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
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, March 29, 2010
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
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
Monday, March 22, 2010
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.
Monday, March 15, 2010
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!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
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.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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.
Monday, March 1, 2010
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.
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.
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