MISSION TIDINGS

GIFTS RECEIVED FOR MISSIONS IN DEC. 1975

CLASSIS EAST SOURCE AMOUNT

Friend in Prospect Park Gift 10.00

Psalter Recordings Gift 100.00

CLASSIS MIDWEST

St. Catharines Gift 280,85

Friend in So. Holland Gift 10.00

Friend in Hudsonville Gift 5.00

Kalamazoo Ch. Col. Collection 700.00

Bradford Pentecost Col. Collection 266.68

Bradford Sunday School

Box Collection 36.39

Bradford Catechism Box Collection 33.79

Bradford Pennies Children V.O.W. Collection 23.14

Friend in Bradford Gift 70.00

Friend in Bradford Gift 20.00

Friend in Michigan Gift 125.00

CLASSIS WEST

Friend in Sheboygan Gift 50.00

Friend in Waupun Gift 400.00

CLASSIS FARWEST

Linden Mission Circle Gift 1200.00

TOTAL: $3330.85

Dear Friends,

Herewith we want to thank all of you for your kind gifts in the support of the mission work. May the Lord bless you and your gifts. We are glad that the Lord is still inclining the hearts to remember the needs of the mission. Really my friends, mission work is one of the highest callings of the church militant. We believe when the Lord magnifies His grace in the heart of a lost sinner, the fruit thereof will be to seek the honor of his great God, Saviour, and Benefactor through Christ Jesus by the workings of His Holy Spirit; but secondly, his desire will be for the spreading out of God’s Kingdom at home and abroad. If this is not the fruit of our life then we may question if there ever was a right beginning. Historical faith will never bear such fruit because the root thereof is not founded in that Rock Christ Jesus, but only in the ignorant head of man. We know that it can be far off in the life of God’s people but never the less by God’s grace there are moments that they would wish for the conversion of the whole world, when it would be in the Lord’s council, because the Lord’s true work never works against the will of the Lord. Bert Warmenhoven is not feeling well at the Baldwin Mission. May the Lord strengthen him to perform his labors. May the Lord remember all the mission workers.

American General Mission Fund

Netherland Reformed Churches of America and Canada

John Spaans, Treasurer

Plankinton Box 106 RR1

South Dakota 57368

I have raised thee up for the very purpose of showing my power in thee, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.

Romans 9:17

TIMOTHY MISSION FUND

During the month of December gifts were received for our mission fund in the amount of $66.68, and disbursements were made to the Wycliffe Bible Translators for $50. and to the Spanish Evangelical Mission for $30. This left us no balance at the end of December. As in the past, we are pleased to submit our report for the entire year of 1975, which is as follows:

Balance on hand, January 1,1975 $29.80

Donations received during 1975 2.475.20

Total $2,505.00

Disbursements:

West Irian - Rev. Kuijt $400.00

Bethlehem Mission

(Baldwin, Mich) 400.00

Mbuma Mission (Rhodesia) 400.00

Banner of Truth Tract

Mission 250.00

Wycliffe Bible Translators 250.00

Ebenezer Scripture Mission (Rhodesia) 250.00

Thembisco Children’s Home (Rhodesia) 225.00

Spanish Evangelical Mission 130.00

South African Mission (Rev. Huisman) 100.00

Bethesda Mission (Nigeria) 100.00

Total Disbursed $2,505.00

Balance on hand, December 31, 1975 - 0 -

Again our grateful and sincere thanks for your support of these causes. To our friends in the mission fields and to our friends of the mission we wish that which was expressed by the psalmist, “And unto you be given the joys that Zion doth afford, the richest blessing of the Lord Who made the earth and heaven.”

NOTES OUT OF THE CATECHISM CLASSES

Of Rev. J. Fraanje

Using The Catechism Book

SPECIMENS OF DIVINE TRUTHS

by

Rev. A. Hellenbroek

Of His Resurrection Lesson 28 Part I

The 1st Step in His Exaltation

Having studied the state of Christ’s humiliation, we now enter the lessons on the state of Christ’s exaltation. How many steps are there in this state to which we must give our attention?

Answer: 4 steps: 1st, His resurrection from the dead. 2nd, His ascension to heaven,; 3rd, His sitting at the right hand of the Father; 4th, His coming again to judge the world.

We have studied and are to be discussing this afternoon the first step, namely, His resurrection.

We can read of several resurrections in God’s Word. Who can recall a few of them? We shall proceed leisurely in our lesson today enumerating some of them, beginning with those in the Old Testament.

1st. We read of a resurrection of a community. When Israel was carried away to Babylon because of her sins and apostasy, she was, by way of speaking, buried alive in that strange land. But upon the appointed time the Lord spoke these words in Ezekiel 37:12 - “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.”

This actually took place. The Israelites had served strange gods many years, but then experienced a reformation, as in the time of King Josiah. This is understood to be a communal or ecclesiastical resurrection.

