VOLUME 62 Number 6 JUNE 2015 EDITION

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FREE REFORMED CHURCHES OF NORTH AMERICA JUNE 2015 1 THE MESSENGER JUNE 2015 • VOLUME 62 NUMBER 6 EDITOR: Rev. Cornelis (Neil) Pronk Life for a 655 Park Road North, Unit 29 Brantford, ON N3R 0A2 CANADA Tel/Fax: 519.751.4470 • E: [email protected] The Editor reports to the Synodical Publications Committee. Unsigned articles are by the Editor Spiritual Graveyard Assistant Editor Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes • E: [email protected] Committee Members Rev. David H. Kranendonk, Secretary 593089 Oxford Road 13, R.R.1, Norwich, ON N0J 1P0 Tel/Fax: 519 468-4070 • E: [email protected] • Dr. Lawrence W. Bilkes • Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes • Rev. Joel Overduin • Mr. Hans VanDoodewaard • Rev. Jerrold Lewis • Mr. Herman DenHollander • Rev. Robert VanDoodewaard • Mr. Herman DenHollander 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 MEDITATION addressed to: THE MESSENGER c/o Janey Slingerland, Administrator 18 Chapala Crescent S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 3M4 Tel. 403 254-6591• E: [email protected] he hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, ANNOUNCEMENTS/NOTICES All notices for family announcements, obituaries, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones. And caused me anniversaries, and non-commercial advertisements for the July/August 2015 issue should reach the copy editor to pass by them round about: and behold, there were very many in the open valley; no later than Tuesday, June 18, and should be sent to: and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me: Son of man, can these bones live? THE MESSENGER 655 Park Road North, Unit 29, AndT I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest…” and what follows in Ezekiel 37:1-14. Brantford, ON N3R 0A2 CANADA Tel/Fax: 519.751.4470 • E: [email protected] FOREIGN MISSIONS Living for a Spiritual Graveyard Departmental Editor: Rev. Timothy Bergsma 10 Ellwood Avenue, Chatham, ON N7M 3K3 We meet Ezekiel, the prophet, in the valley of dry bones. The hand of the Lord has brought Tel. 519.354.3100 • E: [email protected] Keep in contact with your missionaries online: him there and set him down in the midst of this valley of death. A battle has obviously taken www.frcmissions.org place here, but the results are not just physical death, but spiritual death. And the picture is OUTREACH Departmental Editor: Rev. Joel Overduin not just one of a mass grave that Ezekiel views from a distance, but the Lord puts him right in 60 Carmine Crescent, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3M5 Tel. 905.327.3844 • E: [email protected] the middle of this valley (v. 1) to walk among the bones (v. 2). He must be impressed with the Financial support for Foreign Missions and the various Outreach causes should be directed as follows: sad condition. Foreign Missions Mr. William F. Laman, Treasurer. All funds should be remitted to: Peter Luth, Financial Administrator. Why is This So Sad? R.R.7, Dresden, ON N0P 1M0 CANADA Tel. 519.683.2243 • E: [email protected] For one thing, the scene is so sad because it is so different from what it used to be. When Radio Evangelism God made man in the beginning, He made man good and there was no physical death and no Banner of Truth Radio Broadcast Mr. John denDekker, Treasurer spiritual death. Adam was made a living soul (1 Cor. 15:45). He was alive to God. He communed 16726 – 80th Ave. Surrey, BC V4N 0G8 CANADA Tel. 604.576.8935; E: [email protected] with God. He loved God. But by the fall into sin, man died to God and became spiritually dead. Home Missions Secondly, because it is a far-reaching condition. Ezekiel sees not just a few dry bones but Mr. Bert Marskamp, Treasurer 78 Windsor Dr., P.O. Box 126 “very many” (v. 2). Spiritual death has come to all. “As by one man sin entered into the world St. George, ON N0E 1N0 CANADA Tel. 519.448.1763 • E: [email protected] and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Rom. 5:12). We Refugee Fund live in a worldwide valley of spiritually dead bones, in our towns and cities, in our schools and James Van der Zwan, Treasurer 26829 – 33B Ave., Aldergrove, BC V4W 3G8 CANADA homes, and even in our churches. “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel” (v. Tel. 604.818.3423 • E: [email protected] CHRISTIAN MINISTRY TO ISRAEL 11). We cannot say: “Well, at least children of the covenant are not as spiritually lifeless as Mr. John Wilbrink. Treasurer others.” No, we and our children need to be born again. 8 Weneil Drive, Freelton, ON L0R 1K0 CANADA Tel. 905.659.7413 • E: [email protected] Thirdly, it is sad because it is clearly hopeless from man’s side. It is not as if those in the THE YOUTH MESSENGER The semi-annual publication for youth is under the valley have just died and perhaps someone can perform CPR or ambulance attendants can direction of the Youth & Education Committee of the Free Reformed Churches of North America. shock the heart back to life again. No, Ezekiel does not see dead bodies with the flesh still EDITORS: Derek and Frances Baars on them. He sees dry bones. Man, by nature, is without hope in this world (Eph. 2:12). For 4995 Governors Rd., R.R. #2, Lynden, ON L0R 1T0 Tel. 519.647.0769 • E: [email protected] example, what hope did Zaccheus have having lived so long without God and without spiritual ASSISTANT EDITOR: Rev. Timothy Bergsma breath? There is no hope from our side (v. 11). Have you come to see this? 10 Ellwood Ave., Chatham, ON N7M 3K3 Tel. 519.354.3100 • E: [email protected] Lastly, it is sad because it is a picture of disarray. The prophet does not see perfectly ordered Read The Messenger on the Free Reformed website: skeletons. No, the bones are scattered all over. It is as if a hurricane wind has scattered the www.frcna.org bones. Here is a leg bone, there is a hand bone, and there is a rib bone. Sin leaves disarray; it

2 JUNE 2015 Life for a Spiritual Graveyard CONTENTS 02 Meditation: Life for a Spiritual Graveyard

05 Church News

By Rev. L.J. Bilkes 06 Editorial: leaves a mess behind. How many broken lives are there not because of sin? “One sinner destroyeth much Relationship good” (Eccl. 9:18). With The HRC

Can These Bones Live? While walking among the dry bones, the spiritual need is impressed upon Ezekiel. Has God ever done 10 that with you? Have you seen the many dry bones of those who live without God and without Christ and A Goodly Heritage (19) without hope in this world, in your neighbourhood and in your workplace? Or as a Christian father or mother who sees their child come to church and catechism classes, but it means nothing to him like his sports and entertainment do. Or maybe you think of a sibling, or a father or a mother who are still dead 14 in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1). Can these dry bones live? The Lord asks this question of Ezekiel (v. 3). Studies in John (5) What would you answer? If you found an animal carcass in the woods and your friend asked: “Can A Place of Mercy these bones live?” you might say, “What are you thinking?! Of course not!” But it is not a mere man who asks this question. The Lord is asking this question, and Ezekiel does not say: “Lord, it is impossible. It is too late!” That is sometimes how we feel about a family member or friend—it seems hopeless. But neither 18 does Ezekiel say: “Lord, their condition is not that bad.” Sometimes we try to cover up man’s deadness Gleanings from the and have a more optimistic view of man than the Bible does. No, Ezekiel says neither “no” nor “of course, Churches for what is impossible with men is possible with God.” Why? Has Ezekiel lost hope? Or is it that the prophet knows not only that God is almighty, but that He is also sovereign? God is not obliged to give life; He is free. Therefore Ezekiel says: “O Lord God, thou knowest” (v. 3). 19 Book Review: God’s Battle Plan A Surprising Process For the Mind A surprising duty is given to Ezekiel. Imagine a preacher going to a cemetery and setting up a pulpit in the cemetery, not in order to speak to the living, as we do at a funeral, but in order to speak to the dead. Ezekiel must speak to the dead bones (v. 4) words of precept (“Hear the word of the LORD”) and words of promise (“I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live”). He is called to preach. It is the same 20 Outreach News: task that the Lord Jesus gave later to His disciples (Matt. 28:19). They must go into the world, which is Update on Asian a mass grave full of spiritually dead sinners, and call them to repent and believe, to hear the word of the Ministry Lord. It can be discouraging to speak to dead bones, to speak to those who are insensitive and indifferent to the truth. Must we sound the call of the gospel to them? Yes, not entertainment or modern music; the 24 Lord says, “Speak the word.” After all, the word is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:18). By the Announcements word a sinner is born again (1 Pet. 1:23; James. 1:18). That is why it is so important to be under the word of God, and to read your Bible, for it is the word of life. But how can spiritually dead sinners possibly hear? Jesus came to the grave where Lazarus’ dead body had lain for four days. He prayed and commanded: “Lazarus, come forth!” And Lazarus obeyed. “Verily,

