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A Pastoral Letter

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A Pastoral Letter

5 minuten leestijd Arcering uitzetten

Dear Congregations,

The Synod of June 1994 made a decision to share with you its deep concern about the world conformity creeping into our denomination. When we see the multiplying of sin in our days, then we must say with the prophet Jeremiah, “Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!” (Jeremiah 9:1). The Lord Jesus warns us to take heed of the signs of the times which foretell the approach of the coming of the Lord Jesus in the clouds.

In Matthew 24 we read, “For many shall come in My Name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars:…For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places….And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” We see that these things are clearly being fulfilled. “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6).

World conformity has penetrated deeply into our midst. The norms of God’s Word are no longer the guidelines for society. And with sorrow we perceive that this spirit of the world does not pass by our circles. The apostle Paul writes to us in Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

There are many examples in our congregations of a life-style in which the Word of God and His Holy Law do not have the place which they ought to have. There is also little respect for authority in various facets of life. The influence of the spirit of the times has its sad effects.

In this respect we think also of the increasingly popular custom of attending church only once on Sunday. The major portion of the Lord’s Day is therefore spent in visiting and carnal rest. Let this not be true among us. With our children let us use the means of grace faithfully, praying that the Lord will bless it to us and our dear ones. The time could certainly come that there may no longer be an opportunity to do so.

With concern and fear we note the expanding danger of television, videos, computer entertainment, rock music, and sinful literature. These are used as a means in the hand of Satan to slowly but surely poison us and our children, and thus destroy our souls. Satan’s goal is to dishonor God and lead mankind upon the broad way to destruction. We cannot serve two masters, and we are commanded by the Lord to remove evil from our midst.

It is especially the parents whom we wish to arouse to consideration of the promise they made at baptism. Think of Eli as an admonishing example. He permitted his children to walk in the ways of sin, which led to their eternal destruction. Many of our young people have their minds filled more with the world and its pleasures than with the instruction of God’s Word and the concerns of their souls. Much precious time is squandered in places where destructive effects upon both body and soul are the result. Parents, do you know where your young people are, where they seek their life’s partners, and with whom they associate? Make your house a home for them. Take time to read God’s Word together and to pray to the Lord with and for them. Use the means which are subservient to godliness in dependence upon the Lord. Discuss your children’s questions and problems with them, and instruct them in the ways of the Lord.

The consistories are also urged to be faithful in the exercise of their supervision. It is in the way of loving warnings and the application of Christian discipline that the congregation must be encouraged to a life in which there is evidence of an earnestness with God’s Word.

Mention must also be made of our dress. It is evident that the boundaries between the world and the church are gradually being eliminated. This is true not only for our young people, but also for men and women. We must realize the reason for our clothing, which is a consequence of the fall in Paradise.

It is true that we and our children need more than a decent life. In the keeping of “all these things,” the rich young man came short in everything. We are unable to walk uprightly in our own strength. Above all else, we need to be born again by the Spirit of God. However, we also know that God’s righteous displeasure rests upon a congregation and people who withdraw themselves from the discipline of God’s Word. In Psalm 81 the Lord complains, “Oh that My people had hearkened unto Me, and Israel had walked in My ways!” for then “He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.”

Therefore Synod earnestly calls upon each person to be faithful in doctrine and life in accordance with God’s Word. Submit yourselves to the reproofs of your consistory. Pray that they may receive wisdom, love, courage, strength, and faithfulness in their duties. In these fearful, dark, and dangerous times, may the Lord yet look upon us in favor and grace in the Lord Jesus Christ. With love we bring you this message, adding the words of the Lord Jesus, “And what I say unto you I say unto all, WATCH” (Mark 13:37).

In behalf of the Synod Moderamen,

Rev. J. den Hoed

Rev. A. M. den Boer

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Bekijk de hele uitgave van zaterdag 1 oktober 1994

The Banner of Truth | 28 Pagina's

A Pastoral Letter

Bekijk de hele uitgave van zaterdag 1 oktober 1994

The Banner of Truth | 28 Pagina's