2nd. In the Old Testament there are recordings of extraordinary (very unusual) resurrections. Elijah and Elisha, as means in God’s hands, were used to resurrect to life some who had died.

We read in the New Testament that God raised some people from the dead through Jesus Christ and His disciples.

3rd. There is a spiritual resurrection, as when a person is converted. Because of man’s first disobedience he is involved in a three-fold death. He must be brought from this dead state to a new life. This is a spiritual resurrection.

4th. When the appointed time arrives, at the last day, there will be a universal resurrection. Everyone who has died since Adam’s time, shall by God’s power and at His command be made alive again. This is called the great or last resurrection in the day of judgment. Anyone can read of these resurrections in God’s Word, so you see I am not telling you fictitious stories.

But, are we considering in our lesson today the resurrection of the son of the widow of Zarephath?

Answer: No.

About the resurrection of Lazarus?

Answer: No.

About the resurrection to take place on the day of judgment?

No, not about that one either. Is there another one besides those we have mentioned?

Yes, there is still a:

5th: A resurrection of a Surety.

If this resurrection had not taken place which had first been Divinely decreed in eternity and performed at the appointed time, these other resurrections would never have taken place. The resurrection of the Mediator (as Surety) is the foundation or basis of all the other resurrections.

The first question in our lesson is: Was the resurrection of Christ necessary?

Answer: Yes, it was foretold in Psalm 16:10, where David, led by the Spirit, prophesied of the Messiah: “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”

In the first place, Christ had to be raised from the dead that the prophesy of the Scripture be fulfilled. But was there still another reason why He must be raised from the dead? What advantage would there be in His resurrection? Actually, I gave a very brief answer to this question last week. I would like to find out whether you took notice of it.

It was definitely necessary that He die on the cross. If He had not, He could not have satisfied His Father’s justice. But what necessity would there be for His resurrection? He had already called out, “It is finished.”

The Apostle Paul gives a very distinct answer to this question for us in Romans 4:25, where he says, “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”

For what reason had He died?

Answer: For the sins of His people.

But why was it necessary for Him to be “raised”? Just as the Father expressed satisfaction in the work of His Son by the resurrection, at the same time this satisfaction (of His justice) made it possible for the elect to be justified or set free. That is why it is written, “Raised again for our justification,” which is to say, “that we may be justifed.”

If the Mediator had remained in the grave how could the Church have known that their sins had been requited? There would not have been any evidence that their debt of sin had been paid. The eleven disciples, the women, and the men from Emmaus would have been in a state of discouragement until death. They had actually seen the corpse of Jesus being carried to the grave and consequently all their hope in Him had been for nought. But, He is alive and has risen from the grave.

“For in that He died, He died unto sin once: but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God!”

Peter said in effect, that it is impossible that He could be kept from death. Christ destroyed death and completely conquered it by dying and rising from the dead.

And what else has He conquered by His resurrection? Is someone able to tell me?

1st. The devil who was His prime enemy.

2nd. Sin which was the reason for His death.

3rd. Death itself which is the result of sin.

4th. The world which loves sin.

5th. Hell, the habitation of the devil.

We could list many more but remember these as the principal ones.

The resurrection of Christ is the grand proof that God the Father’s justice was satisfied, because if it had not been, He would not have ever been raised from the grave.

We mentioned last week (but are now repeating in order to imprint it upon your memory) that: In eternity Christ concurred in the need for the Father’s satisfaction. It is written, --”Lo, I come---I delight to do thy will, O My God.” He submitted to that justice in Gethsemane: “Not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” But the judge would not release Christ in His concurrence or submission to that justice. Performance was required to bring it to its fulfillment. He had to “empty the cup” completely.

He then became obedient even to the extent of dying, yes, the death of the cross. He died under the Holy justice of the Father.

Do you suppose that the Father would have raised Him from death if He was then yet not satisfied?

Definitely not. You can be sure of that. The judge could not be content in accepting only a part of the work. But now that He was satisfied and could require no more righteousness (speaking reverently now) it would have been unrighteous if the Surety (Christ) had not been discharged of His obligation. For that reason He had been “raised again for our justification.”

Now we shall consider the second question:

What certainty have we that He is risen?

Answer: 1st. The testimony of angels and watchmen; 2nd, The numerous appearances of the Lord Jesus to the women and the disciples.

There were two types of people when Jesus was upon earth, just as there are today.

There were people who were enemies of Jesus (just as we are now by nature) and there were also a few who, by grace, were loyal to Him.

When He was placed in the tomb, the hostile Jews sealed the boulder into the opening of the tomb and set watchmen for positive security. People would be inclined to think, “The events in the life of Jesus the Nazarene upon this earth are definitely ended.”