JUNEJUNE 20152015 3 MEDITATION ...Continued verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming and now is, when the the daughter of Jairus, and He touched the stretcher on which the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear young man of Nain was lying. What is even greater, He went to the shall live” (John 5:25). place of the skull, Golgotha, and suffered there and died. But on And so Ezekiel speaks the word of God. And what happens? A the first day of the week He rose from the grave, having conquered sign of hope is seen. The earth begins to shake. There is a noise. death, hell and the grave. He met His disciples and breathed on The bones move, forming skeletons. Sinews, muscles and nerves them, saying: “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22). surround the bones. Finally, they are covered with skin. But still In the first chapter of Acts we find the disciples in prayer. They there is no breath in them. Hearts are not beating. Eyes are still are preaching on the day of Pentecost and there is a shaking of the closed. That is how it can be under the preaching of God’s word. bones and a crying out: “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). There People become active, doing this and doing that. Others see and is life now, because Jesus sends forth His Spirit to enliven the say: “Have you noticed? They are different now.” They look good church. The army grows from 120 who are praying in the upper on the outside. They may even have a name that they live but are room in Acts 1, to 3,000 converts in Acts 2, and 5,000 converts in still dead (Rev. 3:1; Matt. 23:27), for they cannot see and they do Acts 4. Jesus is fulfilling His promise. Has He done so in your life? not breathe after God. Have you received the Holy Spirit? But for what purpose? That is why a second thing must be done. Ezekiel must plead for the life-giving Spirit (v. 9). The Spirit does what He did in The Spirit’s Special Purpose creation. He formed man out of the dust of the earth, beautiful 1. To make His people alive. Although the prophet had to come but lifeless until the Lord breathed into his nostrils the breath of with warnings to the people, he may also speak of the mercy of life and Adam was made a living soul. This is what the Lord is God. God has no pleasure in their death, but that they might willing to do anew. For this the Lord Jesus came into the valley of turn and live (Ezek. 33:11). Do you see how He stands there death and spoke to dead sinners like Nicodemus about his need to with Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones? With love in His heart; be born again, and about the Spirit that bloweth where it listeth with mercy that goes into action as He sends the four winds of (John 3:8). Jesus was not afraid to touch the dead when He raised heaven, and the Spirit comes to make dead sinners alive. What a need there is for God’s people also to be quickened! Maybe the soul is not panting after God as it once did. That gives rea- son to pray: “Lord, revive us again.” 2. To make His people arrive at their destination. The Prom- ised Land (vv. 12, 14) is a picture of the heavenly country for which the people of God long. But there are times when they are ready to faint and wonder if they will arrive at last. The soul can feel so dead and so far off. But the Lord promises that He will make alive so that they can leave the valley, and make their way to the celestial city. 3. To make them into an army. “The breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great Word & deed Ministries seeks to help needy people in the developing world army” (v. 10). God’s people are made alive to be soldiers on the by bringing aid in the name of Jesus Christ. battlefield, needing the whole armour of God to battle against their mortal enemies: sin, Satan and the world. God’s people projects focus on... sponsor a child, breathe after God. They are pained by the dead souls around joIn a Business Group, > the Gospel them. But they also fight. Against whom do you fight? Do you Learn More by Visiting... > Indigenous partnerships wage war against the sin in which you once lived? > self-sufficiency >www.wordanddeed.org 4. To make them adore the Lord. Two times the Lord says: “And I will put breath in you, and ye shall live: and ye shall know

contact us: that I am the Lord.” This is what God’s restoration project is all can: 877.375.9673 about: that sinners would know He is Lord and that they would usa: 866.391.5728 worship Him. Is this not something to seek after? “When thou e: [email protected] shalt revive us, thy name we will praise.” Serving God, Bridging Communities, Renewing Lives Rev. Lawrence J. Bilkes is the pastor of the Free Reformed Church of Dundas, Ontario..

4 JUNE 2015 Church News JUNE 2015

UPDATE - OXFORD COUNTY FREE REFORMED CHURCH The Oxford County Free Reformed Church welcomes you to their worship SUDDEN DEATH OF REV. KULDIP GANGAR services starting at 9.30 a.m. and 3.00 pm at 284793 Pleasant Valley Road, On Thursday, May 14, the Lord took unto Himself, Pastor Kuldip Gangar Newark (Norwich) Ontario. after a massive stroke. Pastor Hans Overduin of Calgary writes this in the bulletin for Sunday, May 17. “We have gone through quite a week NIPISSING, ONTARIO CHURCH PLANT - Powassan (south of North Bay, with the death of our dear brother and missionary pastor, Rev. Kuldip Ontario, off Hwy. 11) Gangar. We continue to pray for Judy, now a widow, and their children, Services are held every Sunday at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM with a fellowship Sarah, Peter, and Joanna. While the comfort of the gospel with victory lunch in between, usually upstairs at the Powassan Sportsplex, 433 Main Street, over sin and death in and through Christ Jesus, the Saviour of sinners, Powassan. For up-to-date information check online at www.nipissingfrc.com is inexpressible, yet how painful the grief with the loss of a very dear or contact Pastor Van Doodewaard, 604 Lindquist Line, Powassan, ON P0H 1Z0; husband and a much beloved father. We wish the family much strength Tel. 705-724-5070; Email: [email protected] Please check website for and help from “the God of all comfort” in the time ahead. We pray the up-to-date service location. same for all the extended family members. What a blessing that so many of them could come in this time of need. For us as Calgary church FINANCIAL SUPPORT: POWASSAN OUTREACH - Please be aware that family, the Free Reformed denomination, and the whole Reformed and this Home Missions project is not included with the synodical assessments, Presbyterian church community in North America, we will surely miss but the Outreach Committee has set a budget for $75,000 for 2015. So far, Dr. Kuldip Gangar, so kind-hearted, gracious, wise, discerning, a godly approximately $2,300 has been received. Your donation, payable to HOME man, as he was by God’s grace. With His sudden death we mourn MISSIONS OF FRCNA, marked “Powassan Outreach” will be thankfully received the loss of a faithful ambassador of Christ and His word, and a fellow by: Mr. Bert Marskamp, Home Missions Treasurer, 78 Windsor Dr., P.O. Box 126, helper in demonstrating, proclaiming and promoting God’s gospel truth St George, ON N0E 1N0; Tel. 519.448.1763; email: [email protected] in word and deed. See 3 John:8 [“…that we might be fellowhelpers to Joel Overduin, Secretary - Outreach Committee the truth”]. Pastor Gangar loved to sing with his family and others Psalter 440, all five stanzas based on Psalm 77. Here are the last two stanzas of EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGE - New email address for Rev. Hans Overduin is: that song: [email protected] I’ll remember, O my Saviour, Holy in Thy habitation LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA How the years of joy and favour, Are Thy ways, Lord of creation. Looking for a Unique Accommodation? Cottages and RV park in Like the dew on arid land, There’s no god, O God like Thee, Country Setting. A choice you’ll never regret! Ernst & Louise Sluijmers Came to me from Thy right hand. Clothed with strength and majesty. 403-329-8181 • www.elbas.com I’ll recall, Thy works confessing; Thou eternal art and glorious, All the wonders of Thy blessing; All Thy wondrous works victorious With my mouth will I proclaim: Let the nations, spread abroad, Great and glorious is Thy Name. Know that Thou alone art God.

UPDATE - DEREK BAARS Some time ago it was reported that Derek Baars and his wife Frances were hoping to move soon to Charlotte, North Carolina, where Derek was to serve as ‘stated supply’ for a congregation of the Presbyterian Reformed Church. At the time, they were awaiting a work visa. Regretfully, for Derek and Frances, their plans have had to change. Below is a note Derek wrote telling what happened. Let us continue to pray for God’s guidance and blessing for Derek and Frances. “My application for a religious worker’s visa has been denied and there is no appeal. This denial is the result of the PRC’s unique status as a function of their theology of how church and state ought to work together. They are not a 501C3 organization. Frances and I will not be moving to Charlotte. Will you please pray that the Lord would provide our needs, that He would make His will clear, that we would be given the grace to follow Him, and that we would glorify Him in all of this.”

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: [email protected] Thank you very much for the books that were donated!

