (vv. 15-16)? Why did He spite of many outward differences, we ought to see it as an answer to not pray that the Father would take us out of the Christ’s prayer for unity. He wants us to know the love and unity that world? Is the world not a threat to us? the Father, Son, and Spirit have, and to share in it (vv. 23, 26). How does truth sanctify us (v. 17)? What does this We are His own, and Christ still prays for us to the Father. We are look like practically? safe, in His arms, forever. 4. Why is being “one” (v. 21) so important to Jesus? Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes is Professor of New Testament and Biblical 5. What did He mean when He prayed that “they may Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and a pastor of be one”? the Free Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

18 October 2016 PEACE HAVEN’S DAY PROGRAM: “THE FARM”

or over ten years, Peace Haven Free Reformed Association has been Fworking to fulfill its mission to serve families and individuals with special needs. Helping individuals to develop their God-given gifts and grow in independence is an important goal. While the pressing need for housing and respite care has been met by two beautiful homes in Brantford, personal development for those with disabilities is constantly in view for Peace Haven staff. We are thankful for the opening of this new location focussing on recreation, education and social integration programs for those with disabilities. targeted to boys/men. We are now accepting applications as we have the Peace Haven has been running a new Day Program since the summer nice new facility and the staff to be able to support this day program. of 2015 and formally as of the spring of 2016. “The Farm” is a youth and adult Christian learning and recreational centre where persons with Volunteers disabilities can enjoy meaningful ‘day programs’ which will hone their Volunteers are an integral part of our centre! They help lead classes, abilities and provide inclusive opportunities to grow and develop as assist persons who need one-on-one supports, give of their time and individuals. Friends can learn and share with enthusiasm to the running of the programs, friends. This day program supports persons who We are pleased to announce that Monica and give donations to help fund the centre. either live with family or in Peace Haven homes. Pennings is our new “Operations Assistant” We invite members of the church The Farm building is on a large farm in for the Farm. She is a staff member at community to actively participate in the Troy, Ontario and includes a centre, chicken Peace Haven but will be focussing most of many areas of the centre. There is a need for coop, and a large, outdoor area for gardening, her time at The Farm to help prepare for volunteers during the day and especially men hiking, biking and outdoor sports. The main activities, work with new families and the for the Thursday evening activities. Whether areas in the centre are for general activities individuals coming into our centre, plan a one-time event, or on a regular basis, if you such as fitness and exercise, arts and crafts, new programs and community orientated/ have a special talent that you’d like to share, scrapbooking, card making, wood pallet sign work placement activities, and working please let us know! We welcome youth group making, literacy, cooking, mealtimes and with others to maintain the facility. leaders to contact us and plan integrated socializing. A large workshop offers space for We would like to organize a Thursday activities indoors or out. hands-on learning, such as woodworking, evening program for boys/men with We thank the building coordinators and furniture building/refurnishing, engine/ emphasis on wood projects, car models, the MANY people and companies (over 60!) mechanical repairs, train and model and any other activities the group would who helped to build the new centre or donated car designing. The chicken coop allows like to tackle. Volunteers are needed to help supplies for the building and gardens and the opportunities to interact with and care for the plan and implement this program. Anyone volunteers who help maintain the grounds and chickens as well as selling the eggs collected on interested in participating is asked to centre or help out with the activities. Thank a daily basis. register by emailing: mj.pennings@gmail. you! The centre is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays com or calling Margaret at 519-770-8816. For more information on how to register and Fridays from 10 am - 4 pm and Thursdays The first session will run from October 6 for the day program or how to help out as a from 3 – 9 pm. We are looking at providing until some time in December from 6-9pm, volunteer, please call: 519-770-8816; Email: evening programs on Thursday evenings but participants can come when they can. [email protected] Cost will depend on the activities. Ooctoberctober 2016 19 Looking Back, Up, and Forward Our 60th Church/Seminary Day

By Rev. D. Kranendonk

n Labour Day 2016, the sixtieth Church Day, now called Seminary Day, was held in Hamilton, Ontario. This Ooccasion is time to reflect back to the Church (days) of the past and look up to the only Source of grace for the present and future.

