Two Kingdom Concerns

I have been reading with interest over the last few months what some people are writing about r2kt, or radical two kingdom theology. I have thought, ever since I was a student in seminary(where I first read Dr. D. Van Drunen), that this issue had the potential of being a large one. Well, it seems that this is going to become a large one. To give a quick explanation to those who may be hearing of this for the first time, r2kt teaches that the scriptures are to govern the church and natural law is to govern the world. r2kt, via Kline, teaches that there are two kingdoms, a kingdom of common grace (world) and a kingdom of special grace (church). As an American I live in the world as a citizen governed by the natural law God places in the hearts of all men. As a Christian, I am governed by scripture, until I enter the realm of common grace. As a Christian politician, for example, I would not argue from scripture, but from natural law. What exactly "natural law" is, still is a bit unclear to me, as it was for Dr. Venema as he reviewed The Law is not of Faith, in the MAJT.

As Reformed Chrisitans we can agree that the Christian lives a two-fold life. BCF Article 35 says in part, "Now those who are regenerated have in them a twofold life..." We can also confirm with the Apostle Paul that our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3). This is not the issue, as Reformed Christians we can all agree with this. However, how this plays out is the actual question, especially in light of the antithesis between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent (Gen. 3:15).

As I have been reading, I see many of my brothers and sisters who have a real fear of r2kt, and my sentiments are with them. The more I read about r2kt from Dr. David Van Drunen and others (think of The Law is Not of Faith), the more concerned I become. Here is where what we believe influences the way we live. I believe it was J. Knox who said, "Impractical theology is idolatry." Well, one problem with r2kt is that it is too practical and the conclusion it brings its adherents to embrace is problematic. A number of my colleagues have been, more ably than I am able, treating r2kt, including two of my former professor Drs. Venema and Kloosterman, just to name two. What I want to bring to the attention to the members of our churches especially is where this will likely lead if it is not dealt with quickly. I find r2kt to be an attack on many things we as Reformed believers hold dear. I will list four areas.

First, the necessity of Christian day schools. What should govern the education of our children? I believe the Christian school is a tool that parents may use to educate their children (Deut. 6). Parents may do this with the understanding that the school isn't called to raise their children, they are called to raise their children (The Word of God must reign supreme in this whole process). With r2kt is there a need for the Christian school? I don't see how, since education would be found to be in the "common grace kingdom" and governed by "natural law." The only other option for r2kt and Christian education is to promote a parochial school and argue that all education must be performed under the authority of a consistory. Since I have not been reading anything along those lines, it is safe to believe, if r2kt, our schools are in grave danger.

Secondly, the role of the military. My best friend, Chaplain (Reverend) Andrew Spriensma is serving my nation in the SE U.S. as an army chaplain. To a r2kt proponent, that is problematic. It is problematic because he is bringing the gospel to the "common grace kingdom" while receiving a paycheck from the U.S. government. To them, this is a failure to distinguish between church and state. But to them, they would likely say that same things about BCF Article 36 where we confess that the civil magistrate is to "protect the sacred ministry, that the kingdom of Christ may thus be promoted. They must therefore countenance the preaching of the Word of the gospel everywhere...." Countenancing the preaching of the gospel everywhere certainly applied to the front lines of war, in prisons, in hospitals, nursing homes, homeless shelters and wherever else they will allow the gospel of Jesus Christ to be proclaimed.

Thirdly, the need for or allowability of Christian political organizations. I believe in a proper separation of church and state. But this does not mean that neither the church nor the state has anything to say to each other. As a minister of the word, I pray for Prime Minister Harper, President Obama, Members of Parliament, etc. I pray that they may govern according to God's law. That if they are Christians, they will govern as Christians, that in this land, the law (10 commandments) and honour of God may be revered. For instance, as a Christian, I don't know how you could vote to allow legalized prostitution, abortion for unwanted pregnancies, euthanasia, a repeal of the death pentalty, etc. Aren't we bound by the Word of God in all things?

