The MESSENGER • February 2009 • 1 John 15:2 John

Sabbath Works of Necessity Works Sabbath Next March Esther 3: • 14 • 8 Book Reviews in Me Announcements

• 13 • 20 the Free Reformed Churches in English • 5 News Notes

• 18 tion of that beareth not fruit fruit not beareth that Look & Live • 3 The

John Calvin: His Life His Calvin: John Church News Church Faithfulness God’s Remembering Vineland:

Volume 56, No. 2, February 2009 February 2, No. 56, Volume Messenger • 2 • 9 • 16 Every branch Every

He taketh away; taketh He

The Official Publica

and every branch branch and every

Inside that it may bring forth more fruit. more forth bring it may that that beareth fruit, He pruneth it, it, pruneth He fruit, beareth that

2 The MESSENGER • February 2009 • Church News Catechism and Adult Sunday school classes are The Lordwilling, theFree ReformedChurchesof further information, call425-649-9676, orvisit Contact Information: HaroldSlingerland, Clerk, All overtures, reportsandothercorrespondence clined theministerialcallfrom held afterthemorningservice. Location: 6167 Rev. Jack SchoemanoftheMonarch, Alberta 6th StreetSE, Calgary AB T2H 1L9(northwest The Free Reformed Church of Lacombe meets Worship ServicesareheldeveryLord’s Dayat Worship servicesareheldeveryLord’s Dayat 9.30 a.m. and4.00p.m. The Sundayschool, attachments inMS-Word formatviae-mailto cause inthesamemannerasForeign Mis- Washington 98004. For BibleStudytimesor services areheldat 9.00a.m. and3.00 p.m. congregation received a call extended to him congregation receivedacallextendedtohim but thecongregationsareasked totreatthis Refugee Committee: There isnoassessment, by theclerkofFree ReformedChurchof All material should be sent electronically as All materialshouldbesentelectronicallyas [email protected]; Tel. 403-254-6591. Rev. L.A. denButteroftheNetherlandsde- Fellowship HallofGrace Lutheran Church, Church, conveningchurchforSynod2009, Dundas OntarioFree ReformedChurchon for the Agenda ofSynodmustbereceived corner ofBlackfootandGlenmore Trails). On behalfoftheHamiltonFree Reformed located at9625NE8thStreet, Bellevue, 5227 C&E Trail, Lacombe, AB. Worship 1.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. in the Pearson Clerk, Lacombe, AB: Tel. 403-754-5486. our website: www.frcna.org/bellevue. On page65, thecorrectfigurefortotal CORRETION: Yearbook 2009 by theFenwick, Ontariocongregation. sions andSeminaryInstructorcauses. David Tamminga, Yearbook Editor: assessments is$77.50(not$83.50). BELLEVUE, W Hamilton before April 10, 2009. North America willmeetatthe in the Trinity Lutheran Church, [email protected] LACOMBE, Anthony VandenHoek , CALGARY, [email protected] Address Changes MINSTERIAL CALLS June 1-5, 2009 J. Tamminga, Clerk. SYNOD 2009 ASHINGTON Albert Albert Pompton Plains, N.J. a a .

Home Missions Reformed Free for Pennings Ray by Submitted at Janssen John (705)493-0259. contact can group this on of theircommunity. needs the to response appropriate an and ties opportuni- identify to group the for portunity op- an provides also It proceed. to best how to as decision a to leading prayer and ment discern- for time of period a provides It plant. church a for priorities biblical together oping devel - and planting church of understanding their in together grow to group the allow to is resentatives of the Home Missions Committee. der Ray Pennings and Rev. H. VanEssen as rep- Free Reformed Church; and on May 20th by El- Rev.by P.15th the VanderMeydenVinelandof Church;Freeon Reformed Dundas the April of Church; on March 4th by Rev. L.J. Bilkes, pastor Overduin, pastor of the Mitchell Free Reformed Rev.J.by 28th January on joined be will They January. in every commencing evening, Wednesday meet will group The Church. formed Re- Free Abbotsford the of pastor E. Moerdyk, Rev. by developed curriculum” members “new a using study weekly a begin to gregation intheNorthBayarea. con- a establishing in pursued be might that process the regarding questions logistical and doctrinal both ask to opportunity had group the which in December in held meeting a and up with the FRCNA Home Missions committee taken was Contact Churches. Reformed Free holding the of congregations different in individuals membership two with backgrounds Reformed or Presbyterian have three group, longing toapaedo-baptistchurch. be- paedo-baptists of necessity the and this issue of nature fundamental the on agreeing sides both with issue baptism extensively the discussed has congregation The position. Baptist credo a to adheres but soteriology ist Calvin- reflects that preaching with gregation at the Trout Creek Baptist Church, a small con- together worshipping by other each of aware became for couples the Janssen, spokespersonJohn group, the a to According area. North Bay the in church a Reformed of confessional establishment the towards working of area Bay view North a with study Bible weekly a the started have in families of group A F Anyone interested in more information information more in interested Anyone phase preparatory this during Theintention decided group the meeting, the Following Of the four families represented in the initial REE RE NORTH BA F ORME D Y, ONT WOR K ARIO

B EG I NS I N Please contact the secretary of the committee Please contactthesecretaryofcommittee Theological Educationpriortocontactingthe If youbelieveHeis, thecommitteewishesto for moreinformation. Prospectivestudents Theological EducationCommitteeofthe in the Free Reformed Churches of North North of Churches Reformed Free the in are asked toconsulttheHandbookfor 1120 Old Mohawk Road, Ancaster, ON Is the Lord calling you to the ministry ministry the to you calling Lord the Is hear fromyoubyMarch1, 2009. Email: [email protected] secretary ofthecommittee. MINSTERAL STUDIES Rev. G.R. Procee, Secretary Free ReformedChurches Tel. (905)648-7822; AD L9G 3K9 CANADA L9G 3K9CANADA M America? America? I SS I ON TO The MESSENGER • February 2009 • 3 By Rev. J. Schoeman J. By Rev. On On the way, the people of Israel did Secondly, they became discouraged be- rael would attack him and take over his ter- his over take and him attack would rael him assured Israelites the sure, be To ritory. that they had no intention of doing so. In through pass to not promised they 17 verse his fields orthrough vineyards.his They also promised not to drink any water from his wells, or to turn from the right hand or to the left. But the king did not believe he mus- deter them even further, To them. tered a large army to block their way into his land. As a result, the Israelites had to make a detour all the way around the land distance of some 175 miles. of Edom--a what they had done many times before-- 4 says, they “The started to grumble. Verse soul of the people was much discouraged.” Why were they discouraged? gives two they reasons: First, were discour- Our text aged because of the way God led Verse 4 says: them. “The soul of the people was much discouraged because of As the way.” we observed already, the people of Israel were forbidden by the king of Edom pass through his to forcing territory, them to take a detour of some 175 miles. This was not easy for them. Not only did it mean extra travel, it also meant having to travel through some very difficult terrain. There vast and climb to mountains and hills were deserts was to not cross. It an easy journey. they became discouraged. Consequently, them. for made God provisions the of cause

and And Discouraged Always Changing ook In preparation for their departure, Moses Moses departure, their for preparation In Numbers 21: 4-9 Numbers L Live!

Our Our text presents to us another picture in this gallery--although it is not a very pleas- ant picture. The people ofIsrael were - pre paring to enter into the land of Canaan. For forty years they had wandered in the wilderness as punishment for believing the negative report of the ten spies. Now, at long last, their wilderness wandering had per- were they last long At end. an to come land. mitted to enter into the promised ask- Edom, of king the to delegation a sent ing him to permit them to travel through his Theterritory. plan was to follow awell traveled trade route (known as the “King’s Highway”) as they made their way north- ward to the land of Moab and from there to Canaan. Disappointed Reading Reading the Old Testament is like walking through an art gallery; it is full of pictures. First we see a picture of the garden of Eden. Then a picture of the ark of Noah. Isaac on the Then a sacrificing his son of Abel picture altar. Then a picture of the tabernacle and all of its furnishings. There are many, many pictures. And they are all drawn by a master artist--the Lord Himself, through His Holy Spirit. Everything Is The king ofEdom, refused. however, Evi- he dently, was afraid that the people of - Is Meditation g or ANCES Tuesday, February 10, 10, February Tuesday, TE