In spite of the fact, that the hostile Jews and watchmen were glad to be rid of Him, there were a few who sorrowed in the loss of Him. There were a few women, who, very early in the morning after the Sabbath, went to the cemetery of Joseph, the place of the new grave. The gospel says, “And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.” It was that early.

While they were going the day began to dawn, and when they arrived at the tomb the sun was above the horizon.

Why were these women so hasty to get to the grave of Jesus? Well, in the Eastern countries it was the custom to anoint the bodies of their beloved deceased with all sorts of spices which gave the bodies a pleasant odor and checked the process of decay. It was for this reason that these women prepared ointments from all sorts of spices in order to anoint the body of Jesus. As soon as the Sabbath was past they went to the garden to perform this service.

But were these women not aware of the fact that the Jews had placed, and even sealed, a huge stone in the opening of the tomb? Did they not know that watchmen were on duty there?

If they did know about all this, it has never been recorded, but Mark does say that they said among themselves, “Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?” Perhaps in love and zeal in the early morning hours, they had not thought about that matter, but now the difficulty worried them as they journeyed along! It was no small matter for these feeble women. This was beyond the ability of these women to roll away such a large heavy piece of rock! Mark, in indicating the basis for the concern they had, follows with, “For it was very great.”

But what was the first thing at which they marveled? “---and when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away.”

They must have expressed wonder to one another, saying, “How is that possible?”

They were not puzzled with it very long, however, because when they arrived at the tomb they saw the angel who explained all these matters for them. That must have been a surprise! There was no stone, no watchmen, but neither was Jesus there.

The angel said to them, “Be not affrighted, ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was cruficied; He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him.”

That is the manner in which the angel spoke and even much more. He said that they should hurry back and tell His disciples that He was going into Galilee and that they would see Him there.

You can imagine these women must have been surprised, It is recorded that they quickly ran to tell the disciples, trembling with amazement.

O Lord, thou ary my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1

THE SWORD OF GOD’S JUSTICE

“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.” Zech. 13:7.

We read in Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Sin is the cause of all ill, pains, sorrows, bereavements of our loved ones, and also the cause why so many hearts are broken in these days of great unrest. We declared war against God when we broke His Holy covenant, and little do we realize that this death which we already here experience is but the beginning of sorrows. We cry because of the results of sin, but not because of the cause of sin. The reason that we cry because of the results of sin, and not because of the cause of sin is: because in the breach with our Maker we became spiritually dead by nature, became totally impotent to return unto our Creator, having lost God’s image. But God who is rich in mercy has taken within Himself to restore His image again to His people in Christ Jesus who is the gift of God, and grants life eternal to such as deserve death. The flaming sword of which we read in Gen. 3:24 which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life, which justly could have consumed man, was to him for life eternal, for this flaming sword is removed by the promised seed. Gen. 3:15.

Adam our covenant head, the crown piece of God’s creation rebelled against his Maker. Adam’s fall was voluntary; he had a power not to fall. He was created perfectly holy, he had rectitude of mind, and liberty of will to do good. Freewill was a sufficient shield to repel temptation. Adam gave away his own power, and suffered himself to be led into sin. Knowing the precept of the covenant of works, and the result of breaking this covenant: (“For in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Gen. 2:17). he was sentenced to a three fold death, temporal, spiritual and eternal. He immediately died this spiritual death, a separation from his Creator, and became a law breaker. The Holiness and Majesty of God could not permit such transgressions to go unpunished, or He would cease to be God. His holy and glorious attributes had to be restored, and His holy law obeyed.

The justice of God requires that the same human nature which had sinned, should likewise make satisfaction for sin; and one, who is himself a sinner, cannot satisfy for others. Because of God’s justice the Mediator had to be very man, that is, having body and soul, as we, a man taken from men, the true seed of David. Only thus can He be our High Priest. We find in the Old Testament more than forty Messianic promises given to the troubled children of God of the coming Redeemer as it is here also spoken of in Zech. 13:7. “The sword of God’s Justice revealed in behalf of His people.”

The text speaks to us of the fathomless miracle of super-abounding sovereign grace; God the Father sending His own eternal Son into this sinful world, for the reconciliation of His bride chosen from the foundation of the world. The secrecy of the divine counsel is here revealed, namely, the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God. the great enlightened apostle Paul expressed with astonishment the wonder of the plan of salvation with these words: ‘O the depth of the wisdom and knowledge of God: how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out.” Rom. 11:33. Who shall express the excellency of the Mediator Christ Jesus, the express image of God, who counselled with the Father the redemption of His sheep, fallen from their estate of excellency into utter ruin in their covenant head Adam, breaking the covenant of works. All creatures in heaven and on earth together could not give the required ransom. Blessed is he who has come to the knowledge of his utterly lost state and condition, and his inability to restore himself into the favor of God by his own works or sacrifices.