JUNE 2015 5 RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HERITAGE REORMED CHURCHES Reflections on Attending the Synod of the Heritage Reformed Churches, held on April 16 and 17, 2015, in Grand Rapids, Michigan

EDITORIAL

t was a pleasure for us, Dr. Lawrence W. Bilkes Fraternal Greetings and the editor (Neil Pronk), to attend this Synod as One of the first items on the agenda was the bringing of fraternal representatives of our Free Reformed Churches of North greetings by representatives from various Reformed and America. Although our churches have been present at Presbyterian federations. Because of the special relationship HeritageI Reformed Synods before, this year our attendance now existing between the HRC and FRC, it was appropriate bore a special character in that it was the first time that we could that a spokesman of the latter federation should be given that bring fraternal greetings to the Synod of a denomination with opportunity first. What follows is the slightly edited address given which we maintain complete correspondence as of June 2014. by the editor (C.P.). We were heartily welcomed by the chairman, Rev. Bart Elshout, who seated us at the table with the HRC delegates, Esteemed Brethren, offering us the privilege of taking part in all discussions and even It gives me much joy to address you on behalf of the Free giving us an advisory role! We did make use of these privileges Reformed Churches and to bring you fraternal greetings from whenever we deemed it appropriate and helpful. a denomination with which you have had good relations for The business of this synod was similar to our own. There were many years. Today is very special for us and I trust for you as the various reports dealing with the spiritual wellbeing of the well, because this time I may address you as a church in full congregations, mission and evangelism outreach, disciplinary correspondence. It has taken many years, beginning with what concerns, financial statements and theological education we call limited contact, followed by limited correspondence, matters. In connection with the latter, we listened to a sermon culminating finally in complete correspondence. When your proposal by a young man from a non-Reformed background synod of last year decided to offer us this very important who had come under the influence of sovereign grace teaching relationship, our synod gladly accepted the offer with which had led to his conversion. He had preached in various thankfulness to the Lord who has made this possible. There is churches and groups for some time, joined the HRC in Grand now only one more step to follow and that is formal union. We Rapids and became a student at Puritan Reformed Theological hope that that day may not be far off when, God willing, we Seminary. Having asked to become a student for the ministry in may be truly one, not only spiritually as we already are, but the HRC he was required to preach a sermon before synod and also organizationally and visibly. submit to an interview afterwards. The sermon was very good In a way it was inevitable that we would find each other. and the interview also went well, with the result that his request If Jesus’ prayer that they all may be one applies to any two was granted. denominations, it is the HRC and the FRC, for we have a common Regarding the Seminary, it was reported that permission had background in the Netherlands. Browsing through some papers been granted by the Michigan State accreditation authorities in my Interchurch Relations Committee file, I came across a letter and ATS (Association of Theological Seminaries) to launch written by your committee in which you applied to NAPARC an exploratory investigation into the feasibility of offering a (North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council), for PhD degree program at PRTS. This speaks of the favourable membership in that organization. Included in that application impression the seminary has made regarding the quality of its was a brief history of your denomination. It was stated that academic standards. you trace your heritage to the Protestant Reformation and the

6 JUNE 2015 Netherlands Reformed Congregations which came into existence Netherlands Reformed Congregations. A major issue had to do in 1907 when two groups came together under the leadership of with doctrinal concerns. Preaching had become man-centred Rev. G.H. Kersten. Those two groups were the Churches Under and if there was any offer of grace, it was conditioned on the Cross and the so-called Ledeboerian churches. It was not spiritual experience. mentioned, however, that the “Cross Churches” came out of We, in the Secession Church or Free Reformed Churches, have the Secession Church of 1834. Your forefathers, like ours, were had to work through these issues too, but we have come to agree members of that church. They left; we stayed. The ones who left on what we believe is the biblical view on the offer of grace and did so for some valid reasons: petitioning the government for related matters. It is time therefore that we join forces and walk freedom of religion which they felt was wrong, but also because of together as brothers of the same family. We are thankful for the different views regarding the issue surrounding the so-called free work we may already do together at PRTS, but it is our hope and well-meant offer of the gospel, which they denied, as well as and prayer that in due time we can also meet as one synod. May the role and function of election in preaching and the life of faith. God bless both our federations. Many of those who stayed, however, also had problems with the free offer, especially the Drenthe wing of the Secession The Importance of the Free Offer Doctrine Church, and they were sad to see so many of their brothers leave. Upon further reflection I wish to emphasize that what should For thirty years the two denominations lived side by side until in bring our two churches together is our common conviction 1869 they came together again. But not all the “Cross Churches” regarding the proper way to preach the Gospel. Actually, what went back to the Secession Church. Three congregations we call the free offer of the Gospel is the heart of the Gospel or continued as Churches Under the Cross. Soon they were joined good news. This doctrine is of the greatest importance, not only by some other independent groups. Somehow, Rev. Ledeboer, a for unconverted sinners, but also for sinners under Holy Spirit deposed minister of the Reformed (State) Church, got involved, wrought conviction of sin, and even for believers who often first with the Secession Church, and subsequently with the struggle with lack of assurance. As Rev. C. Harinck writes in his Churches Under the Cross. He never actually joined either book, The Preaching of the Gospel: “the preaching of the Gospel federation but instituted independent congregations instead. It is the Lord’s chosen means to gather his elect” (pp. 293-4). He was these Ledeboerian churches together with residual “Cross mentions five reasons why the Gospel of a well-meant offer is Churches” and other independent groups who finally came crucially important. together in 1907. Why do I mention all this? Because the “Cross Churches” 1. It is important for the unconverted sinner because the Gospel never got over their dislike of the free offer, although very is the only hope for the fallen human race. It brings us the good interestingly Ledeboer taught a modified version of it and news that there is forgiveness with God because His Son Jesus he could be quite evangelistic in his preaching. The resulting Christ has borne the wrath of God against sin in our nature Netherlands Reformed Congregations remained ambivalent thereby reconciling sinners to God. That is why the Gospel about the issue, some leaning one way and others another way is called the ministry of reconciliation. This Gospel is not until later on in the 20th century, preaching became increasingly directed towards a certain category of people, but to sinners in hyper-calvinistic. general. It does not come with any conditions but is offered to Fast forward to 1993, the year that you broke away from the sinners without money and without price.

JUNE 2015 7 PURITAN REFORMED CONFERENCE  AUGUST 20-22, 2015 editorial ...Continued

The Beauty and Glory of the 2. It is important for the awakened and convicted sinner who knows that he deserves punishment. Apart from the Gospel there is no hope at all. Not in his repentance and contrition, Word of God but only in the merits of Him who died for sinners. To demand that repentance be experienced before the promises of the Gospel may be appropriated can never comfort distressed sinners because sincere penitents can never be sure of the genuineness of their repentance. It either leads to despair or to self-righteousness and self- deception. Speakers 3. A conditional Gospel cuts the heart out of the Gospel and robs Christ of His glory as the only Saviour and Redeemer. MICHAEL BARRETT JOEL BEEKE 4. It is only the Holy Spirit who can create a desire and sense of need for the offer. He does that by opening the eyeof GERALD BILKES the sinner for his plight as sinner and for the ability and RONALD KALIFUNGWA willingness of the Saviour. DAVID MURRAY JACK SCHOEMAN 5. The Spirit needs to open the eyes of believers again and again because they often lose sight of the Gospel--especially GEOFF THOMAS after times of backsliding. How can God have anything to do WILLIAM VANDOODEWAARD with me, such a sinner as I am!

Unity in Christ PRINCE CONFERENCE CENTER We firmly believe that all churches who agree with the above 1800 EAST BELTLINE AVE., GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 statements and preach in line with these biblical convictions Visit www.prts.edu for more details. ought to be one. True, there are factors that make it difficult and practically impossible for paedo and credo Baptists to live together in one church or denomination despite their love for the free offer. But those who hold to Scripture and the Reformed Confessions, whether the Three Forms of Unity or the Westminster Confessions, and all who love biblical, confessional and experiential preaching have no divine warrant to remain separate. This certainly applies to the Free Reformed Churches and the Heritage Reformed Churches. It was a positive experience for us to attend the synod of the HRC and to enjoy the fellowship with likeminded brethren. We realized again that we have very much in common. Whatever differences there may still be, these all belong to secondary matters. But that does not mean they can be ignored. Over time we have developed traditions and ways of thinking and doing things that we may find difficult to give up or change. We need wisdom to deal with such differences. We already have sub-committees in place charged with the responsibility to identify areas of concern and to find ways and means to resolve or minimize their importance. May the Lord give us the wisdom, love and humility that we need to promote the unity which we have in Christ and with one another.

Behold, how pleasant and how good that we, one Lord confessing, Together dwell in brotherhood, our unity expressing….

