The Flu Epidemic of 1918-1919 and “Churchless Sunday” – Origins Online

Maybe we are weary of hearing about the present flu pandemic, as well as of past ones, such as the Spanish Flu of 1918-19, often mentioned these days (even though there is no comparison in terms of the numbers of those who were afflicted and those who died).

But history is instructive, and the fact is that the church and saints have often had to face such plagues and epidemics. And what believers suffered in those times as well as how they handled those afflictions gives us valuable lessons.

I did a previous post referencing the Spanish flu from the perspective of a former PRC minister, Rev. C. Hanko (when he was a member of the CRC), and that was insightful.

Yesterday, while putting away a recent issue of Origins magazine, the Christian Reformed Church in America’s historical archives periodical, I came across a feature on the Spanish Flu and its impact on the CRC. I checked to see if the article was online, and while the full story was not, this abridged version was.

It is worth pointing to it, so that is our Friday post this week. A serious history lesson with important applications for us too. Below are a few paragraphs from the article; find the full post at the link at the end. [And now, in addition, I followed some links to  the University of Michigan’s online “Influenza Encyclopedia” and found a Grand Rapids Herald news clip about how the CRC churches were suffering. See that below.]

“What’s happening is unprecedented!” I keep hearing people say that about Covid-19 (a coronavirus). Some seem to mean that a pandemic like this is unprecedented. Others mean that the public health response—shutting down schools, sporting events, perhaps eventually churches, etc.—is unprecedented. Neither is unprecedented, really.

Around 650,000 people died in the United States in the flu epidemic of 1918-1919 and 50 million worldwide. Some scholars estimate up to 100 million deaths worldwide. In comparison, 20 to 22 million soldiers and civilians died in World War I, which ended in late 1918, and about 20 to 22 million were wounded.

What did churches experience in 1918-1919? For a broad overview, check out this story on Patheos. The Patheos story also points you to a great website at the University of Michigan on the influenza epidemic of 1918-1919.

…To find more material, I turned to the Christian Reformed Church Periodical Index and did some page turning in The Banner from late 1918 and the first half of 1919.

…My quick search yielded one lengthy piece, an editorial in the 24 October 1918 issue of The Banner: “Churchless Sunday and Its Lessons.” The governor of Michigan had ordered the closure of all churches in the state.

The Banner editorial called its readers to “pray earnestly that the scourge may soon be removed” so that churches could reopen. It also suggested “lessons from this appointment of Providence” to learn:

• “the value of our church privileges,” as we really understand what blessing are when they are withheld
• “the value of fellowshipping with God’s people,” “the communion of the saints,” which might lead to a renewal of devotion in the church
• “to appreciate religious literature more than we have done,” as that is what people turn when they cannot come to church

With these lessons in mind, the editorial suggested that the epidemic might be a blessing in disguise. But it also wondered whether “churchless Sunday” was a sign divine judgment on the nation. It pointed to the description of God’s judgement in Revelation. The nation and world had seen famine, pestilence, war, and death, with the recently ended Great War and now the epidemic. It was time for people to repent and to turn to righteousness.

The editorial concluded by emphasizing that Christians respect government and law. It prayed that the burden of churchless Sundays not be too heavy and that the scourge of influenza be lifted quickly.

Source: The Flu Epidemic of 1918-1919 and “Churchless Sunday” – Origins Online

And here is that additional item mentioned above: the news clip from the October 26, 1918 Grand Rapids Herald on how the Spanish flu was affecting the CR churches in that city.

Sunday Closing Order Keenly Felt By Members Chr. Reformed Churches

There are perhaps few congregations in the city feeling the hardship of the church closing order as keenly as the Christian Reformed churches. Members of these churches have been trained from childhood to regard regular church attendance as natural in their lives as eating breakfast, and at each of the two or three Sunday sessions the churches are wont to be crowded.

Church people are glad to do all in their power to help check the spread of influenza, but much dissatisfaction is voiced by both clergy and laymen of the apparently unjust distinction between schools and churches. The schools are in session five days a week and it would seem that if there were danger of contagion anywhere it would be among the physically undeveloped youngsters congregating in the school rooms day by day. On the other hand, in view of the supreme importance of service of the Almighty in these critical times and the need of prayer it would seem that the church would be the last of all institutions to be asked to close its doors.

Family Services Substituted

In the meantime, however, church members are making the best of matters and conducting services in their own homes. Many a father had his family gathered about him last Sunday morning and afternoon and read to them one of his favorite sermons.

Pastors are making good use of their time by taking up some specific studies which have long demanded their attention, and by doing extended pastoral work. Rev. Johannes Groen is spending much of his time visiting the members of his congregation and averages about 30 families a week.

And if you are still interested in more information on this 1918-19 influenza, or the State of Michigan’s new archive collections of COVID-19, you will want to visit this page that came in my email this morning.

A Prayer in Time of Affliction – John Knox (It’s harder than you think!)

Just and righteous art Thou, O dreadful and most high God, holy in all Thy works and most just in all Thy judgments – yea, even then when as Thou punishest in greatest severity. We have before, O Lord, felt Thy heavy hand on us, and when we cried on Thee in our calamities and afflictions, most mercifully Thou inclined Thy ears unto us. But, alas, O Lord, we have not answered in our lives glorifying Thy holy name as Thou answered us when we called in our distress, but we did return unto our accustomed sin and so provoked Thee through our misdeeds unto displeasure.

