Timothy

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH ARTICLE XXXII (continued) Of the Order and Discipline of the Church

In our previous article we tried to explain some things about church discipline and how it is applied. The third step of it was the cutting off or excommunicating from the church. However, it is not final; after repentance and confessing of our sins before God and the congregation, it is possible to return. The form prescribed for this can be found immediately following the form of excommunication in our psalter (page 65), and is called, “Form of Readmitting Excommunicated Persons”.

It is a wonder when this may take place in the life of a wayward person. Most of the time when such a person is approached on house visitation and the word censure is used, the request is immediately made, “Send me my papers.” It is then forgotten that at the time of confession of faith a promise was made that we would subject ourselves to church discipline should we become delinquent, either by falling or living in sin. Many times our sins are no longer considered to be sin, because we have become so accustomed to the sin which surrounds us. It clearly shows that we have gone with the world very far, and it is to be feared that it will become worse!

In the last days the power of Satan will greatly increase, and this can already be felt throughout the world. And although this article speaks about excommunication, the possibility is also there to return. Of the Lord Himself there is written that He receives sinners, and this is a great comfort for sinners. God’s people must often excommunicate themselves, but then it is a great wonder that the Lord returns to them and accepts them again. It is only possible because Christ was rejected during the three hours of darkness on Golgotha for the sin of His church. It was not for the sin which He committed, since He was and remained the Holy One. In His life there was neither hidden nor public sins.

Perhaps the difference between a hidden and a public sin ought to be described. A secret sin is one known only to a few people, and therefore it does not give offence to the church. As an example, two people work together and one of them uses the Name of the Lord in vain. This is a terrible sin, for which in the Old Testament a person had to die. It takes place so often in these days, so that many do not take notice of it and those guilty of it do not realize what they are doing. We must also give an account of these sins before the Lord. The person who heard this curse should not tell to others what a sinful man his neighbor is and what he has done. No, then he himself is worthy of censure. He must act according to God’s Word in Matthew 18; he should warn him against this sin, and urge him to repent before the Lord, but it all must remain only between them. If there is a refusal to listen to this warning of love, and the person continues in the sin and does not come to repentance, then he himself makes the sin public. Then other persons will be involved and later on also the consistory. In this way a secret sin becomes a public sin. Censure, of course, does not only take place with members, but also with respect to ministers, elders and deacons.

The article of our confession ends—”therefore we admit only of that which tends to nourish and preserve concord, and unity, and to keep all men in obedience to God. For this purpose, excommunication or church discipline is requisite, with the several circumstances belonging to it, according to the Word of God.” How censure is to be applied is clearly described in God’s Word. In Titus 3:10 we read, “A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” According to I Corinthians 5:2 and II Corinthians 2: 5 & 6 excommunication has to be done by the church. It is a cutting off from the kingdom of heaven, but it is conditional; conversion is possible. Calvin writes that the church by excommunication does not bind the person to eternal condemnation, but, unless he returns with confession of guilt for his sinful life, he will be condemned. Smijtegeld says that it is better to die on the stake or scaffold than to be cut off from the church.

The purpose of discipline is: (1) to reconcile the sinner with the church and his neighbor; (2) to take the offence out of the church of Christ, and (3) to sanctify the Name of the Lord. From this you can readily understand that discipline does not involve those outside of the church. Those outside will be judged by the Lord. Neither does it include those who are handicapped in mind and therefore not fully responsible for their actions. However, we may not go in the modern paths of worldly justice, which tries to make people not fully responsible for their actions and thus to escape punishment. This should not be!

Discipline extends over all the members of the church, both rich and poor, governors and subjects, emperors and beggars. Ambrose placed Ceasar Theodosius under church discipline for his misbehavior, and he was not accepted in the church until after he had laid crying at the door of the church and showed true repentance.