8 JUNE 2015 GREAT SELECTION ReformedBookServices OF CHRISTIAN PROMOTING GODLINESS, REVIVAL & REFORMATION

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JUNE 2015 9 A GOODLY HERITAGE ( 19 ) The Reformed Congregations Under The Cross1

CHURCH HISTORY By Rev. C. Pronk, Editor

Reasons for Starting “Cross Churches” the Church Order, and the newly ordained Rev. W.W. Smitt ordained Not long after the Secession of 1834 serious differences of opinion him as a minister in Rotterdam. Smitt served the new denomination arose among the Seceders. One very controversial issue concerned only for two years because he died suddenly in September of 1846. the so-called Petition for Freedom of Assembly. Many saw in this The leadership was now handed over to van den Oever, a most action a denial of the kingship of Christ and a selling out to the controversial figure. government merely to escape persecution. Also the demand of For many years the “Cross Churches” and the Christian Seceded the government to give up the name Reformed as a condition for Congregations (the name adopted by the Secession Churches under freedom was unacceptable for them. Another bone of contention pressure from the government) viewed each other with suspicion was the New Church Order adopted by the Synod of 1837. It came and animosity. The Seceders were accused of Arminian tendencies with a number of introductory articles that dealt with doctrinal because of their free offer preaching while the “Cross Churches” views on church membership, sacraments and related issues with were labelled as hyper-calvinists. Children baptized by ministers which many disagreed. So strong was the opposition that the Synod of the rival denomination were sometimes re-baptized because the of 1840 reversed itself and dropped the whole idea and simply went legitimacy of the ordination of these ministers was questioned. back to the old Church Order of Dort. But the harm had been done. While most were happy with Synod’s decision, there were some Initial Steps Towards Reunion for whom the reversal came too late, so they decided to leave for Yet, despite considerable dislike for each other, there was all along a doctrinal and church orderly reasons. desire that the breach might be healed. As early as 1849, the synod of the Seceded Churches extended an invitation to the Reformed Organization of “Cross Churches” Congregations under the Cross “to come to this Synod in order During the three years that the new Church Order was in force, that we may talk about reunion.” In reply, the “Cross Churches” resentment in certain parts of the country became so strong that a wrote a letter in which they defended their right to exist, accusing break was inevitable. Especially in the province of Overijssel there the Seceders of having sacrificed the principles of the Secession was a nucleus of dissidents who were determined to go it alone. and declaring that therefore they could not reunite with them. The They were led by Wolter Wagner Smitt who had written a brochure Seceders decided to respond in kind. Referring to themselves as the in which he condemned Scholte’s Church Order, as it came to be True Church, they wrote “that the conduct and ecclesiastical position called. of the “Cross Churches” was directly in conflict with God’s Word, our On June 11, 1840, a meeting was held in Mastenbroek where Forms of Unity, as well as with our liturgy and Church Order.” With various congregations from the Zwolle district were represented. sadness, they declared that they had rendered themselves “guilty of At this meeting some brothers were ordained as ministers, among public schism, intrusion upon the holy ministry and profanation of whom were W.W. Smitt, D. van der Werp and A. Schouwenberg. the sacraments, while increasing your guilt as long as you continue Four years later the various Congregations under the Cross united in this way.” Therefore, they concluded, as one federation at the General Synod of the Reformed Church in We are not allowed to unite with you, lest we bring upon the Netherlands held at Linschoten. They adopted the Three Forms ourselves the Lord’s displeasure.… Confess your sins before the of Unity and the unaltered Church Order of Dordrecht. At this same Lord and before men, fearing Him, for with the Lord there is assembly the lay preacher, Cornelis van den Oever of Rotterdam, forgiveness. Return to the communion of the church in order was examined and declared eligible for call according to Article 8 of that we may rejoice with you and because of you.

10 JUNE 2015 By Rev. C. Pronk, Editor

Despite this sharp rebuke, the Congregations under the Cross a Seceded Congregation from the “Cross Church” who was in doubt remained willing to seek closer contact with the churches they had whether his baptism was valid and who for that reason considered left. Three months prior to receiving the afore-mentioned letter they himself un-baptized would be permitted to be re-baptized. had even given permission to their vacant churches to call ministers from among the Christian Seceded Congregations “in order that The Great Breakthrough also in this there might be a preparation in God’s way unto a closer Meanwhile, contacts continued locally and in some areas Reformed bond of brotherly communion and ecclesiastical union.” Congregations under the Cross even rejoined the Christian Seceded The Seceded Church from her side put out feelers again in Church. The breakthrough came in 1869. On June 8-10 the 1851, inviting brothers from the “Cross Churches” to attend the General Assembly of the Reformed Churches under the Cross met forthcoming meeting of their Provincial Synod of Utrecht and North in Rotterdam while the Synod of the Seceded Church was about Holland “in order to deal with union.” The tone of this letter was to convene on June 16 in Middelburg. The synodical committee of considerably milder than the one of 1849. This time no mention was the Seceded Churches had officially invited the Reformed Church made of any intrusion upon the holy ministry and Synod now was “to try to achieve a union of the two ecclesiastical bodies.” This prepared to leave the “manner of their sending [the legitimacy of invitation was accepted and a committee was appointed and charged their ordination and office] to their own responsibility.” The letter with the preparation of a proposal regarding the manner in which expressed sadness that “so many years had already been spent in the Seceded Synod should be approached. It was decided that the alienation from one another.” following conditions should be presented to them: Although the tone of this communication was milder, it was made 1. The Christian Seceded must recognize unconditionally the quite clear that the “Cross Churches” had to return to the Seceded ordination of our ministers and the legitimate existence of our Churches. Nevertheless, at its General Assembly in Apeldoorn in congregations. 1851, the Reformed Church in the Netherlands (the official name 2. The Christian Seceded must change their name and manifest of the “Cross Churches”) expressed its desire to see an end to the themselves as the historical Reformed Church with or without split. The major stumbling block from their side was the Petition recognition by the state. for Freedom and the name Christian Seceded Church. If those 3. In secondary matters they were to bear with one another and obstacles could be removed, the “Cross Churches” would be happy wherever a merger was not feasible, the congregations were to to return to the fold. continue their separate existence alongside each other. A committee was appointed to discuss the matter of union further with a committee of the Seceded Church. The latter was more than Conditions Approved willing to negotiate and several fruitful discussions were held. But The Assembly approved these conditions and appointed delegates to other roadblocks appeared, among them the matter of imposition convey them to the Synod of the Seceded Church in Middelburg. The of hands. The Seceded Church insisted that when reunion would response was positive and the delegates were able to report to their take place, the ministers from the “Cross Churches” had to be re- reconvened assembly on June 24 that they had received the following ordained by their ministers. Another sticking point concerned the communication from the Christian Seceded Church and stated that, validity of baptism administered by “Cross Church” ministers. After 1. it desires union with all persons and associations or denominations many discussions an agreement on this matter was reached. The which are united with them in the doctrine and government of the Seceded Church would recognize such baptisms, but anyone joining Reformed Church;

JUNE 2015 11 CHURCH HISTORY Continued....