In Canada, a relatively new political organization has developed among primarily Canadian Reformed, URC, etc. This organization is called ARPA standing for Association for Reformed Political Action. This group petitions the government when bills which are contrary to God's law are coming up for votes, so that Christian citizens, can exercise their right to have their voices heard, if to no one else, at least to their local representatives. A number of the young people from my congregation are now involved in this. Should I discourage them? Should I tell them that this is unnecessary, and in fact, this is practicing a certain love for the world? I hold to Amillenialism and I have rarely been called overly optimistic about the plight of humanity in this world, but when I read this r2kt stuff, I just scratch my head in wonder. Have we forgotten our own history? What about the debates in the CRC in the 1911-1913 era over woman's suffrage? Or those ministers who spoke out against injustices during WWI? What about the dozens of CRC ministers who went off to war as army chaplains in WWII. While these soldiers were comforted by Psalm 121, Revs. Van Halsema and Zylstra put it to music which we now find in our Psalter Hymnal #261. I can see that these r2kt propenents are speaking against "Americanism at all costs", but come on....

Finally, the lack of Christian professionals left in the church. Why? Because there is no such thing as Christian professionals to the r2kt. Someone might be a Christian who happens to be a lawyer, doctor, financial adviser, surgeon, teacher, etc. Wha..? Yep, take your pick between an atheist doctor or a Christian one because it doesn't really matter. Am I not to preach the gospel to my congregation, week in and week out, so that they believe and grow into maturity in Jesus Christ. So that they take the Reformed worldview, and wherever God calls (vocatio) them, they can live their as servants of the great King, Jesus Christ?

As those who have within them, a twofold life after regeneration, we ought to thank our father's in the faith for the worldview that they have passed down, which is distinctively Reformed. It is not Roman Catholic, it is not Lutheran, it is certainly not anabaptist, it is Reformed. "This is my Father's world." I hope my concerns are invalid and I have nothing to worry about, but my fears are growing.

Online Sermons

My weekly Sunday sermons are now online. Under the "Sermons" tab on our church's website, you will find them. www.abbotsfordurc.org/sermons.html

Synod 2010 Recap

Here is a copy of a letter that I wrote to my congregation here in Abbotsford. This is my summary of Synod London 2010.



Beloved Congregation, August 15, 2010

As you may know, Elder John Van Muyen and I attended the URCNA Synod in London, ON from July 26-31. I thought it would be profitable to you if I updated you on our time at Synod. This was my first time to Synod as a minister, so it was a learning experience for me.

Synod met at the the University of Western Ontario in London, which meant that we stayed in apartments on campus. The accommodations were wonderful and the London URC should be commended for putting all things in place for 180 delegates to come and perform the work at hand.

The work of Synod was tiresome and mentally gruelling as we worked from 8:00 in the morning until sometimes past 11:00 at night. I was very encouraged by the feeling of love and commitments to the Lord's church by the brothers there. It was an encouraging time and I am thankful that we got through our 500+ page agenda.

There were a few decisions that I believe should be of interest to you. The first involves our relationship with the Canadian Reformed Churches. We voted to end two of our three Unity Committees that are working with the Canadian Reformed. Synod judged that the work of the Common Songbook and Theological Education committees have done all they can do at this time. The Joint Church Order Committee will continue on with its work. So, what does this decision say about our relationship with the CanRC? It means that a future merger is not as easy as some may have thought. We are continuing to go forward and we are encouraged by the CanRC's commitment and patience to and with us, but for now, we want to take it slowly, so that our churches do not feel like they are being pushed into something. I agree, shepherds ought to lead the flock, not drive them. Unity must begin in local communities and cannot be something a Synod declares, especially if it is not true in the lives of God's people.

There was much discussion about the doctrinal commitment of members of a congregation (can people be members of the URC and disagree with something in our Confessions?). No resolution came and we will have a new report from the committee studying this issue for the next Synod.

A very significant event took place in that Synod voted, without a single dissenting vote, to agree with the recommendation of the Report on Justification and the Federal Vision. The report is sent to the churches for further study and so, without agreeing to every formulation in the Report, we as churches can agree with its main conclusions, meaning that whatever might be taught concerning justification, must be measured according to the pertinent Articles of our Confessions and with the Word of God.