Sometimes it is asked whether baptized members may do confession of guilt, and often this is in respect to the seventh commandment. All those who have trespassed against God’s commandment and have come to the years of discretion are in duty bound to make confession of guilt. They may not only do this, but it is their duty. I do not deny that the confession of guilt for sinning against the seventh commandment is often only a formality. It seems that in these days it is no more regarded as sin, and is even propagated, but in the eyes of the Lord it remains the same; it is sin! Our bodies should be temples of the Holy Spirit! If we felt more of this, we would not sell ourselves so easily to sinful pleasures.

We are all guilty before the Lord, and every day should make confession of guilt before Him. May the Lord stand up over us as in the days of old, so that many would confess their sin before the Lord, supplicating for mercy. Only in the way of repentance will the favor of the Lord be experienced.

Rev. A.M. DenBoer

Sioux Center, Iowa

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

Our Bible quiz this month is again a crossword puzzle. As you work out the answers, you will find that they bring to your attention the subject of death. The Bible speaks to us about the end of all who live on the earth, when it says, “It is appointed unto men once to die.” May the Lord prepare us for that day, for what a terrible day it shall be if we are not ready. We need only to read the parable of the ten virgins to see the sad condition of those who are not ready. There is a poem which also speaks to us of this—

When from the earth I go,

What will become of me?

Eternal happiness or woe

Must then my portion be.

May the Lord make us seekers of Him and His salvation, so that our portion may be eternal happiness.

The clues for the crossword puzzle are as follows—

ACROSS:

1. Paul wrote to the Romans, “for the wages of______ is death.”

4. Balaam prophesied, saying, “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my______ end be like his.”

7. In the psalms we read, “Precious ______the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”

8. Of whom is it written that all his days were nine-hundred sixty and nine years, and he died?

10. In the last supper the Lord Jesus said, “This is My body which is given for you; this ____in remembrance of Me.”

11. Jonathan said to his father, “I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and,____, I must die.”

13. Of what place is it said, “There shall be no more death?” (2 words)

16. In the days of Elijah, the son of the woman of Shunem “sat ______her knees till noon, and then died.”

17. Paul also wrote to the Romans, “Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and ______death passed upon all men.”

18. In the book of Hebrews we read of Melchisedec, “having neither beginning of days, nor end of______.”

19. Elijah went up by a whirl____ into heaven.

21. Of Abijah the son of Jeroboam we read, “He only of Jeroboam shall come______the grave.”

23. God said to Abraham, “Thou shalt______to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.”

25. When Abraham took the knife to slay his son, the angel of the Lord said, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither______thou any thing unto him.”

27. Jacob said to his sons, “Bury me with my fathers ...., in the cave that is in the field of ______.”

29. God said unto Adam, “Dust thou______, and unto dust shalt thou return.”

30. John on Patmos heard a voice saying, I______He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen.”

31. The psalmist prayed, “O my God,______me not away in the midst of my days.” (Psalm 102)

DOWN:

1. Of whom was it said, “the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life”?

2. David said concerning his child, “I shall go to him, but he shall______return to me.”

3. Job said, “My____chooseth strangling, and death rather than life.”

5. In one of the last chapters of Revelation we read, “I saw the dead,_________________, stand before God; and the books were opened.” (3 words)

6. In the garden the Lord Jesus said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even______death.”

9. Jacob told Reuben regarding Benjamin, “If mischief befall him by the way ..., then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with______to the grave.”

11. Ruth said to Naomi, “where thou______, will I die.”

12. Job confessed that his days were passed away as the____ ships.”

14. The Lord Jesus said to the Jews, “the dead shall hear the voice of the______of God, and they that hear shall live.”

15. Solomon urged us to remember our Creator “while the sun, or the light, or the____, or the stars, be not darkened.”

18. The answer of Ezekiel as to whether the dry bones could live was, “O____God, Thou knowest”.

20. Esther said, “So will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law; and____I perish, I perish.”

22. John heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write, Blessed are the______which die in the Lord from henceforth.”

24. The psalmist said, “Yea, though I______through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”

26. Rahab asked the spies for herself and for her family, “Deliver________lives from death.”

28. Of Enoch it is written, “And he was not; for God took____ He was not; for God took ______.”

(Your answers should be sent to Garrent J. Moerdyk, 5211 Woodmont Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.)