2. with a view to the condition of the Christian Church in general, which Psalm 134:3 was sung. it cannot nor wants to ignore existing situations; neither does it Great was the joy and thankfulness for what God had done for want to judge how in this case these situations have arisen and His Church. The almost thirty-year separation between brothers have been sustained till the present moment; of the same family had finally come to an end. This union of 1869 3. in its judgment, there is at the moment no ground whatsoever represents one of the few successful reunions that have ever taken that according to our Reformed doctrine or church government place in church history and serves as a model of how church unions would justify our continued separate existence; should be planned and effected. There must be complete agreement 4. when the union can be effected on the above grounds, the on doctrine and church government while allowing differences on ordination of ministers of the Reformed Church under the Cross secondary issues and local customs. would be recognized by this very union. Upon receipt of this positive letter, the Assembly of the “Cross Concluding Observation Churches” drafted a reply in which they restated their conditions for How could two denominations that were so divided on issues like reunion adding, the Petition for Freedom, the Church Order and especially the That it be firmly declared by you as well as by us that in controversy surrounding the free offer of the Gospel, find a way to preaching, church government, and education the doctrine, resolve these differences? Part of the answer is that by this time ministry, and discipline of the Reformed Church, expressed in the situation in the Secession Church had changed mainly due to God’s Holy Word, the confessions and liturgy of the Reformed the gradual coming together of the Drenthe and Gelderland wings, Church and the Church Order of Dordrecht of the year 1618/19 culminating in a consensus on the way the free offer should be form the basis and continue to be faithfully and seriously preached. This consensus may be attributed to the influence of maintained and applied. Hendrik De Cock’s balanced approach to theology and preaching The committee then went to the synod of the Seceded Church to in which he was able to preserve the best contributions of First and discuss the above conditions. The first point on which agreement Second Reformation theologians. As a result, a free offer preaching was reached concerned the mutual recognition of the legitimacy of could develop that avoided on the one hand extreme statements the ministers’ ordination and congregations. As for the doctrine and bordering on Arminianism and on the other hand expressions church government, no controversy remained. It was decided to “come tending towards hyper-calvinistic passivity. to a union without going into that which is past and to mutually declare As for the “Cross Churches,” as time went on, many preachers that together from now on we shall subject ourselves in doctrine, came back from their earlier radical stand viz a viz the offer of grace discipline and ministry in accordance with the Three Forms of Unity and became more evangelical in their presentation of the Gospel. In of the Reformed Church, liturgy and Church Order of 1618/19.” addition, they also became disillusioned by the dictatorial attitudes Regarding the name, various suggestions were proposed: Free displayed by some of their leading ministers, especially Cornelis van Reformed Church, Restored Reformed Church, Reformed Church, den Oever, a man with great gifts but also great faults, who tolerated Old Reformed Church and Christian Reformed Church. The latter no rivals. For these and other reasons many increasingly felt homesick name was adopted because it reflected that the united churches were for the church they had left and were determined to return. not only a Christian Church but also that they were the legitimate continuation of the old Reformed Church. Mixed Reaction Not all ministers and congregations were happy with the union. A 1869: The Union takes place number of ministers and their congregations had already left the With all obstacles having been removed, the long awaited union federation prior to the union because they knew what was coming. could now take place. The long estranged brothers And now, after the union had taken place, several other churches did held out to each other the right hand of fellowship and not go along. But the large majority of the “Cross Churches” and all welcomed each other with the most profound joy and with of the Seceded churches did rejoin under the new name: Christian the wish that this union may tend to the glorification of the Reformed Church (Dutch: Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk). This Lord and the flourishing and growth of the congregation. The Church, having survived the so-called ‘crisis of youth,’ emerged as a moving and unforgettable hours, when the chasm that kept strong denomination and a powerful witness for the Reformed faith them separated was filled by God’s all-governing love and in the Netherlands.

unimpeachable faithfulness for His Church, and the brother- Endnotes hand was held out in the way ordained by God, which made a 1 My main sources in this article were Dr. J. C. Van der Does, Kruisgezinden deep impression upon all those present, were concluded with en Separatisten (Franeker: T. Wever N.V., n.d) and W. W. J. Van Oene, Patrimony heartfelt thanksgiving by the chairman of the Synod, after Profile (Winnipeg: Premier Publications, 1999).

12 JUNE 2015  Signature: Date: compromises the safety or well-being of a counsellor fellow camper. I also release the organizers of the camp from all responsibility or liability in case of injury illness. Waiver: I acknowledge the right of camp directors to dismiss any camper who fails abide by the rules or regulations of Pearce Williams Christian Centre or otherwise Payment: Allergies Home Church: or City: Email: Address: Medical Name: Prov./State: Conditions: Postal/Zip: Emergency Contact: Free Reformed Camp 2015 Registration Form Gender: M

FREE REFORMED  $150 CDN before July 15, 2015 YOUTH CAMP 2015 Friday, July 31 - Monday, August 3

Join Free Reformed youth from across Canada and the United States for the denomination’s annual summer youth retreat, scheduled for Friday, July 31 to Monday, August 3. Camp Speaker… Pastor Ken Herfst Missionary and Professor at the Evangelical Presbyterian Seminary of San Felipe, Guatemala Camp Pastor… Pastor VanEssen Emeritus Pastor of the Free Reformed congregation of Mitchell, Ontario Camp Directors… Kim and Jan Hamstra

Camp Location… Pearce Williams Christian Centre  $190 CDN after July 15, 2015 8009 Iona Road, RR #1, Fingal, Ontario

To register for this year’s camp, please review the following guidelines  · F and fill out, tear off and send in the accompanying registration form. 1. God-honouring conduct is expected at all times. 2. The camp parking lot is off limits from arrival on Friday evening to departure on Monday morning. 3. Campers are not permitted to leave the camp property unless prior Family Doctor & Contact: Date of Birth: permission is granted. 4. Attendance at all organized functions is mandatory. 5. Drugs, alcohol and smoking are prohibited. 6. Visits to cabins of the opposite sex are not permitted. 7. Campers are expected to abide by nightly curfews. 8. Campers will be held responsible for damage to camp facilities and property. 9. Campers are expected to respect the authority of camp and kitchen staff, the camp director and camp counsellors. 10. Dress code: • Clothing should be modest and loose fitting. No tank tops. Shirts with sleeves are required. • Clothing should cover personal areas of the body (including midriffs). • Clothing should not have any wording, logos or images of an inappropriate nature. Phone: • No two-piece swimwear (including tankinis). • Formal dress required for worship services and the Sunday evening address. Male campers are expected to wear collared shirts and pants. Female campers are expected to wear dresses/skirts and tops with sleeves.

The registration for camp is $150 CDN (before July 15 and $190 afterwards). Campers must be 16 years of age before December 31, 2015 to attend.

Please make a cheque or money order payable to the ‘Free Reformed Church Camp Fund’ and send it with the registration form to: Kim and Jan Hamstra 6 Old Farm Road, Brantford, ON, N3R 6P5 • [email protected]

JUNE 2015 13 scripture READing: John 5

STUDIES IN JOHN (5) The Place of Mercy

BIBLE STUDY DR. G.M. BILKES

esus loved the Sabbath day. All week long people came he had no one to take him there. He was all by himself, watching to Him to be healed, but on the Sabbath day He sought people around him being healed, without the possibility of that out opportunities to heal (see e.g., Mark 1:21-27; 3:1- happening to him. This was truly a hopeless situation. 6; Luke 13:10-17; 14:1-6; John 9:14). He knew that God When Christ inquired of the man whether he wanted to be Jhad intended the Sabbath day as a day of joy and restoration, made whole, the man lamented: “Sir, I have no man, when and an occasion to glory in His Father. His miracles definitely the water is troubled, to put me into the pool” (v. 7). He didn’t promoted all of those things, for in them God’s glory shone as a answer Christ’s question directly, but expressed the hopeless bright light in this dark world. fact of his existence. What a picture of all of us by nature! We Many religious people, however, equated the Sabbath day are under a sentence of death, and mercy seems out of reach. with keeping minute rules and regulations. In fact, they equated There seems no way of escape from our circumstances, and we religion with minute rules and regulations. Sadly, such a spirit feel that people and maybe even God has left us to ourselves, to only kills; it binds; and robs of hope. Such a mind-set certainly “die” in our misery. doesn’t give life. We see this very vividly, for on this Sabbath When the man woke up on that Sabbath day morning, little day, the religious authorities end up plotting to kill Jesus (v. 16), did he imagine that this would be the day that Mercy Himself which was in direct contradiction with the intent of the Sabbath would appear, walk up to him and talk to him. Mercy didn’t even day! And what does this tell us about the human heart, when need to carry him into the pool, because Mercy could simply people want to kill someone who gives life and healing! How say, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk” (v. 8), and by the power true it is: “And men loved darkness rather than light, because of His voice, Mercy could bring Him to do exactly that. These their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). few words, spoken by the great Healer of the world, would be enough to bring about tremendous changes. Christ is Mercy in The House of Mercy the flesh, and as the Word of God incarnate He can show mercy We find a similar paradox in the life of the man whom we meet in a way that reverses the sentence of death, restores life, and lying near a pool at Bethesda. Bethesda means “house of mercy,” turns hopelessness into joyful hope. What better day to do this and there is no doubt that the people in Bethesda were in need than on the Sabbath day! of mercy. The man in our passage had been in need of it for thirty-eight years. Essentially, his sickness was the equivalent to The “Threat” of Mercy a sentence of death. He might as well have been in prison, lying The religious leaders didn’t agree. Mercy posed a threat to the there until the moment his life would end. There was no exit rules and order they had established. Mercy was beyond their from his misery. He must have felt forsaken by God and people. regulations and their laws, and this action touched them at the Originally the hope, and perhaps the fact as well, was that centre of their pride. They were blinded by their own arrogance, some angel would come and stir the water. Whoever stepped not realizing that Christ did honour the Sabbath day, but as a into the pool first after the angel would stir it, would be healed (v. day of God, the day in which He restored, not only bodies but 4). This man, however, could not get to the pool by himself, and also souls. The religious leaders were blind to this glorious work

