NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

MINISTERIAL CALLS Extended

To Rev. J. Den Hoed of Rock Valley, Iowa to the St. Catharines, Ontario congregation.

Extended and Declined

By Rev. J. Spaans Norwich, Ontario, to the Barneveld, The Netherlands congregation.

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHURCH SERVICES IN FLORIDA

As in recent years, Sunday church services will be held at the “Bradenton Academy,” 6210 17th Ave. West, Bradenton, Florida. Services will be held each Sunday from November 6, 1988, through April 16, 1989 (excepting December 25 and January 1). Worship hours are 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM.

If assistance is needed for accommodations, or for further inquiry, please contact Mr. H. Mast, (813) 753–6112 (Bradenton, Fla.); or Mr. Wm. Noorduyn, (813) 360-1440 (St. Petersburg, Fla.).

For directions to the “Academy” in Bradenton, see October 1988 issue.

When vacationing in Florida, please join us. Do not spend your Sundays in idleness or where the doctrines of free grace are not expounded. You are heartily welcome. May the Lord add His blessing. — HM

HM

NEW ADDRESS

All donations and correspondence for the American General Mission should now be forwarded to:

J. Van Brugge

P.O. Box 76,

Burgessville, Ont. N0J 1C0

Canada

MIDWEST YOUTH DAY

On )uly 23, 1988, the Annual Youth Day Conference of Classis Midwest was held at the Netherlands Reformed Christian School sponsored by the Rock Valley, Iowa Congregation. Approximately one hundred young people from various congregations attended.

John Fluit Jr., president of the Youth Organization, opened the morning session with a welcome to the young people. Following the welcome, Rev. Den Hoed prayed and read from Proverbs 4. He then presented the first topic, “Your Parents and You.” The main point of his topic was young adults obeying their parents upon which the Lord will grant an outward blessing.

John Fluit Jr. presented the second topic, “Valuable Lessons from David’s Youth.” This topic showed the young people how they could use David’s youth as a guide for their young lives.

Elder G. Hoogendoorn closed the morning session with prayer and singing. Lunch was prepared and served by the Rock Valley Mission Guild.

Rev. Hofman opened the afternoon session with prayer and Scripture reading from Genesis 39. He then presented the third topic, “Temptation and Deliverance.” In his topic, Rev. Hofman illustrated how young people today could look to Joseph’s example with Potiphar’s wife to refrain from evil lusts.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent at Newton Hills State Park where supper was served. Upon the return to school, Rev. Den Hoed closed the day with prayer.

On Sunday, July 24, Rev. Den Hoed preached in Rock Valley and Rev. Hofman preached in Sioux Center. After the evening services, the ministers welcomed all the young people to gather for a “singing and question” period. Many spiritual and practical questions were discussed. May the Lord’s blessing rest upon the instruction given.

SF

URGENT STAFFING NEED FOR MISSION WORK IN IZI, NIGERIA

The Mission Board of the NRC in the Netherlands is in need of a

MISSIONARY/TEACHER

for the mission work being done in Izi, Nigeria.

His principal task will be to teach at the Bible and Agricultural College and to assist in the work of the Nigeria Reformed Church in general.

The Board would like to come into contact with candidates who are between 25 and 45 years of age and have:

• A sincere dedication towards mission work

• Some degree of theological training

• A few years of educational experience, preferably at a college level

• A good knowledge of the English language Applications stating educational qualifications, experience, reference addresses, etc. can be sent to the address below, where further information can also be obtained.

Mission Board of the NRC

c/o Drs. G. Nieuwenhuis, General Secretary

P.O. Box 232

3440 AE Woerden, Netherlands

Tel. 0-11-31-3480-21220 (office)

0-11-31-1726-15492 (home)

SYNOPSIS OF NRC SYNODICAL MINUTES

October 20, 1988

Article 1—OPENING

This scheduled session was called for to complete the mandated reconvening of Synod 1988 as detailed in Article IX, A, 4 of the June 29, 1988 minutes. Rev. J. Den Hoed, as pastor of the calling church of Rock Valley, opened this special session with the singing of Psalter 64:1,2, the reading of Psalm 25, and prayer.

