CHURCH NEWS

Calls Extended:

To Rev. D. Hakkenberg of Dordrecht, the Netherlands by the Clifton, New Jersey Congregation.

To Rev. P. Honkoop of Kampen, the Netherlands by the Norwich, Ontario, Canada Congregation.

THE INSTALLATION OF THE REV. L. KIEBOOM in SHEBOYGAN, WISCONSIN

by The Rev. W. C. Lamain

The installation took place on Wednesday, July 28, 1971. Rev. Lamain reminded the congregation of the mercies of God. In October of last year they had received a so much more spacious church building than the former one was, in which they had worshiped so many years. And now after the congregation had been without a pastor for 59 years, and they had so often called a minister, it pleased the Lord to give them a minister of their own. The wish was expressed that it all might be in the favor of God, to His honor, and to the edification and welfare of the congregation.

Before proceeding to the installation, the minister spoke on Luke 4:31, 32: The Removal of Christ from Nazareth to Capernaum. His points were:

The removal of Christ

The teaching of Christ,

The power of Christ.

I. Christ was brought up in Nazareth, and there He preached His first sermon, which we find in this chapter. Christ stated emphatically that the prophecy of Isa. 61 was fulfilled by His coming into the world, and by His public ministry. At first the people of Nazareth wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And no wonder, for grace was poured into His lips. Ps. 45.

But this changed very soon. They became offended in Him, and sought to take His life. Christ removed to Capernaum, which was about 16 miles from Nazareth. It was observed that it is scriptural for a minister to change from one pastorate to another. We read of Christ doing it once. God’s servants must go where the Lord sends them. In going or staying we may not confer with flesh and blood, but it is necessary to know that we are in God’s way. It was also noted that our stay at a place will prove to be either a judgment or a blessing. In all matters God’s counsel shall stand.

II. Christ had been in Capernaum before, but now it was different, now it became His home, although He journeyed through the whole land. He came there to teach the people. He was always busy in the work of His Father, Whose will He had come to do. That was His meat. God’s justice must be satisfied, the law fulfilled, Satan’s head bruised, sin atoned, and an everlasting righteousness brought in. Christ is the chief Prophet and Teacher, the perfect Prophet. There never was a minister like Him. We shall never make a perfect sermon. Christ did. He proclaimed the full counsel of God for the salvation of His people. In the fall of Adam they lost God’s image, hence also the true knowledge of God. When God opens their eyes in regeneration they see how blind they are. They must be instructed, as were the three disciples in John 14, Thomas, Philip, and Judas (not Iscariot) who did not know the way. David prayed, “Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes.” The instruction of Christ remains necessary, but also the teaching office in the church. Christ taught them on the Sabbath days. Every day He taught, and at night He went on the mountain to pray. His entire life was mediatorial. But especially He taught on the Sabbath, which was instituted by God in Paradise, and on Mount Sinai He commanded that it be kept holy. Lord’s Day 38 teaches us the spiritual significance of the Sabbath. God demands the sanctity of the day. See Isa. 56 and 58 and Jer. 17. A renewed heart loves God’s day. Christ as our example went, as His custom was, into the synagogue on the Sabbath Day. The congregation was admonished to attend the services faithfully, for there the Lord will work and instruct His people by His Holy Spirit.

III. The power of Christ. Christ taught as one having authority, and not as the scribes. They were astonished at His doctrine, for His word was with power. We can hardly bring it to the ear, to bring it to the heart is God’s work. God’s Spirit works efficaciously and irresistibly. To Christ as Mediator all power is given. The truth must be preached Scripturally, experimentally, and practically, but it is Paul that plants, and Apollos that waters, but God must give the increase. May that Divine power be revealed in the midst of the congregation. God would be glorified, Christ exalted, and poor elect sinners would be saved, delivered, and redeemed.

After the explanation of the truth, the consistory and the congregation were addressed. The wish was expressed that Christ Who is wisdom itself would instruct the pastor and the congregation. The minister mentioned that for 24 years he had served the congregation from time to time, assisting the Moderator, Rev. J. Van Zweden in the various labors. Those labors have also come to a close.

After the Form of Ordination was read, the Rev. Kieboom bound himself to the congregation with the words: Yes, truly, with all my heart.

Then the congregation arose and sang Psalter No. 336, stanza 1. In a short address the minister wished God’s blessing upon the Rev. L. Kieboom, and hoped that he and his wife and children would find a place in the hearts of the congregation, but especially a place with the Lord.

INAUGURATION OF REV. L. KIEBOOM AT SHEBOYGAN., ON JULY 29, 1971.

It was a special day for the Congregation of Sheboygan, Wis., when they received a minister after having been without a Sheperd for 59 years. The text Rev. Kieboom chose for this occasion was from Paul’s letter to the Colossians chapter 4:3, “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to preach the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.”

The theme for his sermon was:

A characteristic prayer of the Apostle Paul.

I. Paul’s desire.

II. Paul’s intention.

III. Paul’s condition.

Though Paul by grace had learned to pray and often was praying for the congregations and many friends, nevertheless he desired earnestly that the congregations also would pray for him. He knew that the life of the Collossians was on a high spiritual level as becomes evident in chapter 1:4 where he says: “Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which ye have to all the saints.” For this reason he requested them to pray for him and his fellow laborers, that the Lord would enable them to the work of the ministry. Did the highly privileged Paul request this, while he lived at a time that the Spirit of God was working so powerfully, how much more the ministers of the word need this in our time.