14 JUNE 2015 DR. G.M. BILKES

of Christ. “Who does this man think He is?” they must have Thankfully, there is another law court. In this court, Christ thought. The better question would have been: “Who is He?” or has already reversed the sentence that was against this man, “What might He do for me? Can He show me mercy like this?” which had imprisoned him in his lame condition for thirty- Instead, they didn’t want mercy, and certainly didn’t feel they eight years. Christ set him free, so he could live again! That needed it. Their self-made regulations and way of living were is a picture of what Christ has come to do. It’s as He said a their means to salvation. They had made themselves judges of few chapters later: “The truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). their own deeds, congratulating themselves for their good works. Christ set this lame man free. Despite the opposition of the Christ did not hide His identity and what He had come to religious authorities, this law court didn’t close on the Sabbath do: “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work” (v. 17). In other day, because the Sabbath day is a great day to be set free by words, Christ is saying: “God is my Father, and what He does, I Christ! When we gather for worship in God’s house, or when do, and what I do, my Father has sent me to do.” The interesting we celebrate the day of God, we may know that this is the day thing is that the religious authorities weren’t confused about in which God restores people. what Jesus meant. They were irate at what He meant! We know All that the Lord Jesus did for this man by the pool is a picture that because John explains that they tried to kill him “because of what Christ does all the time in the gospel. People sometimes he not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was think that in the gospel Christ sets the law aside. Not so. Christ his Father, making himself equal with God” (v. 18). has fulfilled the law, and as such Christ has authority to turn Again, their pride is visible here, as Christ showed Himself back the sentence of condemnation that is on us because of sin. to be an authority that is higher than theirs. And so, in the This sentence is just, because the price has been paid. Child of court of their human opinion, they charged that Christ was a God, the sentence of death because of your sin has been paid by blasphemer. They refused to see that Christ actually had not your Saviour, on the cross. Because of this, we don’t have to die, only spoken the truth, but also proved the truth by healing the but we are set free and made alive! This court is ruled by justice man. If He had been a blasphemer, God would not have allowed and mercy together, hand in hand, reconciled to each other (Ps. Jesus to heal this man the way He did by reversing the sentence 85:10). of death and restoring life to his sick body. It’s is not a coincidence that Christ spoke about what will happen on the last day, on Judgment Day. The Father has given A Good Law Court all judgment into the hands of the Son (v. 22). However, in the Essentially, in this chapter there are two law courts. The one gospel, Christ draws this judgment forward for all who believe court is the court of the religious authorities. This court is driven on Him. All those who believe on Him are not under judgment, by pride and by judging others based on self-made regulations. but are free from condemnation. Christ explains it like this: This court has already condemned Christ, because He didn’t “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and obey their rules, and showed that His authority is higher than believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall theirs, namely that of the Father. For this, they wanted Him not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto dead, and they are plotting how to do it. life” (v. 24). What he is saying is this: “I have authority to turn

JUNE 2015 15 Bible Study ...Continued back any sentence that is against you. If you hear my word today side. But Christ shows that actually all the biblical witnesses and believe me, you are not condemned.” are testifying in His law court, and they are witnessing in His favour. Let’s review a few of them: Many Witnesses Interestingly, in Christ’s court there are many witnesses. The 1. John the Baptist (vv. 32-33): “There is another that beareth religious leaders think they have their religious tradition on their witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witness- eth of me is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.” John witnessed of Christ, and though the religious authorities respected John, they didn’t believe him, because if they did, they would have seen Christ for who He was. 2. The Father (vv. 36-37): “For the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me.” The miracles the Father allowed Christ to do, even the one in this chapter, prove that Christ and the Father are one. 3. The Scriptures (vv. 39-40): “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” The Scriptures, which the religious authorities thought they knew and taught, proved that Christ was sent from God. Over the years of our ministry in Eastern Ukraine, we have been providing financial support and staff training to a number of Day Care centers for young children and teenagers from neglected families. The concept has been simple—to have a place where children may come after QUESTIONS school, do homework, have a Bible lesson, a hot meal, and What is the significance of the fact that Christ a shower. performed this miracle on the Sabbath day? Is Donors often ask for results, but these types of projects 1. mercy central to the way you view the Lord’s do not bring immediate results and hope that may be planted in hearts cannot be measured. There are cases Day? How? where parents do take our help for granted and just How is this man’s healing a picture of salvation? continue their ungodly lives, knowing that their children How do verses 25-29 prove this? are taken care of by the church. Then it can seem like 2. an endless circle of problems—while you deal with one Show from this passage the law court of God problem, another comes up. 3. where mercy frees and heals, and the law court Maria, however, was a girl who attended the Day Care of sinners, where their pride binds and kills. Why program in one of the villages in the Lugansk region. did the authorities think they were so right? Several years later, Maria joined the church and her mother What is the danger of judging other people? Does is also a church member today. At one of the church’s that mean we can’t correct others? youth meetings Maria met Bogdan who attended another 4. church in the area. They fell in love and were going to This chapter tells us how to see the attributes of marry last year in the Lugansk region, but because of the 5. the Father, through Jesus (vv. 19-21). Name some war they had to escape to Western Ukraine. There they of the ways in which Jesus reflects the Father. were married and have started family life. Can you name witnesses in your life that have 6. brought you closer to God? How did their testimony help you? Do you have things to witness about to others? Phone: 888-844-2624 Website: coah.org Email: [email protected]

16 JUNE 2015 4. Moses (vv. 45-47): “There is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.” In the first five books of the Old Testament, Moses stands up as it were and speaks in favour of Christ.

It’s a sad thing that many religious people think they are legal experts and quickly sit in judgment on other people, even fellow believers. However, so often they judge unrighteously, not realizing that they condemn themselves in the process, for Jesus says: “Judge not that ye be not judged” (Matt. 7:1). People, who judge others, are blind to the sentence that stands against them. Instead, we should leave judgment to the court of Christ, who can look into the heart of people, and who knows the very truth about everyone. Not only does He know what lives in our hearts, but also He knows our needs, as we hear Him ask: “Do you want to be made whole?” Let that question light a spark of hope into your heart, even if all hope is gone. Perhaps it has been thirty- eight years or more that you have been in the prison of your sin and misery. Christ is still speaking His freedom today. He rejoices to show mercy. He is glad to turn back the sentence of death and condemnation that is against us.

Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes is Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Puritan Theological Seminary and a pastor of the Free Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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7 Five-Day Lesson Themes Through the Bible • Beginnings • Children In the Bible • Loving God (The Ten Commandments) • Jesus Saves • Miracles in the Bible • Parables in the Bible • The Gospel Is Spread Seven different themes are arranged into 5-lesson modules, which may be printed as is or modified to suit your outreach program. Three Levels of Workbooks • Beginners (ages 4 – 6) • Primaries (ages 7 – 9) with 2 levels of activities • Juniors (ages 10 - 12) FREE REFORMED PUBLICATIONS INCLUDES 18 Chapala Crescent S.E. Calgary, AB T2X 3M4 Canada Complete Instructions * Email: [email protected]; Tel. 403-254-6591 * Handbook for Planning * Teachers’ Manual with Crafts Website: www.frcna.org

JUNE 2015 17 From the Churches GleaningsRev. J. Overduin Quotes from Calgary Free Reformed Church’s Bulletins These are placed by Calgary’s pastor, Rev. Hans Overduin.

