NEW HORIZONS in the ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

3 Singing the 5 Why Should We Sing MARCH 2014 with the Psalmist // All 150 Psalms? // by Eric B. Watkins by Peter J. Wallace

The Psalms in and the -Hymnal Project VOLUME 35, NUMBER 3 CONTENTS New Horizons in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Editor: Danny E. Olinger Managing Editor: James W. Scott FEATURES Editorial Assistant: Patricia E. Clawson 3 Cover Designer: Christopher Tobias Singing the Psalms with the Psalmist Proofreader: Sarah J. Pederson Editorial Board: The Committee on Christian By Eric B. Watkins Education’s Subcommittee on Serial Publications 5 Why Should We Sing All 150 Psalms? © 2014 by The Committee on Christian Education of By Peter J. Wallace The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations 7 Do We Really Need a Psalter-Hymnal? are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, 2007, by Crossway Bibles, a division By Donald M. Poundstone of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Articles previously published may be slightly edited. New Horizons (ISSN: 0199-3518) is published DEPARTMENTS monthly except for a combined issue, usually August- September, by the Committee on Christian Education of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 607 N. Easton 10 Foreign Missions Road, Bldg. E, Willow Grove, PA 19090-2539; tel. 215- 830-0900; fax 215-830-0350. An Unexpected Journey Letters to the editor are welcome. They should deal 12 with an issue the magazine has recently addressed. Christian Education Their language should be temperate, and they may not charge anyone with an offense. They should be brief, The Psalter-Hymnal Project reviewed and they may be condensed by the editor. • ABCs of • Out of the mouth … Send inquiries, letters to the editor, and other 14 correspondence to the editor at [email protected]. Home Missions Send address changes to [email protected]. Allow six Naples, Florida weeks for address changes. The digital edition (PDF, ePub, mobi) and an archive of 16 Stewardship previous issues are available at www.opc.org. Views expressed by our writers are not necessarily Funding the war those of the editors or official positions of the 17 Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Prayer Calendar Copies are distributed free to members and friends of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Nonmembers 20 News, Views, Reviews are asked to donate $20.00 for an annual subscription (USD $30.00 if sent to addresses in Canada; $40.00 elsewhere abroad). A free e-mail PDF subscription is also available. Requests for a subscription should be sent to [email protected] or the address below. Periodicals postage is paid at Willow Grove, Pa., and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to New Horizons in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 607 N. Easton Road, Bldg. E, Willow Grove, PA Cover photo © Dan Hayes / http://www.flickr.com/photos/zi-dan/2287257032/ 19090-2539.

New City Fellowship OPC is a new church plant on the southeast side of Grand Rapids. A daughter plant of Harvest OPC (Wyoming, Mich.), New City sits at the crossroads of three monocultural communities—Hispanic, African-American, and Caucasian—and hopes to reach them with the gospel. Renovations are currently being made to prepare their building for the beginning of worship services on March 30. Pastor Mika Edmondson asks us to join with them in seeking “wisdom, humility, love, and faithfulness as we serve the Lord’s people and the surrounding community with the gospel.”

2 / NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 SINGING THE PSALMS WITH THE PSALMIST

ERIC B. WATKINS // Edmund P. Clowney once observed that in Hebrews 2, Jesus is portrayed, not merely as the recipient of our worship, but also as the one who, through his resurrection, leads and even participates in our worship of his Father in heaven. This is truly a remarkable idea!

Hebrews 2:11–12 says, “For he God, my God, why have you forsaken can relate it, to some extent, through a who sanctifies and those who are sanc- me?” (Ps. 22:1). The moment these recent family trial. When our son Carl tified all have one source. That is why words come from the lips of Jesus, we was four years old, he had a very seri- he is not ashamed to call them brothers, understand how utterly abandoned he ous double infection. He spent roughly saying, ‘I will tell of your name to my truly is: his Father has left him. This is a week in the ICU of a children’s hos- brothers; in the midst of the congrega- quite beyond me, and it hurts even to pital. Twice he was prepped for surgery tion I will sing your praise.’” think about it. Thus far in his life, Jesus and left waiting while doctors debated The quotation in this passage is has made it clear that his Father is al- whether or not to cut him open, as they taken from Psalm 22:22. The ascription ways with him. Jesus is the perfect Son, were not sure what they would find in- of that psalm reads: “To the choirmas- perfectly obedient, perfectly pleasing to side him. I cannot say that I had ever ter: according to The Doe of the Dawn. his Father in heaven. And his Father is before known such a feeling of helpless- A Psalm of David.” It is noteworthy that the perfect Father. He always delights ness, coupled with such a strong desire the Psalm comes unambiguously with in his Son, and is always with him. But to intervene. There was not a moment music, and that it was meant to be sung. at this moment, as the paramount ex- in that entire week that we left our son The Psalms, in so many ways, are not pression of human rebellion and cruelty alone. He knew that we would never simply the heart-cry of the individual, overtakes Jesus, his Father abandons leave nor forsake him. Through every but the heart-cry of the congregation. him. As Jesus’ soul begins to sink into procedure, we were there, and while They were meant to be sung, not simply that dark mire of death, his all-powerful they worked on one side of him, we as personal ballads, but in the setting Father refuses to intervene and come to held the other. He was never alone. of the whole church, the gathering of his rescue. If the covenant promise is “I Late one night, while holding his God’s pilgrim people in the sanctuary will be your God and you will be my little hand and helping him walk the of his presence. people,” then the covenant curse is effec- hallway, I could not help but notice the Abandoning the Son tively “I will not be your God and you children in other rooms. It was a collage will not be my people.” Jesus is left all of broken, little bodies. Babies in oxy- Perhaps one of the more perplex- alone. gen tents, little boys wrapped in casts ing features of this particular psalm is I cannot pretend to fully under- like mummies, little girls hidden be- that it begins with that most painful stand this. The ironies are too strong for hind a maze of tubes and tape. Most of expression from Jesus at the cross, “My me; the paradox is too profound. But I these kids had families like ours beside

NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 / 3 the Father to stand back while his en- come like an everlasting tree that bears emies tortured and crucified his beloved fruit unto God. The book of Psalms, Son? You may have your own answer, like Revelation, ends in the jubilant but I believe it would be easier for me to sanctuary of God, where the voices of give up my own life than to give up the God’s redeemed people are heard in life of my son. concert with a myriad of joyful sounds, This has caused me to step back in all forming one voice of praise that ris- amazement and to love our Father all es before God’s throne. In the middle the more! I do not pretend to under- of the Psalms is the story of redemp- stand this great mystery. I do not pre- tion, with the trials and suffering of the tend to understand the willingness of psalmist displaying for us not simply the Son to go the cross, or even more the story of David, or even typifying the the willingness of the Father to give up story of Israel, but telling ahead of time Carl Watkins, no longer ill his Son. But in the absence of under- the story of Jesus, whose lonely exile on standing, there is faith and deep grati- the cross would redeem the sin-laden them. But some were alone—all alone tude. We do not have to understand people of God. and fighting for their lives. I was over- all of God’s ways in order to love him This is why the book of Hebrews come by emotion; never in my life have and thank him dearly for his grace and beautifully leads us to the pastoral con- I been filled with such compassion for glory. clusion: “Jesus is better.” He is better other human beings. I wept over them. The Psalms and the Christian Life than Moses, Aaron, and David as he I prayed for them. I felt knit to their fulfills his office of prophet, priest, and struggle. Still, I must confess that for Is this not the nature of the Chris- king perfectly and perpetually. He is bet- all the compassion that I felt for these tian life? We believe in a God whom we ter than the angels, for they are simply little, hurting children, there was not a cannot actually see. We follow a voice servants sent to attend the redemption single child on that floor for whom I that we do not audibly hear. We are held that Jesus came to accomplish through would give my son—my Carl. None. If by a hand that we cannot physically his death and resurrection. He is better that is selfish, so be it. But it is honest. feel. This is also the nature and emotion than the sacrifices of the old covenant, Then it really hit me. God the Fa- of the Psalms. They encompass virtually as his sacrifice needed to be offered only ther had not simply given his Son for every aspect of our lives and emotions. once. He is even better than the word helpless little children like the ones in They catalogue every expression of the spoken of old, for he is God’s final word this hospital; he had given his Son for soul in poetic form. They summarize (Heb. 1:1–2), which not only pierces defiant rebels like me—and like you. our spiritual experiences, both highs our soul (Heb. 4:12), but also gives us I thought a lot about Psalm 22 and lows. eternal life. Simply put: Jesus is better! then, and in particular its piercing first But if Clowney is right, the Psalms Jesus, the Songwriter question, “Why?” Why would God al- do not simply capture and express the low this to happen to his Son? I wish experiences of God’s people; they also Who is the best songwriter you you could find your reflection in a mir- draw us into the heart of Christ him- have ever heard? I would like to suggest ror now, for there is the answer to Jesus’ self. They are his Psalms—not perfectly, the answer: Jesus. He is the author and question. The answer is you and me— for the Psalms contain confessions of finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:1–2)—and his church. God abandoned his Son to sin that Jesus did not need to make for the author and finisher of the Psalms. that wretched cross, so that through himself. Yet in so many ways they ex- He is the heavenly poet who inspires his agony and abandonment, the Son press the songs of the soul that Jesus the psalms of David’s soul and ours, of God might truly “taste death for ev- would sing as he made his own pilgrim- and assures us that God will never leave eryone” (Heb. 2:9) and thus redeem us age through the dark valleys of this us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). Jesus not from eternal death. God’s precious Son world to the highest peak of the hill of only leads us into the presence of his stood in our place, sharing in what we the Lord. Father to hear us sing, but also joins deserve, so that we might join him in was right in calling the choir! We love to sing the Psalms his place (heaven) and share in what he the book of Psalms “the Bible in minia- because they are God’s inspired songs. deserves! ture form.” For not only is the story of And who better is there than Jesus to But we cannot separate the redemp- the soul sung in the book of Psalms, but help us sing them? tive sufferings of God the Son from the so also is the story of redemption sung redemptive plan of God the Father. We there. The Psalms, like Genesis, begin The author is pastor of Covenant Presbyte- might think of it this way: was it harder with the hope of the blessed man who rian Church in Saint Augustine, Fla. He for Jesus to die on the cross for us, or for is to shun evil, keep God’s laws, and be- quotes the ESV.

4 / NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 WHY SHOULD WE SING ALL 150 PSALMS?

PETER J. WALLACE // “In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away” (Heb. 8:13). If the Mosaic covenant is obsolete and vanishing, then why should we sing the Psalms? Aren’t the Psalms the songbook of an obsolete covenant?