The answers to the quiz of last month are:

“So Teach Us To Number Our Days” Psalm 90:12

Shadow -IChron. 29:15

Old -Job 42:17

Tale - Psalm 90:9

Enoch - Genesis 5:24

Appeareth -James 4:14

Children - Mark 10:13-16

Handbreadth - Psalm 39:5

Unclean - Mark 7:25-26

Seek - II Chron. 34:3

Twelve - Mark 6:42

Obadiah -I Kings 18:12

Number -Exodus 33:11

Unto -I Samuel 3:1

Mephibosheth - II Samuel 4:4

Butler - Genesis 41:9-12

Esau - Genesis 25:34

Rebekah - Genesis 24:15-17

Ought -James 4:15

Understanding -I Chron. 22:12

Righteousness - II Timothy 4:8

Demas -II Timothy 4:10

Away -Isaiah 64:7

Years - Genesis 47:9

Seed - Psalm 37:25

Answers to the Bible quiz have been received from the following—

Sidney VanderMeulen

Constance VanderMeulen

Elizabeth VanderMeulen

Elaine Kay Frens

Debbie VanBemden

Kathy VanBemden

Sally VanBemden

Rich Carlson

Randy Carlson

Bum Pluim

Rachel Pluim

Leah Pluim

Ross Derksen

Marc DeVisser

Jeffry Knibbe

Kristi Marie DeVries

Julie DeBruine

Randy DeBruine

Larry Roelofs

Dan Roelofs

David Roelofs

Scott Van’tZelfde

Jeremy A. Boot

Jeff Boot

Petra Muis

Carrie Blok

Julie VanGemert

Jody Kegel

Stephanie Kegel

Bill Dendekker

Joan Scholten

Angela Stam (2)

Charles John Stam

Alisa Stam

Neil Stam

Ronald Bertram

Cathy Both

Nita Lagemaat

Les Lagemaat

Tim Lagemaat

Robert Lagemaat

Steve VanOostenbrugge

Karl VanOostenbrugge

Treena Koeken

Kevin VanVoorst

Alyce Nieuwenhuis

Rob Nieuwenhuis

Tim Nieuwenhuis

Joel VanderKooi

Lisa DeJager

Kristi Rosendall

Jeff Rosendall

Rachel Rosendall

John VanGemert

Carl Mast

Margaret Scholten (2)

Johanna Scholten (2)

Lisa Stalker

Laurie Bleeker

Lisa VandenToorn

Kevin Rosendall

Mary Rosendall

Linda Bazen

Karen Bazen

Jim Bazen

Stacy Seabert

Michele Seabert

Elaine Rozeboom

Karrie Beeke

Jason DeSmit

Julie DeSmit

Michael DeSmit

Anita VanTilburg

Bob Boerkoel

John Boerkoel

Joanne Boerkoel

Jonathan Kamp

Daniel Kamp

Kristi Boluyt

Tammy VandenToorn

Douglas J. Mol

Laurie VanEss

Sara Lamain

Kristi Lamain

Michelle Klaasen

DanKwekel

Tom Kwekel

Brian VanHoepen

Eugene VanHoepen

Steven Johnson

Dwayne Johnson

David Hoogendoorn

Kent Hoogendoorn

Sharon Bazen

Peter Bazen

Ed Bazen

Dan Bazen

Lisa Honcoop

Renita Schelling (2)

James VandenBrink

Norm VanRavenswaay

Lyle VanRavenswaay

Chris Bylsma

Stan Bylsma

Tim VanSurksum

Henry VanLagen

John VanLagen

Joan VanLagen

William VanLagen

Cathy VandeLinde

Leah Talbot

Mark Talbot

Linda Talbot

Sharon Talbot

Laura Talbot

Herman VanderMeulen

Ann VanderMeulen

Karl VanderMeulen

Benjamin VanderMeulen

Frances VanderMeulen

David VanderMeulen

Kenny Kanis

Kathleen Kanis

Debbie Kanis

Gerald Vanderwal

Helen Vanderwal (2)