Looking Back On Saturday, August 21, 1954, old cars loaded with families parked along the streets by a large church in St. Thomas, Ontario. What a special day it was! In their modest homes, they had read The Messenger notice: “the intention is that the members of all training men for the ministry. Ever since, the our congregations, as far as possible, will travel to St. Thomas collections held at these days have been for theological education. so that the bonds among us may be strengthened.” No less than The first Church Day was held on September 2, 1957 inthe six Christelijke Gereformeerde (Free Reformed) ministers were Westdale United Church in Hamilton. Rev. W. F. Laman of going to address them that day. These men were visiting the Free Hamilton spoke on “The foundation of the Church” and Rev. J. Reformed Churches while in North America for a conference. de Waal of Smithville, Ontario spoke on “The Edification of the Reflecting back on that day, Rev. J. Tamminga wrote: “fresh, Church.” After a lunch of buns, Rev. J. Tamminga of Toronto inspiring, and principled things were spoken and it was bound spoke on “The Calling of the Church.” What a fitting way to begin on our hearts to remain in the path in which we are going: our Church Days! holding fast to and living according to the principles we love.”

Since 1957, Church Day has been held every year. During the - from J P F eijer -1960- Hamilton In turn, one of the speakers, Prof. J. J. van der Schuit, wrote: 1960s it was often held on Thanksgiving Day and since 1968 it has “I greatly rejoiced to see so many youth present in the church. been held on Labour Day, although there were a few experiments Such a denomination has a future…. The youth contributes to the some years ago to have it on a Saturday later in September. The building up of the church life in Canada.” early speeches were in the Dutch language. From 1960-1983, A few years later, the St. Thomas overture to begin holding an there was one English and one Dutch speech. Since then, English annual “Church Day” was adopted by classis. As Rev. J. Overduin has been standard – though at the sixtieth Church (Seminary) P Hoto s: Chu rc h D ay later said, “The purpose is to rouse, to freshen and deepen Day we heard the late Rev. Jacobus Overduin recite a Dutch love for the church and to point one another to our calling and poem by Rev. Ledeboer on tape. responsibility with regard to our church life.” It was patterned Church Day themes have covered a range of expositional, after the Dutch “Schooldag” held annually in Apeldoorn, the doctrinal, practical, devotional, and church historical subjects. city where the Christelijke Gereformeerde Theological “School” Attendees have been challenged to hold fast to the truths that or Seminary is located. As a result, the same classis meeting have shaped our history, in speeches such as “The Fight for the decided to begin a fund for Truth” (J. Tamminga, 1958) and “Has our Religion Outlived Itself? (P. Den Butter, 1979). They have been given discernment concerning preaching under themes such as “Puritan Preaching” (J. Overduin, 1967) and “Rightly Dividing the Word” (G. M. Bilkes, 2003). A blend of doctrinal and devotional topics covered Election (C. Pronk, 1978), union with Christ (C. Schouls, 2003), “Strangers and pilgrims on the earth (L. W. Bilkes, 1976), Repentance (K. Hoefnagel, 1992), depression (P. VanderMeyden), the compassion of Jesus (G. R. Procee, 2002), and “Are Spiritual Gifts Vital to the Body of Christ Today?” (H. Bergsma, 2012). Attendees also benefited from history through speeches on “Lessons from the life of Matthew Henry (H. Overduin, 1988), Robert Murray M’Cheyne (L. J. Bilkes, 2007), and Cornelius Van Til (G. Hamstra, 1993), among others. Many

20 october 2016 different themes have been covered with the common goal of edification. As one who does not remember missing a single Church Day said, “especially in the early days it was often a feast day.”

Looking Up On September 5, 2016, our Seminary Day was again held in the building of our Hamilton congregation. In the morning Dr. G. M. Bilkes spoke on “The Church’s Preeminent Danger” (available on Maranatha Free Reformed Church’s sermonaudio page). I’m not sure what you thought he would identify as that danger, when you saw his theme advertised. So many dangers threaten us! He traced them all to the great danger of resisting Christ’s great mediatorial work. His text was Matthew 16:22-23. By God’s grace, Peter had just confessed: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” However, when see the fruits of His sufferings and be Christ spoke of His suffering, “Peter took him, and began to satisfied. God the Father has given a chosen people to His rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be Son to redeem so that none shall overcome His purposes to have unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind a church throughout the world to the end of time. If the Triune me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not God is the only and supreme hope of the church, His triune glory the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” and work must be proclaimed and taught among us, His grace His first lesson was that “the height of a glorious confession experienced in us, and His work petitioned by us. God’s placing of is no guarantee we as churches will not stand in the place of His triune name upon us in baptism is a reason for hope that He Satan and deserving of the sharpest reproofs imaginable.” If our will be the triune God of grace among us through the generations confession puffs us up in pride, we are in great danger. His second in spite of who we are. All other hopes will be put to shame, but lesson was “the greatest danger of the church has to do with how this one will be fulfilled to all eternity. it views and acts vis a vis the cross of Christ.” When we neglect or bypass the cross, we head for destruction. His third lesson was Looking Forward that “This danger of neglecting the cross of Christ is practically Moments after the address, the sanctuary filled with the song: and experientially rooted in ourselves.” Self-satisfaction without Time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears all its sons away; the cross arises from proud blindness to our sin and God’s They fly forgotten, as a dream, dies at the opening day. holiness. His fourth lesson was that “We only find the greatest danger addressed by Christ as he repulses Satan.” Christ’s rebukes This sixtieth Church (Seminary) Day confirmed the truth of that rescued Peter and still rescue those who resist Him today. The song. Six hundred people attended the first Church Day (close great antidote to neglecting the cross is to “savour the things of to half of the Ontario Free Reformed members). Those who God.” remember attending that first day were asked to stand at this