E: ICE: ANT NOT ANT EDITOR The

publication date. Tuesday of each month before the reach the editorial office by the second is necessary that all items for publication reach its subscribers earlier in the month it All notices for family announcements, obitu- All notices for family announcements, anniversaries, andaries, non-commercial advertisements for the March 2009 issue should reach Frederika the copy editor, no later than Pronk, 2009 and should be sent to: THE MESSENGER 10 Highgate Place ON N3R 5V4 CANADA Brantford, 519 751-4470 Telephone/Fax: [email protected] Email: m [email protected] www.frcna.org Website: Reformed Free To comply with requests thatThe Messenger Dr. G. M. Bilkes M. G. Dr. r [email protected] Email: COMMITTEE MEMBERS Chairman Procee, G.R. Rev. Secretary Kranendonk, H. D. Rev. Albert Street 69 ON N0K 1N0 Mitchell, SS1, 519 348-0436 Tel/Fax: [email protected] Email: Pronk C. Rev. Bilkes L.W. Dr. Koopman J. Rev. Vandermaarl H. Mr. Overduin J. Rev. VanDoodewaard H. Mr. Lewis J. Rev. SUBSCRIPTION RA Annually - $25.00 Canada & U.S.A. MessengerThe is published 11 times per year. SUBSCRIPTIONS/REMITT Requests for subscriptions, all payments and inquiries regarding and invoices, all rates, remittances should be addressed to: THE MESSENGER Administrator c/o Marianne Overduin, 1094 Box P.O. ON N0K 1N0 Mitchell, 519 348-0020 Tel./Fax: [email protected] Email: IMPORT EDITOR Pronk C. Rev. 10 Highgate Place ON N3R 5V4 Brantford, 519 751-4470 Tel/Fax: g [email protected] Email: the Editor reports to The Committee Synodical Publications ASSIST Messenger 4 The MESSENGER • February 2009 • delivered from oursin? be to effects? long poisonous Do we its felt ever we Have pain? feel to us caused ever Havesins sin? our our weeverexperienced intellectually--that we are sinners. But have Weknow— sinners. are we that werechildren we that time the from taught been of ourconception. moment the it--from with afflicted are us of all And cure. human no is there which for and recover never will we which from wound a inflicts It mortal. is bite His rael, Is- of people the with as And us. bites he sin, into fall we time Every since. ever us biting been has he But Paradise. in Adam in us bit first He himself. serpents--Satan all of serpent the but by serpent a fiery not havebyizenot) bittensnake-- or beena it real- we (whether too we Israel, of people the Like condition. human natural our in What we have here is a picture of ourselves A F was aterrible,devastating plague. It die. would they Eventually down. shut would set in. All of their vital organs would fever Then numbness. certain a feel would they minutes few a Within face. the in or leg the on or arm the on victims their bit and air the in leaped discovered,werethey they as soon As beds. their into even and belongings their into tents, people’s into But now there were thousands of them. Israel had probably seen these snakes before. of fiery (poisonous) serpents. The people of teachthem a lesson, He sent them a plague them todeath. putting of purpose express the with ness wilder- the into them brought Moses and God that suggesting were Israel of people the question, this asking By wilderness?” the in die to Egypt of out up us brought God and against Moses, Wherefore have ye against spake people the “And 5: verse in their troubles on all Moses--and God. We blamed read they worse, matters make To Blame andPunishment of theirheart. all with it loathed “worthless.”They ible,” “contempt- “vile,” means here word The “light.” it called They provided. had which God manna the of tired and sick were they more, is What bread. of lack the and water of lack the about complained They Are you aware of this? Most of us have us of Most this? of aware you Are slithered They everywhere. were They angry.very To wassay, GodNeedlessto atal Bite everlasting life. of gift the of and sins forgiveness the receive would tion, salva- his of ground and hope only the and cross the on sacrifice Hisatoning and healed, so whoever looks in faith to Christ be would serpent the to looked whoever as Justup. lifted Man--be of Son He--the the serpent of bronze was lifted up, so as must Just up. lifted being bronze of serpent the to Himself compares here Jesus life.” eternal have but perish, not should him in believeth whosoever That up: lifted be man of Son the must so even wilderness, “AndMosesas the in serpent the up lifted Nicodemus: to said Jesus 15, 4, 3: John In Himself. to it applies and Nicodemus fers to this image in His conversation with re- Jesus because Wethis Christ. know to at theserpentwouldbehealedandlive. and to set it on a pole. Anyone who looked people) the biting were that ones the like (just serpent a make to Moses instructed He him. heard Lord the requested--and people the as did Moses behalf. their on intercede to him begged they and Moses against and Lord the against sinned had they realized They senses. their to came Israel of people the camp, the throughout what happened next. As the plague spread Forprovidedyou! remedy has for a notice Lord The you. for news good have I so, If The Remedy to possess certain certain possess to have not I Do look? may knowI I how do perish. less you look, you will Un- look. must you yet and true, is That trespasses. and sins in dead am I look. to one says: I am not able saved. be cannot we faith of eye the with this serpent behold we less Un- is! this necessary How serpent? this at you? looked also you Have about What Look OrPerish! This brazen (bronze) serpent points us points serpent (bronze) brazen This oen es says, else Someone some- perhaps But Reformed church ofMonarch, Alberta. Free the of pastor the is Schoeman Rev.Jack live! Refuse -andperish! and - Look faith! of eye the with it Behold it! at Look camp. the of midst the in pent the campcouldbehealed. of reaches furthest the on those even that so God by designed was this of All pole. a on set was serpent Secondly,the because desert. the of sun bright the in especially as such it could be seen for miles around— metal; shiny a is brass Because brass? Why brass. of out made was serpent the cause be- First,reasons: two for this know I me? How do I know that God is willing to heal look andyou shalllive. serpent, the by bitten been have youknow you If same. the do must you And healed. werethey brazenand the serpent at looked bitten--they were they moment the indeed Of course not! The moment they felt sick-- serpent? the at looked they before enough far spread had bodies their in was that son poi- the Israelwhether themselvesof asked of thepoisonsin? morefeel to have not DoI grace? of marks Look then, before it too late. See the ser- sinner. a such am I says: else Someone people the that think you Do you: ask I M The MESSENGER • February 2009 • 5

- Call cum verbo ccording ccording A mediate - regen (with the Word, not not Word, the (with verbum per The implications of this teaching are far- Bavinck Bavinck quotes in this connection such mmediate Regeneration Regeneration mmediate seed is later brought to fruition by the Word Word the by fruition to brought later is seed preached. All God’s elect receive this seed at birth and they are baptized on the sumption that they are already regenerated as- Word the hear can they time the by so that by it receive and understand to able are they faith which, along with repentance, is the or- the in Accordingly, regeneration. of fruit der of salvation, regeneration comes before calling. a of lot caused reason that for and reaching tension in the newly organized federation. It was against this background of - contro versy that Bavinck wrote his book on ing and . Regeneration Without mentioning Kuyper by name, it is clear that Bavinck disagrees with views, his but colleague’s he does so in a fair and irenic He way. grants that the Holy Spirit can and does at times Word. the from apart work I Theologians Of Dort The To work this in thesis main Bavinck’s Although is to defend the doctrine of eration, he acknowledges that in - regenera tion the Spirit sometimes works rather than rather many that explains He Word). the through Dutch Reformed theologians at the time of the Synod of Dort and insisted later, on Spirit Holy of the operation immediate the because they were afraid of Arminianism which puts the emphasis more on man’s role in salvation (e.g., his supposed ability - sovereign the on than Word) the believe to Spirit. ty of the Holy great Second divines as - Gis bertus Voetius, Franciscus Gomarus and Alexander Comrie. According to Bavinck, In In dealing with these and other objec- Bavinck comes in. Herman is where This Kuyper based his argument for immedi- Thereference is to teachings Dr. Kuyper’s from justification election, and covenant on eternity, immediate regeneration, and - pre sumptive regeneration as the ground for baptism. tions, defenders of the replied that since this proposed union was based on union the Reformed confessions and the Church Order, any charges of erroneous teachings with regard to particular doctrines should be discussed later at the appropriate eccle- siastical meetings. And discuss they did, almost from the start--so much so that by dis- being of danger in was Union the 1903 be could consensus doctrinal a unless solved live. could parties both which by built Recognizing the danger facing the Union, and calling on book this write to decided he back- historical the explaining regeneration, ground to the differentpositions advanced God’s of light the letting and parties both by discussion. under issues the on shine Word Immediate Or Mediate Regeneration At the centre of the debate was Kuyper’s teaching of immediate apart effected regeneration meant he which regeneration by oppo- His God. of Word preached the from other in regeneration, mediate to held nents words, they believed that the new birth is brought about through or by means of the Word God’s of preaching on ate the regeneration of doctrine biblical total Since inability. man’s spiritually dead sinners can neither hear nor respond to the Gospel, the Holy Spirit, he maintained, regenerates without the medium The of SpiritWord. implants the seed or ker- the which sinner, elect the in life new the of nel Saved by a standard standard a 1 ederation

, Dogmatics Reformed Roeping Roeping en - Wederge , Dogmatiek Bavinck wrote this treatise 2 Herman Bavinck In English Herman

the in Work Holy Calling Spirit’s and he year 2008 saw the completion of the of completion the saw 2008 year he - four-vol the of English into translation

in an effort to bring together various fac- tions within the newly organized United Reformed Churches, which held to differ- ent views regarding the method God uses in saving sinners. Already before the Union the accused churches Secession the 1892, of of churches the of Doleantie holding views unreformed. and unbiblical as regarded they ume set of Bavinck’s Bavinck’s of set ume