Synod also decided to set up a committee to study the emeritation (retirement) of ministers to answer questions such as: What happens to a minister who is older and the congregation he is serving disbands/closes? Or what if a minister "retires" in one church and moves to another, who is in charge of his needs and oversight? This committee will report to the next Synod.

In terms of our relationships with other federations, we voted to move into Phase 2 relations with the Reformed Churches of New Zealand. It think it was an excellent decision. Closer to home, we moved to Phase 2 (sister church) relations with the Reformed Churches of Quebec (ERQ), but we decided not to vote on the relationship we have with the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA), seemingly because of their 100 year old practice of having women deacons. The same is true about our relationship with the Reformed Churches of South Africa (GKSA).

In light of some questions some churches have with URC missionaries and a desire by some churches to have a more unified missionary effort a committee was set up to look into this matter of having a more unified Mission Board.

Finally, in terms of our songbook. When I arrived at Synod, I was give three copies of the Hymn section of our future songbook. The churches are supposed to look at this and then reply with feedback to our Songbook Committee. There are 278 hymns in these volumes, so we can see much work has already gone into this. At the next synod, we should receive a Psalm section for inclusion in the new book.

The next synod will be hosted by the Pompton Plains Reformed Bible Church in New Jersey in June of 2012. Notice that is two years away instead of three years as was previously done.

All in all, I had a wonderful and tiring week. If you have any questions feel free to ask me or Elder Van Muyen and we would be delighted to fill you in. The press releases for each day of Synod can be found in the synodical archive at the URC website www.urcna.org . I will close this pastoral letter with two verses that seemed to be the theme of the week.

Psalm 133:1 "Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

Ephesians 4:1, 4 "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called...endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

In His Service,

Rev. S. Swets

Synod London 2010

I just arrived in Michigan after Synod London 2010. I am tired but refreshed by the brotherly spirit of the delegates and I learned much that I trust will be profitable in my ministry.

There were many joys of Synod and some difficult situations. There was a clear-cut division on many things, including the work of our unity committees working with the CanRC with a goal to future merger.

Once I am done with my vacation, I will write a more comprehensive report on Synod, but for now, a couple highlights.

Rev. Ralph Pontier (Neerlandia, AB) was our chairman and he did a wonderful job of leading us through the agenda in such a short period of time.

Our Synod decided to set up a couple study committees, one, in response to overture 2, page 47 in the agenda was what my Pre-Advice committee had to work on concerning the emeritation of ministers. We decided to set up a study to committee to investigate the emeritation of ministers, ministers after Article 11's and the disbanding of a congreation, etc.

We sent back to committee the report on "Church Membership" and whether or not we are to be stricly "confessional" on that.

We did not uphold the appeal of Hills to withdraw the 9 points. This was one of the low points I thought in terms of discussion, because it seemed to me that some men could not separate the "contents" of the 9 points from the "procedural" issues involved.

However, I am leaving Synod London 2010 with a love in my heart for the churches and for my brothers in the URC. We do not see eye to eye on all things, but we are committed to growing together in our love for the Lord, His church, and each other. It was great to catch up with old friends and to make new ones.

I will be on vacation for a couple weeks so you will likely not be hearing from me.

The Federal Vision Discussion Heats Up

If you are interested in the Reformed blogosphere, you likely have not be very bored the last two weeks. The Topic of Interest: The Federal Vision

This coming July, the URCNA will hold their Synodical meeting in London, ON. One thing that will be discussed will be a synodical study committee report on the teaching of the Federal Vision, highlighting the doctrine of justification. We have had this report in the churches now for about a year.

Recently, the URC of Nampa, Idaho produced a 17 page critique of our study committee's report. In their critique, they listed three main criticisms. You can find that report at http://urcnampa.org/resources/interaction.pdf There three criticisms were:
1. Misrepresentation: Here the URC of Nampa argues that the report does not deal with enough of the FV statements and the statements it does deal with, it does not deal with them fairly or charitably.

2. Proving too Much: Here the criticism is that the report condemns pastoral modes of speech.

3. Ways of Being wrong: Here the critique shows three different ways of being wrong. First, is a clear violation of the confession. Second, is to be wrong in a way that some think it is wrong, but is not addressed by the confessions. Third, being in error because of a theological emphasis.

