CHURCH NEWS

Calls declined

To the Unionville, Ontario, Canada, Congregation by Rev. A. Snoep of Vlissingen, the Netherlands.

To the Norwich, Ontario, Canada, Congregation by Rev. A. DenBoer of Ridderkerk, the Netherlands.

Change of Address

The new address of Rev. L. Kieboom, now Pastor of the Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Congregation, is:

Rev. L. Kieboom

1548 No. 16th Street

Sheboygan, Wis. 53081

The Pastors tel. no. is 414/458-9628

REVEREND A. KOK DIES

The Rev. A. Kok of Kootwijkerbroek, the Netherlands. died suddenly on July 12, 1971, at the age of 65 years.

THE FAREWELL SERMON OF THE REV. L. KIEBOOM at NORWICH, ONTARIO

After having served the congregation of Norwich, Ontario, Canada, for nine years and five months, the Rev. L. Kieboom bade the congregation farewell on Sunday, July 18, 1971. In the morning the English sermon was based on I Cor. 3:11–13. The theme was: “Jesus Christ, the only foundation.”

1. The value of this foundation

2. Building upon this foundation

The necessity was shown of the only foundation that God has laid in Zion. By the fall the covenant of works was broken, and hence the possibility of being saved thereby had ceased to exist.

God Himself revealed the covenant of grace immediately after the fall. The promise of the coming Messiah, in which God’s sovereign grace was shown, was the foundation of the Old Testament Church. Much more clearly the way of salvation was revealed in the New Testament in the active and passive obedience of Christ. Paul had laid this foundation in Corinth. We, too, said the pastor, have attempted to build upon this foundation. He sincerely hoped that the wish expressed at the dedication of the new church building in 1968 would be fulfilled, namely, that always from this pulpit the pure experimental truth would be proclaimed.

Grace and wisdom is needed to build upon this foundation. In Paul’s days there were some that built gold, silver or precious stones upon it; but also others that laid wood, hay, or stubble on it. How necessary it is to be cemented to that foundation by the eternal love of God. Superficial religion, the doctrine of free will, a combination of law and gospel, human ideas, emotionalism, a speculative knowledge, fancied faith, formalism and superficial impressions are all wood, hay and stubble. Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, and it shall be tried by fire.

The minister urged his hearers to stay with this doctrine that both old and young people must be built on this only foundation.

After the sermon Elder D. Stubbe expressed his appreciation for the work that the minister had done in the congregation, and wished the Lord’s blessing upon him in his new place. He requested the congregation to arise and sing Psalter No. 345 (Psalm 121).

In the evening the Rev. L. Kieboom based his Holland sermon on Jer. 17:16. Various reasons were mentioned why he as a pastor had sought to persuade the congregation. However, ministers of the Word of ten meet hardness of heart. They have hard and responsible work to perform, but out of love to the attributes of God and the salvation of sinners they desire to continue preaching in season and out of season. Jeremiah had desired to see many things change, he had not desired their woeful day. Sad things shall come upon the unconverted, and finally, their woeful day. The purpose of serious and reproving sermons is to save sinners. The prophet could call both God’s omniscience and his conscience to witness that he had not added to nor detracted from the Word of God.

Again he preached law and gospel to them; seeking souls were encouraged, and God’s people were told that in these dark times they need special grace to endure. After having urged them to seek the welfare of the congregation, the minister stated that his work here was finished, and that he wished to lay it all before the Lord.

Finally the minister addressed a few words to the consistory, the congregation, the custodian and his wife, to the organists, and to the societies.

Elder C. Van Vliet spoke a word of farewell, and asked the congregation to sing Psalm 121, stanzas 3&4, to their pastor.

Then the minister pronounced the benediction upon them, for the last time as their own pastor.

After both services opportunity was given to bid the Rev. Kieboom and his family a personal farewell.

The affection with which some came to shake hands with the pastor was very touching.

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