After hearing Dr. Bilkes speak, I thought it would be best for 60th Church Day. Less than a dozen rose. Many of those 600 everyone to go home. Had they not heard enough to bring them have entered eternity. before God for the grace that flows from Christ crucified? But We are living today and the Free Reformed Churches continue the day continued. Lunch was served, books were purchased, as a testimony of the truth of the words on our denominational conversations were held, and before we realized it we were seal: “Yet not consumed.” “Yet not consumed” in spite of so reconvening in the sanctuary. Rev. C. Pronk opened with the call much resistance to Christ’s mediatorial work and so much of 2 Timothy 1:13: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which carnal security and lack of true hope. May that cause us to fall thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” down before God and His Christ crucified, with confessions, The afternoon address was entitled “The Church’s Supreme supplications, and expressions of amazement. Then our hearts Hope.” Our hope cannot simply be in experienced leaders or will sing with the last verse sung at Seminary Day: energetic youth, the fact we have bucked the trends of declining O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, memberships or anything else than God Triune alone. God the Be Thou our guard while troubles last, and our eternal home. Holy Spirit has graciously worked in the face of all opposition throughout the ages and will continue to do so. God the Son Rev. David Kranendonk is the pastor of the Free Reformed has shed His blood to purchase a church and shall continue to Church of Oxford County, Ontario.

october 2016 21 VISIT TO Malawi and South Africa By Rev. S. Dibbet opportunities to reach out with the gospel. However, with a great need for education and discernment, other religions and religious syncretism also have a great influence on the culture and church in Malawi. • ‘Hot climate’ culture: Malawians are very relational, warm, and hospitable people! Malawi is often called ‘The Warm Heart of Africa.’

Class at Logos The ‘Warmth’ of Malawi I received a very warm ow many times have you thought 300 or 400 members welcome from the directors of Logos Ministries as Manuel is a large church and this is more than one pastor can Kamnkhwani and Alliel Guwende greeted me warmly at the Hserve effectively? Can you then imagine 3,000 to 4,000 Lilongwe airport. I must have looked distraught after travelling a members in a church with one pastor, who may be serving other couple of days, and apparently my luggage had taken a far different congregations or church plants as well? In Malawi there are some route. As I settled into Malawi on Friday, the 29th of April, I pastors who serve more members than are in our whole federation. soon realized I was in a completely different culture. It seemed Jesus says, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are as if I was the only white person until providentially a wonderful few.” One of the reasons, humanly speaking, is the lack of funds group of mission workers asked me to have supper with them. I for educating and supporting pastors, as well as opportunities for couldn’t believe they only lived a few hours from my home as they further training. were from Calgary, Alberta. Since they had been in and around Since Free Reformed Missions International’s direction includes Lilongwe for a number of weeks already, they were able to give me a broadening of our focus to train indigenous men to preach the a lot of great advice. I also soon realized that Malawians are eager gospel in the developing world, I had the privilege of returning to serve and ensure that you feel welcome. So it didn’t take long to to Africa on behalf of FRMI this past spring. This year I not only feel at home among them. visited South Africa, but also had the opportunity to teach at Logos On Saturday, Manuel picked me up and we spent the day Ministries in Lilongwe, Malawi. We give thanks to the Lord of travelling to Josophat Mwale Theological Institute (JMTI) and the the harvest for the opportunity to assist in preparing men to be CCAP Nkhoma Synod Headquarters. I would have never guessed labourers in His harvest and pray for a blessing on these efforts. that I would visit the Theological school and Synod of brothers I also thank Word and Deed, who supports Logos Ministries and whom I had the privilege to study with at Puritan Reformed prepared and supported me to serve Christ’s Church in Malawi. Theological Seminary (PRTS). Maybe some of you also remember Rev. Matalius Likhoozi and Rev. Brian Kamwnedo when they Interesting Facts About Malawi: were studying at PRTS. Rev. Kamwendo is currently the General • Poverty: The average daily wage in Malawi is around $2. Secretary of the CCAP Nkhoma Synod and Rev. Likhoozi is the • Health: High percentage of HIV, which leads to many orphans. principal at JMTI. It was a wonderful blessing to see some of them Along with malnutrition, malaria, and sanitation issues, there again and to be encouraged through their labours in Malawi. is only one doctor per 83,000 citizens. As mentioned already, due to various flight issues, my luggage • Spiritual: Malawians are very ‘spiritual,’ which gives including my suits did not arrive with me! No problem; after all, it is