Evangelized by the Lord’s Supper? …There is no question that the Lord’s Some Christians become actively involved in a local church Supper proclaims the gospel to the saints…. But in what way does the without ever becoming members. It is good to be involved, but Lord’s Supper minister to unbelievers who happen to be with us in involvement without formal membership is like living together church? For years I have been perplexed by the attitude that suggests without getting married. To some people, this seems like a good that the Lord’s Supper has no evangelistic benefit. I would like to suggest way to test the waters. They argue, “How can we know for sure the exact opposite - that the Lord’s Supper is profoundly evangelistic, and if we are right for one another unless we live together for a little that it is a wonderful thing for non-Christians to see, even if they cannot while? If things don’t work out, then we can split up without yet participate. I will illustrate this with a true story from our church. A a divorce.” In addition to violating God’s will for courtship and young man began visiting our church as a skeptic. He had many doubts marriage, that approach is a well-known recipe for separation. but was interested in learning. It was a wonderful privilege to be able to Two people who only live together want the benefits of mar- befriend and talk with him. We agreed to study the gospel of John to- riage without its safeguards. As a result, they lack the one thing gether. For about a year this young man and I read and discussed the that is crucial for a successful marriage (or to genuine sexual gospel of John. At the end of that time, he still was not ready to make a intimacy, for that matter): an unbreakable commitment to mu- profession of faith. I was admittedly disappointed. But he continued to tual, inviolable covenant before God. The same might be said come to church. I was happily surprised. One Sunday after the Lord’s Sup- of regular attenders who never join the church. They lack an per, he came to me with tears in his eyes and said, ‘I think I’ve become a unbreakable commitment to the church and its ministry. Non- Christian and I want to profess my faith.’ Shocked and elated, I asked him members, however active they may be in the life of the church, what had sparked the change. His answer was the Lord’s Supper. Every are outside the covenant relationship with the body of Christ time he was there, the table was fenced [like exercising close commu- that God requires. They reserve the right to pick and choose nion], and he knew he was not ready to partake. He was reminded that their doctrine, lifestyle, and ministry. In he was still not reconciled to God, and that effect, they become their own elders, he must be reconciled to God and profess denying the authority of the church his faith in God before coming to the table. How easily the human heart behaves unwisely! - to carry out its mandate of gathering He was eager to do so, and made a wonder- STUDY NOTE from The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible on Isaiah 39 and perfecting the saints. To put this ful profession. The Lord’s death had been in theological terms, they separate visibly ‘proclaimed’ to the evangelistic ben- Daily I ask the Lord: Lord, how has my original sin union with Christ, the head of the efit of his soul. However often our churches distorted me, how is my indwelling sin manipulat- church, from union with his body. As celebrate the Lord’s Supper, let us not see ing me, and how is Satan enlisting me? - Rosaria a result, they confuse themselves and it as a hindrance to our unbelieving friends, Butterfield but a loving, visible reminder of their need to profess Christ, and then to join us as we God is more glorified in the person of his Son than ‘taste and see that the Lord is good’ (Psalm He would have been by an unfallen world. - C.H. 34:8).” - E.B. Watkins in TableTalk, 2011 Spurgeon

Christ is much more powerful to save, than Adam was to destroy. - John Calvin

The only kind of local church that can bring comfort to the ashamed is the church that is unashamed of the gospel. - M. Lawrence

“It’s up to us as parents to prioritize the community of God for our kids…. The children in our church are the first ones that God has given us to win for the gospel. Because they are the inheritance we are leaving for our city, the single most important task we have as a church is to give the next generation the gospel.” - J.D. Greear

18 JUNE 2015 BOOK REVIEW By henk kleyn

GOD’S BATTLE PLAN FOR THE MIND by David W. Saxton (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Reformation Heritage Books), paperback, 160 pages. Available from Reformation Heritage Books, Grand Rapids, MI USA and Reformed Book Services, Brantford, ON CANADA.

During the seventeenth century, English Puritan pastors often encouraged their congregations in the spiritual discipline of meditating on God and His Word. Today, however, much of evangelicalism is either ignorant of or turned off by the idea of meditation. In God’s Battle Plan for the Mind, Pastor David Saxton seeks to convince God’s people of the absolute necessity for personal meditation others – outside as well as inside the church – about what it means to be and motivate them to begin this work themselves. But he has not done this alone. a Christian. This is a costly mistake to Rather, he has laboured through numerous Puritan works in order to bring make because membership has its together the best of their insights on meditation. Standing on the shoulders of privileges. Martyn Lloyd-Jones went these giants, Saxton teaches us how to meditate on divine truth and gives valuable so far as to describe church member- guidance about how to rightly pattern our thinking throughout the day. With the ship as ‘the biggest honour which can rich experiential theology of the Puritans, this book lays out a course for enjoying come a man’s way in this world.’ There true meditation on God’s Word. is no union with Christ apart from the communion of the saints. Nor can the saints have true communion without Table of Contents: belonging to one another by belong- The Importance of Recovering the Joyful ing to Christ in his church. The com- Habit of Biblical Meditation munion of the saints is for members Unbiblical Forms of Meditation only. - Philip Ryken in “The Commu- Defining Biblical Meditation nion of the Saints,” pp. 54-5 Occasional Meditation Deliberate Meditation Pastor Joel Overduin is the minister of the Free The Practice of Meditation Reformed Church of Vineland, Ontario. Important Occasions for Meditation Choosing Subjects for Meditation The Reasons for Meditation The Benefits of Meditation The Enemies of Meditation Getting Started: Beginning the Habit of Meditation Conclusion: Thoughts on Meditation and Personal Godliness

David W. Saxton is senior pastor of Hardingville Bible Church in Gloucester County, New Jersey and an alumnus of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. I enjoyed reading this very readable, pastoral book recently with profit for my soul. Meditating on God’s Word is an enriching experience with the Lord’s blessing. I highly recommend this resource and the discipline of meditation on the Word of God.

The link below is another source of encouragement for this blessed practice. How grateful we should be for the life-changing power of the Word of God in our lives. http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2015/03/13/22-benefits- of-meditating-on-scripture/?utm_source=HeadHeartHand+Blog&utm_ campaign=cda9ca7a48-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_ medium=email&utm_term=0_5efef10d9e-cda9ca7a48-110848517

JUNE 2015 19 ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// OUTREACH NEWS //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

UPDATE ON ASIAN MINISTRY

By Rev. Hans Overduin and Mr. Ray Pennings

expects to finish the drafting of the commentary in the sum- Note from the authors of this article: As this re- mer. port was being submitted for publication in this issue The Outreach Committee, which supports Rev. Gangar in his of The Messenger, it was learned that Dr. Kuldip Gan- work on a day-to-day basis, is currently reviewing the devel- gar had suffered a serious stroke the night before. As oping manuscript. In addition, input has been requested from of this writing, we do not know the outcome but we several leaders in our denomination who have academic scien- are proceeding with this update, praying that the Lord tific training, with a view to helping ensure that the commen- will bless the work that has been done and use it to the advancement of His kingdom and for the glory of His tary addresses the real questions that typically come to mind. Name. We also commend the entire Gangar family to This is a biblical commentary, not a scientific textbook, yet the Lord in our prayers. (Subsequent to processing this Scripture needs to be read and applied as it has relevance to the article, it was learned that Pastor Gangar had been tak- questions of the day. While particularly addressed to an east- en by the Lord on Thursday May 14th. See the Church ern audience, who have grown up with a philosophy in which News page (5) for more information, C.P.) distinctions between the Creator and the creation are muddled, similar confusions are faced by many Christians growing up in Typically we understand “ministry of the word” to empha- western society. size the spoken word of preaching. In the case of Rev. Kuldip Writing this book is in a certain way “consuming” all Dr. Gangar in recent years, however, there is a focus on the writ- Gangar’s energies and concentration. He has become weary ten word (although thankfully, he still has opportunity to having to deal with so many mistaken and altogether false un- preach in various churches more than half of his Sundays.) derstandings and interpretations of the text of Scripture. The Since his call to a special ministry preparing Reformed following excerpts of the draft (expected to comprise 25 chap- and biblical materials for people of South Asian descent, ters totalling approximately 300 pages) provide a sample of Rev. Gangar has written eight booklets which together what is to come. comprise an elementary introduction to Christian doctrine, as well as a commentary on the book of Matthew. These From Chapter 1 - Introduction days, he is hard at work writing a commentary on the first What is our authority for what we believe about the creation? three chapters of the Bible. Getting Genesis chapters 1 to 3 Is it what our confessions teach? Many go straight to them right, understanding it and believing it as God by His Spirit and begin there. They say the matter has been settled by god- intended it is crucial to the life and witness of true Christi- ly men in the past and that should be enough. Others turn to anity. science and they claim only it can give the final answer. For The many skeptical debates regarding Scripture’s open- the Christian, the ultimate and only authority for what we ing chapters are part of Satan’s strategy to oppose God believe about creation is the Word of God. The confessional and His glory shown through His works in creation, provi- standards, excellent though they are, are subordinate to the dence, and redemption. Rev. Gangar is burdened about the Scriptures and derived from them. We should prove them importance of expositing the opening chapters of Genesis from the Word of God. Science is done by sinful people, who in a way that faithfully interprets Holy Scripture in accor- have suffered the noetic effects of the fall. The interpretation dance with all of God’s revealed will for all generations. He put upon the data is distorted especially when it requires bow-

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ing to one’s Maker. Christians must not naively trust science; as if “science says” is equivalent to “Scripture says.” The first eleven chapters of Genesis form the foundation to all that follows in the Bible. If we go wrong here, it will affect the rest of Scripture. Genesis 1-11 informs us of the origins of the world, time, space, creatures, man, the Sabbath, the cov- enant with Adam, the fall, the first gospel promise, the univer- sal flood, the gracious covenant with Noah, and the reason for multiple languages. If at the beginning we cannot take God’s Word at face value, then we are left wondering whether other Scriptures should also be read that way or not. Presuppositions affect how we assess things. Note the out- come of clinging to a blatantly false presupposition.