It is true that the Psalms are the and offerings and sacrifices in numer- way the Psalms talk about judgment, songbook of an obsolete covenant— ous psalms. death, and cursing are not obsolete! As in the same sense that the Ten Com- 3. There are many judicial state- we will see, Jesus and the apostles speak mandments are the law of an obsolete ments in the Psalms, “not obliging any in very similar ways—sometimes even covenant—and the whole Old Testa- other now, further than the general eq- quoting the “worst” parts of the Psalms! ment itself is an obsolete covenant! And uity thereof may require” (19.4)—such Historically, psalmody has always been yet, Paul writes that “all Scripture [the as the particular statements regarding at the foundation of good hymnody. whole obsolete testament] is breathed- Edom, Babylon, Philistia, or Doeg the When all 150 psalms are sung and out by God and profitable for teach- Edomite. prized, you will find the best . ing, for reproof, for correction, and for In the same way that we should When psalmody deteriorates, hymnody training in righteousness, that the man study the whole law in order to (1) learn also follows. The following essay is a of God may be competent, equipped what duty God requires of us, (2) learn brief summary of my argument. for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17). about Christ from the ceremonies, and Why Should We Sing? Furthermore, there is not a single senti- (3) learn equity from the judicials, even ment in the Psalms that is not echoed in so we should sing the whole Psalter in What is our biblical warrant for the as well. order to (1) learn what piety God re- congregational singing? I would suggest I would suggest that the Westmin- quires of us, (2) learn about Christ from that Revelation 15:2–4 provides a clear ster Confession’s threefold division of the types and symbols, and (3) learn eq- example or model of congregational the law provides us with a helpful way uity from the way that the Psalms speak singing. The congregation of those who to think about the Psalms as well: of rulers and nations. have conquered the beast and its image 1. Even as “the moral law doth In the Trinity Hymnal editions of “sing the song of Moses, the servant of forever bind all” (19.5), so also the five 1961 and 1990, the OPC followed a God, and the song of the Lamb.” The books of the Psalms express “a perfect principle of “selective psalmody,” which book of Revelation provides the pat- rule of righteousness” (19.2)—and, for used partial psalms or highly para- tern for biblical worship—showing, in- that matter, a perfect rule of piety. phrased psalms in order to give David deed, that the pattern of 2. There are many ceremonial a new covenant flavor. In so doing, worship was modeled after heavenly references in the Psalms, “prefiguring Trinity Hymnal omitted most of the worship. I would suggest that congre- Christ, his graces, actions, sufferings, “darker” themes of the Psalms—themes gational singing is a part of the escha- and benefits” (19.3), such as references of judgment, death, and cursing. But tological pattern that we seek to imitate to ceremonial cleansing in Psalm 51, according to the New Testament, the and in which we participate by faith.

NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 / 5 What Should We Sing? noting the cry of the heavenly host in not curse them.” Some would say that Revelation 19:1–2: What does this have to do with the this is conclusive evidence that Chris- tians should never curse those who question of what the Christian church Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and persecute them. And it is true that should sing? The songs of heavenly power belong to our God, for his Christians should not revile and swear worship are not simply the Psalms of judgments are true and just; for he like the nations do. But remember that the Old Testament. The song of Revela- has judged the great prostitute who five verses later, Paul says, “Beloved, tion 15 is described as “the song of Mo- corrupted the earth with her immo- never avenge yourselves, but leave ses” and “the song of the Lamb.” rality, and has avenged on her the it to the wrath of God, for it is writ- If the pattern for Christian worship blood of his servants. ten, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, is the heavenly pattern, then there is no We need to remember that ven- says the Lord’” (Rom. 12:19). In other biblical warrant for exclusive psalmody. geance is a good thing. Scripture warns words, Christians should never seek to Nonetheless, since the Psalms are the us not to take revenge, but also gives us do anything to curse their enemies, but God-inspired hymnal of the Old Testa- God’s promise, “Vengeance is mine, I we should pray that God will bring ven- ment church, they provide the founda- will repay, says the Lord” (Rom. 12:19). geance—as in Psalm 94. tion and pattern for the New Testament Therefore, according to Paul in Romans hymnal. Conclusion 12, we should pray that God will bring Why should we sing all 150 vengeance against those who seek to Congregational singing is where psalms? Because it is right and proper destroy us. the church participates in the songs to sing God’s word back to him. This is Of course, this raises a serious of the heavenly assembly. As such, we why our congregation sings versions of question: when is it appropriate to pray should use the songs of the old cove- Deuteronomy 6, Habakkuk 3, Jonah 2, for God’s destruction of our enemies? nant in the same way that we use read- Joel 2, Zephaniah 3, Zechariah 9, Mi- After all, Jesus did pray, “Father, forgive ings from the old covenant. And as cah 7, and the songs of Daniel, Zecha- them” (Luke 23:34), and Stephen cried the word of Christ dwells in us richly, riah, Mary, Simeon, Hannah, Deborah, out to Jesus, “Lord, do not hold this sin perhaps once again in our daily lives and Moses (Ex. 15). Too often we as- against them” (Acts 7:60). It is worth we will begin “teaching and admonish- sume that the songs of the church are noting that this same attitude is present ing one another in all wisdom, singing “prayers,” but in fact, the songs of the in the Psalms. David says in Psalms 35 psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, church may also be where the church and 109 that he prayed for his enemies with thankfulness in [our] hearts to takes up the Word of God on our lips and afflicted himself in fasting for their God” (Col. 3:16). and sings it back to him. After all, many healing when they were sick. But there While we often prefer to avoid psalms are not “prayers,” but recitations comes a time when David asks God themes of darkness, depression, cursing, of the mighty deeds of God. Singing to destroy them. Likewise, we need to and death, we cannot do so without ig- is not just the “prayers of the people,” understand that Jesus’ prayer, “Father, noring New Testament teaching on the but also the admonition of the Word of forgive them,” does not mean that we subject. One of the best ways of renew- God! never pray for vengeance. ing our understanding and piety in such But Do We Have to Sing That? Paul explains this in Romans 11:9– matters would be to resume singing the 10, where he applies the curses of Psalm “hard” psalms, singing them in the light This may help us think about the 69:22–23 to first-century Israel: of the glory of Christ. more challenging psalms. After all, there Of course, congregational singing are some psalms that are really hard to Let their table become a snare and should not be limited to the 150 psalms, sing. For example, :8–9 says: a trap, a stumbling block and a ret- but it will always be nourished and en- ribution for them; let their eyes be O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be riched by the Psalter. But the relation darkened so that they cannot see, and destroyed, blessed shall he be who re- between psalmody and good hymnody bend their backs forever. pays you with what you have done to us! will have to wait for another essay! Blessed shall he be who takes your Here Paul says that David’s im- little ones and dashes them against precation against his enemies should Peter Wallace, an OP minister, serves the rock! be applied to rebellious Jews in his own as stated supply at Michiana Covenant day. Paul will not seek to make God’s This passages declares a blessing on Presbyterian Church in Granger, Ind. He curse come to pass (he will not wage the one who destroys “daughter Baby- served on the Composition Subcommittee war against rebellious Israel), but he will lon” (cities are often called “daughters” of the Psalter-Hymnal project. His blog pray that God will make it happen. in the Old Testament). Given that “Cross and Kingdom” at http://michiana- Paul says in Romans 12:14, “Bless Revelation 17–18 speaks of the fall of covenant.org/cross-and-kingdom contains those who persecute you; bless and do Babylon and her destruction, it is worth an expansion of this article.

6 / NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 DO WE REALLY NEED A PSALTER-HYMNAL?

DONALD M. POUNDSTONE // Our church’s Psalter-Hymnal Committee deserves credit for translating and versifying the book of Psalms and setting individual psalms to singable music. Sadly, this is the best that can be said for a radical and unnecessary project.

The concerns we raise here ad- new hymnal. The psalms included cover fundamental mittedly come several years late. There Trinity Hymnal finally appeared teachings in the book of Psalms: God ought to have been thorough discussion in 1961. It contained hundreds of ex- is the almighty Creator and sovereign by the whole church in 2006, when the cellent hymns and a wide but selec- ruler of heaven and earth; our God, idea for a Psalter-Hymnal surfaced, and tive collection of psalms, psalm ver- Yahweh (the LORD), is the universal before our General Assembly voted to sions, and paraphrases. Trinity Hymnal King, the only true and living God; he go full-speed ahead. And now the work quickly became much beloved and is holy and just, full of love and mercy, has gotten entangled in a quest for bet- highly esteemed, both in the OPC and and forgiving to those who fear him; ter ecumenical relations with a sister by schools and other churches. About he is the gracious Savior and Protector church. 800,000 copies have been sold over a of his people; he raised up David and How We Got Trinity Hymnal span of fifty years. his descendants to govern his elect na- In the mid-1980s, after the Pres- tion of Israel as kings; God’s moral law So it’s past time to recall the history byterian Church in America joined us is holy, righteous, and good; and much of an Orthodox Presbyterian songbook. in the joint venture of Great Commis- more besides. What precious, enduring Shortly after our church was founded sion Publications, we determined to re- truth revealed in the Old Testament is in 1936, officers and congregations re- vise our hymnal. About 150 songs were missing from this catalog and thus ab- alized there was no hymnbook in print deleted and replaced by new selections. sent from our current hymnal? that was suitable for use in our worship. Revisers, however, maintained the same The Notion of Total Psalmody In the mid-1940s, we decided to pro- balance of psalms and hymns, desiring duce our own songbook. It took more “to make a good hymnal even better!” Unless, of course, God commands than fifteen years to reach publication. Trinity Hymnal contains a mar- us to sing all 150 psalms. This has not Along the way, the General Assembly velous, albeit imperfect, collection of been proved. One member of the Psal- studied the place of song in worship and hymns and psalms. Most people in ter-Hymnal Composition Committee eventually rejected the recommendation our church have found it more than wrote of his conviction that God no- to publish a book containing psalms ex- adequate, yet it remains open to revi- where directs his people—either in the clusively, with no specifically Christian sion and improvement. The Christian Old or the New Testament—to sing all hymns. The church also refused to in- hymns express the fullness of biblical the biblical psalms in worship. This view clude all the psalms for singing in our truth, suitable for a variety of occasions. has been the overwhelming consensus

NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 / 7 within the OPC since her founding, sounded in the Psalms that Christians Like the psalmist we leave vengeance and I concur in it. But a few years ago, find troubling? to God, but unlike the psalmist we without concerted or church-wide dis- The first problem we usually feel pray that God would bless those who cussion, the General Assembly sudden- is the invocation of curses or imprecations bring pain into our lives. (Corner- ly decided to abandon this consensus. against enemies. The Psalms repeat- stone Biblical Commentary, Psalms This is what I mean by speaking of the edly seek and celebrate the destruction and Proverbs, pp. 348–49) Psalter-Hymnal project as a radical one. of human adversaries (see Pss. 35:1–8; To be sure, a righteous God will A founding member of our church re- 69:22–28; 109:1–20; 137:7–9). Such finally judge unrepentant sinners and cently called it “revolutionary”! words and wishes occur in more than consign the wicked to everlasting pun- Rather than embracing the “total thirty psalms. Christians have sought ishment. But it is not for us to invoke psalmody” view of a Psalter-Hymnal, to understand these expressions in dif- curses on those who oppose the gospel I’m convinced we ought to continue our ferent ways, sometimes—mistakenly, and us. God calls believers instead to venerable practice of using carefully se- I think—by drawing a sharp contrast love, serve, and evangelize the lost. lected metrical psalms, psalm versions, between the supposedly wrathful God The so-called imprecatory psalms, and paraphrases for sung praise and of the Old Testament and the benevo- however—like a broken website for a prayer in our corporate worship, along lent, loving, heavenly Father of the New government spending program—are with scripturally faithful hymns. Testament. just the tip of the iceberg when it comes Why? Briefly—and maybe too However we finally explain those to problems for Christians in the Psal- bluntly—not all the psalms as originally psalms, desires for revenge clash no- ter. written are suitable for corporate Chris- ticeably with attitudes commended A second, and related, issue con- tian praise and prayer. Let me explain. by Christ and his apostles (see Matt. cerns our response to suffering and per- We need to recognize that the Psalms 5:43–45; Acts 7:59–60; Rom. 10:1; 1 secution. For the psalmists, insults and flow out of and reflect the “old,” that Tim. 2:1–2). afflictions are typically bad experiences is, the Mosaic, covenant understanding We don’t have space to discuss this to be abhorred and avoided. While the and expression of biblical faith. Now, problem at length here, but consider authors normally end up seeking ref- the old covenant reveals much that re- these words of Prof. Mark D. Futato in uge and finding comfort in God, they mains forever true: the existence and his recent commentary on Psalm 109: frequently speak words that verge on power of the Lord God, who is worthy The psalmist was praying against despair (see Pss. 25:16–20; 88:15–18; of all praise and thanksgiving; God’s those who persecuted him. The the- 89:46–51; 120:5–7). mighty works of creation, providence, ocracy, God’s reign in Israel from the Our Savior, on the other hand, and redemption, which deserve our time of Moses to the time of Christ, taught his disciples the glories of being admiration and gratitude; the sin and was a shadow of future events (Heb. insulted (Matt. 5:11–12). If the world desperate guilt of fallen humanity; the 10:1). One of those events is the final hates Christians, it’s because it first hat- way of salvation by divine grace through judgment of God. The destruction of ed Jesus ( John 15:18–21). The apostles faith in a redeemer; the reality of an- the Canaanites in the days of Joshua learned this lesson well and rejoiced at swered prayer and the forgiveness of was a shadow of the final judgment the privilege of suffering for the name sins; and so on. and not, therefore, normative for how of Christ (Acts 5:40–41). We know, The Old Testament points us to we are to deal with our neighbors who in ways that old covenant believers Christ. But the Psalms, and the rest of do not believe in Jesus. The impreca- couldn’t, that the insults and sufferings the Old Testament, were written before tions against the wicked in the book we experience as Christians identify us the incarnation of the uncreated Son of of Psalms were also shadows of the with the Son of God (1 Pet. 4:12–19). God, prior to his earthly life and min- final judgment—appropriate for the We still feel, of course, intense istry of humble obedience and love, and era of the theocracy, but not for this mental and physical pain. But countless before his death on the cross as an aton- present age. The gospel era is one of martyrs over the centuries have faced ing sacrifice, his glorious resurrection, kindness, tolerance, and patience— torture and death, not with complaints and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit intended to bring people to repen- and cries of anguish, but in the comfort upon the church. Our Lord Jesus, both tance and faith (Rom. 2:4). This is of God’s peace and the assurance of in his teaching and in his way of life, re- the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2). And heaven. Christians regularly celebrate— vealed the fullness of God’s will for us. this is why Jesus taught us to love our and desire to imitate, if necessary—such Let’s think about the differences enemies and to pray for them, not remarkable courage. in outlook between the Old Testament, against them. This is why Paul taught Champions of the Psalter often as represented by the book of Psalms, us to pray that God would bless our boast that the Psalms give voice to every and the words and example of our Sav- enemies (Rom. 12:14; 1 Cor. 4:12). human emotion—from anxiety, fear, ior and his apostles. What are the notes

8 / NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 and frustration to depression, grief, an- depart this world and be with Christ is use such an inflammatory word, but— ger, and animosity. This is true enough. great gain (Phil. 1:21, 23). The living to speak frankly—this makes a fetish of But the real question is, do the psalms hope that Christians possess through the Psalter. Why should we think God adequately express responses to life’s union with our Lord in heaven is not is most highly pleased when we sing his trials that the New Testament com- compatible with old covenant expres- praise in words belonging to what the mends to Christian believers? Christ sions of dread, anxiety, or uncertainty Epistle to the Hebrews calls an “old” and the gift of Holy Spirit have made a about the future. and now “obsolete” covenant (8:13)? big difference! Please don’t misunderstand these We possess, thankfully, accurate and The third difficulty in singing all concerns about the content of some reliable translations of the Psalms in the psalms as written is the attitude psalms. I love singing many of the our English Bibles. But there’s nothing displayed toward the nations. The Old psalms; they express praise and thanks- wrong with infusing old covenant songs Testament looks forward to a day when giving for the majesty and glorious and prayers with new covenant truth, Gentiles will worship the God of Is- works of God. It’s also true that many insight, and understanding. rael. At the same time, pious Jews for psalms point us toward the fullness of If there are better and useful psalm hundreds of years before Christ looked New Testament spiritual life. settings on offer, let them be tested— upon heathen neighbors with fear, con- But we also ought to recognize the published and used for a while in a tempt, and hostility. Egypt, Canaanite limitations of the Psalter’s outlook, es- separate volume—and then added to nations, Moab and Edom, Assyria and pecially when compared to God’s final Trinity Hymnal in future revisions. A Babylon—these were Israel’s bitter op- revelation in the New Testament. This Psalter-Hymnal is not necessary for the ponents and frequently the enemies is why we should follow in the foot- OPC and may well promote disunity or they sought to kill in holy war under steps of writer , who even the dividing up of our church into the theocracy. famously said three hundred years ago small, competing units. The coming of Christ, and his fin- that we must strive to give King Da- I hope and pray there’s still time, ished work of salvation, changed the vid a Christian voice. A minister in our and that we’ll seize the opportunity to way believers look at Gentiles. The res- church told me he believed God gave us discuss these matters openly and get urrected Jesus sent out his church with the psalms in order to teach us how to them right. We owe it to our children the power of the Holy Spirit to make write hymns. How true! and grandchildren. Even now, there’s no disciples of all nations and proclaim the Herein lies a serious problem with need for us to make a huge, costly, and gospel to every creature (Matt. 28:18– the Psalter-Hymnal project. The com- long-lasting mistake. 20; Mark 16:15). This momentous de- mittee was tasked with producing a velopment in the history of salvation complete collection of psalms with “as The author, a retired minister, is stated renders hostility toward foreigners, so much accuracy” as possible. In other clerk of the Presbytery of the Northwest common under the old covenant, out words, it was charged with denying Da- and a member of the Committee on Home of place in this age. There’s no basis for vid a clear Christian voice! I hesitate to Missions and Church Extension. Christians to sing against foreign peo- ples the harsh sentiments found in the Psalms. Finally, to take one more example, New GA Stated Clerk Named there’s the matter of a future life. We As authorized by the Eightieth (2013) know expressions in the Psalms that General Assembly, the Board of suggest the hope of enjoying God be- Trustees of the Orthodox Presbyterian yond this world. But in addition, at least Church has appointed a man to serve four times in the book of Psalms, we as stated clerk of the General Assem- read that physical death marks an un- bly for a period of three years, begin- wanted and silent end (see, for example, ning at the next assembly in June. Pss. 6:5 and 88:10–12). He is the Rev. Ross W. Graham, who However we try to make these recently retired as general secretary of gloomy words sound Christian, they in the Committee on Home Missions and fact differ greatly from the transparent Church Extension. He will replace the confidence and joy made known to us retiring George R. Cottenden. Please through Christ’s empty tomb. Jesus is pray for a smooth transition, as prepa- the resurrection and the life, and who- rations for it are already being made. Ross Graham ever believes in him will never die ( John 11:25–26). Paul assures believers that to

NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 / 9 FOREIGN MISSIONS

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY // T. L. L. The author, a tentmaking missionary who teaches English to university students in East Asia

own faith well enough to defend it, and this sent me to semi- nary. enjoy watching movies with my students and having discus- I enrolled in an M.A. program in biblical studies and sud- sions afterward. Recently, after watching the first install- denly the journey became unexpected indeed. I was entering Iment of The Hobbit, I turned to a student and said, “My life that curiously precise and holistic world of Reformed herme- is like that hobbit’s.” A hobbit’s life takes place in pastoral neutics, exegesis, and theology. I was facing that huge chasm landscapes painted in greens and blues. It is contented and between my sinful mind and puny knowledge as a creature naively blissful, full of steady goodness, with maybe a hint of versus the infinite wisdom of the Creator’s Word and will in occasional bickering, but lots of comfort food and time to read the history of redemption. Suddenly acquiring wisdom wasn’t books. The story chronicles the journey of an uprooted hobbit simply a matter of reading books; it included seeing myself, sent into a scorched wilderness on a quest of which he had no as I had as a child, in all my weakness before God every day! real conception. The movie’s subtitle, An Unexpected Journey, is Thank God for Christ, his grace, and forgiveness. But as my an oddly appropriate description of the journey the Lord has certainty of God’s love grew, my future didn’t seem as certain set for me. anymore. I was born in Singapore into an ethnically Chinese fam- After graduation, I didn’t know what to do, so I decided ily. My parents were first-generation evangelical Christians on a yearlong break from school and moved to Kent, Wash- who taught me the Bible and were active in church. Alongside ington, where I attended Immanuel OPC. There I found a were the idolatrous practices of my grandmothers, neighbors, teaching job and began to see biblical ecclesiology at work. and nanny. When I was five, I asked Jesus into my heart be- I experienced the loving care of Christ’s body, which made cause I understood that my sin, along with those gold and me realize God’s grace in his corporate covenant community. porcelain statues, brought fear and evil, and I had no power to OP missionary S. F. visited Kent and left an impression about do anything about it. But I knew and believed that Jesus loved short-term field work in East Asia. However, I was on track me and that his blood shed on the cross would protect me and to work toward other things that people normally do: build my family from evil. a family, get a job, get involved in church, tithe, live in a nice My parents’ faith took them abroad to the U.S. to study house, watch TV, and go on trips. in Christian seminaries and to plant Chinese churches. This In spite of being given these good blessings, the next ten journey intersected with Reformed theology when I was a years were hardly easy. The Lord placed me on a journey that high school and college student. At that age, besides “know- was fraught with the loss of my comfortable, normal life and ing quite a lot” (I thought), I had hopes for academia. I was the loved ones who accompanied such a life. It was an emo- studying at a secular university in San Diego toward a B.A. tionally draining time that finally ended in the loss of what I degree in classical and Chinese literature with minors in me- had loved and desired most in this earthly life. God was tear- dieval history and Chinese studies. I prayed every day for more ing my personal idols away. I questioned, cried, and felt all the “wisdom”—although it’s doubtful I knew what that meant. grief of sin, sadness, anger, and guilt. I didn’t understand this At least, the exposure to paganism, Eastern philosophy, East- part of the journey, in which there was such pain and so many West mysticism, existentialism, postmodernism, and Marxism questions of “Why?”, “What did I do?”, and “What’s next?” I was enough to make me realize that I didn’t understand my knew God, but I couldn’t see the dangers ahead, the way out,