After extending hearty wishes to Rev. M. Heerschap and Rev. A.W. Verhoef on their 40th and 25th anniversaries in the ministry respectively, Rev. Den Hoed spoke an edifying word on Psalm 25:4,5, often called “a blind man’s prayer.” He stressed our great need to be led in accord with God’s truth and to follow Him in His ways. Like David, may we learn to glory in what God gives, namely, “Thy salvation.” For David, this salvation involved waiting—waiting which also involved laboring at the throne of grace. With these words, this special synodical session was declared open.

Article II-CREDENTIALS

See article II of June 20 minutes. All delegates were present with the exception of Elder J. Beeke, who was ill. Classis East’s first alternate, Elder C. Koudys, took his place.

Synodical officers assumed their tasks from the June 29 meeting. Rev. H. Hofman was voted as assistant clerk to fill the empty place of Elder J. Beeke.

Article III —REPRESENTATIVES FROM “GEREFORMEERDE GEMEENTEN”

The chairman gave an opportunity to Rev. A.F. Honkoop and Rev. A. Moerkerken as representatives from our Holland churches to convey greetings. Rev. A.F. Honkoop addressed Synod, conveying greetings and stating the advice of the representatives to the Synod.

He also stressed that whatever the decision may be today, the Netherlands churches are hoping it may be a united one and that the brothers may meet in peace.

Article IV —ACTS OF 1988 SYNOD

The Emeritus Fund asked and received permission to have the first paragraph in Article VII, F of the June 29, 1988 minutes amended.

Article V — INSTRUCTIONS

With regard to the mandate of Article IX, A, 4, the committee which was requested to prepare a report on the question “if it is legal to discipline a divorced, but personally innocent, minister, by withholding him from any of his official duties,” mailed a fourteen-page study paper on the question to the synodical delegates in advance of the meeting. Rev. J. Den Hoed stated that this report had been prepared objectively by the committee members (Reverends J. Den Hoed, H. Hofman, A. Moerkerken, and C. Vogelaar), and hence does not deal with a person but an issue.

After a few minor grammatical and typographical errors were corrected, and considerable discussion transpired, Synod voted 18-1 for adopting the report in its entirety. Synod decided that the contents of this report were to be appended to the synodical minutes as an authoritative solution for all future cases relating to biblically and innocently divorced ministers, elders, and deacons.

This objective report may be summarized as follows: On the basis of Scripture and Reformed Church Order, an office-bearer who is declared an innocent party in a biblical divorce situation by means of adultery, may not be disciplined. In such cases, when innocence has been thoroughly investigated and established, the personal life and office-bearing of such a brother must be left between God and his conscience. Thus, he is free to either voluntarily lay down or continue in his office, but must seek the Lord’s guidance in this regard. Further, he must make known his decision to the congregations, which decision, in turn, is to be accepted by them.

[The morning session of Synod was closed with prayer by Rev. C. Vogelaar and the afternoon session was opened with Scripture and prayer by Rev. A.W. Verhoef.]

With regard to the subjective case at hand and the advice given by the Holland representatives, a brotherly discussion transpired with regard to the possibility of an additional study committee to again confirm the innocence of Rev. J.R. Beeke in his marital situation. A vote of 14-6 revealed that Synod felt no need for an additional committee, thereby affirming the decisions made by previous ecclesiastical gatherings that this brother has been sufficiently established as the innocent party, and hence the approved report shall apply to his case.

In concluding this point, Synod stressed that this case was now closed and is not to be surfaced again. The chairman also urged that all talk about this matter be stopped, and that the churches may all proceed forward into the future in unity. The unity and brotherliness felt at Synod throughout the entire day was both encouraging and humbling for all who were present.