Dr. J. Mark Beach, of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, is in the process of responding to Nampa's report. You can find those responses at Rev. Chris Gordan's blog, the Gordian Knot, as you can see in my blog list.

But, what should we make of this latest news and critique? The question is not what we should make of the Federal Vision. That is not really the debate. I think that the Federal Vision is a theological error. I think it leads to paedocommunion (child communion) inevitably, and if anyone disagrees with the doctrine of justification by faith alone through grace alone, they are standing outside of the scriptures and are no friend to the church of Jesus Christ. However, with that said, that still does not address our report.

I must admit, when the URC decided to write a report I thought, "good, a solid report using the three Forms of Unity." Oh, the report said that the Federal Vision is unorthodox, but did it go about it in the proper way? There are, in my opinion, some weaknesses to our synodical committee's report.

By saying that, I all of a sudden open myself up to all kinds of response of me being a closet FVer or that I should spend more energy attacking the FV, etc. But, that is okay. Anyone who knows me knows otherwise.

My fear with our report is three-fold. First, it uses language that goes beyond our confessions. One example is the use of the language of the covenant of works. You do not have to hold to the Westminster's treatment of the doctrine of the covenant of works to be URC or Reformed. What if there is a URC minister who does not hold to that formulation. What if a CanRC minister is called to a URC? Should they have to say, "Yes, I agree with the covenant of works and the probationary period of testing, and the eschatological end of eternal life, etc." I don't think so. You might disagree, but this is one of the beauties of the three Forms of Unity.

Second, in substance I believe the report is accurate. So, overall, I like it, but in details it is lacking. Things such as dates, full quotations, a lack of treatment of the Joint FV Declaration, etc (some of the criticisms that the Nampa critique brings forward). So, I think that our report could be made better. I think that an FV minister should be able to read our report and then when the FV view is summarized, he should be able to say, "yes, I agree with that, that fairly represents my view." Of course he is not going to agree with the conclusions, and he shouldn't. If he did, then he could see his own error.

Finally, my fear is that this report, if adopted, could prove to have serious negative consequences. I think this report, because of my first two criticisms could push us further from the Canadian Reformed Churches (especially with ecclesiastical/covenant language in the report). I have come to know and love the Canadian Reformed Churches. I think we need them and they need us. Our goal of honouring our Lord in His John 17 prayer will make us, as our name says, those who desire to Unite the true church of God together.

I also fear that this report could be used like the 9 Points of Synod Schererville have been used by some, as a billy-club to beat people over the head, and say, "see, you are not orthodox" when in fact, they may be at complete liberty in ther theological explanation. In that way, it would become an extra-confession statement that all office bearers would be bound to. All you have to do is look at the last 100 years of church history and see how poorly mistaken and detrimental it has been when extra-confessional binding in this way has prevailed (e.g. 1924, 1944, 1951).

Now, there are a couple of overtures coming to Synod, one from Western Canada, that will hopefully protect the churches, if adopted, from this type of binding. So, my worry with that, might be in vain. I hope so!

But, as I sit here, my heart is troubled. I love Jesus Christ, and His bride, the church. I am zealous to preach the gospel and protect the church from wolves. I will defend the truth, by God's grace, until I die. But, because of my love for the Lord, His church, and His law, I cannot, with a clear conscience, allow misrepresentation to undermine our Synod's report. If this report is adopted and it ends up alienating us from our closest Christian friends, we might remember Synod 2010 as a sad day in the churches.

My heart is burdened because I see honest men being attacked for standing up for honesty. But, I guess, at the end of the day, it is before the Lord whom we will be judged. All in all, Colossians 3:17 puts things in perspective, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

May God "gather, guard, and protect" His church.

Canadian Reformed Synod- Burlington 2010

I have just finished reading the minutes of the first 10 days of the Canadian Reformed Synod that just ended. If you want to read them, you can find them at canrc.org and if you would like to see a summary of them, you can look at Rev. Wes Bredenhof's website "Yinkadinay".