T Editorial This becomes very clear when reading his lesser-known work, boorte , which has also been translated into English recently under the title , Grace . Regeneration avinck’s Importance Bavinck’s the welcome America North in many While Bavinck’s of appearance F The New Within Tensions theological theological work used in Dutch Reformed first its since ever parsonages and seminaries appearance in 1895-1901, and its second 1906-11. in issued edition expanded and we in the Free Reformed Churches should be especially pleased to see this work made available in English. theology Bavinck’s - re positions doctrinal areas key several in flects held dear by the fathers of the of Secession 1834 and their successors who continued that tradition by not joining of the the Union Secession churches go and did Bavinck Although 1892. in Doleantie churches along with this merger and adopted many of Abraham Kuyper’s neo-calvinist views, cultural and social of area the in particularly issues, when it came to soteriology or the doctrines of salvation, he remained - essen Secession. the of son a tially 6 The MESSENGER • February 2009 • ter life as such. The danger here is that all that is here danger The such. as life ter en- and eternity from regenerated also are they that follows eternity, it from justified are they if and only elect the with made is covenantgracetaught,the of he If,as tem. sys- theological supra-lapsarian over-all his necessaryingredientaconcept thisasin ed need- Kuyper did. Dort of fathers the than reasons different for concept this used he that realize to need we regeneration, diate imme- on teaching his of support for vines di- orthodox of number Kuyper a to thatappeal could denied be cannot it While To Immediate Regeneration calling before regeneration. of salvation they, without exception, placed regeneration. In their treatment of the order Spirit’sof the work from grace of means a pression in an toeffort exclude the Word as ex- this employed never Bavinck they emphasizes, as but regeneration, immediate term the of use made occasionally formed demands. AsBavinck explains, its with comply to willingness and ability man’son ultimately dependsWord the of efficacy the view, their in words, other In suade sinners to accept its offer of salvation. to means a as only Gospelthe serves of preaching the that was this by meant they what But sinners. regenerate to uses God insistedthat the WordofGod isthemeans the Remonstrants at the Synod of Dort who p.54). As strange as it may sound, but it was Grace, by (Savedman’s decision upon dent depen- was regeneration that claimed who Remonstrants and Pelagians of errors the Spirit, effort to anrefutein theysobutdid regenera- tion as an immediate operation of of the Holy speak indeed did men these o obt hs eiu err te Re- the error, serious this combat To andrenewed.verted (Ibid., p.48) con- be to wanted who person a new re- and Word convert to sufficient was the by and in Spirit the of operation Word; and they insisted that the moral eration of the Holy Spirit alongside the op- any denied sinner’sthey the heart; within occur to had Spirit Holy the of operation effectual special Word,a the with along that therefore, denied, They man. by fulfilled be to had that condition a to tied and uponpendent de- became thus conversion and faith, Remonstrants,regeneration,the With K uyper According per- regenerated,” heargues, are and grace in God by received are dren false. “If without istheir knowledge little chil- reasoning this Bavinck For Word. the of instrumentality the without place takes it that sense the in immediate as viewed be must thus and calling precedes eration regen- case their in argued, opponents his Surely, infants. of salvation the regarding question the with extensively deals Bavinck The IssueOfnfantSalvation when hewrites, danger this against warning strong a issues consequentneed tobeborn again. Bavinck the and condition and state lost their with confronted being ever without birth from covenant children are viewed as regenerated the context of the Word in of God. Moreover, or through by, calling involves always regeneration grace, covenantof the of aries bound- the within certainly that saying for In this way Bavinck makes a strong case case strong a makes Bavinck way this In Christ… (Ibid., pp.81-82) and thus Spirit engrafted into the regeneration of Holy the by called nally inter- are they it, with connection in detached Wordbut the of dispensing the not from parents, Christian of seed the As gospel. the in only of- fered and known promise…made the comes parents their with together ers believ- of children as ToGod… them by called are they children covenant covenantasborn children. Precisely as were they unless regeneration of take his- par- not could they torically…[hence] and objectively existed already had proclaimed is it wherein gospel the with together grace of covenant the that presupposes always this then eternal salvation. (Ibid., pp.92-93) is sufficientandleadsinfalliblyunto think] may deci- [one regeneration for sive, not is that itself, manifest not does it if even And conversion. and faith in itself manifest later or sooner ated in youth and that the new life will regener- is one that thought the with oneself console quickly can one regenera- tion, to faith from shifted is sis empha- the When heaven. for headed are theyimagine who lost be to many for occasion ready provide can tion] regenera- presumed [of teaching This as defined in the in defined as and the subsequent development of that life (as taught in life of beginning the as regeneration between distinction the with agrees deren Gen- van While p.587). Dogmatics, formed required to activate this ability” (Concise Re- of the ability to believe and that the Word is interpretedbe erationto“the isas granting regen- Kuyper’sthat with view principle in in this magazine) writes that Bavinck agrees matics, cently under the title re- published and translated been also has Velema, W.H. by co-authored Dogmatiek Word applied by theHoly Spirit. than a divine act resulting directly from rather the Word the by activated be to waits generation re- as an implantation of of a seed that notion the maintain does he faith, and repentance to coming before years for new birth in him but continues living in sin the of seed thehave can person a which to according“dormant”regeneration, of tion no- Kuyper’s rejects Bavinck Although 1. Some CriticalRemarks the vitalissuesreferred toabove. regarding views Doleantie and Secession Bavinck’son the between mediate to effort closing, I wish to make a few critical remarks Inspace. allotted my up used havealmost I Bavinck,but of bookimportant this about fort” (Ibid., p.83). com- such enjoy can nor need neither and children, con- their of destiny the about genuinely cerned be cannot salvation and selves have no interest in their own election them- who “parents explains, he all, after parents;godlyforto generalbutparents in to comfort this extend not did Synod the ons I, 17, although he adds this caution that Dort’sin pronouncement comforting of Synod the to unequivocally holds inck Bav- infancy, in dying infants of salvation nected indissolublytothe Word” (Ibid). Word,Wordthe con- areupon followand the fromWord. the of Sacramentsareseals nothing isolated are they if sacraments not are mean and sacraments “The words, on the basis of those promises. In Bavinck’s but regeneration, presumed or real their of children are to be baptized, not on the basis separated covenant promises, its Word be the and from cannot regeneration since r J vn edrn (whose Genderen, van J. Dr. said be should and could more Much the regarding question the Concerning 3 which will bereviewed indue time Canons of ,Dort III and IV, 11-12) article Confession, Belgic Concise Reformed Dog- Beknopte Can - The MESSENGER • February 2009 • 7 al

5 14 6 7 10 11 12 4 9

Rev. Rev. Ian Hamilton is the of Cam- bridge Presbyterian Church, a congre- gation of the - Evan gelical Presbyterian Church of England at 7:30pm

To be held at To Reformed Church Rev. Ian Hamilton Rev. Maranatha Christian Maranatha Guest Speaker: 94 Elgin Street South Friday, March 13, 2009 13, March Friday, at 10:00am and 1:30pm (519) 623-8208 CONFERENCE Bible Conference Saturday, March 14, 2009 14, March Saturday, Cambridge, Ontario, N1R 5G5 Ontario, Cambridge, u Ann elfth Tw The Details to be announced dge Reformed Cambri Christian Joy Christian or more information call or more and Wales Wales and He has been there since 1999. Rev. Hamilton has written a includ- articles, and books of number ing ‘A Commentary on the Letters of John’, ‘The Erosion of Calvinist Orthodoxy’, and ‘Calvin’s Doctrine of Holy Scripture’. He is married to Joan and has four children.

ELDERS & DEACONS ELDERS & DEACONS Committee Memberships F Evangelism Inerchurch Relations Finance Home Missions Missions Foreign Publications Education Theological Student Theological & Education Youth Saturday, March 28 at 10.30 a.m. Saturday, 0 9 12 12 No. M Lunch Supper Education Education Education Theological Theological Theological Theological Theological Theological Youth & Ed. Youth Thurs. March 26 March Thurs. 5 0 7 14 14 No. Psalter 213, stanza 3) light!” (Psalter “Let children thus learn from history’s history’s from learn thus children “Let lishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Michigan. Rapids, Grand lishing Group, ids, Michigan. ids, PA. Phillipsburg, ing, former former Doleantie theologians beside but a compromise, was It another. one 1905 brought saved peace. and It - con of the solidated 1892. Union (Spindle Internet) from downloaded Works, relative brought it Yes, Hardly. it? did But 1942 of Synod the admitted, Faber Dr. As FOOTNOTES 1. Published by Academic, Baker a division of Baker Pub- 2. Published by Reformation Heritage Grand Books, Rap- Published 3. by P & R (Presbyterian & Reformed) Publish- peace for a while. Thetwo views managed to live side by side, but there continued to be considerable strife between the two fac- tions until in 1942 the Gordian knot was cut of and the the Synod of Sneek- met the in Churches Reformed (in the midst of the Second World War!) to pronounce in effectthat the Kuyperian views re and covenant baptism and related matters were henceforth the only official and legitimate position to which all office subscribe. to had members and bearers adopted only the Kuyperian part of 1905 em- and concerns doctrinal the out left and what always phases of the That’s Secession. too in merge denominations when happens big a hurry before their resolving doctrinal and other major differences. TheFree Re- acted and this knew 1892 of fathers formed Theywereaccordingly. convinced that the differenceswere major and therefore non- negotiable. Radio Lunch Supper Relations Relations Interchurch Interchurch Evangelism/ Home Mission Wed. March 25 March Wed. 0 11 11 11 No. Lunch Supper Ministerial Publications Publications Publications Conclusions of the Synod of Tues. March 24 Tues. Coordinator: Hans Van Doodewaard - email: [email protected] - email: Doodewaard Van Hans Coordinator: Please direct all requests for insertions/changes to Synodical Committee Meeting Spring 2009 Synodical Committee Meeting Schedule Time 4pm-6pm 9:00am 1:00pm 7pm-10pm according according to the Confessions of our church the seed of the covenant by virtue of the promise of God is to be regarded as regenerated as sanctified in Christ, until the contrary is shown in and when their conduct confession they are reaching years of discretion; but that it is less correct to say that baptism is administered to the sup- of ground the chil- on believers of dren posed regeneration, since the ground for baptism is the command and the of God. promise Clearly, this was a compromise and in- TheSynod of 1905 accepted aPacifi- - Bav Herman which of Formula cation basical- It father. spiritual the was inck approaches the two different ly placed of former Secession theologians and - Fab J. professor late the As so. be to tended said Canadian Reformed, er, in an address audience in 1998: Reformed to a United Utrecht in 1905, which state in part that that part in state which 1905, in Utrecht 2. Although Bavinck favours the Secession classic position on the Order of - Salva tion over the one taught he by is, Kuyper, in my to too opinion, the accommodating latter and tries to give both legitimate sta- tus within the new Thisfederation. is very clear from the - regenera restricting against cautions he 24) tion to its very he onset. considers Rather, be a ministry of the “to Spirit regeneration the of proclamation the through and under with up “linking Bavinck’s sees and Word,” Kuyper’s view as a step backward rather (Ibid). pace with Calvin” than keeping 8 The MESSENGER • February 2009 • Bible Study was to the advantage of the Jewsthe advantageof the to was except for coming year. They found that month every the in store in had stars the thought they things different the all Haman to sented pre - astrologers ancient the that thought be more favourable. Some rabbis have even stars in order to make decisions that would the consulted powerfulpeople and portant im- Especially astrology. and philosophy of mixture their for famous were Persians like dice, it also involved intricate The arts. of it today. Although it involved something as simple as throwing some dice as we think (Pur)” (Esther 3:7). Casting the lot was not lot the “castHaman that us tells Scripture almost afullyear away. be would March.That of month our to lar twelfth month (v. 7), which would be simi- the Adar, month the in be would It plan. his execute to date the setting was princes, king’s the of head the Haman, 7). (v. dar calen- the Jewish of month first the BC, 474 April around or in sometime was It Consulting theStars it And would alltakeplacenextMarch. day. one heard territories Persia Jews throughout the what exactly is That earth. the of face the off wiped be would bank accounts, belongings, everything. You property, houses, your take would People stroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all ….” “To reads: edict overThe you.hanging de- no difference; you have a sentence of death makes it child, Christian or woman, tian Chris- man, Christian. Christian a are you professing Whether a are you because I ESTHER 3::

o dd aa arv a ta date? that at arrive Haman did How in just under one year you will be killed be will you year one under just in that news the hear would you magine NextMarch