To attain the redemption of our soul we need a righteousness that can only be granted by Him, Who is not only very and righteous man, but who is more than man, namely, very God. Upon Him, and Him only was this sword of Justice laid: “Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do Thy will, O my God: Yea, Thy law is within my heart.” Ps. 40:7,8. Christ came into the world in the fulness of time (the new dispensation). He came into a state of subjection and to take upon Him the form of a servant; to redeem those that were under the law, that they might receive the adoption of sons. It was the appointed time of God the Father, the acceptable year of the Lord when Christ came into this world, that He exercised His justice with the sword of vengeance calling it to: “AWAKE AND SMITE MY SHEPHERD”. It was a judicial act under the sentence of the law that demanded His death. “And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God)”. Deut. 21:22,23.

Christ voluntarily made His soul an offering for the offenders (His sheep): “It pleased the Lord to bruise Him, and put Him to grief, and He was stricken, smitten of God and afflicted.” Isa. 53:4–10. God called Him, “He is my fellow”; for He thought it no robbery to be equal with God. He and the Father are one. And as God’s Shepherd, He is that good shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. But His own received Him not, and thrust Him through as a foolish shepherd. Christ was smitten the moment He came into the state of His deep humiliation. God became man, and there was no room for Him in the inn. His life was threatened by King Herod, and He had to flee into Egypt. He was smitten by Satan the tempter, but said, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” He was smitten by the religious leaders of His day, when they charged Him, that He had a devil. He was smitten by one of His own disciples, Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. He was smitten with soul’s agony, being in Gethsemane as He fell on His face, and prayed saying: “O my father if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” He was smitten as He stood before the Sanhedrin, mocked and buffeted, and with a platted crown of thorns upon His head. He was smitten by His own people when they rejected Him before Pilate the governor, as they cried: “His blood be on us, and on our children.” He was smitten and scourged. He was smitten when they cried: “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.” He was smitten when one of the soldiers pierced His side. He was smitten of God as the good shepherd who wrought restoration to God’s glorious attributes, and the salvation of those given Him from eternity when he cried: “My God! My God!” why hast thou forsaken me?” He was forsaken from God as the righteous judge; but not forsaken of His Father when He cried with a loud voice: “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” The smiting of the shepherd was actually fulfilled when all His disciples were offended because of Him in the night wherein He was betrayed. Matt. 26:31. As a good shepherd He provided for their safety, for He said: “If you seek me, let these go their way.” And fulfills His promise, and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. Words fail to describe the sorrow of the Surety and that for a rebellious people whom He has loved even unto death. In His resurrection His promise was further fulfilled assuring the safety of His own, guiding His hands upon them, when He first appeared unto Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. He had also not forgotten His servant Peter, who had denied Him, His love had not diminished to him or to the other disciples. He visited the travelers to Emmaus and will be mindful of all the mourners who mourn for Him. They are the little ones unto whom He has promised that He would manifest Himself to them. “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.” Isa. 54:10. Christ never appeared unto the world after His resurrection, and never prays for them. “I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.” John 17:9. They are His peculiar people, His sheep, and His eye is ever upon them, He leadeth them in the green pasture of His word, and has promised that His spirit would lead them in all truth. “But when the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you!” John 14:26.

Dear reader, you have read a short narration of the sword of God’s justice exercised upon His shepherd. Was your heart touched at all as you read the recorded affliction laid upon Christ? Or is your heart like unto Gallio who cared for none of those things. Shall it be well for eternity we must have an experimental knowledge that the sword of God’s justice which effected the death of Christ was the cause of Adam’s transgression and for those comprehended in the second Adam (Christ). It should cause us a vehement godly sorrow that we have smitten the Lord with our sin. If we remain strangers to this work of grace, the sword of God’s justice will certainly be exercised upon us, and that through all eternity. Remember that the heart is deceitful, it can betray with a kiss as well as with a tear. Esau lifted up his voice and wept. He wept only because of the results of sin, not because of the cause of sin. Fear hypocritical mourning, it is like unto the Pharisees, who have a form of Godliness but deny the power thereof.

It is unto His little ones that He keeps His promise for they mourn with a godly sorrow. It is a mourning for sin more than for the results of sin, the offence that they have transgressed against the Holy, longsuffering, and merciful God, that troubles them. They confess with the publican who would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Such sinners fear that their sorrows are not deep enough. They know the deceitfulness of their heart, and dare not trust it. Therefore they cry: create in me a clean heart, O God; renew a right spirit within me. O, how often they beg the Lord in their inner chambers that He would root out all the indwelling of sin from them with root and branches. Because it is their sin that smote the shepherd; they hear His supplication: “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.” It breaks the string of their heart, the sorrow they have caused the Shepherd. He is worthy of their whole heart, but their heart smites them because they have so often smitten him with their manifold transgressions. They remain in themselves a poor and afflicted people; but it is unto such that He speaks as their Shepherd, leading them in the green pastures of His word, and assures their safety: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32. Yea, blessed is that people whose God is the Lord; He will deliver them from all their enemies for: “The eternal God is their refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before them; and shall say, Destroy them.”