What are my thought about what I have read so far? I am very pleased. It seems that the Synod made some very important, and to be sure, at times difficult decisions. For instance, concerning their relationship with other church a number of important things stood out to me. They decided not to pursue a relationship with the RPCNA, due mainly to their practice of allowing women to hold the office of deacon. They warned the GKNv about dangers that could be threatening them, and they also decided to ask the URCNA synod, to be held the end of July, whether or not they are still committed to the process of unity. My sincere hope is that Synod London of the URC will respond with a wholehearted "yes."

I was also very surprised as the massive amounts of letters coming in from their churches regarding items on the agenda and appeals, etc. I find that practice could be very helpful in gauging the feeling of the churches on the issues at hand.

I wish the CanRC God's richest blessings. I plan to preach in one of their churches this Sunday, in Lynden.

May God give wisdom to both the CanRC and the URCNA as we strive to serve our God alongside one another.

Ordination of Pastor-Elect Gary Zekveld

On Friday, April 30, my friend Gary Zekveld will be ordained and installed as Minster of the Word and Sacraments at the Orthodox Reformed Church in New Westminster, B.C.


I will be giving the ordination sermon on I Timothy 4:12-16 on the subject of "Devoting Oneself Entirely." The ordination will take place at 7:30...you are invited to attend.

I wish God's grace and blessing on Gary and Hannah as they begin their work in the congregation in New Westminster.

Teaching in Ukraine

Well, Rev. Moes and I have arrived in Donetsk,

This city of 1,000,000 is a cultural adventure for the both of us. Sometimes we find it quite different to communicate, but have reverted to speaking with sign language.

We are living in a nice little apartment near the city center. We are thankful for our little place.

Teaching is going great. The students are very eager to learn and seem to be quite receptive to our teaching. What a blessing for us to be able to serve God here in this important ministry. When I arrive home I will fill you in more on the work of the school in Donetsk.

Thank you for your prayers. Soli Deo Gloria!

The Mystery of Children's Church

Here is an excellent post I found on Dr. R. Scott Clark's blog. Dr. Clark is ordained as a minister in the United Reformed Churches and he is a professor at Westminster Seminary in Escondido, California.

http://heidelblog.wordpress.com/2010/03/31/the-mystery-of-childrens-church/#more-7200

It's About Time

Rodney Alcala has been sentenced to death...again. This sick, twisted murder, raped, murdered, and mutilated many women. Likely, he is guilty of killing more than he has stood trial for. I wonder if it is even worth spending any time talking about this man.

However, what bothers me is that he committed these murders in the 1970's, when he was in his 30's and now he is in his 60's and this leach has been living off tax payers for too long.

Thankfully, justice will finally be served. I live in a country that does not have the death penalty. Many inmates have better living arrangements than average citizens who are not criminals. Anytime, there is a clear case of first degree murder, it should always have a mandatory death penalty. It is unjust to allow such a leach on society to live.

31 years ago there was a 12 year old girl on her way to ballet practice, but she never arrived. She was found 12 days later in a forest preserve, having been mutilated by wild animals. Who was guilty? Rodney Alcala! Does he show remorse? No.

Just think, even the most wicked may be called by God into faith and a new life. Is there hope for this man? Yes, there is. As much as he disgusts me, I am reminded of my own sinfulness and I understand that I am saved by God's grace, and without that grace, I would likely have died a long time ago. The foolishness of the cross. Soli Deo Gloria!

Passionate about the Passion

This is passion week, celebrated by millions of Christians around the world. We as Reformed believers usually have a Good Friday worship service, which we have this Friday at 10 a.m. at ICRC www.abbotsfordurc.org . It is in rememberance of the death of our Saviour.

Over the past two weeks, one thought has been in my mind more than others, and that is the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:5 where it ends, "by his stripes we are healed." That, to me, is a very vivid picture of the suffering servant, who is Jesus Christ. On the ground of the suffering of Christ, we, as believers are freed from eternal suffering in hell.

What greater love is there? Not only that a man will die for his friend, but by his death, his enemies become his friends. "Hallelujah, what a Saviour."

You're Invited!
Good Friday Service at Immanuel Covenant Reformed Church
Time: 10 a.m.
Sermon: The Soldiers Mock the King of the Jews
Note: The Lord's Supper will be administered

Healthcare Overhaul

I'm sure glad I live in Canada right now because there are going to be a lot of angry Americans. The first step of healthcare passage took place last night (why they work on Sunday, I do not know), by getting 219 of a needed 216 votes. But this is how the government works.