as the rising star in the empire. Evenempire. the when in star rising the as Haman honoured everyone when tall and firm stood HeMordecai. was name whose Jew,a was It path. his in stood that thing some- was “stardom,”there to way his on But king. the to only second was he that so promoted been had Haman him. fore be- bow to refused man one true: is it yet laughable; seem might It plan? monstrous a such devise to Haman prompted What Standing inthe Way ofStardom taste andliking. exact ownyour to craft can you that alities spiritu- and beings spiritual about lations specu- with filled are libraries and web the Thus substances. pharmaceutical of mulae for- chemical the or companies insurance of formulae actuarial the beyond nificance sig- and meaning them give to something need They them. direct and guide to thing some- craving still are people technology, supersti- as tious as any other. With all our science and is age our Yet, laboratory. a in tested be cannot that things all despise many when society, our to remote seem might things all directs fate that idea The for therest oftheyear. Haman didaswell. dates favorable most the decide to lots cast to time good a was year the of month first the that believed people pagan these fact, In decisions. political their guide to magic and astrology used rulers know We fate. in believed Persians ancient the that sure toexecuteopportunity hisplan. best the as it selected superstitiously man favorable for the Jewish nation. And so Ha- looked that nothing had particular in day Adar,of month the thirteenth the that and This is only legend. However, be legend. can only we is This hear of Darfur and the ethnic cleansing that Wechambers.Hitler’s gas of know allWe people’srevenge.of fordesireget and envy tar- the are nations and races Whole day. Moredcai’s during was it than today cide ish race. Jew- whole the Mordecai’speople, against but Mordecai, against only not himself set He itself. contain not could Haman’s fury statue, his to bow not did Abednego and Nebuchadnezzar when Shadrach, Meshach, ous at Mordecai’s failure to bow. Much like he thought himself to be. Haman was furi- star a of much how shows reacted Haman way the Certainly, god. a as treated be to expecting was Haman (3:2,5). reverence” do and “bow emphasis double with states text the way the Note idolatry. been have sonally think the text suggests that it would per- I bow. to refuse him made that man Ha- about something knew Mordecai that perhaps or vendetta, personal a just was it think Others it. of part be may Jews.This the of archenemies Amalekites, the of king an Agagite (3:1), a descendent of Agag, the was Haman because was it thought have wasn’tit SomeBibletimes. in unusual that so 8:3), Esther even 18:28; 14:4; Sam. (2 superiors and kings Bible before bowed the people in Elsewhere refused. he why exactly us tell not does text Mordecai.The Jews. Something has changed, however, for as identity their revealing not masses, the in the story, they both attempted to hide in far Thus Esther. and Mordecai both in far so seen have we what from different ably 4), herefused. (v. bow to repeatedly him pressed people al, h wrd s o re fo geno - from freer no is world the Sadly, remark- is out stand to willingness This By Dr. G. M. Bilkes The MESSENGER • February 2009 • 9 ER EVENING A SPEAK 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2009 27, February Friday, TIME: TE: Pastor Joel Overduin plans to speak on Joel Overduin Pastor Dundas Free Reformed Church meeting room Dundas Free DA