10 / NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 or why he would take my comforts away. But some- how in the darkest nights, a gracious reprieve came: “I know that my Redeemer lives.” In hindsight, I realize that every difficulty I felt pushed into was followed by an understanding of the Lord’s great interest in my growth. Amazingly, I became the recipient of many remarkable efforts by my Christian brothers and sisters to rebuild my life spiritually, practically, emotionally, and intellec- tually. God sent comfort through his Word and his church. Along with my family, they encouraged me to use the gifts and education that God had given me by going back to school and teaching children’s Sunday school, women’s Bible studies, and Greek to laypeople. The Lord had met my losses, grief, and inadequacies with a fuller understanding of his love and that of his people. The author teaching an important concept in English In 2008, I took a short trip to East Asia with my parents, and S. F.’s presentation so many years before came to mind. I really had no thought of pursuing field all the resources of philosophical, cultural, and biblical knowl- work, but I did want to try teaching in East Asia. It was only edge, as well as practical understanding and counseling. I can teach. I can love the sinner and the downtrodden as I have been loved. I can look at the irrationality of sin and place my trust in the Lord. I’m grateful to serve the church as it has served me. The day- to-day struggles of my job are often wearying and frustrating—it’s not a hobbit’s life! Yet the Lord al- ways reminds me of his loving sovereignty, which has brought me to this place for this time. Thank you for being with us here in your thoughts and prayers. In the midst of this wilderness, seeds are being planted every day. Even letters and packages bring people to my home, where I can say, “Someone is thinking of me and you. He provides.” There is much hungering and thirsting, and God’s promises come to mind. “The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like Some of the author’s students a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail” (Isa. 58:11 nasb). There’s fruit in for a year, and I was free from full-time commitments. My lo- the wilderness. It’s not only in the lives of others around me, cal church, Lynnwood OPC, and my family were supportive. but also in my heart, which is learning to answer that critical It was time to say to my Sunday school children, “Remember question, “Is God enough for you?” The fruit is, “Yes. He has Abraham and Sarah, who didn’t have a home in the land, but to be.” lived in tents because they were looking for a city that God had prepared in heaven for them? Now I get to do that for one year. Will you go with me in your thoughts and prayers?” What’s New It’s been three and a half unexpected years, and now I’ve been appointed to serve as a tentmaker missionary. I’m start- // Appointments ing to expect the unexpected. Every opportunity surprises me, Miss Amanda L. McCrina (Covenant OPC, LaGrange, not least because people want to know why I live the way I do. Ga.) has been appointed to serve a one-year term as Praise the Lord for this journey of faith, which points to Jesus a missionary associate in Sendai, Japan. She plans to Christ, who loves and saves. I see now that he has been equip- arrive on the field later this month. ping me throughout my life for this context, which requires

NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 / 11 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

THE PSALTER- HYMNAL PROJECT // DANNY E. OLINGER AND ALAN D. STRANGE Singing proposed Psalter selections at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, Illinois

of that investigation, the special committee sent a survey to ministers and sessions. When asked if the church they served ast year at the Eightieth (2013) General Assembly, the was satisfied with its current hymnal or psalter, 93 sessions Committee on Christian Education, working with the answered yes and 43 sessions answered no. When asked if LUnited Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA) the church they served would be interested in using a psalter- Psalter-Hymnal Committee, presented a “First Reading” hymnal produced by the OPC, 112 sessions answered yes and of 238 metrical psalms, 19 psalm paraphrases, and 15 sessions answered no. partials for the psalms portion of a proposed OPC-URCNA From this feedback and its own additional study, the Psalter-Hymnal. The CCE also posted the psalm selections CCE concluded that, while many Orthodox Presbyterians on OPC.org for the feedback of the entire church. At the up- were satisfied with Trinity Hymnal (original or revised), there coming Eighty-first (2014) General Assembly, the CCE plans was also an interest in adding a Psalter-Hymnal containing all to present these psalms again in a “Second Reading,” for an 150 psalms for singing that were well-translated and versified up-or-down vote on their inclusion in the proposed Psalter- with appropriate tunes, together with excellent hymns, both Hymnal. The URCNA Psalter-Hymnal Committee will also old and new. In the CCE’s opinion, adding such a Psalter- be presenting the same psalms for approval to their Synod Hymnal to supplement—not replace—Trinity Hymnal would 2014, which this year will meet before the OPC General As- enhance the biblical worship of the church. sembly meets. How did the Psalter-Hymnal project get to this The CCE then communicated its findings to the Seven- point? ty-fourth (2007) General Assembly and stated its intention Overture to the Seventy-third (2006) General to develop a Psalter-Hymnal containing settings of all 150 Assembly psalms and a selection of the best hymns from the history of the church. The CCE also communicated that it would con- The Seventy-third (2006) General Assembly started this sult with other Reformed churches through the OPC Com- process by adopting the following response to an overture mittee on Ecumenicity and Interchurch Relations regarding from the Presbytery of Ohio: this project. This report was presented to the Seventy-fourth (2007) General Assembly, and no opposition was expressed That the Seventy-third General Assembly of the Orthodox in the CCE’s disclosure that it had determined to develop Presbyterian Church authorize its Committee on Christian a Psalter-Hymnal as mandated by the Seventy-third (2006) Education to seek to develop a Psalter-Hymnal by 2011— General Assembly, which had given a completion date target which includes musical settings of all 150 psalms, in their 1 of 2011. entirety, with as much accuracy and as little archaic language and confusing syntax as possible—for use in our congrega- Work on the Psalter-Hymnal tions; that it authorize the Committee on Christian Educa- The CCE next established a Psalter-Hymnal Special tion to appoint a special Psalter-Hymnal committee. Committee from its membership to oversee this project and Having been authorized by the General Assembly to seek to implement the mechanisms necessary to see this through to develop a Psalter-Hymnal, the CCE formed a special com- to publication. Appointed to the Psalter-Hymnal Special mittee to investigate the interest in OPC churches. As part Committee were the Reverends Alan Strange (chairman) and

12 / NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 Stephen Pribble, Dr. Darryl Hart, and the General Secretary, ABCs of PRESBYTERIANISM the Reverend Danny Olinger. The Psalter-Hymnal Special Committee, in turn, deter- Jesus Christ Is mined to carry out its work through the erection of a Com- Building His Church (2) position Subcommittee and a Production Subcommittee. In addition to Mssrs. Strange (chairman), Pribble, and Olinger, those accepting invitations to serve on the Composition Sub- Larry Wilson committee were the Reverends Peter Wallace, Larry Wilson, The one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church is heavenly. We Brian Estelle (Hebraist), and Terry Johnson (Presbyterian embrace her by faith, not by sight. Church in America), ruling elder James Blake (Calvin OPC, She will not be an object of sight until the Second Phoenix) (who could not continue after a year), and Dr. Tim- Coming. Then, when Jesus Christ appears, the church he is othy Shafer (Westminster OPC, Hollidaysburg, Pa.). Mrs. building will also appear (Col. 3:4). We will be “caught up Timothy (Lou Ann) Shafer accepted an invitation to serve together” around him in the air (1 Thess. 4:17). Then we will see “the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heav- as musical editor, and Dr. Dale Grotenhuis (URCNA) agreed en from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” to serve as a consultant (but died in 2012). Mr. Olinger and (Rev. 21:2). And we will hear “a loud voice from the throne Dr. Hart, along with Dr. James Scott, were appointed to the saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He Production Subcommittee. will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God The Composition Subcommittee’s Work on the Psalms himself will be with them as their God” (Rev. 21:3). In the meantime, our Lord Jesus keeps building his one, The Composition Subcommittee began its work by task- holy, catholic, and apostolic church. He keeps gathering his ing its Hebraist, Dr. Estelle, to translate every psalm from the elect through the preaching of the gospel. He keeps adding Hebrew with detailed explanation of each psalm’s meaning to the church daily those who are being saved (Acts 2:47). and particular nuances of English translational choices. Before Thus, the heavenly church inevitably manifests her- the Subcommittee approved any text and tune for a particular self in visible form. The Spirit of Christ keeps drawing the psalm, Dr. Estelle would share the results of his study and an- Lord’s people together to meet with Christ as his Word is ministered. This is why our Lord cautions us not to forsake swer questions concerning the theme and affect of the psalm. the assembling of ourselves together (Heb. 10:25). Our The Subcommittee then considered extant psalm versions churches visibly manifest the one heavenly church that from multiple hymnals, , and Psalter-hymnals, includ- Christ is building. The church Christ is building becomes ing the Trinity Hymnal original (1961) and revised (1990) especially apparent in the world when congregations gather editions, Trinity Psalter (1994), the Reformed Presbyterian for worship, and when believers fellowship with one another Church in North America (RPCNA) Book of Psalms for Sing- in love. ing (1973), the RPCNA Book of Psalms for Worship (2009), the As the indwelling Spirit of Christ powerfully works by Christian Reformed Church (CRC) Psalter Hymnal Centen- and with the Word, love in the local church keeps growing nial Edition (1959), the CRC Psalter Hymnal (1987), and the until it spills over, so that we love Christ’s sheep in other Free Church of Scotland Sing Psalms (2003). Original transla- congregations and in other groups of congregations. The tions and tune arrangements were also considered. church becomes visible in broadening circles. The world sits In the working process of discussing and then selecting up and takes notice. It says, “God is really among you” (1 Cor. 14:25) and “See how they love one another” (cf. John psalm selections, the Subcommittee adopted as a starting 13:36). point the psalm list created by Dr. Wallace and the mem- bers and friends of Michiana Covenant Presbyterian Church in Granger, Indiana. A wiki (a web application that allows people to add or modify content in collaboration with oth- ers) was created for the members to post comments. The wiki Out of the Mouth . . . also allowed the members to see the recommended selections, texts, and tune, and even to hear the selections played. E-mails I told my three-year-old that a new baby named were exchanged, teleconferences were held, and numerous in- Paul had been born in our church family. “I person meetings took place. know that name!” she exclaimed. I was glad she After five years of labor, in which the Subcommittee had had been paying attention to the Bible stories. worked on translations and tunes for the Psalter selections “Yeah,” she continued, “we have a room at our from to Psalm 150, a set list was prepared for the church with that name—the Fellowship Paul!” CCE to review at its October 2011 meeting. The list was also —Amanda Dean forwarded to the URCNA Psalter-Hymnal Committee for its Tallahassee, Fla. study. Note: If you have an example of the humorous “wisdom” that can [Continued on page 19] come from children, please send it to the editor.

NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 / 13 HOME MISSIONS AN OPEN DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY IN NAPLES Mission team teaching a new hymn prior to the // ERIC R. HAUSLER morning worship service at Naples Presbyterian Church in Naples, Florida

tions with strangers have ended up being ideal opportunities to invite people to worship. One conversation with an old n Paul’s first letter to the Christians in Corinth, he mentions friend developed into a weekly opportunity for me to preach his desire to visit them in the future, but for the time be- in two different cell blocks at the Collier County Jail on Mon- Iing he will remain preaching and teaching in Ephesus, where, day afternoons, and as a result of the jail ministry, the family of he says, “a wide door for effective work has opened to me” (1 an inmate has visited our church on Sunday evenings. Cor. 16:9 esv). Paul saw before him a significant opportunity Since worship services began, we have seen our atten- in Ephesus for great usefulness in preaching the gospel and dance fluctuate with vacationers and snowbirds attending building the church. From my new vantage point as a church along with our core group, but generally we have some 30–40 planter in Southwest Florida, I believe that I can say the very people attending the morning service, and about 20–30 peo- same thing as Paul! ple come for the evening service. We have counted nearly 60 In early 2013, I responded to a call from the Home Mis- people for worship on more than one occasion, which leads us sions Committee of the Presbytery of the South to come down to believe that the Lord will cause this little church to grow as to Naples, Florida, to begin another OP church. After fifteen he gives us more and more opportunities for ministry and as years of planting and establishing the congregation of Re- more people move into this community. deemer Presbyterian Church in Ada, Michigan, my wife and I Naples itself is poised for great growth, especially in the believed this call was “of the Lord” and that he had opened a east and south parts of town, which we are targeting. Collier wide door of opportunity for us. County’s population grew by 27 percent in the decade since As new empty nesters, Donna and I moved back to South- 2000, to 320,101, almost three times faster than the growth west Florida last summer and immediately began rounding up rate of the nation’s population. And recently our local news- the many contacts interested in forming a new OP congrega- papers have reported that Florida is likely to become the third tion. most populous state in the From the time we first nation, bumping New York responded to this call until to- down to fourth. We definitely day, we have experienced the see that coming growth here Lord’s hand of blessing and in East Naples, as three major sovereign providence again housing developments are cur- and again. The Lord provided a rently under construction with wonderful place for us to wor- 1,000, 1,600, and 2,210 resi- ship in the conference room of dences, respectively. the new Holiday Inn Express Although there are and Suites just off a major NAPARC (North American thoroughfare, and there we Presbyterian and Reformed held our first worship services Council) churches 20–30 min- on November 3, 2013. Many Collier County Jail , where Eric Hausler preaches on Mondays utes to the north or south of us, seemingly random conversa- East Naples and South Naples

14 / NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 for mature believers and whole families who might be willing to move here and join us in this strategic city on the beautiful southwest coast of Florida along the Gulf of Mexico. As Naples Presbyterian Church is in its infancy, these five principles form the vision statement of what the presbytery’s Home Missions Committee approved as priorities for this new church: 1. Preaching and Teaching for Changed Lives—through the faithful proclamation of the gospel and the relevant in- struction of God’s truth for our lives according to the Calvinistic, Reformed faith. 2. Wholehearted, God-Honoring, Biblical Worship—of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with true affection and joy, sincerity of heart, readiness of mind … all according to A mission team from Redeemer OPC in Ada, Michigan, led by the Word of God. Pastor Jim Mong (back, far right), with Pastor Eric Hausler (back, far left) and his wife, Donna (front, second from right) 3. Growing in Christ—promoting spiritual growth and providing personal care through the eventual ministry of elders and deacons and an expanding network of Bible have no Reformed witness. We therefore have a wide-open studies. door of opportunity to reach an ethnically and economically 4. Serving the Lord—mobilizing individuals to use their diverse part of town, with several large Hispanic and Haitian gifts, talents, and passions to serve the Lord and his neighborhoods, and now new, gated housing developments church. just across the highway. Who will reach this rapidly growing 5. Impacting Our World—through prayer, encouragement, community with the gospel of the grace of God? Who will giving, and serving, both at home and abroad. be the salt and light to the laborers in the booming tourism industry and to those relocating here to make Naples their With so many evidences of God’s marvelous provision new home? We believe that Naples Presbyterian Church has over this past year, and because during the months since our been established for such a time as this, and here is how you arrival we have seen numerous encouraging, divine appoint- can help: ments with people here in Naples, we echo the psalmist in say- 1. Pray regularly for us. Intercede for the little “seedling” ing, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled that the Lord has planted here, asking God to protect us, pro- with joy” (Ps. 126:3 niv). Please pray with us, that we would vide for us, and bring about healthy growth. remain faithful to the Lord Jesus as we seek to establish a new 2. Spread the word that the Lord has begun a new OP church in this important city, making use of this wide door church in Naples. If you know of someone who lives in the that the Lord has placed before us to preach the gospel. And area that might be interested, please let him or her know. And in the end, may the Lord exalt his name and his word above all whenever you hear people mention the city of Naples, tell things, through the ministry of Naples Presbyterian Church! them what has recently begun here with our new church. You To God be the glory—great things he is doing in our midst. could be just the one to make a difference in their lives. 3. Send a team of youth and adults to come and help us by canvassing neighborhoods in the east and south parts of Naples and by making our church known through various service projects in our community. We can help you find lodg- ing nearby and set up a schedule for ministry. A team of youth, college students, and adults from Ada, Michigan, came during winter break, which was a great boost to our new congrega- tion. 4. Lastly, consider joining us in the work! We are praying

Home Missions Today For up-to-date Home Missions news and prayer updates, e-mail [email protected]. New editions: March 12, 26. A large gated community under construction in Naples

NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 / 15 STEWARDSHIP

Losing and Taking Again of the Town of Mansoul. Do you know that those who serve on the denomination- FUNDING THE al Committees on Christian Education, Home Missions, and Foreign Missions have a passion for ministries that are not happening or are restrained in their scope because of finances? WAR AGAINST At this moment, they are giving thanks to God with the rest of the church for the giving that met the 2013 Worldwide SATAN Outreach budget—they had prepared for cuts in ministry in view of possible shortfalls in giving. // GLENN D. JERRELL Those serving on these committees are passionate for the gospel, zealous for discipling, and ready to have the gospel run far and wide! They are not complainers. They are not the dis- gruntled of the earth. Rather, they are endeavoring to serve Christ and his church with every dollar that comes to them for God-glorifying ministry! Each of our general secretaries, uring WW I and WW II, the concept of “funding the as he serves the church with grace, has stories he could tell of war” described the crucial task of providing the resources ministry denied because of lack of funds. You would rejoice Dneeded for victory. And isn’t the preaching of the gospel even with what these general secretaries and Committees would fa- more necessary and urgent? How about the tasks of Christian cilitate in the service of Christ, if they had expanded resources. education, home missions, and foreign missions? What prior- J. I. Packer wrote: “Today, pastors often tell us that when ity do they have locally, regionally, nationally, and internation- people become Christians, the last thing in their life to be ally? Are we persuaded of giving with a sense of what we are touched by God’s transforming grace is regularly their wallet.” funding? Do we see the ministries at the end of our dollars Realistic budgets and projections of giving must be drawn as life-and-death issues—the preaching of Christ crucified in up as the people in the churches pour out their hearts in of- the church and to a lost world? fering to God, remembering that “the war to end all wars” In the New Testament we read, “Put on the whole armor focuses on the cross and the empty tomb. Take up your cross of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of and follow Christ. There is a greater victory to be won through the devil” (Eph. 6:11). We are the church militant! Do not WWO than even in WW I or WW II. May we have more and underestimate the enemy! After all, “your adversary the devil more opportunity to rejoice with the angels of heaven! prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to de- vour” (1 Peter 5:8). The Scriptures also teach us to “take every The author is the regional home missionary for the Presbytery of thought captive to obey Christ.” Your whole life is engaged Michigan and Ontario. in this struggle—and that includes your giving. Resources for gospel ministry are needed now! While Satan’s attacks stretch throughout history, the re- sponse of God is sovereign and the fulfillment of his prom- Worldwide Outreach in 2013 ises is enduring. God said to that ancient Serpent, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your off- We rejoice to report that contributions to Worldwide spring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you Outreach totaled $3,858,433 in 2013, exceeding our goal shall bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15). God fulfilled this promise in of $3,695,000. The Committee on Christian Education received over 103% of its request, and the Committees the coming of his Son and in Christ’s death on the cross. The on Foreign Missions and on Home Missions and Church battle over sin and its misery is won by the Savior as he fulfills Extension received nearly 105% of their requests. the ancient promise on the cross. Contributing to this success was $769,325 from the The warfare between God and Satan should generate a Thank Offering. An additional $221,694 was received in life-and-death sense of urgency to support and sustain gos- January, to be credited to Worldwide Outreach in 2014, and pel ministry with all the means that God gives us and to do some more Thank Offering receipts are still expected. This so from generation to generation. The title of John Bunyan’s pushes the total well beyond our $850,000 goal. This gives book reflects this:The Holy War, Made by King Shaddai upon us a good head start in the new year! Diabolus, for the Regaining of the Metropolis of the World or the

16 / NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 PRAYER CALENDAR MARCH