Obituary notices are printed free of charge and are submitted by the officiating minister- marriage and anniversary notices will be charged at $5.00 per issue and must be individually submitted. Other announcements and/or requests will be approved by the editorial committee on an individual basis as received. (Church events or school needs, such as upcoming classical meetings, “teachers wanted,” office-bearer conferences or youth day conferences will be announced free of charge.)

To place an announcement, simply type (or print neatly) your information, enclose $5.00, and forward to “News and Events,” 2115 Romence St. N.E., Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 by the 5th of the month preceding publication.

Article VI-EXPENSES

Expenses for Synod amounted to $8,200, and were prorated accordingly.

Article VII —CLOSING

In concluding the final session of Synod 1988, the chairman, Rev. J. Den Hoed, thanked the delegates for the spirit of cooperation shown throughout the day. He also expressed the wish to Rev. Beeke that the Lord would continue to go with him throughout difficult trials. The Holland representatives, Rev. A. Moerkerken and Rev. A.F. Honkoop, were also thanked for their presence and advice.

The treasurer, Elder G. Moerdyk, spoke some words of appreciation on behalf of the Kalama-zoo congregation for the support of various congregations in regard to a law-suit incurred, and informed the delegates that all debts for this case have now been cleared.

Rev. A.W. Verhoef informed Synod of his intention to ask for the status of emeritus in the near future, though he hopes to continue to do some labors in his congregation and some preaching at the request of his consistory. The chairman spoke some words of appreciation to him for all the labors performed in the past.

May the Lord remember this brother and his wife in the climbing of his years, and grant him to be fruitful for the congregations also after his emeritation.

Rev. J. Spaans presented a report from the newly-mandated “Canadian Bureau of the NRC.” The fleshing out of the mandate as presented in the report was accepted by Synod, and the committee was requested to proceed accordingly.

The vice-president, Rev. C. Vogelaar, spoke a few closing words at the request of the president, thanking Rev. Den Hoed for his labors throughout the day in which divine assistance was felt. He also wished the Lord’s blessing and guidance to Rev. Beeke, and acknowledged the brotherly spirit that prevailed throughout the meeting. Psalter 421, stanzas 3 and 6, were sung, and Rev. Vogelaar closed our gathering with prayer.

— Synodical Officers

Dear friends,

I have seriously and prayerfully considered the request mentioned above, and wish to inform the congregations that the Lord has granted me no freedom to lay down the ministerial office. Through a personal application of Psalm 56:12, “Thy vows are upon me, O God,” I feel deeply that this decision was not mine to make, but one made by the Lord from eternity.

I believe this personal decision is confirmed by God’s Word, Reformed doctrinal standards, the principles of Reformed Church Order, and examples taken from Reformed Church History. I also do not believe that the laying down of this office would be consistent with the loftiness of the office itself, the well-being of the congregations as a whole, and the glory of God who calls to a life-time ministry regardless of personal crosses that must be borne.

Moreover, I feel deeply and personally bound by my Sender to the dear flock which has been entrusted to me in Grand Rapids, and would have no rest in my conscience were I to cancel this bonding without divine permission. In a word, next to spiritual life itself, the call to the ministry by God is the most real matter in my entire life.

I have grieved profoundly for any confusion I may have indirectly caused in the congregations through my personal problems, and pray that the Lord may still use me in all my brokenness and need in His sacred ministry. It is my hope that the Lord may confirm in the unknown future as He has done so humblingly in the past years and months: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9a).

I wish to humbly thank the synodical delegates for their peaceable and biblical treatment of me and the theological question involved at the October 20 meeting. Also, I wish to acknowledge my brothers in the ministry for their kind words and phone calls after the meeting. Finally, I also wish to express my profound appreciation to all of you who have written me supportively in the past two years. The words you have written, the texts to which you have directed me or quoted, and the poems you have selected, God has used on several occasions to bolster faith in the midst of hours of unbelief. Truly, I have felt to a degree far more than I can ever deserve or express: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).

I am unworthy, but the Lord is worthy. The way has been deep, but the Lord has been good. He who tailor-makes our afflictions, dear children of God, also tailor-makes our comforts. May the Lord continue to bind us together at His throne of grace where He is exalted to the highest and man abased to the lowest. Truly, there is no better place on earth to be.