Hosted by the Free Reformed Student Society Reformed Student Hosted by the Free A collection to defray the costs of the meeting will be taken. the costs of the A collection to defray TO TO ITED ARE INV Rev. Joel Overduin is pastor of the Mitchell Free Reformed Church is pastor of the Mitchell Free Joel Overduin Rev. E: PLAC U YO We welcome young people in the workforce, college, and university to attend our meetings. university to attend and college, in the workforce, welcome young people We m For Young People From The Book Of Proverbs Book Of The From Young People m For Wisdo M tainly very strong. But can we not in smaller ways show a similar spirit? How do that we do and how does God’s people on this point. Spirit refashion also Matthew 27:35. How should we think about direction God’s behind the lot in this chapter? music or entertainment personas. How do in up swept get people older) (and young our this phenomenon? can How we be - like Mor these trends? decai and stand up against gambling, gambling, and chance? What is a Christian’s to these things? response and the doctrine of providence? and the doctrine Dr. Gerald M. Gerald Dr. Bilkes is professor at the Puritan Rapids, Grand in Semnary Theological Reformed Michigan Application Christians are the target of Satan. Satan de- sires their destruction today no less than - Ha man desired the destruction of the in Jews his His forces day. are arrayed against all servants of the Lord. He has issued his satanic decree. Thereason for his fury is thatthey theyMaster, their Like stand stardom. his to in way the will not bow before him, though he dangles before them all the power of this earth (Matt. 4:9). The only thing is, the time ofstruction is our de- not next March. It is now (1 Pet. 5:8). In fact, the serpent knows that “he hath but a short time” (Rev. 12:12). Shall we not His in stars the holds who God, our to out cry congregation, thy “Remember say: and hands, which thou hast purchased of old.… Arise, O God, plead thine own cause” (Ps 74:2 & 22). The truth is that for Christ’s sake – the day of doom will be a day of Haman. doom … for marked marked Serbia during the ha- in involved been also have previous Christians Sadly, decade. other in though people, Jewish the against tred persecu- of target the been have too they cases, tion. “Theirlaws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: it therefore is not for the king’s profit to suffer them” (3:8), Haman explained to Ahasuerus. Ahasu- He reasoning. erus was with Haman’s satisfied need didn’t any further explanation. He took offhis ring, signed and sealed the decree, and (3:15). drink a enjoy to off went two the 5. Haman’s reaction against all the Jews was cer- was Jews the all against reaction Haman’s 5. 4. Read Proverbs 16:33 and Esther 3:7. Read 3. Our world has its “stars” and “idols,” often 2. Why is our culture obsessed with lottery, Questions 1. What is the differencebetween belief in fate 10 The MESSENGER • February 2009 • Remembering God’s Faithfulness: Remembering God’s o sl 9: ad 6 Mss pae of contrition and intercession. prayer Moses’ 16, and 90:1 Psalm to audience his directed present, the to 2001 from again and 1981 to 1978 from gation congre- the serving of privilege unique the has who VanderMeyden, Pieter Rev. tor, blessings in the years to come. Current pas- new for petitioning ministry, of years 50 throughout faithfulness Lord’s the edging acknowlprayer,- with evening the opened Eldermember, charter and Meeboer,Klaas Recounting God’s F rently pastorforMexican migrantworkers. member,cur- Rev.charter Bout, and Harry Messenger)The Rev. ofPronk(editorNeil Rev.GeraldProcee (Vineland’s counsellor), Vineland congregation from 1984 to 1999), gations were Rev. Carl Schouls (pastor of the ized by asenseofunityandhope. of 2001--the special evening was character - spring the in Fenwick--planted of Church Reformed Free Zion daughter the of bers mem- and churches Reformed local other of representatives members, past friends, and family by Joined 2008. 7, November Friday, on Grimsby in Church Reformed the at anniversary 50th its commemorated tion M Included in the guests from other congre- uns, h Vnln congrega- Vineland the fulness, faith- of God’s decades five arking pcos onaniw Christian Mountainview spacious 50th aithfulness Anniversary for His people. inheritance heavenly a prepared and ahead gone has Lord the that knowing hope, in live to urged was congregation the ahead, looking of point final the On stressed. den VanderMeyRev.Spirit,” - the of work the on relying church, His preserve will and us with be will He that promise His lieve be- us Let Son. His given has Father the and hope. “Let us trust in the power which eyes up and fix them on Christ for strength their lift to encouraged was congregation wisdom.” and strength own our in trials spiritual or it is that we sary to face do physical not try Howneces- place. hiding our been has He shelter. spiritual provided has He turn. to able been to haveOnewe the Whom been has Lord the next, the to generation one derMeydenmovedwe“But as fromnoted. years,”Rev.Vanthe throughout - struggles and trials been have “There life. of storms the in shelter spiritual a as but years, the throughout assemble to congregation the of members for location physical a just not generations-- all for place dwelling the as portrayed is Lord Himself The people. His Lord’sthe emphasized to covenantmercies faithfulness in the past, Rev. VanderMeyden ahead.”looking and FocusingGod’sup on Explaining the point of looking up, the up, looking of point the Explaining looking back, “Looking was: theme The : Vineland, Ont Historical Survey children andthechoir. the of singing combined the accompanied at the organ and Garry Postma at the piano piano by Jodie DeJong. David VandenBerg the on accompanied was choir School day Christian Jordanteacher,School HermanMulder. The Sun- the and member Brouwer church Lisa of direction the under faith, of anthems and Psalters favourite of number a in assembly the theSun- led School of day the children and choir This choir. Praise’ to the ‘Awake in Vineland-based, involved members of generation current the and children covenant of tion genera- rising the to generation immigrant congregation’s from the of work shifted pioneering the focus the Then gregation. con- the in Eke couple oldest the and Ankersmit, Egbert to presentation special a made Postma, Garry chairman, sistory con- and elder meditation, the Following Presentations e ee one bc t 15 we a when 1951 to back pointed were We Smithville Christian Schoolteacher, Ben Jansen. his son, fellow church member and Heritage of the church, based on the archival work of ed a historical record of the life and ministry Next, charter member, John Jansen, present- ario submitted byMichaelZwiep Abbreviated fromadetailedreport The MESSENGER • February 2009 • 11 church building in 1977. church Construction of the current Construction of the current During During this time a number of societies Leaving a grounded and strengthened three months three in 1963. A number of pastors in the denomination also La- supplied during F. Willem Rev. including periods, vacant man (1900-1964), Rev. Johannes Keuning (1915-1988), Rev. Cornelis Noordegraaf (1916-1968) and Rev. Jacob (1907-1984), Tamminga providing counsel. preaching and and ministries were established, including - so men’s school, mission a society, Sunday society and choir. people’s young ciety, Overduin Jacob Rev. Rev. Jacob Overduin (1913-1993), who was serving the Church Bethel of Mitchell, Free Ontario, accepted Reformed a call to serve the Vineland church in 1970, pastor. second congregation’s the becoming wife, his with along pastor, experienced The witness- served the congregation faithfully, blessing on ing the the preaching of Lord’s the Word and fellowship of the saints--a and memories fond by characterized period spiritual growth. Highlights from the pul- preaching a included period this during pit series on the Psalms of David, the apostle letter to the Philippians Paul’s and Christ’s Overduin, Mrs. Beatitudes. the of teaching a true helpmeet in the ministry, led congregation’s the Dutch ladies society ladies society. helped found the English and congregation and an overflowing sanctu- ary, pastorate Rev. Overduin’s came to an end when he accepted a call to Meadows Free Reformed the Church in Pitt - Brit ish Columbia in 1976. Building New Church A building committee was established to address the congregation’s growth, and a parcel of land was purchased at 3685 King just Street, southwest of the original house of which worship, is no more. The- congre gation began building a new sanctuary in The Vineland group purchased the Unit- the purchased group Vineland The Rev. DeWaal accepted Rev. DeWaal a call back to the - Neth the Brabant, North Klundert, in CGK erlands in 1961. the During ensuing - vacan a cy, number of visiting pastors served the Vineland - congrega tion. Rev. Isaac (1884-1975), VanderKnijf emeritus pastor of the CGK in North Den Helder, Holland, the lands, - Nether supplied the pulpit for eight months in 1962. - Ja Rev. cob Westerink, recent emeritus pastor of the Maranatha CGK in Urk, , the - Nether lands, supplied the pulpit for building. building. Thismove, fora time resulted in two separate congregations in the Niagara area, the Vineland congregation affiliating with the newly established Free Christian Reformed congregations of St. Thomas, Chatham, Hamilton, Toronto, Mitchell and Aldergrove, British Columbia, while Smithville remained with the Old Chris- tian Reformed congregations Flamborough, Grand Rapids and in Artesia, West California. ed Mennonite church building in (at 1958 a cost of $12,000) and was instituted as officially the ‘Vineland Free Christian Reformed Church’ on October 22, 1958. Rev. DeWaal and Rev. Benjamin Densel (1907-1988), Pastor of the Reformed Free Church of Clifton, New Jersey, officiated at the institution, installing John Meeboer and Jacob Bout as elders and Bill Bruine- kool as deacon. Vineland of Growth continued to serve both DeWaal con- Rev. gregations in Smithville preaching and below Vineland, the escarpment With afternoon. the in above and morning in the con- Vineland the of consistory the growth, DeJong Cornelius expanded. was gregation was added as elder and Anton Kruitbosch eventually families of number A deacon. as left the Smithville congregation, joining the Old Christian Reformed Church West in Flamborough, while others moved to the Vineland congregation. TheSmith- ville congregation disbanded in 1960 and the remaining members were welcomed in Vineland when the Old Christian - Re formed and Christian Free Reformed con- gregations re-united and eventually adopt- ed the name ‘Free Reformed Churches of in 1974. America’ North The first church building. church The first Desiring Desiring warm experiential preaching, In 1956, the young congregation, desir- Move To Vineland To Move arrival, a number DeWaal’s Rev. Following to decided congregation the of members of move from Smithville to nearby Vineland, holding worship services at Mennonite Church the at 4012 United Victoria - Av enue, northeast of the present church small group of Dutch immigrants denominational with ties to Gereformeerde the Kerken (CGK) Christelijke and other Reformed churches in the began to settle in Netherlands the Niagara area. - Meet ing in Smithville, the firstSunday worship services were held at the home of Gerben Veenstra, where the families young would listen immigrant to Dutch read by Geurt (George) sermons Schuit. Under the oversight of Rev. Jetse Hamstra 1976), (1900- the Niagara group grew Rev. J. quickly. Hamstra, also an immigrant, was a former exhorting elder at the CGK Veenwouden, in Friesland, the Netherlands of Zijderveld Rev. by 1954 in ordained and Grand Rapids (formerly also of the CGK) at the Old Christian Reformed of West Church Flamborough--now the Ebenezer of Dundas. Church Reformed Free the fledgling fellowship began holding ser- Church Presbyterian Smithville the at vices at 143 Catharines St. on Street May 1952. Adopting the name, ‘Old Christian formed - Re Church of - Ham Smithville,’ Rev. stra institu- officiated at the congregation’s tion on December 16, 1952. Consisting of twenty families, Geurt Schuit and Jan DePater were installed as elders and Dirk Bouman as deacon. ing a full-time teaching shepherd, was led (1909-1963), DeWaal Johannes Rev. call to minister of the ac- DeWaal Rev. Netherlands. the Utrecht, CGK in Bunschoten, cepted this call, crossing the Atlantic along with his wife Adriana, and thus becoming first pastor. the congregation’s 12 The MESSENGER • February 2009 • August 1,1984. on sanctuary the in dedicated and stalled in- organ, pipe new a of notes majestic the by joined was worshippers the of singing the and Wordthe of exegesis faithful and uous growth and development. The regular wife his contin- by marked (1942-2006), Margaret by supported pastorate, a ning begin- congregation, the to call a cepted ac- Schouls Carl Rev. 1984, 18, June On Rev. CarlSchouls also taughtCatechismclasses. Tammingatime) this at minister (emeritus Rev.while services worship the leading by out helped denomination the within tors pas- Other congregation. the in family ery ev- visit to point a made Riet wife his and Netherlands) the Sliedrecht, in CGK El Beth- the at ministering (currently pastor energetic This 1982. in months three for the Netherlands, supplied the congregation Pastor of the Hoeksteen CGK in Schiedam, Reformed Church inBritish Columbia. FreeLangley the to call a accepted he when 1981, until congregation the young served pastor The library. church a as establishing well as ministries and societies various assisting development, spiritual gregation’s con- the in involved actively wereMargaret wife his VanderMeydenRev.and 1978. in from seminary, accepted the call to Vineland pastor when Rev. a third VanderMeyden, newly graduated received congregation The Rev. Pieter VanderMeyden to preach God’s minister Word sanctuary. inthe new first the being June thus 1978, on 5, building church the dedicated congregation, Dundas the of Pastor stra, Rev.Ham- location, Gerald current the to MovingSunday, 29. on MayAvenue toria 1977, worshipping for the last time on Vic- Without a pastor, Rev. Jan Pieter Boiten, ada. ada. coming along to Can- some only children, several left he Michigan, where Rapids, Grand of gregation coming from the con- 2001, June in again pastor a as Meyden Rev.Vanderreceived - and called con- gregation Vineland The Time Rev. VanderMeyden—The Second on June 26,2002. Church Reformed Free Zion the as tuted insti- was and 2001 25, March on School Christian Wellandport at meet to began fellowship new the members, 160 of base a With 2001. of spring the during plant tion continued to grow, leading to a church congrega- Vineland the pulpit, empty an Despite Church. ReformedFree Chatham the to call a accepted he when 1999, until tage Christian School in nearby Jordan. Heri- establish helped churches, Reformed local other with along education, Christian mitted to a biblical and confessional view of com- congregation, Vineland the 1992, In Christian Education co’, wasinstitutedonOctober 1,1995. Cubul- de Reformada ‘Iglesia the church, mission new A Otten. Connie and John workers relief and DeSterke Martha and Gary translators Bible joining Cubulco, to Jackietravelled wife Rev.his and Herfst congregation, Dundas the of member and Hamilton in Churches Reformed nadian Ca- the of College Theological the of ate A gradu- field. mission the on Word the bring to 1991 13, September on dained e. col sre te congregation the served Schouls Rev. eft h ws or- was who Herfst Ken Rev. for church” “calling the became congregation the la, Guatema- in Cubulco, established was post mission a where field in Latin America, gan work on a mission be- denomination the When activities. reach out- its expand to gan be- congregation the time, this During doxology, a as 90) Psalm on (based 247 Psalter ing sing- the after fellowship, and freshments re- with ended evening The Bok. elder George by prayer with closed was memorable evening The Creed. Apostle’s the of recitation moving a in voiced dedication, and commitment of picture compelling a to the front of the church sanctuary, giving way their make to invited were members five decadesendedthehistoricalsurvey. past the during members its and church the of images featuring presentation, point power- A sanctuary. existing the behind congrega- 450-member tion’schurch building new a build to plans the on update with an concluded review historical The Concluding Points seniors’ homesandcounsellingservices. Centre, a Youth Wycliffe, Deed, & Word Help, and Over Come Centre, a Pregnancy as such ministries, outreach various in in thefieldswhitewithharvest. pastor to churches three the by appointed was Spanish, in fluent is who Bout, Harry chardsgreenhousesand summer.each Rev. or- Niagara’svineyards, in labour who ers work- migrant of number growing the to Congregation of Jordan began to reach out ReformedHeritage and Church Reformed joint venture with the Immanuel Orthodox commemoration. searcher.He eveningthis for emcee the was of re- professional a and ChurchFree Reformed Vinelandthe of member a is Zwiep Michael And oureternalhome. Our shelterfrom thestormyblast, Our hopeforyears tocome, O God, ourhelpinagespast, At this point the current and past charter Members of the congregation participate In 2003, the Vineland congregation, in a M The MESSENGER • February 2009 • 13