Peter Vanderwal (2)

Rachel VanVoorst

Jay VanVoorst

Judy VanVoorst

Brenda Spaans

Sherry Fluit

Shirley Fluit

Beth Elaine VanderKooi

Ray VanderKooi

Glen VanderKooi

Peter Eckhardt

John Eckhardt

Jody Ann Ymker

SheryldenHoed(2)

Sharon denHoed (2)

Arlen denHoed (2)

Jennifer Sue Rose

Gaylon Rozeboon

Debra Witvoet

Carrie Witvoet

Annette Hoogendoorn

Lynnette Hoogendoorn

Laura Jane Troff

John Wesdyk

Karen Wesdyk

Liz VanGiessen

Joan VanGiessen

Denise VanDeMoere

Diane VanDeMoere

Carmel Goudzwaard

Jim Kraayeveld

Jeffrey VanWyk

Edward VanWyk

Anita Roth

Linda Burggraaf

Doug Post

Vicki Post

Judy denHoed

Artis denHoed

Robert denHoed

Dorenda denHoed

Margaret Karelse

Shirley Karelse

Karen Karelse

Michelle Karelse

John Fluit

Lisa VanBeek

Sandra VanBeek

Terry VanBeek

Cheryl VandeStouwe

Myra VandeStouwe

Shelley Hoogendoorn (2)

Lisa Ann Hoogendoorn (2)

Nora Jane Knibbe

Kenny Kievit

Janet Kievit

Colin Both

Shawna Koppelaar

Cindy Hulshof

Ronald Hulshof

LeAnn Klarenbeek

Arlen Klarenbeek

David Klarenbeek

Darwyn Klarenbeek

Bobby Hults, Jr.

Linda VanBrugge

Helen VanBrugge

May VanBrugge

Phyllis VanVeldhuizen

Sheila VanVeldhuizen

Rhonda VanVeldhuizen

Audrey VanVeldhuizen

Brent Bleyenberg

Harriet Hubers

Mary Hubers

Duane Hubers

Howard E. Hubers

Jim Koppert

Brian Kegel

Yvonne Kegel

Steve VanGemert

Cindy Markus

Vicki VanGemert

Estella Schouten

Philip Schouten

Anita Schouten

Drew Nieuwenhuis

Elizabeth Vandenberg

Henry Vandenberg

David Vandenberg

Gerrard Stubbe

Petra Muis

Jennifer Bednarski

Tom Hoefakker

Jennifer Procee (2)

Peter Procee (2)

Jack Neels

Marianne Neels

Lena Neels (2)

John VanHoepen

Reineke Bertram

And now we’ll try to answer the letters which we have received—

ELIZABETH VANDENBERG - I suppose you also keep busy writing to your sister in Nigeria, Elizabeth. When you are so far from home, a letter is always welcome. I experienced it when I was in the Army. How long does it usually take for your mail to reach her? Give her our greetings.

ESTELLA SCHOUTEN - Is that the ocean where you go swimming, E stella? How far is that from where you live? We only see a small part of the ocean as we stand on the shore, but how small we are when compared to it. It is also a wonder of God’s creation.

KAREN WESDYK - I am sure your school Bible lessons are very helpful for you in doing the Timothy Bible Quiz, Karen. Do you also hear some things out of your school lessons in the sermons which you hear on Sunday? Each does a part in teaching us to know God’s Word.

JULIE DE SMIT - Last night we had rain here, Julie, making everything quite slippery. It is not good weather for travelling. Did you like the pictures which Mr. and Mrs. Louwerse showed? Before the missionaries came there, those people knew nothing about the Word of God.

TREENA KOCKEN - We are quite well, Treena. We have quite a bit of snow on the ground, and every few days seem to get a new layer of it. How long have you been taking organ lessons? Although it takes considerable practice, it is very nice to be able to play well.

DEBRA WITVOET - How are you getting along, Debra? Do you have any more problem with your hip after your surgery? The doctors have been given much wisdom in correcting physical problems, but also in those things the Lord’s blessing is needed. Say Hello to your parents.