Who can adequately extol the praise of such a Savior?

C.F. Boerkoel, Sr.

DEACON LEE’S OPINION

Extracted from The Sower, 1909

Deacon Lee, who was a kindly, silent, faithful, gracious man, was one day waited upon by a restless, ambitious, worldly church member, who was labouring to create uneasiness in the church, and especially to drive away the pastor. The deacon came in to meet his visitor, who, after the usual greetings, began to lament the low state of religion, and to inquire as to the reason why there had been no conversions for two or three years past.

“Now, what do you think is the cause of things being dull here? Do you know?” he persisted asking.

The deacon was not ready to give his opinion, and after a little thought frankly answered, “No, I don’t.”

“Do you think the churches are alive to the work before them?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Do you think the minister fully realises the solemnity of his work?”

“No, I don’t.”

A twinkle was seen in the eye of this troubler of Zion; and taking courage, he asked:

“Do you think Mr. B. a very extraordinary man?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Do you think his sermon on ‘Their eyes were holden’ anything wonderfully great?”

“No, I don’t.”

Making bold after all this encouragement in monosyllables, he asked:

“Then don’t you think we had better dismiss this man, and hire another?”

The old deacon started as if shot with an arrow, and, in a tone louder than his wont, shouted,

“No, I don’t.”

“Why,” cried the amazed visitor, “You agree with me in all I have said, don’t you?”

“No, I don’t.”

“You talk so little, sir,” replied the guest, not a little abashed, “that no one can find out what you do mean.”

“I talked enough once,” replied the old man, rising to his feet, “for six praying Christians. Thirty years ago I got my heart humbled and my tongue bridled, and ever since that I’ve walked softly before God.

I then made vows solemn as eternity, and don’t you tempt me to break them!”

The troubler was startled at the earnestness of the hitherto silent, unmovable man, and asked:

“What happened to you thirty years ago?”

“Well, sir, I’ll tell you. I was drawn into a scheme just like this of yours, to uproot one of God’s servants from the field in which He had planted him. In my blindness I fancied it a little thing to remove one of the ‘stars’ which Jesus holds in His right hand, if thereby my ear could be tickled, and the pews filled with those who turned away from the simplicity of the gospel. I, and the men that led me — for I admit that I was a dupe and a fool — flattered ourselves that we were conscientious. We thought that we were doing God’s service when we drove that holy man from his pulpit and his work, and said we considered his work ended in B—, where I then lived. We groaned because there was no revival, while we were gossiping about, and criticizing, and crushing, instead of upholding, by our efforts and our prayers, the instrument at whose hand we harshly demanded the blessings. Well, sire, he could not drag on the chariot of the gospel with half-a-dozen of us taunting him for his weakness, while we hung as a dead weight to the wheels; he had not the power of the Spirit, and could not convert men; so we hunted him like a deer, till, worn and bleeding, he fled into a covert to die. Scarcely had he gone, when God came among us by His Spirit, to show that He had blessed the labours of His dear rejected servant. Our own hearts were broken, and our wayward children converted; and I resolved, at a convenient season, to visit my former pastor, and confess my sin, and thank him for his faithfulness to my wayward sons, which, like long-buried seed, had now sprung up. But God denied me that relief, that He might teach me a lesson that he who toucheth one of His servants, ‘toucheth the apple of His eye.’ I heard my former pastor was ill, and, taking my oldest son with me, set out on a twenty-five miles journey to see him.

It was evening when I arrived, and his wife, with a spirit which any woman ought to exhibit towards one who had so deeply wronged her husband, denied me admittance to his chamber. She said — and her words were arrows to my soul — “He may be dying; and the sight of your face might add to his anguish.”

“Had it come to this?” I said to myself, “that the man whose labours had, through Christ, brought me into His fold; who had consoled my spirit in a terrible bereavement; and who had, till designing men had alienated us, been to me as a brother — that this man could not die in peace with my face before him? God pity me!” I cried, “what have I done?” I confessed my sins to that meek woman, and implored her, for Christ’s sake, to let me kneel before His dying servant, and receive his forgiveness. What did I care then whether the pews by the door were rented or not? I would gladly have taken his whole family to my home forever, as my flesh and blood; but no such happiness was in store for me.

As I entered the room of the blessed warrior, whose armour was falling from his limbs, he opened his languid eyes, and said, “Brother Lee! Brother Lee!” I bent over him and sobbed out, “My pastor! my pastor!” Then raising his white hand, he said in a deep, impressive voice, ‘Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” I spoke tenderly to him, and told him I had come to confess my sin and bring some of his fruit to him — calling my son to tell him how he had found Christ. But he was unconscious to all around; the sight of my face had brought the last pang of earth to his troubled spirit.