Os Guinness tells a rather humorous story which illustrates this truth. A man walked into a psychiatrist’s office one day insisting he was dead. After several sessions with this “dead” man, the psychiatrist at last thought he had hit upon a solu- tion to his patient’s problem. He assigned him to go the library and write an extensive paper on the characteristics of dead people. The doctor did not hear from him for several months. Then one day he received in the mail a large manuscript, the fruit of his patient’s labors on this topic. One of his main con- us so we may rightly understand and apply His Holy Word. clusions was the interesting fact that dead people do not bleed. In the next chapter, given this truth, we will look at some most Overjoyed the psychiatrist calls the man in for an appoint- basic and important principles of interpreting Scripture. ment. As soon as the man arrived, he began once again to pro- And then from Chapter 15: How Not to Read Genesis 3 claim that he was dead. At that moment the doctor whipped 1. It is not to be read as a fable... out a large hat pin and pricked the man’s finger. Blood gushed 2. It is not to be read as poetry... out profusely. ’There now, what conclusion do you draw from 3. It is not to be read magically... that?’ asked the doctor. After a moment’s hesitation, yet with- 4. It is not to be read as legend or myth... out blinking, the patient looked the doctor straight in the eye, 5. It is not to be read as an etiological story... and exclaimed, ‘Well, what do you know; dead people do bleed 6. It is not to be read as a parable... after all!.’ 7. It is not to be read as the story of Everyman... Likewise, in spite of all the evidence, the minds of sinful men 8. It is not to be read as a psychological description of what and women cling to twisted views like a child clutching a fa- took place in the mind of Eve... vourite toy. We change all evidence to fit our presuppositions.1 9. It is not meant to be read as an imaginative projection of There are presuppositions that are true because God’s the experience of the author of Genesis... Word is the Word of Him who cannot lie. The Scriptures are 10. It is not to be read as an account of man and woman be- the inspired and inerrant Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Peter coming sexually aware... 1:21). We begin with this truth and build all our interpreta- tions on this foundation. This does not mean we automatically After expanding on the above ten points, Rev. Gangar con- will have a right understanding of Scripture. We need to call cludes as follows: upon the Holy Spirit who inspired the Word to illuminate it to The only correct way to read Genesis 3 is to take it as an actu-

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//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// al account of what transpired in the Garden of Eden on that Washington, where most of his family continues to reside. fatal day. If we read it any other way, we end up distorting The Outreach committee is continuing to work to have the Scripture and contradicting it. Far better, to humbly bow materials Rev. Gangar has written in English translated into in reverence before God’s revelation than to make Scripture the several languages which are used in South Asian coun- say what we want it to say, in order to fit in with secular tries as well as increasing the awareness of these materi- science. als. Presently efforts are underway to see these works made ------available in Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, and Tamil. Especially for The work of a missionary, whether in a foreign mission a committee of English-speakers, this is a long and tedious field, in home missions, or in his study located in a suburban process but significant progress is being made, also through home in a major North American city, requires not only dili- contacts and support provided by Isaac Gejendran, a student gence on his part but also the supportive prayer ministry of at Puritan Reformed theological Seminary and Henk Kleyn, the church. Please continue to pray for Dr. Gangar in writing administrator at the Seminary. Special mention also needs this watershed book in these evil and wayward times of so to be made of Rev. Gangar’s wife Judy, who has academic much confusion and chaos, not just in the world out there training in library sciences and who has been an indispens- but even within the walls of the visible church worldwide. able helpmeet to her husband and very active “behind-the- Following the completion of this commentary, it is the scenes” support in this work. working expectation of the committee and Rev. Gangar that The hope is that in the years God may give Dr. Gangar, he will write a commentary on one more biblical book be- also as emeritus minister of the gospel, that there will be lots fore applying for emeritus status and moving back to Seattle, of opportunity to share the work done and for its distribu-

The first eleven chapters of Genesis form the foundation to all that follows in the Bible. If we go wrong here, it will affect the rest of Scripture.

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tion worldwide, especially among those of East Indian background. Even as we summarize this work, we re- Free Reformed Missions International main aware that only with God’s blessing will the seed FINANCIAL REPORT that is being spread through material and digital dis- tribution be fruitful. We also wish to acknowledge and The first four months of 2015 are already history at the writing thank the churches who have generously given to this of this report. The income statement reflects the activity for project to bring us to this phase. There are also more that period with a comparison to the year prior. No budget opportunities than there is current funding (especially figures are in the report as we wait for final approval at synod. Take note that no funds were sent to the Cubulco Mission to translate and distribute into additional languages) Post since they began the year with a good-sized balance in but we trust that God will provide the burden on the their account. We thank the Lord for allowing us to continue hearts of His people in His time to see these opportuni- the work in Guatemala and we look to Him for His guidance ties realized. and care. William F. Laman

Endnotes 1 Will Metzger, Tell the Truth, p. 88

Pastor Hans Overduin and Mr. Ray Pennings are members of the Outreach Committee and members of the Free Reformed Church of Calgary, Alberta.

Open Positions at Mukhanyo Theological College

Mukhanyo Theological College is a Christian educational institution in South Africa with an expanding network of campuses and distance learning sites in southern Africa. Our mission is to glorify God by equipping church leaders and other Christians in Africa. We are now seeking applicants for appointment to the following open positions:

Academic Dean Office Administrator Site Coordinator

Please visit our website at www.mukhanyo.co.za for more information and to download a detailed job advert for each of these positions.

JUNE 2015 23 AnnouNcements wedding anniversary obituary 1990 June 30 2015

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

On Saturday evening, May 9, 2015, “Let the beauty of the MEINDERT KOOPMAN Lord our God be upon passed peacefully into eternal glory in his 79th year surrounded us.” Psalm 90:17a by his six children and loved ones at Victoria Hospital in London, Our parents, Ontario. Our dear Father and Opa will be sorely missed, but Hugh & Marianne we rejoice that our loss is his gain and that he is now enjoying (Zuidema) Van Pelt pleasures forevermore at God’s right hand in glory. hope to celebrate Meindert was born in The Netherlands, on October 20, 1936. their 25th wedding When he was twelve years old, he immigrated to Canada with anniversary on June 30, his parents and farmed most of his life near Thamesville, Ontario. 2015. During that time, he was a member of the Free Reformed Church We are thankful for their of Chatham and during the past several years, of the Free love for each other, their Reformed Church of St. Thomas. love for us, and most of Meindert leaves behind his dear wife, all their love for the Lord Attie (Roffel) Koopman, whom he lovingly cared for at home who has been so good until this past January when she took up residence at Valley View to them and us. Nursing Home. Happy Anniversary Mom He also leaves behind his six children and their spouses, and Dad! grandchildren and great-grandchildren:

With much love from Jim & Audrey Koopman (Brantford FRC) – your children: Peter & Andrea, Sam, Naomi, Claire Alexander John & Sue Koopman (Chilliwack FRC) - Kristina Scott & Jen (Jenna-Grace, Mayelle, Owen), Ben, Josh & Naomi, Jonathan Erin, Caleb Michelle Cindy & James VanderHeide (Mitchell FRC) – Brianna & Jacob, Danielle & Matthew, Nicolas, Brayden, Kierra, [email protected] Kaitlyn, Serena Carol & Paul Laman (Pompton Plains FRC) – Hadassah, Josiah, Shifrah SUBMITTING Mel & Monica Koopman (London Canadian Reformed) – PICTURES Jared, Wyatt, Zoe ELECTRONICALLY Please note that to Mark & Linda Koopman (St. Thomas FRC) – meet the standards of Alex, Carsten, Savannah printing, any pictures Meindert is also survived by brothers, sisters and in-laws: sent electronically have to be scanned in high Tom & Grace Koopman, Marg & Hielke Zuidema, Grace & resolution, at least 300 John Pennings, Ge Koopman, Harry & Diane Roffel, and Anne dpi (dots per inch) and Koomans. He is predeceased by his parents, Jacobus & should be in jpg format. Geertruida Koopman, his in-laws, John & Siemkje Roffel, as well For questions, please as brothers, sisters and in-laws: Pearl & George Greevink, John contact Koopman, Wiecher & Jannie Koopman, Trudy & George Brink, [email protected] Mabel & John Roffel, and Harry Koomans.

24 JUNE 2015