As a sidenote, in a council/consistory/congregational meeting the goal should always be unanimity in voting...you do not want 49% of people upset or angry.

Anyways, the US system looks like it will be more like the Canadian system. Some Canadian love their system, some Canadians bemoan their system. Everyone is covered in this system (that is good) but it is not cheap and it is not efficient. Hope Americans over 70 don't mind waiting 3 months for an MRI...and I sure hope they don't need a specialist for anything because all the good ones are in the states...or at least they were...maybe now they will move back here to Canada. 50 cents of every tax dollar in Canada goes to the medical system, and I've even heard some people say, "Our healthcare in Canada is free." Whaaa?

Nevertheless, one good thing I see coming out of the healthcare overhaul, is that in a short period of time the Republicans will once again be a majority, a broke majority, but at least a majority, in my humble opinion.

EVANGELISM CONFERENCE IN THE FRASER VALLEY

The evangelism committees of the CanRC in the Fraser Valley are hosting an Evangelism Conference, featuring Pastor Christopher Gordon of the Lynden United Reformed Church and graduate of Westminster Seminary in California.

Pastor Gordon will be speaking on the evening of Thursday, April 8th on the topic: "Why Proclaim His Name?" and on the evening of Friday April 9th on the topic: "How to Proclaim His Name!"

The Thursday evening speech will be at the Langley Canadian Reformed Church. 21804 52nd Avenue, Langley B.C. at 7:30

The Friday evening speech will be at the Abbotsford Canadian Reformed Church. 33947 King Road, Abbotsford, B.C. at 7:30

Be sure to attend!

Jihad Jane?

There has been much debate over the last decade concerning whether or not Islam (meaning submission) is a violent religion. To be sure, there are many Christians out there who act extremely foolishly whom we would want to disassociate with...they give us a bad name. But, as I read this news article about the woman who calls herself Jihad Jane, an American born convert to Islam who just wanted to do something to ease the suffering of Muslims and was therefore willing to die a martyr in order to kill a Swedish cartoonist.

It makes one wonder, what kind of religion would make someone want to kill themself in raw vengeance, not for physical harm done to someone, but for drawing a cartoon? The answer is that it is a works based religion that knows nothing of divine grace. Pray for Christians in such coutnries where they are persecuted for faith in the true God.

Lindemulder for Congress

My friend Pete Lindemulder is running for US Congress. If you are believe that the government should be responsible for all the money they are spending, you will want to check out what Pete has to say about it. Go to his website www.lindemulderforcongress.com and click on the issues tab on the right side to see what he believes. He is conservative, he is against abortion, he upholds the second ammendment, etc.

I have known Pete and his wife Janelle since I was young and they are great Christian people. Pete is just the type of man we need in the Congress.

Hockey Gold

Well, there is not a National Day of Mourning as I feared may result in a hockey silver medal, but a day of celebration for Canadians. In a close game, Canada edged out the Americans for its 8th hockey gold medal.

It was a good tournament for hockey and a good Olympics overall. Even though the first week was somewhat overshadowed by the death of the Georgian luger and poor weather for the Nordic events, the second week turned out better. But, how do we as Christians view a sporting event such as the Olympics? As they said in the opening ceremonies, it was "for the glory of sport."

As Christians, we might smile at such a statement seeing it as so contrary to what we know, that is, that all things ought to be done for the glory of God, even playing hockey. It is important for us to keep things in perspective. Christians are called to moderation, and that might mean considering how much mental energy we place on a hockey game.

As an American, I am happy that we won silver, Canada certainly had the better team, we just had the better goalie. All in all, it was a joy to watch the games and to be in Vancouver...now comes the prospect of paying for the games. If you're going to have a house party and invite the world, I suggest you don't finance it.

First URC in Regina

Congratulations to the Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, Saskatchewan. This is the first URC in Saskatchewan and the only faithful Reformed or Presbyterian church for a long ways. If you live in Regina, will be traveling there, or plan to move there, make sure you contact their pastor Brian Cochran, who will be ordained very soon. They will also be have an intoductory conference to introduce their congregation and the Reformed faith to Regina. You can find all of this information on their website. www.redeemerchurch.ca

U.S./Canada History

Here is Tom Brokaw telling American about Canada, and I think he does an excellent job.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYoTJltSPtO

Are We Suprised?