1. Ben and Melanie Westerveld, Quebec, Canada. Pray clerk George Cottenden as he works on a procedural that the Lord would open the hearts of seekers and manual for the stated clerk’s office. that they will believe. / Joshua and Jessica Lyon, Car- 9. Eric and Dianna Tuininga, Mbale, Uganda. Pray for Eric son, Calif. Pray that recent visitors to Grace OPC will as he mentors pastors in the village churches around feel at home there. / Air Force chaplain Cornelius (and Mbale. / Todd and Julie Wagenmaker, St. Louis, Deidre) Johnson and National Guard chaplain David Mo. Rejoice with Gateway OPC that an international (and Jenna) DeRienzo (deployed). student has come to faith and wants to be baptized. / 2. Joseph and Carla Fowler, Gastonia, N.C. Pray for con- Yevgeni Koh, yearlong intern at Bonita OPC in Bonita, tinued faithfulness as OPC moves toward Calif. particularization. / Heero and Anya Hacquebord, L’viv, 10. Ben and Sarah Miller, Huntington, N.Y. Give thanks Ukraine. Pray for safety for the people of Ukraine dur- with Trinity OPC for financial generosity in 2013. / ing times of political unrest. / Tony (and Mica) Garbari- Missionary associates Leah Hopp and Christopher no, yearlong intern at Covenant OPC in San Jose, Calif. and Chloe Verdick, Nakaale, Uganda, and Mary York, 3. Ben and Heather Hopp, Haiti. Pray for short-term Prague, Czech Republic. / Army chaplains: Kyle (and teams going to Haiti to assist in ministry activities. / Laurel) Brown and Stephen (and Lindsey) Roberts Jonathan and Kristin Moersch, Capistrano Beach, Calif. (deployed). Pray that Trinity OPC will have a bold and faithful wit- 11. Pray for David and Sunshine ness to their community. / Mark Lowrey, publications Okken, Nakaale, Uganda (on editor for Great Commission Publications. furlough), as they maintain 4. Bill and Sessie Welzien, Key West, Fla. Pray for Keys a busy furlough schedule. / Presbyterian Church, that God’s elect will be brought Pray for David Crum, re- in. / Associate missionaries Octavius and Marie Delfils, gional home missionary for Haiti. Pray that God would bless the saints in Port-au- the Presbytery of Southern Prince as they gather weekly for worship. / Pray for the California, as he assists new Psalter-Hymnal Committee as it meets with represen- church plants. / Caleb (and tatives of the URC this week in Wheaton, Ill. Erika) Smith, yearlong intern at Bethel Presbyterian Church 5. Eric and Donna Hausler, Haiti. Pray for Eric as he trans- in Wheaton, Ill. lates material into Creole for use in the Haitian church- es. / Kim and Barbara Kuhfuss, Eau Claire, Wis. Pray 12. Everett and Kimberly Henes, The Okken family that God would bless Providence Reformed Church’s Hillsdale, Mich. Pray for outreach efforts. / New Horizons staff: Jim Scott, man- Hillsdale OPC’s new commu- aging editor; Pat Clawson, editorial assistant; Sarah nity Bible study. / Pray for Foreign Missions associate Pederson, proofreader. general secretary Douglas Clawson as he travels to East Africa to assist with the training of future church 6. Home Missions staff administrator Sean Gregg. / Brian leaders. / Jeff (and Dawn) Scott, yearlong intern at and Dorothy Wingard, South Africa. Pray that they will Covenant Grace OPC in Roseburg, Ore. have opportunities to build good relationships with the students at Mukhanyo Theological College. / Pray 13. Foreign Missions administrative assistant Linda for short-term missions coordinator David Nakhla as Posthuma and secretary Abigail Cory. / Jonathan and he adjusts to his additional responsibilities as the ad- Lauryn Shishko, Queens, N.Y. Pray that the Lord would ministrator for the Committee on Diaconal Ministries. provide Reformation Presbyterian Church with a build- ing to rent for Sunday evening and weekday events. / 7. Mark and Christine Weber, Mbale, Uganda. Pray for Andrew Moody, website technical assistant. Mark as he meets with the OPCU presbytery’s diaconal committee. / Tom and Martha Albaugh, Pittsburgh, Pa. 14. Andrew and Billie Moody, San Antonio, Tex. Pray Pray for God’s Spirit to direct and empower the gospel that the Lord would send new visitors to San Anto- witness of Redeemer OPC Mission. / David (and nio Reformed Church. / Pray for Foreign Missions Kathryn) Landow, yearlong intern at Emmanuel OPC in general secretary Mark Bube as he presses for the Wilmington, Del. advancement of OP foreign missions. / Jeremy Logan, yearlong intern at Covenant Presbyterian Church in 8. Drew and Sonya Adcock, Williamsport, Pa. Pray for the Mansfield, Ohio. continued development of Omega OPC’s ministry. / Bob and Martha Wright, Nakaale, Uganda. Pray that 15. Al and Laurie Tricarico, Nakaale, Uganda. Pray for many Karimojong will hear the gospel through the dia- the Mission’s interpreters, aspiring to train for church conal outreaches. / Pray for General Assembly stated leadership. / Ken and Cressid Golden, Davenport,

NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 / 17 PRAYER CALENDAR Continued Iowa. Pray that God would send more core families Shamess, yearlong intern at Harvest OPC, Wyoming, to Sovereign Grace OPC and continue to encourage Mich. the members. / Micah Shin, yearlong intern at Cedar 24. Pray for tentmaker missionary T. L. L., Asia, as she Presbyterian Church in Hudsonville, Mich. leads Bible studies each week. / John and Wenny Ro, 16. Home Missions general secretary John Shaw. / Mark Chicago, Ill. (downtown). Pray that God would bless and Jeni Richline, Montevideo, Uruguay. Give thanks Gospel Life Presbyterian Church with opportunities that new members are committed to the life and activi- for outreach and evangelism. / David (and Amanda) ties of the church. / Pray for Christian Education gen- Franks, yearlong intern at Covenant OPC in Orland eral secretary Danny Olinger as he meets this week Park, Ill. with the Committee on Christian Education. 25. Pray for the health and well-being of retired missionar- 17. James and Jenny Knox, M.D. and R.N., Nakaale, ies Betty Andrews, Greet Rietkerk, Young and Mary Uganda. Praise God for the high quality care provided Lou Son, and Fumi Uomoto. / Home Missions associate at Akisyon a Yesu Presbyterian Clinic. / Kent and Laurie general secretary Dick Gerber. / Committee on Coor- Harding, Doniphan, Mo. Pray for the Holy Spirit to dination staff: Doug Watson, accountant; Jan Gregson, grant God’s grace and wisdom to Sovereign Grace assistant to the director of finance; Kathy Bube, Loan OPC’s officers. / Pray for the Subcommittee on Ministe- Fund administrator; Charlene Tipton, office assistant. rial Training as they approve interns to serve in 2014. 26. Brandon and Laurie Wilkins, Crystal Lake, Ill. Pray that 18. Sacha and Martina Walicord, Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Pray God would grant wisdom in identifying future officers for Knox Presbyterian Church as it works toward par- for Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church. / Woody and ticularization. / Pray for missionary associates James Laurie Lauer, Numazu, Japan. Pray for the teaching Durham and Jesse Van Gorkom, Nakaale, Uganda, and outreach ministries with which they work. / Steven as they assist in the Mission’s diaconal ministries to (and Sarah) Moulson, yearlong intern at Trinity OPC in the Karimojong. / Navy chaplain Bryan (and Shelly) Hatboro, Pa. Weaver. 27. Cal and Edie Cummings, Sendai, Japan. Pray for a 19. Pray for missionary associates Erika Bulthuis and Taryn bold witness as they interact with unbelieving contacts. Dieckmann, Nakaale, Uganda, teaching at the Mis- / Jeremiah and Elizabeth Montgomery, State College, sion’s thriving preschool. / Daniel and Jill McManigal, Pa. Pray that God would bless Resurrection OPC with a Seattle, Wash. Pray that God would provide musical more permanent facility. / Shane (and Rachelle) Ben- accompanists for Hope OPC. / Louis (and Lizette) nett, yearlong intern at Knox OPC in Silver Spring, Md. Cloete, yearlong intern at Redeemer OPC Mission in 28. Robert and Christy Arendale, Houston, Tex. Pray that Pittsburgh, Pa. returning visitors will join Cornerstone OPC and for 20. Phil Strong, Lander, Wyo. Pray that the Lord would deepening fellowship within the body. / Kaz and bless the people of Grace Reformed Fellowship with Katie Yaegashi, Yamagata, Japan. Pray for the spiritual love for one another and a strong witness. / Mr. and growth of new believers. / Jeremy (and Maricruz) Mrs. M., Asia. Pray for Mr. M. as he assists with the ex- Boothby, yearlong intern at Christ Covenant Presbyte- amination of indigenous men for ordination. / Thomas rian Church in Amarillo, Tex. (and Erin) Tkach, yearlong intern at Calvary OPC in 29. Pray for missionary associates Adam and Sarah Glenside, Pa. Thompson, as they share the gospel through teaching 21. Mr. and Mrs. F., Asia (on furlough). Pray for Mr. F. as he opportunities. / Mike and Katy Myers, Hartwell, Ga. speaks at a missions conference in New York this week- Pray for new visitors and for opportunities to reach the end. / Tim and Joanne Beauchamp, Bridgton, Maine. lost. / Broc (and Morgan) Seaman, yearlong intern at Pray for Pleasant Mountain Presbyterian Church’s con- Providence OPC in Temecula, Calif. tinued growth and spiritual development. / Andrew 30. Jay and Andrea Bennett, Neon, Ky. Pray that God (and Elizabeth) Barshinger, yearlong intern at Faith would bless Neon Reformed Presbyterian Church’s OPC in Elmer, N.J. outreach and evangelism efforts. / Pray for mission- 22. Mark and Michele Winder, Collierville, Tenn. Pray that ary associate Amanda McCrina, Sendai, Japan, as she recent visitors will return and seek to unite with Wolf adjusts to life on the mission field. / Josh (and Kristen) River Presbyterian Church. / Missionary associates J. B., McKamy, yearlong intern at New Life OPC in Mon- T. D., and H. L., Asia. / David Haney, director of finance toursville, Pa. and planned giving for the Committee on Coordina- 31. Pray for affiliated missionary Linda Karner, Japan, as tion. she teaches classes at Covenant Christian School Inter- 23. Missionary associates Mr. and Mrs. I. and M. W., Asia. national. / Jim and Tricia Stevenson, Tulsa, Okla. Pray Pray that they will have fruitful contacts with their that the Lord would add to the number of Providence students. / Pray for Lacy Andrews, regional home mis- OPC and raise up officers. / Kevin (and Marianne) sionary for the Presbytery of the Southeast, as he works Olivier, yearlong intern at Pineville Presbyterian to plant churches in the region. / Jeffrey (and Jennifer) Church in Pineville, La.