22 october 2016 hot and everyone else will be wearing t-shirts and shorts, right? Well, it is interesting to think that we North Americans live in a culture that wants to get away from a ‘respected’ dress code, but in Malawi almost everyone, and especially pastors, are dressed in their best. Although it was very warm, I wore a suit and tie the rest of the week, even though they Pator Dibbet lecturing at Logos had to be borrowed the first few days! The ’Expansion’ in South Africa I couldn’t believe we needed to be at church by 7:30 a.m. on Last year I was also in South Africa and maybe you remember the Sunday morning, as their first English worship service was article published of that trip, which included Mukhanyo Theological supposed to start at 8:00 a.m., followed by several more services College’s AGM (Annual General Meeting) celebration of twenty in Chichewa, their native language. As we drove up to the Katati years of ministry and the ground-breaking ceremony for their Prayer House it was amazing to see elders teaching large groups building project (see The Messenger, Sept. 2015). Therefore, it was of children under the trees, already at 7:30 a.m.! It was such a a great blessing to witness firsthand the expansion of Mukhanyo privilege to preach and worship warmly with the approximately at its KwaMhlanga Campus and share in the dedication of their 700 souls at the English service at the ‘prayer house’ (church newly expanded building at this year’s AGM. This dedication was plant) assigned to me. accompanied by a powerful message by Prof. Koos van Rooy on The numbers of members per church, per prayer house, and per Isaiah 6. I also spent a day the following week enjoying their new pastor, are staggering in Malawi: Example, some churches have campus, visiting with students and instructors, and I delivered an 2,000 to 5,000 members and the prayer houses may have another address to the faculty and students on the book of Jude. several thousand members. A pastor may be called to a church There were many other new developments to see at Mukhnayo and several prayer houses. In other words, he might serve 5,000 since I was there one year ago. This included visiting two more to 10,000 souls. Hearing about this in fellowship at PRTS was far campuses that were recently opened, one in Johannesburg, which different than experiencing their spiritual hunger as they leaned is overseen by Dr. Japie Malan, and a new campus in Pretoria, in to hear the preaching and I experienced the warmth of their which is overseen by Pieter Bisschoff. I would encourage you to worship and fellowship! regularly visit their new-look website http://www.mukhanyo. During the week I had the privilege to teach an average of ac.za/ in order to share in their ministry in the way of prayer! about forty men who were either in the ministry, students from There are many reasons for us to uphold the ministry at Logos Ministries (which is a long-distance center of Mukhanyo Mukhanyo and their long distance learning centres throughout Theological College in South Africa), and to others who were Africa, including Logos Ministries, in prayer. First, we are graduating from JMTI. On Monday and Tuesday I lectured on reminded that we are a member church of Mukhanyo Theological John 17, highlighting the beauty of the mediatorial prayer of College. Secondly, the Church in Africa, whether it is in Malawi Christ and the doctrines of grace contained in it, while interacting or in South Africa, is being blessed by God, but also attacked by on exegesis and practically working out how a pastor might Satan. Thirdly, there is also much political and societal corruption preach. and unrest, especially in South Africa. Therefore, let us continue to On Wednesday and Thursday I lectured on Biblical Leadership, lift up our brothers and sisters in Africa in prayer, especially those using some of Dr. David Murray’s material on Christian leadership who labour in Christian ministry. Finally, pray for FRMI, Word and and leaving them all with a copy of his work on this topic. This Deed, and various other organizations, as we seek to bring God’s topic is much needed in Malawi as the leadership in the church Word to the ends of the world by training and equipping men to has limited education and the pastors are extremely busy. Due teach and preach the Gospel in their own families, churches, and to cultural differences between Malawi and Western culture it communities. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among created much and great discussion. I am thankful to the Lord many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall for His equipping and sustaining grace! In the end I believe they be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). taught me as much or more than I taught them. Even though we were able to get at least five hours of class time in each day, Friday Pastor Scott Dibbet is minister of the Free Reformed Church of came too soon as I needed to fly to South Africa. Lacombe, Alberta and a member of the FRMI Committee.