I kissed his brow and told him how dear he had been to me. I craved for his pardon for my unfaithfulness, and promised to care for his widow and fatherless little ones; but his only reply, murmured as if in a troubled dream, was, “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”

I stayed by him all night, and at daybreak I closed his eyes. I offered his widow a house to live in the remainder of her days, but, like a heroine, she said, “I freely forgive you; but my children, who entered deeply into their father’s anguish, shall never see me so regardless of his memory as to take anything from those who caused it. He has left us all with his covenant God, and He will care for us.’

Well, sir, those dying words sounded in my ears from that coffin and from that grave. When I slept, Christ stood before my dream, saying, “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm”. These words followed me until I fully realised the esteem in which Christ holds those men who have given up all for His sake, even if they are not perfect; and since that day, sir, I have talked less than before, and have supported my pastor, even if he is not a very extraordinary man. “My tongue shall cleave to the roof of my mouth, and my right hand forget her cunning,” before I dare to put asunder what God has joined together. When a minister’s work is done in a place, I believe God will show it to him. I will not join you, sire, in the scheme that brought you here; and, moreover, if I hear another word of this from your lips, I shall ask my brethren to deal with you as with those who cause divisions. I would give all I own to recall what I did thirty years ago. Stop where you are, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.”

This decided reply put an end to the new-comer’s efforts. There is often great power in the little word “No!” but sometimes, and in some circumstances, it requires not a little courage to speak it so resolutely as did the silent deacon.

From “Gospel Tidings” - England

September 1974

ECCLESIASTICAL OR CHURCHY

There is quite a difference between these words. The first is to be justified in every respect, but the second is to be condemned.

Yet it is necessary that we do not confuse the matters. One who lives and wants to live ecclesiastically, that is strictly according to church polity, is often accused of being churchy. That of course, is entirely unjust.

When I was in my first congregation at Leiden, I had the pleasure of conducting catechism classes in the congregation at Benthuizen. This congregation did not belong to my classis but since the counselor was overloaded with work, it was with his full consent that I catechised there every other week. Benthuizen was the congregation where formerly the godly Rev. Ledeboer was minister. Later, when I myself came into the classis Rotterdam, I was favored to serve that congregation continually until in 1936 the unforgettable Rev. Van Stuijvenberg came there. When in 1940 that minister accepted the call to Ierseke, I came there as a counselor and continued to perform the work till 1943.

One afternoon I had to speak to those little ones about the article concerning the Church. I asked those children where the true Church is and one boy said spontaneously, “With us.” He said it so decidedly that his answer affected me. Of course as simply as possible, I told those children that the true Church is there where God’s Word is rightly preached, and the sacraments are administered according to the institutions of Christ.

Yet I have never forgotten the answer of that little boy and I often think about it. It would be sinful and absurd to reject every thing which is outside of our denomination. The field of Boaz is more extensive than our congregations. The Lord shall gather and assemble His Church from among all languages, peoples and nations. May God’s Spirit teach us to pray for the coming of His Kingdom, for the preservation and increase of God’s Church here upon earth, and at the same time for the destruction of the works of Satan. It is also clear in that respect that the enemy does not sleep.

How God’s church lies broken like bones at the grave’s mouth. How many sad divisions and disruptions are there among those who profess and uphold the Truth. That especially should grieve our heart. It is true, the decline is great. The doctrine of universal Atonement increases more and more and we must strive against it with all our might. But what I really have in view is the strife among those who profess the Truth. Would that this was being lamented and deplored. When we are made honest, we are willing to acknowledge that it is a complaint which we can bear very easily and alas, we talk about it more than we feel it. There have been times that the church was like a city upon a hill and a salting salt in the midst of the world. But oh, what a veil lies upon God’s Church and how in general the salt has become saltless. The judgment begins at the house of God and where shall the end be? God shall continue to preserve His Church because there is no apostasy of saints; but how little communion there is with God and for that reason, so little vigor proceeds from it. We build our own houses but the house of God is left desolate. We are zealous for our own honor, but as to the honor of God - we do not trouble ourselves about it. We really need not put our head outside of the door.

One of God’s anointed servants who now rejoices before the throne often used the phrase, “the sins of heart and home.” But the practice of life teaches us that Nathan must be sent by God before David becomes a sinner before God. That is still the way today. We always overlook ourselves, some one else has always done it. Daniel, who was called “a man greatly desired” by God Himself, and who lived a close life with the Lord, included himself when he was enabled to confess the guilt of the Church before the Lord. But that is a great mercy. It is only through the excellent greatness of God’s power that a person may become debtor before God. We cannot bring ourselves to that spot and no one in the whole world is able to appropriate personally that great debt, to assume it and submit to it. People who have something of that in their heart shall not be so churchy.