In the bonds of the gospel,

Rev. J.R. Beeke

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ten years ago in 1978, Jan Baan, a member of our church in Barneveld, The Netherlands, went into business by himself and founded the company which now numbers almost 30 employees and is known as Baan Info Systems.

The company is active as a software house developing and selling logistical software programs for Manufacturing and Building and Construction companies in Europe.

It is the intention to set up a company in the Grand Rapids area some time in 1989. As 90% of our employees belong either to our Netherlands Reformed Congregation or other Reformed churches, we would like to do like-wise in the States.

We should like to come in contact with college graduates, preferably with a Business Administration or Engineering degree, who are interested in a career in automation either in sales or implementation.

As there might be an extensive training period in Holland, bachelors will have preference.

If you are interested, please send your resume to:

John W. Lamain

V.P. Human Resources

Baan Info Systems BV

P.O. Box 143

3770 AC BARNEVELD

The Netherlands

45th Wedding Anniversary

The Lord willing on November 25, 1988, our parents

Mr. & Mrs. L. Nieuwenhuizen

hope to commemorate their 45th wedding anniversary. May the Lord spare them for the years to come. It is the wish of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that the Lord may be with them in the climbing of their years.

145 Rykert St., St. Catharines, Ontario,

Canada, L2S 2B5 (416) 684-4119

“will mention the loving kindness of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us”

—(Isaiah 63:7a).

TEACHERS

REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Box 70, Cope town, Ontario LOR 1J0 (416-627-5977) is looking for qualified teachers to fill the anticipated needs for the 89–90 school year. Due to enrollment increases we will need additional staff in the primary, junior, and intermediate levels.

Please direct inquiries to the principal at the above address.

OBITUARIES

KLEYN, Grace—Age 75; October 5, 1988; Sioux Falls, SD; Brother —Cornelius Kleyn; Sisters — Fredreaka Gerritsen, Lena Kruid, Dina Wiekamp, Jennie Van Veldhuizen, Marie Kleyn. (Rev. Herman Hofman, Eccl. 12:13, 14.)

SIKKEMA, Martha —Age 80; October 28, 1988; Kalamazoo, Ml; Husband —Albert Sikkema, Children —Garrett and Helen Van Giessen, Jacob and Esther Van Giessen, Bart and Anne Van Giessen, Mary M. and Robert Van Beck, Albert and Krys Sikkema, James Sikkema; Brothers — Martin, Abraham, and Peter Stryd; Sister — Maatje Meeuwse; 16 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren. (Rev. J.R. Beeke, Job 5:16b.)

In Memoriam

REV. A. SNOEP

On October 16, 1988—a Sabbath morning, Rev. Alexander Snoep exchanged time for eternity at the age of 58 in anticipation of the Corning King of kings who shall usher in the everlasting Sabbath for soul and body for all the elect. He had been ill for some time, and had been an emeritus minister since March 17, 1988. He was buried on October 21 at Lisse.

As pastor in our “Gereformeerde Gemeenten” (i.e., our sister denomination) in the Netherlands, Rev. Snoep (a brother-in-law of Rev. C. Harinck) pastored congregations at Vlissingen (1968–1978), Amsterdam North (1978–1986), and Oudemirdum (1986–1988). He will be sorely missed by many.

May the Lord strengthen the mourning widow and son with His indispensable consolation. May He also thrust forth into His vineyard undershepherds who may fill the empty places of those gone before. The need is great, the harvest is white and ready, and the times are dark. May the Jehovah-God prove to be for our congregations on both sides of the ocean, Jehovahjireh (“the Lord who provides”).