October 2016 23 AnnouNcements

50th ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY OBITUARY OBITUARY John 2:5b “...Whatsoever He saith July 25, 1916 (Hoogeveen, unto you, do it.” the Netherlands) -- With thankfulness to the August 9, 2016 (Mitchell, ON) Lord for His blessings and The Lord, in His infinite lovingkindness shown wisdom took unto Himself, unto us, we rejoice with our parents, grandparents and ALBERT VOS great grandparents on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, just two weeks after his 100th LEWIE & NELLIE birthday. Predeceased by his wife Meintje (October 5, POL 2003) and a son Jan (1946) as they celebrate their BERNARD Dear Father of 50th wedding anniversary HENDRIK Bert & Faye Vos (Mitchell) 1966 October 8 2006 on November 4, 2016 D.V. Tony Vos (Mitchell) PENNINGS Karen & Stephen Wedding text: Jo-Ann Vanderbeek Ben was born June 10 1926. Vandenbrink (Trowbridge) And the Lord God said, “It is not good that Yvonne & Marty Vlietstra, Blake, John & Zwenny Vos man should be alone; I will make him a Meghan & Richard He will be missed by his (Sebringville) helper comparable to him.” Mark Vanderbeek brothers and sisters. Loving grandfather of ten, Genesis 2:18 Natalie & Stan Venema Henk and Gerda and great-grandfather of With much thankfulness, we praise God Jared, Jeffrey, Samantha Jan (late Hennie) twenty-seven. Wilma and Jack DeJong for His goodness and faithfulness as we The funeral was held at the Art & Adrie Pol Christine and Bill VanOene Mitchell FRC on August 13, celebrate the 50th Wedding Anniversary Janessa, Lanea, Cilicia, Joshua Bertha (late Art Pol and late 2016. Pastor H. Van Essen of our parents and grandparents Fred) DeJong officiated. “Set your house in Mike & Susan Pol Johan and Mary order, for you shall die and not ANDY (ANDRÉ) & JOANNE Cheryl & Ian Meinen William and Sara live” (Isaiah 38: 1) Gary and Ineke (ANJA) Luke, Levi, Zachary, Ezra Mailing Address: KLOPPENBURG Albert and Annett John Vos, 259 Flax Mill Rd., (DEBOER) Kevin & Michelle Pol Uncle Ben will be missed by Box 31, Sebringville, ON Chloe, Abigail, Bennett, Ellie many nieces and nephews N0K 1X0 For 50 years, you’ve travelled life’s journey and by the St Thomas church There will be an open house on together, sharing many joys and sorrows. family. God has been faithful through it all! We Saturday November 5, 2016 The funeral was conducted SUBMITTING PICTURES are grateful to be able to celebrate this from 2-4 at the Brodhagen & by Rev John Van Eyk. ELECTRONICALLY milestone with you. District Community Centre, Revelation 14:13 - “Bessed be Please note that to meet the 6708 Perth Line 44, the dead which die in the Lord.” standards of printing, any With much love from your children and Brodhagen, Ontario. pictures sent electronically have grandchildren, Best wishes only please. Corresponding Address: to be scanned in high resolution, at least 300 dpi (dots per inch) Roy and Ann Kloppenburg Henk Pennings Home Address: 1001 Wellington Road and should be in jpg format. Jennifer and Ken deBlieck PO Box 722, 22 Chestnut Road St Thomas, ON N5P 2K For questions, please contact Elise, Emma & Jillian Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0 [email protected] Kathryn and Shane VanDyk Gabriel, Levi, Judah, Eliana & Jesse Birth Bryan Andrew (d. 1969) Giving all glory to God, Michael and Victoria Zwiep announce the birth of their first daughter, Brenda Jayne (d. 1971) KEZIAH ANNE Born Saturday, June 25, 2016 Home Address: 81 Barrett Avenue, “And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.” Job 42:15 Brantford, Ontario N3S 0B4 [email protected] A sister for Ezra, Josiah and Isaiah. A covenant child within the fellowship of faith of the Vineland Free Reformed Church, Keziah is the Great is Thy faithfulness! tenth grandchild of Bill and Margaret Zwiep (Vineland, Ontario) and fourteenth grandchild of Mike and Morning by morning new mercies I see. Lisa Pizana (King George, Virginia). All I have needed Thy hand hath provided, Home Address: Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! 306 Moore Drive, Ridgeville, ON L0S 1M0

24 october 2016