There are always people who are straitened in their own bowels, and who place themselves upon a pinnacle, as if they alone were right. The Bible teaches us “Let your moderation be known unto all men.”

It is known from the history of the late Rev. Ledeboer - who himself was expelled from the State Church, that once he made a journey to visit one of his beloved colleagues, who had remained in the State Church. He wanted to investigate how that was possible. It was a riddle to him: he outside of the church, and that man could remain in it. One day Ledeboer arrived at the place where the minister lived. He rang the bell, was admitted inside, and when they met each other, they began to speak at once about the life of God and about the ways in which the Lord leads His people. There was such a spiritual agreement in the work of God that nothing was said about churches. In the evening, on the way home, Rev. Ledeboer stopped suddenly in the street and it was as if he was startled. He said, “But now I have forgotten my errand, the real object of my journey.” Then he said, “Lord, shall I go back?” But then it dropped into his heart, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou Me.” Rev. Ledeboer never went back to speak about that matter. What the Lord had answered him was sufficient.

We must be very careful; our flesh and our ego always come in between. We need not deny our standpoint for the sake of peace, nor dissimulate at the expense of the Truth; but that disputing about churches and about words produces only hotheads and cold hearts. Here we live in an incomplete and imperfect ecclesiastical situation, and it is better to bewail the breach than to be jealous for wood and brick.

Due to the lack of the true life, the time is taken up with talk about minor matters, and we are ruined when we part. The devil rejoices when we waste our time by talking about churches and ministers, and when we join in that. Then it is only because there is so little spiritual life. If our heart were filled with Christ, then there would be no room for other things.

Speaking about the ways of God, about the work of God and about how the life of God edifies and unites. At times under the blessings of God, this may touch the heart. It may leave something for meditation and encouragement on the journey through the wilderness of this life to the heavenly Canaan. In that Canaan above, God’s people shall forever sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.

Yet on the other hand, it is necessary to take an ecclesiastical standpoint and to lead an ecclesiastical life. God’s Word condemns the halting between two opinions. To wander everywhere and be at home nowhere causes great damage to ourselves, but it also often leads to the destruction of the family. It is above all, necessary to find rest in God, but also ecclesiastically, we should have a home. Our fathers have always insisted on that. But what is more important, and what should be sufficient to convince us is that God has manifested His Word. Just read what God has instituted and commanded under the Old Testament and what Christ has ordained in the Church of the New Testament and what the Apostles have prescribed for us. An orderly way has been prescribed for us in the entire word of God. God’s blessing shall rest upon the walking in the ways which God has ordained.

It is not a yoke that oppresses for Christ Himself has said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” That applies also to ecclesiastical life.

Rev. Lamain

HOW A GREAT MISTAKE WAS DISCOVERED A TRUE INCIDENT

My grandmother was always looked upon by those who knew her as a good Churchwoman, a dutiful wife, an affectionate mother, and a good neighbor. She attended the services and partook of the Sacrament regularly, visited the sick, gave alms to the poor, and was generally regarded as a very religious, upright, consistent, and exemplary person. Yet, not withstanding this outward goodness, her mind was not at rest. Her religion yielded no joy, her service brought no satisfaction. Nor could it be otherwise, for, instead of it being the spontaneous outflow of a heart constrained by love, it was as a task imposed--a duty performed in the hope of pleasing God, and meriting His favor, and in this way obtaining peace and rest.

Poor grandmother! These were “deadly doings”; but she knew it not, for her eyes were blinded by the god of this world (satan), and her unsuccessful attempts to procure peace by these means often left her depressed in spirit and cast down in mind. But God had better things in store for her, although it was by no ordinary means that He was pleased to make known to her His more excellent way.

One Sunday, she went to church as usual, and took part in the singing and prayers, which were performed in the same mechanical order as at other times. It was not until the text was read out that her attention was particularly aroused; but this so arrested her that it all seemed to be intended for herself. The words, “Ye must be born again,” uttered by the lips of an unconverted preacher, were made the message of God to her soul, but not as yet the message of peace. Her conscience was troubled, and as the words of the text were resolved in her mind, and the necessity of the new birth laid upon her heart, she trembled in her seat, and all her fancied goodness fled away; for here was Nicodemus, a good man, a teacher of religion, a pattern of morality, being told by the Lord Jesus that he must be born again, or he could not enter heaven. She could see now that her almsgiving, and churchgoing would not satisfy the righteous claims of a just and holy God.

She had made a most blessed discovery—that she was a lost sinner, “having no hope, and without God in the world.” She returned home in great distress of mind, and so continued until the next day. These painful exercises then showed no signs of abatement, for the words of the text kept ringing in her ears; so, on the morrow, as early as convenient, she sought an interveiw with the clergyman, in the hope that he might be able to minister relief to her troubled heart.