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Churches and bookstores can be invoiced at re- For Catechism Material, Bible Study Guides, Daily Bible Study Guides, Catechism Material, For Devotions for Adults and Children, Children’s Bible Children’s Adults and Children, Devotions for Email: [email protected]; http://www.frcna.org [email protected]; Email: topics such as “Puritan ,” “The Union of and 1892” the implications for today. of Children in the Church,” “Justification by Faith and Alone” similar Under practical the subjects. ru- bric, - Cultivat “On and Apologetics” in Primer Mini “A as ing a Christian The Mind.” rubric, number of subjects, giving Under guidance and contemporary issues. historical, pastoral, concerning the category, that deal with topics such of as Faith,” “Assurance and “Spiritual Gifts “Christian in Stewardship,” the Church Today.” fully the Truth Obadiah and Micah: Prophets F of God’s Simple and practical Bible stud- ies on the minor rather rare. prophets The translation are from the Dutch by Rev. J. 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Westerink. by Jacob 14 The MESSENGER • February 2009 • Discerning theSpirits confesses, “The Sabbath is to be sanctified be to is Sabbath “The confesses, God.” of worship the impede which recreations those from and necessity) pressing and ity char- of works are which excepted, these (with works servile all from rest might one consecrated for divine worship, so that in it ficial statement that, “This same day is thus of- an made (1618/1619) Dordt of Synod the example, piety, For necessity.” of and “workscharity, for except Day Lord’s the on done be to is work no that is tion clarifica- standard the However, day. this on cease to is work all that suggest might things.” temporal spiritual in of spent be should rest its things, cares the from withdrawn being men that but idleness, for allowed not was Sabbath “the said, Chrysostom, Father, Church the As God. of gift blessed especially an as God to devoted and days other the all from apart set is week the of day first This God. of that people rest the that awaits of foretaste a have to and work; His for God praise and experience seek, to Jesus; Christ in souls our for rest find to physically; refreshed be to reasons: several for work daily our from rest to are bath” this indicates, day is a day of “Sabrest. - We word very the As work....” any do of the LORD thy God: in it thou not shalt sabbath the is day seventh the But work: thy all do and labour, thou shalt days Six holy. it keep to day, sabbath “Re- the member states: commandment fourth The Rest and Work Sabbath Works ofNecessity Grain-Gleaning andSheep-Rescuing: Lord consider“unnecessary Sunday labour”? today. timely more the even does ask: is What to issue need This We 1962. September of report Columbia British of Classis Reformed Christian the of aquotation are They 1963. March of Messenger The in published words were growing....”These apparently is “oncers”worship divine at habitual of number the (b) heeded; increasingly is labor Sunday unnecessary to enticement the (a) Lord’sexample, Day.Forthe of observance proper the hindranceto area which habits undesireablepractisesand of growingnumber a from evident quite us…is among danger imaginary an morethan is this That world. the of habits the adopt will world this in life his lives he as pilgrim Christian the that real very is danger “The A simple reading of the commandment the of reading simple A 2 The 1 Westminster Shorter Catechism Shorter Westminster welfare ofourbodies. form those things which are needful for the per- lawfully may we that bath”teaches he Sab- the of “Lord As Sabbath. the about law man-made a break may followers his and Christ surelySabbath, the on business a ceremonial law when he was on the Lord’s greater:the If Davidallowed was violate to for the priests. He argues from the lesser to ate the shewbread which was only intended Sabbathand the on tabernacle the to came David, fugitive, hungry the how of them timethoushaltrest.”in harvest enth day thou shalt rest: in earing time and sev- the “on 34:21: Exodus of instruction harvesting. They must have appealed to the Lord Jesus with this Sabbath desecration by their mouths. The Pharisees confronted the into them pop then “thresh”and to them, fingers their between them rub grain, of the disciples reached out to “harvest” heads walked, they As Sabbath. the on fields the Jesus was walking with his disciples through verses of this passage recount how the Lord first The 12:1-12. Matthew works is necessity of for text proof cited commonly A Scriptural Basis sity andmercy.” neces- of works the in up taken be to is as exercises ofGod’s worship, except somuch private and public the in time whole the spending and days; other on lawful are as recreationsemploymentsand worldly such from even day, that all resting holy a by The Lord Jesus responds byreminding responds Jesus Lord The rpry bev it.” observe properly may we that order in required especially are but Sabbath, the violate not do time, another to deferred be to them allow not will necessity that another,as of life the or own, our of saving the to neighbor,or our towardslove of duty the to or ceremonies, religious or God of worship the to pertain so which works those all as it, establish so out [the carry sabbath’s] true intention and “worksHeidelbergwrote: Catechism, which our of author an Zacharias Ursinus, fined? de- been necessity” of “works have How Works thatPromote theSabbath the Sabbath” andalleviatesuffering. and not sacrifice,” it is “lawful to do well on “mercy desires Lord the since that, cludes Sabbath the worship of God (Matt. 12:5). He also con- of part as so do to manded lowed to kill animals, but a priest was com- al- not was butcher A God. of worship the to related directly work perform to lawful priate for the Sabbath. Such labours relate labours Such Sabbath. the for priate appro- are worship of work Sabbath actual the promote and facilitate that Activities Sabbath.” the of works proper the further as Such 1. A. Sabbath? the on are permitted works servile “What asks, catechism Puritan One day. the of worship and rest neighbour. Sabbath day as well as love to God and our the of sanctity the promote must work a work, necessary a be to that, is here ment n hs ae asg Crs sos t is it shows Christ passage same this In eesr wr pooe te overall the promotes work Necessary 3 n motn ele- important An By Rev. D.H. Kranendonk The MESSENGER • February 2009 • 15

, vol. 1 vol. , (1595), (1641), M Is what I 8 (1672), 179. (1672), (1852; Reprint, (1668), 17. 17. (1668), (Christian Focus Pub- Focus (Christian The Lord’s-day The Commentary of Dr. Zacharias The Lord’s Day The Doctrine of the Sabbath The Sabbath’s Sanctification De Post-Acta of Nahandelingen van de Collected Writings of John Murray The Practical Sabbatarian

7 God God has given six days for our work. If If If we do not prepare for the day, we 116. P & R), 559. 559. P & R), (1899), 184-6. Translated by R. S. Clark. public.csusm. Clark. S. by R. Translated 184-6. (1899), edu/public/guests/rsclark/dortsabbath.htm. lications, 1996), 79. 1996), lications, nationale Synode van Dordrecht in 1618 en 1619 12-16. 213. 1976), Trust, Truth (Banner of Ursinus on the Heidelberg Catechism those in done be cannot work our think we six days and that we need the seventh, we charge God with unfairness for giving us days six only and work of worth days seven ingratitude show also We it. do to which in gift of a day of rest. for the precious Test A In our next article we will seek to discern applies to Word how more God’s practical issues of our daily labours. let For now, us heed Dr. Joseph challenge: Pipa’s - “Every thing we do [on day] the should Lord’s be measured by the question, ‘Does this - pro mote the purposes of the day?’” the sabbath day” ahead of time and plan accordingly. ought to be willing to sufferquences, rather than day let rest the theLord’s conse- work a makes foresight of lack When suffer. necessary, such as when we have failed to buy to need and car the in gas enough have it on the Lord’s day, the Puritan, - Nicho las Bownd, says we “must do - it...lament not did we negligence...that former our ing us forgive to God to praying it, for provide our sin.” 2. 2. H.H. Kuyper, 8. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr., Jr., Pipa, A. Joseph 8. am thinking of doing needed for my or oth- or my for needed doing of thinking am enable to or welfare physical immediate ers me or others to worship and rest? Could I have done it or yesterday can I postpone it until tomorrow without immediate harm? day holy? can I best keep His How 4. 4. William Gouge, 3. 3. Zacharias Ursinus, Rev. Rev. David H. Kranendonk is the pastor of - Bornholm,On of Church Reformed Free the tario FOOTNOTES Young, Thomas Cited in 1. 5. John Wells, Wells, John 5. 7. Nicholas Bownd, 6. John Murray, John Murray, 6.

5 6 till .” after He gives as examples Sometimes, Sometimes, your daily work may seem a Other Other necessary works are unforseeable. neither neither be done before the Sabbath, nor deferred treating treating wounds, fighting house fires, or defending the nation. These works display God’s love, rather than break God’s law. necessity” “dire that cannot wait till - Mon day because you need to have it done be- fore a set deadline. A student has a project deadline a has businessman a Monday, due to meet, another has a meeting on - Mon day morning. They justify working on the day Lord’s by appealing to will God’s that we keep our commitments. However, the problem here is a failure to plan properly ahead of time and be diligent before the Lord’s day. The man who collected fire- wood on the should Sabbath have planned “remember to are We 15:32). (Num. ahead Some of these works are foreseen. The Lord Lord The foreseen. are works these of Some Jesus gives the example of the farmer who (Luke water to him leads and ox his out lets 13:15). The ongoingcare your of family of necessity. work and animals is a regular The LordJesus refers to the one whores- cues his sheep which has fallen into a pit (Matt. 12:11). He does not know the day ditch the into fall will sheep his that before and would be cruel to leave it in the until pit the next day. Jesus also the church instructed to pray that their flightfrom danger would not be on the Sabbath day (Matt. 24:20). Flight is necessary because day. next the to postponed be cannot flight Work that results from sudden calamities like floods, fires, storms, ilnesses, or acci- dents is necessary because the Lord desires infers Murray John sacrifice. not and mercy from Matthew 12:3-4 that “dire necessity warranted the doing of something which under normal conditions would have been a culpable violation of divine prescription and restriction.”

4 annot Wait that Cannot Works ThePuritan,Wells John defines “works of absolute necessity” as those “which could directly directly to the worship of God care for our bodies and and animals. The Lord the is not like the Egyptian taskmasters who demanded bricks He without giving straw. provides for our daily needs on His day to seek and serveenable us to Him. 16 The MESSENGER • February 2009 • T long in Paris. last not did joy his but studying, enjoyed century.He sixteenth the of scholars Latin would become one of the most outstanding he that well so Latin write to learned vin day.his of Latinists outstanding the of Cal- one Cordier, Mathurin by instructed was he that there was It Marche. la de College the enteredand CauvinRichard uncle, his studies,livewithhistherwenttowhere he fur- to Paris to sent was Calvin fourteen, of age the at 1523, In priesthood. the for twelve years of age, he was already studying only was he when 1521, in and faith olic was raised in the Roman Cath- Education lish-speaking world. Eng- the in Calvin became This Calvinus. Johannis name: this of version Latin the was actually Jean Cauvin. He soon adopted name French His 1564. 27, May on land Switzer- Geneva, in died He France.Paris, Noyon,at Picardy,in of northeast miles 60 the lifeofJohn Calvin. considering by begin will WeFrenchman. manly speaking, we Huowe- much to articles. this brave of series a in this do to plan we and Calvin John of work and person life, the on reflect to therefore, propriate, ap- is It born. was Calvin, John reformer, After a year, Calvin transferred to the 1509 10, July on born was Calvin John will be 500 years ago that the famous the itthat ago years 500 be will willing, Lord the 2009, year, his Col- of his greathisofreverence church.thefor In his back from accepting Reformed ideas because onthebookofPsalmsCommentary . of Geneva,the citizens sion: conver- his about writes he where writings his in places two are There himself. about conversion experience and he seldom wrote strikingarefer grace.Calvinnotto doesof doctrines Reformed the to adherence his acknowledgedpersonally he that known is it when year the least at or converted was he that accepted generally is it year the is 1533 was a crucial year in Calvin’s life. This Conversion mation. acquainted with the principles of the Refor- he mastered Greek and became where increasingly is This Bourges. in law Roman ied stud- he 1529 in and Orleans in law study market: Themanorthe rope? “ the to brought is it as pig the to “whoon holds as, such matters on dispute would students the example, For time. that of ic and to dispute according to the rules of log- argue students learned trainedto here.The pacity to retain knowledge were thoroughly with Augustine. Calvin’s keen mind and ca- the writings of the church fathers, especially with acquainted became alsotheology. He medieval and philosophy, logic, of ciples prin- the university: this at much learned Calvin states that he was especially held especially was he that states Calvin to institution this left Calvin 1528 In Answer to Cardinal Sadoleto’sto Cardinalletter to Answer but many beatings. Yet Calvin Calvin Yet beatings. many but History John Calvin(1) His Life lege de Montaigu. At this very osraie n src Ro- strict and conservative a Ctoi university Catholic man and his preface to the a medieval spirit was spirit medieval a present. The school The present. was very harsh and harsh very was ceived little food food little ceived h suet re- students the to study the Bible and to discuss theology.discuss to and Bible the study to Friday every met They members. church disciplining and admonishing and ments, sacra- the administering Gospel, the of ing preach- the with charged were They teurs. the formed er with three assistants in Geneva who togeth- returned toGeneva. torture.”CalvinSeptember1541 of in But all than to be tormented again in that place for once perish to preferable far been have writes:Calvin“It1540,would19, May ed to see the city again. In a letter to Farel, dat- preferredneverhave would andGeneva to moil stricken city. Calvin tur- dreaded returningthe to guidance spiritual give to turn re- to him requested magistrates the 1541, in until years, three of stint a for Geneva difficult and Calvin was even banished from reformation. of work theimplement toGeneva in isters min- the help and stay to Calvin entreated heard that Calvin was present in the city, he inthe city and Farel needed help. Whenhe Geneva. But there was still much confusion from expelled was papacy the of estab- lishment the that achieved had Viret Pierre Farelen Guillaumetime that At morning. next the travels his resuming overnightand staying of idea the with Geneva in ar- rived Calvin 1536, July in trip a on While Geneva ters.” mat- such in hardened too far was age, my duedand made teachable hearta which for sub- God conversion, sudden by quagmire a deep so of out me pulled have to indeed Papacytheof wouldhavehardbeenitthat superstitionsthe to obstinatelyaddicted so writes:“And atfirst, whilst I remained thus his to preface Already in 1541 there were five pastors five were there 1541 in Already was Geneva in reformation of work The Commentary on the Psalms he the on Commentary venerable compagnie des pas- des compagnie venerable By Rev. G.R. Procee The MESSENGER • February 2009 • 17