JOAN SCHOLTEN - Since the answers are always given the following month, Joan, you have a chance to check yourself with them. Did you like the crossword puzzle this month? We hope everyone uses their Bibles to locate the answers, rather than by guessing at words which fit.

PHILIP SCHOUTEN - What are the makes of cars which you find most in New Zealand, Philip? Do you know a lot about cars? The Bible tells of the transportation of those days and it was very different from today. Can you think of some ways by which people travelled then?

MICHAEL DE SMIT - You had a very nice collection in your school for the mission, Michael. When we see the pictures of how they live, we know that they do not have much in those far-off countries. But what do you think their greatest need is?

JOHN WESDYK - Yes, John there are many types of the Lord Jesus found in the Old Testament. Each shows something of who He was and what He did. The Lord taught His people by these things in those days, but we too can learn much by them. We, too, need the Lord to teach us those things.

CARRIE WITVOET - Is your arm all better, Carrie? Troubles in our life soon bring us to the hospital. The troubles of our souls should also bring us someplace, but we cannot go to the hospital for it. Do you know where we should go?

LISA HONCOOP - We are glad to have you join in answering the Bible quiz, Lisa. We like to see the place in the Bible given where the answer can be found, as then we know you have used your Bibles to find them. We all need to know the Bible better.

ANITA SCHOUTEN - It was nice to hear from you again, Anita, especially to hear that you are getting better. Each of us must say, He has not dealt with us according to our sins. We miss Rev. Vergunst very much here in Kalamazoo. Give our regards to your father.

REINEKE BERTRAM - We also read about bees in the Bible, Reineke. Do you know where in the Bible this would be? All bees are not busy bees, as we also read about drone bees. Have you ever studied about bees in your class at school?

RONALD BERTRAM - As you start a new school, you will no doubt find a very different environment than the school you were in before. We hope that the things you have learned will not be forgotten. Is your new school close to home?

Our letters are again answered for this month. Thank you, boys and girls, for your replies to the quiz. May the Lord cause the seed of His Word to be sown in your hearts and to be nurtured by His Spirit, so that the true fruit may be seen in the years to come.

With love

Your friend,

“Uncle Garrett”

QUESTIONS YOUNG PEOPLE ASK

Why does God say in Isaiah 22:22 that He will lay the key of the house of David on Eliakim’s shoulder”! Does this text have a spiritual meaning?

Door keys in Biblical times were from seven inches to two feet in length, and often were so heavy that a man had all he could do to carry one on his shoulder. Therefore it is not surprising that a key became a symbol of power and authority, especially when used in king’s palaces; the key-holder not only supervised the royal chambers, but also decided who was or who was not to be received into the king’s presence and service. Spiritually, God the Father has laid the key of His elect church upon the shoulders of His Son, Jesus Christ, who has not only borne the weight of His people’s sins in order to merit the unlocking of the gates of heaven for them, but also continues to hold the key of David in the state of His exaltation as living and applying Savior, unlocking the royal chambers of heaven and the rusty chambers of His people’s hearts at the time of His good pleasure, so that His children may enter into God’s presence, favor, and communion. Christ is supreme Key-holder for God’s true church from eternity to eternity, but is also pleased to delegate out authority in a secondary measure to office-bearers on earth appointed by Him to lead and rule in the visible church on earth. (See Lord’s Day 31.)

Rev. J. Beeke

AWAKE

Sinner! that slumberest on the brink

Of hell’s devouring lake;

Oh, think on death, on judgment think;

What mean’st thou, sleeper? Wake!

‘Tis time we all awake;

The dreadful day draws near;

Sinners! your proud presumption check,

And stop your wild career.

Now is the accepted time;

To Christ for mercy fly;

Oh, turn, repent, and trust in Him,

And you shall never die.

Great God, in Whom we live,

Prepare us for that day.

Help us in Jesus to believe,

To watch, and wait, and pray!