But “woe unto you, ye blind guides!” The only counsel he could give was, to remind her of her good deeds, her consistent life, her regular attendance at church, etc., urging her to be calm and to banish from her mind these distressing thoughts, as there was not the slightest foundation for her fears. But this only increased her trouble, and she cried out, in great anguish of soul, “Tell me how I can be born again! Tell me over again what you were telling the people yesterday.” As she earnestly entreated him thus, he became greatly perplexed, for, alas! the sermon he had preached the previous day was borrowed, and had since been returned to its owner; so, in much confusion, he had to confess his inability to help her; but said he, “You must get into cheerful company, read lively-books (at the same time offering her some of Shakespeare’s plays), and these impressions will soon wear off.” But the solemn words from John 3:7 were fastened in her mind by the “Master of Assemblies,” to bring forth their fruit in due season.

My grandmother left the minister in great despair, which continued and increased to such an extent that eventually it became necessary to remove her to an asylum, and her cries of distress were heartrending, her incessant and unchanging cry being, “I must be born again! Tell me how I must be born again!” But, strange as it may appear, this was God’s way of bringing her both mental and spiritual relief. A Christian lady who visited the asylum became acquainted with her case, and learning that there were times when grandmother was quieter and more herself, she resolved, if possible, to enlist the co-operation of a godly minister of her acquaintance; and having made it a matter of prayer, the way was soon open for him to see her, and the visit was made with the happiest results.

As the glorious Gospel message was set before her, in simple and earnest language, she listened with rapt attention, and drank in the blessed truth which was soon to become the power of God unto her salvation. After this visit she was a little restless at times, but as the truth entered her soul, and she was enabled by precious faith to lay hold upon Christ, her fears all vanished, and she gradually became more calm and peaceful. She was led to see that peace was made for her by the blood of the cross, and not by works; and, “being justified by faith, she had peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

She had now known and experienced the blessed change so long sought for, and which might have been set forth at her first awakening had a wise counsellor been at hand. The change in her soul was very real, and acted so beneficially upon her mind that shortly afterwards she was able to return to her home and friends, to tell what great things the Lord had done unto her. The remainder of her life was one of settled peace and joy, fruitful in good works, and abounding in thanksgiving and praise to God.

Dear reader, how is it with you? Have you experienced that great change? Remember, nothing but reality will do for God and eternity. Neither education, morality, reformation, nor religious profession, can take the place of the new birth. They that are in the flesh cannot please God. There must be a new life and a new power communicated, in which to love and serve God; and this can only be “by washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.” “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

Selected

BIBLE TRUTH BOOKS

Listed below are several additional books which are now available from Bible Truth Books. If you are not receiving our book lists, and desire to be placed on our mailing list, send your request to

Bible Truth Books

P.O. Box 2373

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003

May the Lord’s blessing rest upon the reading of these books, which are a precious heritage from men of former years.

LIFE AND CHARACTER OF CHARNOCK AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST CRUCIFIED Retail -$.95

Our Price -$.55

A short biographical study on the life of Stephen Char nock, a richly gifted Puritan divine, along with a sermon of his on I Corinthians 2:2. 54 pages (paperback)

THE RUIN OF ANTICHRIST Retail -$2.50

by John Bunyan Our Price -$1.75

In this small paperback Bunyan deals with the description, characters, types and works of the Antichrist. He describes the certain ruin of Antichrist, reasons for its fall, and ends with an application of the subject. 118 pages

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by Arthur W. Pink Our Price -$3.50

In this book Pink brings out a very soul searching study on true saving faith. It will be of great interest to those whose heart cries out…’Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts”. 186 pages (hard cover)

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by John Calvin Our Price -$11.75

Another of the complete set written by the famous reformer on the first book of the Bible. Written in his typical style, this book is excellent for study purposes as Calvin delves into the recesses of the scriptures. 523 pages (hard cover)

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A practical explanation about a subject on which there are many questions. Having made a thorough study of scripture and many other sources, the author seeks to point out the blessed truths concerning that supernatural work of the Holy Spirit whereby a sinner is “created in Christ Jesus”. 206 pages (hard cover)

THE PUBLICAN AND THE PHARISEE

Behold, how sinners disagree,--
The Publican and Pharisee
One doth his righteousness proclaim,
The other owns his guild and shame.

This man at humble distance stands,
And cries for grace with lifted hands;
That boldly rises near the throne
And talks of duties he has done.

The Lord their different language knows,
And different answers he bestows:
The humble soul with grace he crowns,
Whilst on the proud his anger frowns.

Dear Father, let me never be
Joined with the boasting Pharisee;
I have no merits of my own,
But plead the offerings of Thy Son.

Waats

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