18 / NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 PSALTER-HYMNAL CCE Review of the Psalms the agreed-upon list of psalms to the Eighty-first (2014) General Assembly. [Continued from page 13] Spread over three in-person meet- The URCNA Psalter-Hymnal Com- URCNA and OPC Working ings between October 2011 and Oc- mittee will put forth the same psalms Together tober 2012, the CCE review included to Synod 2014. singing each selection, accompanied by Work on Hymns Talks between the two churches volunteers from the Philadelphia-area about working together began in No- congregations at Calvary OPC in Glen- If the Eighty-first (2014) General vember 2010, when CCE members side, Pennsylvania, and with volunteers Assembly and Synod 2014 vote affir- met with the members of the URCNA from the Wheaton and Hanover Park matively on the proposed psalms list, Psalter-Hymnal Committee at Lyn- congregations at Bethel OPC in Whea- then the work will shift to the selection wood URC in Lynwood, Illinois. The ton. The CCE recorded comments from of the hymns. The URCNA Psalter- two groups discussed sharing the fruits the volunteers on how to improve the Hymnal Committee presented 285 of each other’s labors and a potential selections. It also deliberated internally hymns to Synod 2010 for review. It has working arrangement. regarding the selections. The CCE fin- been interacting with feedback from The CCE petitioned the Seventy- ished its process of review at its October its consistories and amending its list eighth (2011) General Assembly to 2013 meeting and asked its Composi- of hymns. The Psalter-Hymnal Special issue a formal invitation for the OPC tion Subcommittee to incorporate its Committee has sent to the URCNA a and the URCNA to join together in feedback and to recommend a final list preliminary list of hymns from Trinity producing a Psalter-Hymnal. The Sev- of psalms to be sent to the URCNA Hymnal that the CCE has approved for enty-eighth (2011) General Assembly Psalter-Hymnal Committee. The Com- consideration. The goal of the Psalter- passed the following motions: (1) that position Subcommittee met in person Hymnal Special Committee is to add the General Assembly approve the in January 2013 to review the CCE’s from multiple sources to the list of Psalter-Hymnal Special Committee comments and also to recommend potential hymns in 2014 with the goal working together with the URCNA which psalm selections put forth by the that an agreed list of hymns from the Psalter-Hymnal Committee with a URCNA should be added.2 two committees would be available for view to producing a joint OPC/URC The Psalter-Hymnal Special Com- review at the Eighty-second (2015) Psalter-Hymnal, and (2) that an offi- mittee and Dr. Shafer met with the General Assembly. This will constitute cial invitation from the Assembly be URCNA Psalter-Hymnal Committee a “First Reading” of those hymns, with extended to the URCNA Synod (next in Mt. Olive, Michigan, in March 2013. opportunity for online feedback for meeting in New York in 2012) to work The two committees agreed on the 238 the rest of the year (as with the current together to produce a Psalter-Hymnal metrical psalms, 19 psalm paraphrases, psalms section), with a view to seek- for use in a wide range of confessional and 15 psalm partials that were put be- ing approval for the hymns as a pack- Presbyterian and Reformed Churches. fore the Eightieth (2013) General As- age at the Eighty-third (2016) General The URCNA Synod 2012 accepted sembly for a “First Reading.” Assembly, followed by presentation to the invitation. Representatives from the Review of Psalms prior to the Synod 2016 of the URCNA. If both respective Psalter-Hymnal Commit- Eighty-first (2014) Assembly General Assembly and Synod approve, tees then met to lay out a plan for the an OPC-URCNA Psalter-Hymnal work to go forth in a combined man- After the first reading, all interested would be printed for use in the churches ner. Presenting an interesting dynamic OPC and URC parties were welcome by the end of the 2016 calendar year.3 to the discussions was the fact that the to study the Psalter proposal and sug- URCNA Psalter-Hymnal Committee gest changes through the end of 2013. 1 Each year following 2007, the CCE had worked on presenting first a list The Psalter-Hymnal Special Commit- has delivered to the General Assembly of hymns to its Synod while the CCE tee, in addition to working with these a detailed report of its work on the pro- through its Composition Subcommit- comments and with the URC, is now posed Psalter-Hymnal. tee had worked on presenting first a consulting with musical, linguistic, and 2 At the CCE’s October 2013 meeting, list of psalms to the General Assem- poetic authorities to make this list of the Composition Subcommittee was dis- bly. Consequently, the Psalter-Hymnal psalms the best product possible. solved, and Dr. and Mrs. Shafer (as mu- Special Committee requested the op- Lord willing, the final amending of sicologist and editor) were added to the portunity for the CCE to finish its the psalms list will take place on March Psalter-Hymnal Special Committee. Psalms review and for the Composition 4 and 5, 2014, when the Psalter-Hym- 3 It is anticipated that the OPC edition Subcommittee to have time to make nal Special Committee and URCNA would include the Shorter and Larger necessary amendments from the CCE Psalter-Hymnal Committee meet in Catechisms. The URCNA edition would review prior to meeting jointly. Wheaton, Illinois. The CCE will put include the Heidelberg Catechism.

NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 / 19 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS

IN MEMORIAM DORIS ELLIOTT

Nancy Mehne Doris Harrison Elliott, 96, widow of the late Pastor Edwards E. Elliott (1914– 1979), died on December 31, 2013, at her home in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. She grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, un- der the ministry of James Erskine Moore in Mount Washington Presbyterian Church, a Southern Presbyterian congre- gation. Doris met her future husband through their mutual friendship with Heber Mc- Ilwaine, an OP missionary to Japan. Throughout her marriage, she was de- voted to the OPC and supportive of her husband’s pastoral ministries at St. Edwards and Doris Elliott at their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary in 1969 Andrews OPC in Baltimore, Maryland (1943–1950), First OPC in San Francis- • James T. Hoekstra was installed by the rors of fundamentalists or evangelicals, co, California (1950–1956), and Garden Presbytery of the Midwest as the organiz- on the other. The former deny cardinal, Grove (now Westminster) OPC in Gar- ing pastor of Immanuel Church (OPC) in indispensable teachings of the Christian den Grove, California (1956–1979). Andover, Minn., on January 18. faith, while the latter depart from various She was a retired history, English, and distinctives of Reformed orthodoxy. remedial reading teacher. After her move • The pastoral relationship between Sam- We do well to recognize the important to Lookout Mountain, Georgia, following uel Rodriguez and Mt. Carmel Church difference between, for example, rejecting the death of her husband, she generously in Somerset, N.J., was dissolved as of the deity or bodily resurrection of Christ volunteered her time to various Chris- December 31 by the Presbytery of New and rejecting infant baptism or Presby- tian ministries, with special interest in Jersey. terian government. Our experience in Bethany Christian Services. She faithfully MILESTONES recent decades suggests that evangelicals hosted OPC Covenant College students who hold a high view of Scripture may in her nearby home. In 1996, she became • Doris Harrison Elliott, 96, widow of also be close to embracing the glories of a charter member of Cornerstone Pres- Pastor Edwards E. Elliott, died on De- sovereign grace and a more biblical doc- byterian Church (OPC) in Chattanooga, cember 31. trine of the church. Tennessee. Don Poundstone She is survived by four children, Ned Portland, OR ( June) Elliott, Nancy (Larry) Mehne, LETTERS Beth Elliott, and Barbara (Bruce) Os- EGALITARIANISM born, as well as six grandchildren and NORTH AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY Editor: eleven great-grandchildren. Editor: Gregory Reynolds, in “Democracy Permit a brief postscript to D. G. and the Denigration of Office” (Febru- UPDATE Hart’s insightful survey and analysis of ary issue), claims that certain egalitarian North American Christianity (February, thoughts are also narcissistic. But to be- MINISTERS p. 3). lieve that one has rights, or to think that Growing up in an Orthodox Presby- one’s views are on par with the views of • The pastoral relationship between Jo- terian manse many years ago, I was told others, or merely to exercise some free- seph A. Auksela and Westminster OPC repeatedly to distinguish between the dom of choice, is not narcissistic. Church in Bartlesville, Okla., was dissolved as of deadly errors of mainline modernistic members do have rights, and sometimes his retirement on January 1, 2014. churches, on the one hand, and the er- hold views that are as good as those of any

20 / NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued elder. Thus, we need to practice some de- accessible to laypeople. In fact, it is com- the process of sanctification, which should gree of egalitarianism in the church, while pelling reading! encourage readers to reconsider the role of respecting the authority of the Scriptures The book is based on a series of ser- Scripture, prayer, and church discipline in and of our church officers. mons by the authors and is a vivid show- sanctification. Curt Day and-tell for aspiring preachers of Old There are, however, a few areas that will Bethlehem, PA Testament narrative. It is a useful her- likely leave some readers looking for more meneutical key to patriarchal history for information. Piper, for example, defines Sunday school teachers and parents. In sanctification as “the action by which we REVIEWS addition, this is a valuable tool for the bring our feelings and thoughts and acts biblical counsel of victims of abusive re- into conformity to the infinite and all-sat- Living in the Light of Inextinguishable lationships who need the healing power isfying worth of God” (p. 36). While Pip- Hope: The Gospel according to Joseph, by of the gospel. Each of the fourteen chap- er seeks to explain what he means by the Iain M. Duguid and Matthew P. Har- ters concludes with questions “for further “worth of God,” the definition is vague. mon. P&R, 2013. Paperback, 224 pages, reflection,” making the book suitable as a His definition says nothing about God’s list price $14.99. Reviewed by Pastor study guide for individual or group use. work in sanctification. By comparison, the Thomas A. Martin. Shorter Catechism offers a brief but pre- In Living in cise statement that mention’s God’s role Acting the Miracle: God’s Work and Ours the Light of In- and our responsibility (Q. 35). in the Mystery of Sanctification, edited by extinguishable Another missing element is the slight John Piper and David Mathis. Crossway, Hope: The Gospel attention given to the role of the law in 2013. Paperback, 174 pages, list price according to Jo- sanctification. Only in the Q&A tran- $16.99. Reviewed by OP prof. J. V. Fesko. seph, Iain Du- script does the third use of guid and Mat- Acting the Miracle, edited the law receive attention (pp. thew Harmon by John Piper and David 148–50). On a similar note, liberate Joseph Mathis, is the latest contri- as helpful and important as from splendid bution to a burgeoning field reading and meditating upon isolation as the of conferences and books on Scripture is, this book seems hero figure in sanctification. The book is to reflect the idea that the a morality tale and locate him in a com- based upon the most recent center of gravity in our sanc- plex web of relationships extending from national conference of Desir- tification is in private devo- his dysfunctional family of origin to his ing God Ministries and in- tions rather than the church “great nephew” Jesus. The authors probe cludes contributions by Pip- gathered in worship. Private this web skillfully, laying bare the sins er, Mathis, Kevin DeYoung, devotions are necessary, but of the heart and their destructive conse- Russell Moore, Ed Welch, the preaching of the word quences for human relationships. As they and Jarvis Williams. Each chapter covers and the administration of the sacraments do so, we recognize ourselves—and our the speaker’s original conference address must take center stage; these are God’s ap- need for Jesus. and concludes with a transcript of a Q&A pointed and objective means of grace. The Where Duguid and Harmon succeed session. book briefly mentions the Lord’s Supper in their unflinching exposure of sin, they The book offers a helpful overview of as a means of grace, but not baptism (pp. are equally effective in applying the balm sanctification in its doctrinal and practical 142–43)—while identifying Christian bi- of the gospel. This will commend the aspects. Piper’s exegesis and doctrinal def- ographies as means of grace (p. 143). book to counselors ministering to sinners inition is matched by exegetically based Readers can benefit from this book, and to victims of sin. With its focus on pastoral and practical reflection from the but they should supplement their reading broken relationships, the book is a case other contributors. DeYoung, for exam- with the Westminster Standards to see study in reconciliation and redemption (it ple, resists the trend to find a silver-bullet what elements are missing, so they may is great source material for peacemakers!). motivation for sanctification and surveys be fully equipped to grow in holiness and This volume is an excellent addition a number of biblical ideas. Welch offers sanctification. to P&R’s Gospel according to the Old a useful chapter on bringing Scripture Testament series, “written primarily for to bear upon certain common problems, Kingdom, Come! by Phil Ryken. Cross- pastors and laypeople, not scholars … such as ADHD, depression, and panic at- way, 2013. Paperback, 144 pages, list designed in the first instance to serve tacks. Psychiatric disorders do not mean price $12.99. Reviewed by Pastor Everett the church, not the academy” (page xi). that sanctification is stalled or that Scrip- A. Henes. Here the academy has been brought into ture has nothing to say. Williams and fruitful service of the church. Like other Moore offer broad overviews of the role “Your kingdom come” are words that volumes in the series, this one is readily of the church and the means of grace in are prayed all over the world by Christ’s