J. Hart

THE VOICE OF CONSCIENCE

The voice of conscience is really the voice of God in the heart of every person, telling us what is right and what is wrong. By listening to what it says we know how to do the right and to avoid the wrong; but if we disobey the voice, it becomes less clear, and this is why some sinners get so hardened in their sins.

Now I want to tell you how a sweet little boy, many years ago, learned a very painful lesson. His name was Willie, and at the time this happened he was ten years old. His father used to go to the place of worship on Monday evenings, because he had to lead the singing and attend to the library, and Willie was glad to go with him. One evening his father said he could not go, as he had a special piece of work to finish, and would be in the shop until very late; so that Willie must go by himself and tell the minister. I am sure that he meant to obey; but on the way there he met four boys, who persuaded him to go with them to play in a field.

He then began to think how he could deceive his father on returning home, and then conscience began to speak. Well, he went home at the usual time, half-past eight, and sat down to supper. His father came in from the shop, and asked the expected question: “Who prayed at the meeting tonight?” Then came the prepared answer: “Mr. Barlow, Mr. Dexter, and Uncle Reuben.” At that moment there was a knock at the door; and when the visitor came in, it was Uncle Reuben! The visitor was asked to join them at supper; and Willie sat there suffering two things: he was afraid he would be found out and punished; yes, but conscience was telling him that he had disobeyed his father, deceived his parents, and acted the part of a liar.

His father went back to the shop at nine o’clock, but Uncle Reuben stayed until it was nearly ten. Willie was not found out, and crept up to bed. Did he kneel down to pray? No. Did he go quietly to sleep? No. The solemn church clock struck ten in the darkness, and every note gave pain. Still he kept awake, and the clock struck eleven, each note telling him he had done wrong. Then, after another hour, the clock struck twelve; and each note seemed to Willie as if it was God telling him that He knew all about it, although he had escaped punishment.

Some years passed away before Willie confessed to his father, and they rejoiced together that God is a God of mercy, and that there is forgiveness with Him if by His grace we are brought to confess our sins.

Willie is now an old man, and loves to write to his young friends, and tell them of the mercy of God to those who seek His favour. He has not told you his full name, but you will find it on this page if you look in the right place.

William Wileman

Young People’s Magazine

SEEK THE LORD

The Lord proclaims His grace abroad!

Behold, I change your hearts of stone;

Each shall renounce his idol-god,

And serve, henceforth, the Lord alone.

My grace, a flowing stream, proceeds

To wash your filthiness away;

Ye shall abhor your former deeds,

And learn my statutes to obey.

My truth the great design ensures,

I give myself away to you;

You shall be mine, I will be yours,

Your God unalterably true.

Yet not unsought, or unimplor’d,

The plenteous grace shall I confer;

No—your whole hearts shall seek the Lord,

I ‘11 put a praying spirit there.

From the first breath of life divine,

Down to the last expiring hour,

The gracious work shall all be mine,

Begun and ended in my power.

Cowper

HUMBLE PRAYER

While Joshua led the armed bands

Of Israel forth to war;

Moses apart, with lifted hands,

Engag’d in humble pray’r.

The armed bands had quickly fail’d,

And perish’d in the fight,

If Moses’ pray’r had not prevail’d To put the foes to flight.

When Moses’ hands through weakness dropp’d,

The warriors fainted too;

Israel’s success at once was stopp’d,

And Am’lek bolder grew.

A people, always prone to boast,

Were taught by this suspense,

That not a num’rous armed host,

But God was their defence.

We now of fleets and armies vaunt,

And ships and men prepare;

But men like Moses most we want,

To save the state by pray’r.

Yet, Lord, we hope thou hast prepar’d

A hidden few today

(The nation’s secret strength and guard,)

To weep, and mourn, and pray.

O hear their pray’rs, and grant us aid,

Bid war and discord cease;

Heal the sad breach which sin has made,

And bless us all with peace.

Newton

THE EVERLASTING WORD

What are the mines of shining wealthy,

The strength of youth, the bloom of health!

What are all joys compar’d with those

Thine everlasting word bestows!

Submitted

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