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Toll Free 866.391.5728 Free Toll email: offi [email protected] offi email: Tel. (905) 632-2317 Tel. email: usoffi [email protected] usoffi email: PO Box 157 Hudsonville, MI 49426 PO Box 157 Hudsonville, • A reliance on indigenous partnerships • M PO Box 20100, St. Thomas, ON N5P 4H4 Thomas, St. PO Box 20100, bringing aid in the name of Jesus Christ. bringing aid in the name of Jesus Christ. • A focus on the gospel and discipleship • (they know the language and culture best) U.S.A. OFFICE: U.S.A. Website: www.wordanddeed.org Website: Word & Deed seeks to help people in need by & Deed seeks to Word CANADA OFFICE: OFFICE: CANADA WORD & DEED PROJECTS EMPHASIZE: WORD • A goal of self-suffi ciency (teach them to fi sh) ciency (teach them to fi A goal of self-suffi • This is done through spiritual and physical help. is done through spiritual and physical help. This Word & Deed supports 5,500 orphans in Malawi, & Deed supports 5,500 Word orphans in Malawi, child sponsorship in several countries ing (provid- a Christian education, basic medical care, a warm meal and a uniform), agricultural projects, home a training, vocational hospice, HIV/AIDS an for recovering substance abusers, disaster relief, and much more. There are opportunities to sponsor a child, up or set being a are groups business well, As project. to sponsor projects with representatives of those groups visiting the projects. Please call toll free we With your help, nd out more (see below). to fi can make a world of difference in thousands of lives. Tel. (519) 652-2770 Tel. Some Some foreigners who had come to meet Lambeth (near London): Lambeth (near London): one of the following offices: Executive Director/Counsellor: Executive Director/Counsellor: Rev. Gerald R. Procee is the pastor of the Free of the is Free the pastor R. Procee Gerald Rev. Ontario. of Hamilton, Church Reformed with Calvin asked permission to see dead body in his also house. Many citizens his were eager to take a last look hardly and be torn could away from the body of the deceased reformer. The following day, the his day, Lord’s friends decided it would be better to take his body and place it coffin, in after they a had wrapped it in linen. days Two John later, Calvin was buried in a grave in the common cemetery of Plein Palais, with no extraordinary pomp, as he had requested, and without even a - grave stone. Already a few weeks later, the exact not was buried was Calvin John where place known for certain any more. The location of his grave remains unknown to this - pres ent day. Burlington: Mailing Address: 7038 Longwoods Road Address: Mailing 7038 Longwoods Rd. (corner hwy. 2 & 4) 2 (corner hwy. 7038 Longwoods Rd. : 1-866-833-2741 Telephone: oll Free T Adv.Dip.SW, CSW Adv.Dip.SW, MSW, Dooren, Van Henk C.

P.O. Box 503, Lambeth Station, London, ON N6P 1R1 London, Lambeth Station, 503, Box P.O. For an appointment to see a counsellor, please call an appointment to see a counsellor, For CENTRE THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELLING 3425 Harvester Road, Units 20 & 21, Burlington, ON L7N 3N1 Burlington, Units 20 & 21, 3425 Harvester Road, On On the day of his depar- ture, the 27th of May, he and stronger, be to seemed to speak with less difficul- ty. But it was last nature’s effort, for in the evening, - symp o’clock, eight about death approaching of toms suddenly appeared. I had before, little a him left just and on receiving intima- im- servants, the from tion him to hastened mediately with one of the brethren. We found he had already died, and so very calmly, of convulsion any without his feet or hands, that he did not even fetch a deep- er sigh. He had remained perfectly sensible, and was not entirely deprived of utterance to his very last breath. Indeed, he looked sleep- one like more much ing than dead. time On same the at then, day, that with the setting sun, this splendid luminary us. withdrawn from was In In 1559 Calvin became a citizen of - Ge The result ofwork Calvin’s was that at In In May 1564 the end of his life on earth fi- nally came. The asthma and pains increased to the extent that Calvin de- - Feb on sermon last his livered ruary 25 he made April 6. On suc- and associate His will. his cessor, , deathbed. at Calvin’s present was suffered muchIt pain.was due to his enor- mous will power and sustaining the Lord’s work. great Calvin continued his hand that neva. In that same year the Academy was established in Geneva and Theodore Beza became the first principal. Many men from Europe young theo- studied at Calvin’s logical academy. Among them were , Guido de the Bres, and Taffin, Jean the of Orange of William Prince of chaplain Netherlands. France’s of million three his life, of end the total population of twenty Reformed the of million adherents be to considered were faith. Death Calvin’s Rue Rue des Chanoines in - Ge TheInstitutes of the Christian venerable venerable company after approval of Calvin Calvin worked long hours and would All this is very amazing when we realize The work Calvin accomplished is inesti- The city of Geneva was divided into three three into divided was Geneva of city The Theteachers were to instruct the youth . His correspondence . Religion was His correspondence extensive and far-reaching; it was very pastoral and pack- which in days were There comforting. ages filled with letters left Calvin’s home. This would especially be the travellers case from other when countries arrived in along letters take readily could who Geneva partsto various of Europe. often dictate letters and treatises from his on instance, For secretary. personal a to bed many as wrote Calvin 1555, 29, December as nine letters to various people in Poland. often came to and see refugees him Visitors and his home on neva became the centre of the activities of Europe. of churches Reformed the that health Calvin’s was frail and he often alvin’s Work Calvin’s The total literary output ofJohn Calvin, as cen- the through preserved been has it as far turies, now comprise 59 volumes in Latin $1500 around at sell would and French and auctions. book hand second at US mable. Calculations have been made that show that Calvin preached 200 times per year and in addition, lectured 200 times. nearly on commentaries extensive wrote He tracts, many besides Bible, the of book every and he continually on laboured hisrevising major work, the candidates by the city government. the city government. by the candidates parishes. On the sermons day, were Lord’s in in alltwo at churches daybreak preached three churches at 9 a.m. and at 3 cat- p.m.; Preaching noon. at held were classes echism - Mon on churches the all in conducted was 1560 by and Fridays and Wednesdays days, services were held every day of the week. Calvin desired to have the Lord’s Supper celebrated at least once a month but had to year. per times four with content be in the doctrines of God’s Word. and the The for discipline responsible were ders el- deacons assisted in the relief of the poor. The consistory, as the church council was el- the and ministers the of consisted called, and fivewere ministers there ders. Initially, elders. twelve Four Four times per year they discussed own their qualifications as ministers. The rule was that new ministers were to be elected by the NEWS NOTES & COMMENTS