JRB

NRC SAVINGS FUND

FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1988

ASSETS

Bank Money Market Account $208,253.12

Bank Certificates of Deposit 100,000.00

Loans Receivable from non-profit organizations 425,310.64

TOTAL ASSETS $ 733,563.76

LIABILITIES

Due Depositors $ 689,722.88

Fund Balance 43,840.88

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE $ 733,563.76

Income: Interest earned $ 7,328.26

Expense: Interest Paid $1,925.00

Supplies 22.64

Total Expense 1,947.64

NET INCOME $ 5,380.62

Fund Balance 6/30/88 38,460.26

Fund Balance 9/30/88 43,840.88

RENEWAL AND GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS

Most subscriptions to The Banner of Truth expire with the December 1988 issue. Please forward your renewal in the envelope provided prior to January 1 to avoid missing future issues (unless your church provides payment).

Due to increased printing and postage expenses, a slight rise in subscription rates (approved unanimously by our NRC Synod in June, 1988) is essential. Subscription rates for 1989 are $9.75 for U.S.; $12.75 for Canada; $20.00 for surface mail and $29.00 for airmail to foreign countries — all in U.S. Funds please.

As these rates still fall approximately 15–20% below costs incurred, donations remain indispensable. As in former years, we are trusting that many of you will be able to assist with smaller or larger gifts to enable us to continue to keep our subscription rates low. At present, our balance is negligible. Hence we make a special request at this time for your assistance, and thank you in advance for your continued support also by way of prayer and gift subscriptions.

Our appreciation is also extended to those of you who have donated so generously for free subscriptions to seminaries and pastors. We regularly receive tokens of appreciation from these recipients, as well as numerous confirmations that our periodical is being read outside of our own denominational circles. Please continue to provide for this worthy cause by checking the appropriate box on the provided envelope if you desire your donation to be used for this purpose.

Finally, heart-felt gratitude to all who have assisted me in providing our 54th year of Banner of Truth reading material: our ministers, elders, and assistant editor for their timely contributions; our business manager and those who assist with updating files and mailings; our typesetters, cover artist, and printers; our Banner of Truth committee; and my faithful 76-year-old secretary. Without you, this task would not be completed on time each month. Above all, may God command His blessing upon this work to many hearts—saving the lost, edifying His people, and glorifying His worthy Name. For this, we are totally dependent on His free, sovereign grace.

JRB

CURRENT EVENTS

ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED

Michigan Voters to Decide on Tax-Funded Abortions

After 17 consecutive governor’s vetoes of bills which would have cut off the use of state Medicaid funds for abortions, the Michigan Right to Life organization has successfully gained enough petition signatures to have a referendum placed on the November ballot. Voters will decide the issue. By the time this report reaches the reader, the outcome will be decided. We are glad to report that our two Michigan congregations have been very active in this cause. May the Lord add His blessing.

Assistance on Current Events

The Current Events section should be as informative and up-to-date as possible. To that end, we make the following requests:

• Send information about conservative periodicals that could be used as sources for the current events section. These should deal primarily with moral/religious topics. (A sample copy would be greatly appreciated.)

• If any readers, especially our Canadian friends, find any topic of national moral/ religious impact, please mail a copy as soon as possible.

• Though we sincerely appreciate all responses, articles submitted will be used subject to appropriateness and length considerations.

• Address: Current Events, 809 N. 29th St., Sheboygan, Wl 53081.

INFORMATION

Capital Punishment

On October 15, NBC radio news reported that 63% of interviewed inmates awaiting execution for their crimes support the death penalty.

The Associated Press reported, at the time of this writing, that both houses of Congress are close to passing an anti-drug bill that would permit federal death sentences for murderers in drug felonies and deny many federal benefits to anyone convicted of two narcotics offenses.

Clarification

In the September Current Events section, it was reported that one of the presidential candidates was supported by the Communist Party of America. The name was omitted as the article was not meant to be political. Please note, however, that this endorsement was not for either of the two leading candidates left in the race at election time.

Right to Life Update—The Unborn

As a follow-up to a previously reported topic, the Associated Press tells us that the Reagan administration is moving swiftly to ban the use of tissue from intentionally aborted fetuses in research by the government’s National Institute of Health.