Undoubtedly they received Paul’s request willingly and it is to be believed that God’s people received access to the throne of grace with their request in Paul’s behalf. The minister said that he would count it a priviledge if some of the same grace might be found in the congregation of Sheboygan.

Paul desired that God would open a door of utterance. By experience he knew that heaven had been opened for him; also the holy scriptures had often been opened to him. He also had become a witness that many hearts had been opened, as in the case of Lydia. He knew as the Lord would open a door of utterance he also would receive the spirit of grace and supplication, besides insight in God’s Word and that he would be enabled to preach the Word with boldness and fervency. The fruits of it would become visible and many hearts would be opened.

Paul’s intention was to preach Christ and Him crucified. Formerly he had persecuted Christ; but after the Lord had arrested and humbled him, He had revealed His Love in him. Much knowledge of Christ Paul had received: he knew Him in His natures, States and benefits; and after years his knowledge had been increased.

Paul calls it the mystery of Christ. He knew by experience that God had hid these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them unto babes. Often he met Jews who were still ignorant of Christ. Paul explained to them the promises of the Messiah, the types, the ceremonial shadows, and the prophetical predictions, and with freedom and delight he often preached Christ. It was also pleasant for him to preach unto the Gentiles that only name by which sinners can be saved. Unto concerned souls he preached the suitability and fulness of Christ; and often it happened that by his preaching new mysteries were revealed unto God’s people. Paul had so much knowledge of Christ that he often had to say some new things of Him who is altogether lovely.

Paul, that eminent preacher of Christ, was in prison and bound at Rome. To many people his preaching had been a savor of life unto life; but to others it had been a savor of death unto death. At all places where he came he had met enmity against the preaching of Christ, who is an offense to the Jew and a foolishness to the Greek. Throughout all ages that enmity has become evident and religious and irreligious people came in opposition. Therefore Paul felt a need for the prayers of those who feared the Lord and knew the mysteries of Christ.

The minister uttered the wish that true prayers might be found in the congregation.

After he had pointed out the things which precede the experimental knowledge of Christ and the things which follow, Rev. Kieboom concluded his sermon.

After he had closed with prayer he spoke a few words of thanks to Rev. Lamain who had installed him; and who had served the congregation of Sheboygan many times during their long vacancy. The minister also spoke of the good understanding between them and he uttered the wish that his friend and brother might be spared for the congregations and his family many more years.

Following this he addressed the consistory, the congregation, the youth, the custodian and his wife, the organ players and the Ladies Aid. He extended his thankfulness to all who had shown their kindness to welcome him and his family.

He also spoke words of thankfulness to the delegates and friends from sister congregations; and especially to two officebearers of the congregation of Norwich, Ont. who had driven 600 miles to attend the installation and inauguration of their former minister, this evidence of friendship and attachment was greatly appreciated.

After this Rev. Lamain spoke in the name of the classis and elder Stubbe as representative of the congregation of Norwich; while elder Markus expressed the feelings of joy and gratitude of the congregation of Sheboygan. He being the last speaker requested the congregation standing to sing Psalter 357 the stanzas 2,3, and 4. After the service was over a reception was held in the basement and almost all those who had attended church participated.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Gifts received for the Banner of Truth in July 1971. From the Rock Valley, Congregation — $330.00.

With appreciation,

The Banner of Truth Committee

BOOK REVIEW

Behind Mr. Bunyan

This is a short stirring account of an episode in the life of Agnes Beaumont, an acquaintance of the famous John Bunyan. Slander has often been a weapon hurled at God’s children, and John Bunyan and Agnes Beaumont were not exempted from this. On one occation Agnes rode to a prayer meeting behind Mr. Bunyan. This caused an outburst of vicious slander by the enemies of Bunyan. Unfortunately, matters did not end here for Agnes’ father died a sudden death and the slanderers raised the charge of murder by poisoning. Agnes was led to trust unconditionally in the Judge of heaven and earth to vindicate her cause. This true story includes all events leading to the accusations and the subsequent trial of her innocence. Its theme is scriptural, demonstrating that those who put their trust in the Lord shall never be put to shame. We heartily recommend this interesting account to all of our readers, young and old alike. 48 pp.

This book is available at most Christian book stores.

John Beeke

ANNOUNCEMENT

At the request of a member of the Kalamazoo Congregation we would draw the attention of our readers to a book that has appeared:

A Short Biography and Some Experiences of the Late Rev. J. C. Wielhouwer

With a few letters written by him to consistories and friends. The Rev. C. Hegeman wrote an introduction, and the daughter of the late minister, Mrs. C. Lambregtse wrote about “Father’s Last Days.” The book has 79 pages, and can be obtained for one dollar at the following address: Mr. Jacob Van’tZelfde

804 Darby Lane

Kalamazoo, Mich. 49007

Only a limited number have been printed, so do not delay ordering your copy if you are interested.

Quantity orders will receive a reduction.

In the west copies of this booklet can be obtained from: Mrs. C. Jongetjes — Rock Valley

Mrs. J. deBonte — Siouy Center

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