On Friday morning Tiger Woods stood before his mother, a couple of hand chosen reporters, and one camera to make his public apology. He admits it was his fault. He was unfaithful...he had multiple affairs, etc. Does that surprise anyone?

He is an unbeliever, a Buddhist. Doesn't surprise me...I'm surprised he didn't have more affairs actually. Why? Because he is living in darkness and depravity. Is there any end to wickedness. Genesis reminds us that "the inclination of the human hearts is evil continually."

Then the question comes whether or not Tiger meant the apology. I believe he did? But, he was not sorry and remorseful for what he had done to God Almighty. He is sorry that his wife left him, his endorsements left him, and some of his fans left him. He ought not to fear these things, but he ought to fear the terrible wrath of God against his wickedness.

Can we learn anything from Tiger Woods? We can be reminded of the nature of fallen man and without the guidance of Divine grace in the heart, man leads himself into all kinds of wickedness.

A Westerner: Good or Bad?

As you may know, I will be traveling to Ukraine in April. Pastor Dick Moes (Surrey URC) and I are going to an international Reformed seminary in the city of Donetsk (pop. 1 mill). As I am preparing to go and reading more about Ukraine, I am continually reminded that I am a Westerner, whether Canadian or American, we stand out as Westerners. But what defines us as Westerners? Are these good things?

Is it ease of life? Old Democracies? Luxuriant living? Our music, movies, sports, etc.? The danger for a pastor is that the "Western" mind, has more impact on his ministry than the "biblical" mind. John Piper wrote a book to pastors a number of years back entitled, Brothers, we are not professionals. In it he warned of the danger of ministers "keeping office hours", elevating oneself above the rest, have a CEO mentality in the church. In other words, it was to take the mindset of the Western business mind into the ministry. He had many good points to make.

But my problem is that I am the pastor of a Canadian congregation and they are Westerners. I am a Westerner...so what to do? When I think about these things I look at a quotation I have taped to the wall of my study above my computer. It was written over 40 years ago and I will quote it in part.

Speaking of the ministry it says:

Fling him into his office, tear the office sign from the door and nail on the sign: Study. Take him off the mailing list, lock him up with his books-- get him all kinds of books-- and his typewriter and his Bible. Slam him down on his knees before texts, broken hearts, the flippant lives of a superficial flock, and the holy God. Force him to be the one man in our surfeited communities who knows about God. Throw him into the ring to box with God till he learns how short his arms are; engage him to wrestle with God all through the night. Let him come out only when his is bruised and beaten into being a blessing.

And when he is burned out by the flaming Word that coursed through him, when he is consumed at last by the fiery Grace blazing through him, and when he who was privileged to translate the truth of God to man is finally translated from earth to heaven, then bear him away gently, blow a muted trumpet and lay him down softly, place a two-edged sword on his coffin and raise a tune triumphant, for he was a brave soldier of the Word and e'er he died he had become spokeman for his God.

-Floyd Doud Shafer

That is what I remind myself of this Monday morning.

Things going on

This is the week the Olypmic games begin and that is the talk around town, so it seems. Yesterday in ICRC we witnessed the baptism of a covenant youth, which was a blessing to witness God's goodness and faithfulness.

But my mind lately has been on the bigger picture of not only the church of Jesus Christ, but also our federation of churches. A good friend of mine minister-elect, Gary Zekveld accepted the call to the church in New Westminster, which is presently independent. It would be good to see a URC in New West, but only time will tell.

We as churches continue to have a fruitful relationship with the Canadian Reformed Churches and enjoy their fellowship. But, what does the future hold for our small federation of 100 churches? Where will we be in 10 or 20 years? The landscape could look much different. Revelation 1 reminds us that the Son of Man stand among the lampstands. He builds his church and holds her together, and so may it be our prayer that he will strengthen his church and people.

As I begin this blog, I will likely spend a little bit of time on Mondays writing (or typing). If you have any suggestions, just let me know. Thanks for reading.