By Rev. H.A. Bergsma

THE AFFAIRS IN ISRAEL; A LETTER: wants to make sure that this time the peace porary North American life. Sometimes Dear friends and family, In the last few will really bring peace to the southern cit- religious folk are guilty of only being able days many of you have been calling and ies and citizens of Israel, rather than being to explain what they believe using insider emailing us about our situation in the an opportunity for Hamas to bring in more jargon and not effectively translating war. We are very grateful for your love and long range missiles and other arms. At the those truths to the context in which they kindness and in particular your prayers on same time, it is important to remember that live. I consciously try to read books that our behalf and on behalf of many others the Israeli Defense Forces are doing all they are less directly related to my day-to-day in Israel. This morning a little while after can to avoid killing innocent civilians. Also work during my vacation time and so over I arrived at the office a Grad rocket from many truck loads each day cross from Israel the past two weeks, have enjoyed Jean Gaza hit Gedera! Thankfully, when Eti to the Gaza strip to bring forth humanitar- Chretien’s My years as Prime Minister; and the kids heard the siren they rushed ian aid. Thanks again for your concerns and Rudy Wiebe’s Of This Earth and am cur- to the Residential Secure Space (bomb prayers on our behalf. Please remember rently working through The Forsaken: An shelter) room. Then they heard a very also our congregation, Grace & Truth, as we American Tragedy in Stalin’s Russia. In my loud boom. It hit the house of our neigh- have soldiers that are fighting and involved circle of acquaintances I would probably bor that is only three houses away from in this war. David Zadok (from an email be considered a heavy reader and I some- us. A three-month old baby in the house which he sent us, dated January 6, 2009). times even fancy myself as such. And so, I was injured and was rushed to nearby Mr. Zadok has spoken in a number of our will confess it a bit of surprise and frankly hospital. As you can imagine, it was very churches and schools last year in promoting quite humbling, to read in the Wall Street close to us this time. Within minutes our the new Free Reformed committee of Chris- Journal the other day that while being street was filled with security and police tian Ministry to Israel (CMI). Please pray for President of the United States, President forces. The head of the council (Gedera is their safety. Bush has managed to read 95 books in not big enough to be considered a city, 2006, 51 in 2007, and 40 in 2008. In ad- so it is run by a local council) was in the PENNINGS BLOG: BOOKING 2009 dition to this mix of history, biography, area as well and spoke with Eti to make RESOLUTIONS: I love books and on more and current event books, President Bush sure that all is well with us. As of now, than one occasion have used this space read through the entire Bible each year we still have no electricity at home as to plug a good book, promote literacy in alongside a daily devotional. I haven’t the rocket damaged the electricity poll as general or lament the demise of a good kept an accurate count but my guess is well. Eti and children are doing well, and bookstore. There is a danger among those that my number is slightly more than half though the kids were a bit scared, they who love reading to engage in some sort of his and while I do daily devotions, I do are doing well at the moment. Since the of snobbery, as if an impressive bookshelf not systematically read through the entire beginning of the war, some 520 missiles guaranteed an insightful mind. An article Bible each year. True, I do have a busy job were launched on Israel, and in the last on “the Great Book Project” h/t arts and with various responsibilities (reading at seven years thousands of them landed letters daily accurately reminds us how least as much on-line than I do in print) in Israel. Thankfully, and in God’s sover- book promoters can be nothing more than but I doubt I can really use the busy or on- eignty, most of them fall in open fields. “cultural hucksters” foisting great books line excuse to explain why I had less time However, they have terrorized many cities on the masses with false promises of moral to read books than did the President. So that live under constant fear of the rock- improvement. But the misuse of something much for the past... New Year’s Day is an ets. Life had become a nightmare in some does not negate its proper use and if your opportunity to focus on new beginnings of the southern cities, like Sederot. The 2009 resolutions include more reading of and to resolve to do better. I don’t intend citizens never know when they will hear one sort or another, it is likely a resolution to use this blog as a confessional when I the siren, which means that they have 15 worth keeping. The last two weeks of 2008 fall short, but hopefully the motivation of seconds to run to a secure area – that is were for me a delightful rest from my daily sharing a book commendation or insight the time it takes for the rocket to land. On routines and provided a significant read- (I find it important to read authors with Thursday before Israel decided to open ing opportunity. I finished Tim Keller’s The whom I disagree as well) will help keep the war on Gaza strip, some 60 rockets Reason for God. It is one of the most read- me more focused, and may even provide a were launched on Israel. At the moment able apologetics of our day and provides useful tip or two to those who are check- Israel has rightly decided to reject various not only a clear outline of the gospel but is ing these pages regularly. 2009 is a spe- international proposals for stopping the framed in a manner that answers the every- cial year for those of us who count John fighting. This is because the government day questions one encounters in contem- Calvin as an important historical figure as • February 2009 • 18 The MESSENGER • February The MESSENGER • February 2009 • 19 Ps. 127:3 Ps.

HCS We seek We How to join us GE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL for a positive change A Jordan Christian School in the Reformed creeds • beautiful, modern facilities • beautiful, [email protected] [email protected] for the 2009/2010 school year. for the 2009/2010 school year. offer Kindergarten to grade 12. offer Kindergarten to grade Mr. A. Ben Harsevoort, Principal Ben Harsevoort, A. Mr. c/o Mr. J. Beeke (Board President) Beeke J. c/o Mr. Oxford Reformed Christian School CHOOL N CHRISTIAN S JORDA HERIT Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada L0R 1S0 Ontario, Jordan Station, Christian education are encouraged to apply. Christian education are encouraged • a student body of 570 students from K to 12 Phone: (905) 562-7303 • Fax: (905) 562-0020 (905) 562-7303 • Fax: Phone: Please forward inquiries and/or applications to: Please forward of Christian education, and references. Send to: and references. of Christian education, HERS NEEDED TEAC CHRISTIAN SCHOOL FORD REFORMED ARD OF OX 308 Church St., P.O. Box 68, Springford, ON, N0J 1X0 ON, Springford, 68, Box P.O. 308 Church St., Principal: Mark Fintelman • [email protected]. Mark Fintelman Principal: • in the heart of Ontario’s beautiful Niagara Peninsula beautiful Niagara • in the heart of Ontario’s openings in both the elementary and secondary panels. panels. openings in both the elementary and secondary Heritage Christian School, 2850 Fourth Avenue, Box 400 Box Avenue, 2850 Fourth Heritage Christian School, 4171 15th St., Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada, L0R 1S0. Canada, Ontario, Station, Jordan 4171 15th St., • a cohesive, professional faculty and staff of 50 persons • a cohesive, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.” • a dedicated and supportive Reformed Christian community Email: [email protected] • Website: www.hcsjordan.ca Website: [email protected] • Email: • Enthusiastic, dedicated rookies or seasoned veterans looking veterans dedicated rookies or seasoned • Enthusiastic, is receiving applications for the coming 2009-2010 school year. 2009-2010 school year. for the coming is receiving applications invites applications for the 2009/2010 academic year for potential invites applications for the 2009/2010 academic Christian education and who submit to Holy Scripture as confessed • Qualified applicants who seek to serve Jesus Christ in the area of THE BO Applications should include a resume, statement of faith, philosophy of faith, statement Applications should include a resume, invites applications for elementary and secondary teaching positions invites applications for submit a résumé, with a statement of your philosophy of education, a of education, with a statement of your philosophy submit a résumé, minutes south of Woodstock in Springford, Ontario. We are a parent-run We Ontario. in Springford, Woodstock minutes south of statement of faith, and references, including one from your current pastor and references, statement of faith, school serving the needs of several local Reformed communities and have school serving the needs of several Oxford Reformed Christian School is currently located in a rural setting 20 in a rural Oxford Reformed Christian School is currently located Education Committee Secretary: John Berman • [email protected]. Education Committee Secretary: We have a need for qualified, energetic elementary and secondary teachers energetic elementary and need for qualified, have a We to join our staff team. All applicants committed to the Reformed faith and to to join our staff team. been operating for four years. Our present enrolment is 208 students and we for four years. been operating Situated in a rural setting near St. Catharines, Jordan for prepare we As Christian education. K-12 academic Reformed a offering school small School is a desire who teachers versatile dedicated, for looking are we season, coming the to join our teaching team. Please send your application for our review to either the or principal, the sec- retary of the Education Please Committee. include your philosopy resume, of along with a cover letter. of faith, and statement education,

- YS YS Tolle Faith . What What . , , SA reports that the CHURCHES AZED: R IN ENGLAND Institute for Public Policy , , 40 M KILLED Religion News Service reports that the murderous rioting sparked ) TE TY” ECCENTRICI STORS ASTORS A National Emergency Management Agency ,” ,” was published by the CLERIC: and counts among its supporters Prime Minister Gordon Gordon Minister Prime supporters its among counts and A “PRIV -- take up and read. Happy New Year to -- up you take and all Year Happy read. and New looking THOLIC Be careful what you write, as you may see more of your stuff in Be careful what you write, No doubt it is no different here in Canada and we know also The secular news does not tell us much or anything about these these about anything or much us tell not does news secular The CA Research leader of Roman Catholics in England and Wales warns that lib- eralism has turned Britain into a nation where religious belief is seen and as “private eccentricity” atheism a is becoming increas- this released book a in Writing aggressive.” and “vocal more ingly week, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor came down hard on what he said growing was Britain’s degeneration into a land free of morals and hostile to The book, called Christian “ values. began as outrage over suspected vote fraud in time to time from quakes that line fault religious the hit quickly in local elections as south, Christian and north Islamic the between located city this angry Muslims took aim at Christian sites rather than at political Police and targets. troops reportedly killed about 400 rampaging slashed shot, Islamists and unrest, the quell to effort an in Muslims (From killed. Christians 100 than more of most death to stabbed or Rev. Henk Rev. Bergsma is the minister of the Free Reformed Church of London, Ontario. Compass Direct News Compass Direct News July 9th will mark the 500th anniversary of his I birth. notice that Princeton has a “read through the institutes in a year” schedule, as does the Reformation21 blog, so I intend teens late my to in Institutes the add of) (most read I that schedule. to devotional my but must confess to having not systematically read through them the among So, book. reference a as mainly them using then, since various resolutions that are worthwhile, mine for 2009 is TH FAI forward to sharing some time with you via this medium. (From his his (From medium. this via you with time some sharing to forward “Beneath the Surface”) blog this column. Keep up the good work … Ray, and a Happy (as in Year. the Beatitudes) New : NIGERIA: SIX P Brown, Brown, himself the son of a hard-line Church of Scotland minis- Christians between tensions” “serious cites Murphy-O’Connor ter. and secularists in his book. The result, he said, has become an “unfriendly climate for people of all faiths” that as has, a result, Islam. and Judaism Christianity, faiths: major three Britain’s united Religious News Service) (From that in the United States atheism is becoming increasingly more vocal and aggressive. come the world”(John 16:33). come the world”(John 16:33). but things, Christians must often bear the brunt even of if anger, such anger is politically As motivated. the Lord Jesus over have once I heart; said, take But tribulation. have will you world the “In by Muslim attacks on Christians and their property on November 28-29 left six pastors dead, at least 500 other people killed and 40 churches destroyed, according to church leaders. 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Zion Free ReformedFellowship Hall, May theLordcontinuetoblessyou. 1075 BoyleRoad, Fenwick, Ontario. “Behold, the eye of the LORD is on on is LORD the of eye the “Behold, planning to attend the conference and

On those who hope in His mercy” His in hope who those On This willprovidemoretimeforfellow- Office-bearers’ Conference is planned bearers areinvitedtoattend. Persons Open HousetobeheldSaturday, With joyandthankfulnesstothe “Catechizing and Teaching Children Children Teaching and “Catechizing for Wednesday, March 25, 2009, ship and reflective discussion on the speaker at the conference, speaking HENDRIK &MARGJEOTTEN HRC OFFICE-BEARERS’ ANNIVERSRY l 60th Wedding A nniversar located at540CrescentStreet, NE, dinner for all conference attendees The Grand Rapids HRC will serve a Lord wehopetocelebratethe Interested Free Reformedoffice- James Beeke will be the main 1949March182009 and yourgrandchildren after theconferenceconcludes. An Heritage Reformed Church Grand RapidsChurchChapel, Love fromyourchildren: Smithville, ONL0R2A0 Please confirm your attendance from 2.00-4.30p.m. at

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loosed in heaven. loosedin be shall loose on earth thou shalt whatsoever and bebound shall onearth bind thou shalt whatsoever and heaven: of thekingdom of unto theethekeys give Iwill And in heaven: in Matthew 16:19