NEW HORIZONS / MARCH 2014 / 21 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued people. Every time we pray Scriptures the beauty of God’s should be codified. Not every piece of civil the Lord’s Prayer, we say kingdom. It is a kingdom legislation in Scripture would be appro- them, and every time we pray where there will be no more priate for the modern nation-state. for Christ to return, we are pain and no more death. All Most of the authors are reticent when praying for his kingdom to of God’s promises will be kept. it comes to advocating for particular legis- come. What do we mean by This is the promise of the new lation, and merely suggest principles that those words, though? And, creation. The book closes with should guide a Christian in making policy perhaps more importantly, do a brief explanation of the clos- decisions. One exception to this reticence they mean anything for us in ing chapter of Scripture. This is the chapter entitled “Crying Out for this life while we wait for that is fitting, since the kingdom Justice: Civil Law and the Prophets,” by kingdom to come? These are some of the (and king) we are waiting for is the same Barbara E. Armacost and Peter Enns. questions that Phil Ryken considers in one that prompted John to pray, “Come, In discussing U.S. immigration law, the this short book. Lord Jesus!” authors take a firm stand against “anti- Kingdom, Come! is a collection of talks This book would serve well for a small immigrant legislation that is calculated given at the chapel services of Wheaton group study or Sunday school class. It to be oppressive” (p. 143) (examples in- College, where Ryken serves as president. brings to our attention an all-important clude laws prohibiting illegal aliens from Wheaton is stamped in this book from topic that seems to be on our minds only contracting for utilities, laws that require the dedication to Wheaton alumni to the when we recite the Lord’s Prayer. I have public schools to determine immigration numerous stories of Wheaton graduates found it useful as a conversation starter status of students, and laws that empower and current students that serve to illus- with college students. local police as deputy immigration en- trate the points being made. However, his forcers). “While it would be just to deport points apply across the board. those who are in the United States ille- Law and the Bible: Justice, Mercy and While the book is short and small in gally pursuant to fair procedures and poli- Legal Institutions, edited by Robert F. size, it is big in content. The first chap- cies, it is not just to mistreat them while Cochran Jr. and David VanDrunen. In- ter points out the problem of trying to they live among us” (p. 143). terVarsity Press, 2013. Paperback, 269 guess the timing of Christ’s return. “Such Other topics addressed include civil pages, list price $24.00. Reviewed by OP prophecies,” he explains, actually “push disobedience (with a case study on apart- member Diane L. Olinger. our expectation of the return of Christ heid in South Africa), form and the coming of his kingdom too far Law and the Bible is a col- of government, war, abor- out into the future” (p. 15). From there, lection of nine articles, sur- tion (very briefly), adoption, Ryken moves to challenge the status quo veying the theme of civil law lawsuits by Christians, cata- in American evangelicalism, pointing out throughout the Bible. Each strophic climate change, and that the kingdom we are to seek is God’s article is coauthored by an nuclear holocaust (the last kingdom rather than our own desires. attorney and a Bible scholar. two as part of a discussion There is a danger in seeking our own The Genesis-to-Revelation of end-times prophecies in kingdoms, because they are temporal. The scope and the interdisciplin- Daniel and Revelation). good news, though, is that God’s king- ary approach make Law and Natural law is a theme dom is a “forever kingdom” (chapter 4). the Bible a valuable resource set forth in the book’s in- The second half of the book begins for those who ask, What troduction and is revisited with an invitation to enter this king- light does the Bible shed on by a number of authors. dom, lest any reader miss it. The task of contemporary legal systems, As Randy Beck and Da- the church is well explained in the chap- and particularly on Christian participa- vid VanDrunen write in their analysis of ter titled “Proclaiming the Kingdom.” In tion in those systems? law from creation through the patriarchal chapter 7, “When the Kingdom Doesn’t The focus of this book is on civil law, period, “When the patriarchs have le- Come,” Ryken deals with the discour- the law that orders human societies and gal disputes with their pagan neighbors, agement that comes and the temptation is implemented and enforced by human they do not appeal to a parochial moral that we all face to disbelieve and use all government. The Bible addresses many standard known only through special rev- that the Lord has given us for our own areas of civil law, including evidence, civil elation, but they presume (as their pagan desires, when Christ’s return seems to be and criminal procedure, court administra- neighbors often do also) a standard that delayed. This is what he calls the servants’ tion, and welfare regulations. However, is accessible to all.… However Christians test as he turns to the familiar Parable of the editors and most of the authors of may develop a theory of natural law, the the Pounds (Luke 19) to show that Jesus Law and the Bible take pains to dampen existence of a universal moral standard prepared his disciples for the delay. our expectations of finding immedi- has many potential implications for how The final chapter, “When the King- ate applications to our current situation. they approach legal life in a diverse soci- dom Comes,” seeks to show from the Not every moral exhortation of Scripture ety” (p. 45). Although VanDrunen does

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Titus 2 Seminar Mid-America Seminary Interns on Joy Churches are encouraged to apply for a seminary intern through the Committee on Christian Education of the OPC. March 29 • Vienna, Va. Please also contact Mid-America Reformed Seminary to let us Speaker: Jean Gaffin know of your interest in having a seminary student to further prepare him for the gospel ministry. Church sessions should Venue: Grace Presbyterian Church, 2381 contact Rev. Mark Vander Hart, Mid-America Reformed Semi- Cedar Lane, Vienna, VA 22180 nary, 229 Seminary Drive, Dyer, IN 46311-1069; mvanderhart@ Time: March 29, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. midamerica.edu; tel. 219-864-2400, ext. 408; fax 219-864- Light breakfast and lunch will be served. 2410. Friday night accommodation is available. All women are welcome to attend. Con- hopes that “Dr. Keller tact Emily VanDixhoorn at 703-255-2935 will receive this cri- or [email protected]. tique of his theology Positions Available and methodology in the spirit in which it is Seminary Professor: Mid-America Reformed not mention his two-kingdoms theol- offered.” Seminary announces an opening in Old ogy explicitly, Robert F. Cochran Jr. and Like Hamilton, the Testament Studies. Applicants should be Dallas Willard, authors of the chapter present reviewer writes able to teach Hebrew and courses in Old on Jesus and the civil law, critique Van- “first as an admirer of Testament exegesis and biblical theology, Drunen’s argument that Jesus’ demanding Dr. Keller.” The Reason and ordinarily have a postgraduate research kingdom ethics apply institutionally only for God has given me degree in Old Testament. Membership in a to the church and not the state, which is tremendous help—both Reformed or Presbyterian church is required, to enforce lex talionis, “an eye for an eye.” personally and as a pastor and ordination and pastoral experience is According to Cochran and Willard, “This in a university commu- especially desirable. Applicants should send too neatly avoids the difficult work of de- nity. As a church planter, a copy of their curriculum vitae, including termining the implications for the state of I have also found the names of two references, to the Chairman of Jesus’ teaching on love” (p. 173). chapters on “contextual- the Faculty Development Committee, Mid- The style of writing in this volume is ization” in Center Church America Reformed Seminary, 229 Seminary described in the forward as “learned but quite useful. Although I Drive, Dyer, IN 46311. accessible” (p. 9), and that is a good de- disagree with Keller at Teachers: Cornerstone Christian School in scription. This makes Law and the Bible significant points, I have Lynden, Wash., seeks candidates for two useful not only to lawyers and law stu- never read or listened to dents, pastors and seminarians, but also to him without benefiting. teaching positions: grades 3 and 4 (full time) individual Christians with an interest in I thus approached En- and grades 9–12 English, geography, and the implications of the Christian faith for gaging with Keller with a history (part or full time). Interested parties civil law. critical eye. should contact Principal Darryn Kleyn at Five of the six essay- [email protected] (360-318- ists hail from churches in 0663) or Education Committee chairman Engaging with Keller: Thinking through Great Britain. These in- Bob Lodder at [email protected] (360- the Theology of an Influential Evangelical, clude three pastors in the 319-1320). Complete applications, consist- edited by Iain D. Campbell and William Evangelical Presbyterian ing of a résumé summarizing university and M. Schweitzer. Evangelical Press, 2013. Church in England and teaching qualifications, contact informa- Paperback, 160 pages, list price $15.99. Wales, a recent modera- tion for three references, and a statement Reviewed by Pastor Jeremiah Montgom- tor of the Free Church of of educational philosophy, should be sent ery. Scotland, and the chair- electronically to either of the above e-mail Like C. S. Lewis, Tim Keller has attract- man of the International addresses or by mail to Mr. D. Kleyn, Prin- ed both admirers and critics. In the very Conference of Reformed cipal, Cornerstone Christian School, 8872 first sentence of Engaging with Keller, Ian Churches. The only Northwood Road, Lynden, WA 98264. Learn Hamilton acknowledges that “Tim Keller American contributor is more at www.cornerstoneschool.us. has done immense good for the kingdom D. G. Hart. of God.” Writing “first as an admirer,” he The opening essay,

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“Keller on ‘Rebranding’ the Doctrine WHAT IS YOUR OPC IQ? of Sin,” is perhaps the least persuasive. In Time for Campbell is correct that Keller tends to How well do you know your church’s his- explain sin as idolatry and self-centered- tory? Not so well? Then be sure to go to Softball Season! ness. Yet he is less convincing when he OPC.org every day to learn more of the Back by popular demand, OPC base- argues that this leads Keller to “dismiss story of our denomination. The newly re- ball caps are now in stock, in time to a definition of sin as a breaking of God’s designed OPC website includes a daily outfit your entire team. With navy OPC rules.” On the same page cited by Camp- feature, “Today in OPC History,” which letters against a khaki background, bell in making his case (Center Church, highlights an individual or a congregation 127), Keller himself asserts that “post- from our 78-year-old family history. these are sure to be a hit this summer. modern people” who argue for relative Look for upcoming features on Paul Only $10 each (postpaid). Order them moral standards “must eventually be chal- Woolley, LeRoy Oliver, the Boardwalk now from lenged about their naïve view of truth.” Chapel, Calvary OPC in Berkeley, Cali- the Com- Other contributions were more com- fornia, and many others. Each feature mittee for pelling. Although one may disagree with includes a photo, such as the one below the Histo- Schweitzer as to whether there is an aspect from 1943–1944, which shows OPC pas- rian, 607 N. of self-choice among those in perdition, tor and missionary Richard B. Gaffin, Sr., Easton Rd. his essay correctly identifies a weakness in with the Sunday school class at Grace Bldg. E, Wil- Keller’s explanation of hell: namely, that OPC in Milwaukee. Can you pick out the low Grove,

Keller is too quiet on the active judgment future OPC minister in this group? The PA 19090. and wrath of God. Likewise, Naylor’s es- answer: the boy in theGaffin stripedDick shirt is: say on “The Church’s Mission” presents a strong argument—reinforced by Hart’s historical odyssey into the roots and weaknesses of Keller’s own model. How would Keller reply to his critics? According to the introduction, the editors invited Keller “to respond to these con- cerns within the pages of this book,” but he was too busy to do so. Here we must be fair. Keller’s critics should not immedi- ately be faulted for raising legitimate ques- tions. At the same time, he should not im- mediately be faulted for declining to reply to unsolicited critiques. As a “public discussion of public teach- ing,” Engaging with Keller succeeds. Its overall tone is civil, and valid issues are raised. Yet in its aim to be an engagement, the book is too one-sided. For those of us who both admire Keller and appreciate Sunday school class of Grace OPC in Milwaukee, Wis. his interlocutors, more’s the pity.

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