The Federal Court of Appeals of Minnesota has upheld the constitutionality of the Minnesota parental notification law, requiring both parents be notified by abortionists at least forty-eight hours before abortions can be performea for minors. If appealed, this case may bring the U.S. Supreme Court nearer to reconsidering the whole abortion issue.

In a major pro-life victory, the Hyde Amendment, which forbids federal funding for abortion except if the mother’s life is in danger, was again passed by both houses of Congress without weakening amendments being attached.

Finally, the new area of possible progress against the sin of abortion is the “father’s rights” issue that is now coming to the foreground. As of late September, there were at least fifteen fathers nationwide who have gone to court to protect the lives of their unborn children. Pro-life experts say that the fathers’ rights have not been addressed in the original and tragic Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973 and may be yet another legal avenue for a future assault on the abortion holocaust.

Additional Updates on “Last Temptation” Film

Representatives Dannemeyer, Dornan, and Holloway have sponsored House Resolution 517 on August 10 to express the sentiment of the House by requesting that the film, “The Last Temptation of Christ,” be cancelled and that those individuals who find the film morally objectionable ask their local theaters and film distribution companies not to show the film. We are heartened by the fact that some legislators have the courage and resolve to offer such a resolution.

The October CWA magazine reports from California that this film has so far been a financial “flop” for Universal Studios since many movie chains decided not to show the film. Contrarily, it has “proved to be an embarrassment to Universal and a unifying factor for the Christian community.”

A Good Source of Information

At times, Current Events articles are taken from a monthly periodical called Concerned Women for America. This organization, and its monthly magazine, are dedicated to “preserve, protect, and promote traditional and Judeo-Christian values through education, legal defense, legislative programs, humanitarian aid, and related activities which represent the concerns of men and women who believe in these values” (taken from the magazine statement of purpose). We highly recommend this organization and its publications as a means to stay abreast of events of value to conservative-minded Christian citizens (men and women). The magazine costs $15 donation per year minimum. (Concerned Women for America, 370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20024.)

Supreme Court Upholds Government Funding for Religious Groups

Capitol Hill Report informs us that the Supreme Court’s June 29 ruling to uphold government funding for programs operated by religious groups (Bowen V. Kendrick) to combat teenage pregnancy may suggest more favorable Establishment Clause opinions from the Supreme Court in the future. The Establishment Clause (Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution) deals with the issue of separation of church and state.

“Parents, Turn Off That TV”

The October CWA magazine reports: American Academy of Pediatrics expert Dr. W. Dietz says the evidence shows “television causes violent or aggressive behavior and obesity.” Researches are studying the link between TV and sexual behavior, substance abuse, and low grades, says Dr. Dietz of Tufts University in Boston. Dr. Strasburger of the AAP agrees, saying that American children:

• Spend about 23 hours a week watching TV. By age 70 they’ll have spent seven years in front of the TV set.

• Watch an average of 14,000 sexual references (not counting commercials), a year. Even for those who favor so-called “safe sex” (is sin ever “safe”?), less than 150 of these references also refer to birth control.

• View 2,000 beer and wine commercials per year.

• Watch an hour of MTV on weekdays, two on weekends — if they have access. About 75% of music videos have sexual themes; 50% have violence.

When one combines the above report with countless others done already, and adds them to the plot descriptions found in magazines like American Family Association lournal, one cannot help but be thankful that our church fathers condemned the use of television soon after it began its widespread public use.

Pornography

At the time of this writing, there are currently five bills being considered by the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcomittee on Crime. It is hoped that a single, all-encompassing bill could be crafted and voted on before the adjournment in early October. We will update you as soon as possible.

DL/RVS

Deze tekst is geautomatiseerd gemaakt en kan nog fouten bevatten. Digibron werkt voortdurend aan correctie. Klik voor het origineel door naar de pdf. Voor opmerkingen, vragen, informatie: contact.

Op Digibron -en alle daarin opgenomen content- is het databankrecht van toepassing. Gebruiksvoorwaarden. Data protection law applies to Digibron and the content of this database. Terms of use.

Printen