Therefore hast Thou most justly turned Thyself to punish [read as chastise] us again in bringing among us this troublesome and destroying pestilence, according to the threatening of Thy law, because we have not made our fruit of Thy former corrections. Our repentance, O Lord, hath been like the dew that suddenly vanisheth away; yea, the great multitude remained hardened in heart through their own pride and, walking in the lusts of their own hearts, confidently despised Thy blessed ordinances. For who hath mourned for the universal corruption of this blind age? …Yea, Lord, where could the man be found that sought not himself, even with the hurt of others and defacing of Thy glory? So universally did and presently doth that root of covetousness reign throughout this whole country. Yea, Lord, they to whom Thou granted worldly blessings in greatest abundance have been and are possessed with this unclean spirit of avarice. The more Thou gave, the more insatiably thirsted they to have, and they ceased not till they did spoil Thee of Thy own patrimony; yet in this matter they will not know themselves to sin and offend Thy majesty. Therefore cannot Thy justice longer spare, but it must punish and strike us as Thou threatenest in Thy holy law.

Now we know, Lord, that Thy judgments commonly begin at Thy own house, and therefore hast Thou begun to correct us, albeit yet in Thy mercy and not in greatest severity. Wherefore, good Lord, either else in the multitude of Thy mercies remove this bitter cup away from us or grant us Thy grace patiently and obediently to drink the same as given out of Thy own hand for our amendment.

We acknowledge, O Lord, that afflictions are disturbing, vexing, and hard to be borne with of fragile flesh; but Christ Jesus hath suffered heavier torments for us, and we have deserved more than we sustain who so oft have merited the very hells. If it shall please Thy Majesty to continue our punishment [read, chastisement] and double our stripes, then let it please Thee in like means to increase our patience and make our corporal afflictions serve to our humiliation, invocation of Thy name, and obedience to Thy holy ordinances. Or if of a fatherly pity it shall please Thee to be content with this gentle correction, let the calm appear after this present tempest that in respect of both the one and the other we may glorify Thee, in that first Thou hast corrected to amendment lest we should have slept in sin to our destruction and, secondly, that Thou hast taken away the bitterness of affliction with the sweetness of Thy comfortable deliverance, in Thee first having respect to the necessity and in the last to our infirmity.

…But, O Lord, now it is Thy own inheritance, for the which we sigh and groan before Thy Majesty. Look on it, therefore, from the heavens, and be merciful to Thy people; let Thy anger and Thy wrath be turned away from us, and make Thy face to shine lovingly on Thy own sanctuary. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, consider, grant our requests, for Thy own sake, O our God, and that in the name of Thy only begotten Son Jesus Christ, our only Savior and Mediator, in whose name we pray unto Thee…. So be it.

Taken from The Collected Prayers of John Knox, edited and introduced by Brian G. Najapfour (Reformation Heritage Books, 2019), pp.37-39. This is the first prayer in the section “Supplication in Times of Difficulty,” and when I read it last week, it struck me as so relevant for the present time. This prayer of Knox is prophetic.

And yes, it smote my own conscience. How fitting for our age, our country, our churches, yes – but, especially for my own heart and life, as we have sat in such prosperity, lusting for more and trusting in our idols to deliver us. And now the Lord is judging us, unmasking the vanity of our false gods and calling us to true repentance and full faith in Him alone.

Can we pray these words of Knox? Yes, as children of God we can, and we must. But will we? May God humble us to do so, and work genuine repentance in us in this time of affliction.

New Additions to the PRC Seminary Library – 3rd Quarter 2019 (1)

At the end of September, I completed the third quarter list of significant book acquisitions to the PRC Seminary library for this year. At their October meeting the TSC (Theological School Committee) received a copy for their information, and I also send it out to the faculty and students so that they can keep abreast of new titles.

But the list is of value to you too, in my estimation. As noted before, part of my reason for posting this list here is not only to show you the kind of books the seminary adds to its library, but also to stimulate you to find something to read. Yes, there are books here for the layman and laywoman, for the young adults and for teenagers – even children (the new Bible story book!). Browse this list and perhaps you will find something of interest to you.

Again this time we will divide the list into two parts. In this list we will look at four (4) sections: biblical studies, commentaries, church history, and creeds and confessions. It is my hope that you find something of interest to read this Fall – and soon for those winter nights.

Biblical studies/ Commentaries/ Biblical Theology
Series:
~ Opening the Scriptures (Christian’s Library Press): Psalms II – F. Van Deursen, 2015
~ Preacher’s Commentary (T. Nelson): Proverbs – D.A. Hubbard, 1989
~ Preaching the Word (Crossway): 1 Kings: Power, Politics, and the Hope of the World – J. Woodhouse, 2018.
~ Reformed Expository Commentary P&R): 2 Kings – P. G. Ryken, 2019

Other Commentaries (Individual)

• The Majesty of God in the Midst of Innocent Suffering: The Message of Job / Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. (Walter Christian). Fearn, Ross-shire, GB: Christian Focus, 2019.

Individual Biblical Studies Titles

• The Question of Canon: Challenging the Status Quo in the New Testament Debate / Michael J. Kruger. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2013.
• Just Words? : Special Revelation and the Bible / Paul Helm. Darlington (England): Evangelical Press, 2019.
• The Jesus Crisis: The Inroads of Historical Criticism into Evangelical Scholarship / Robert L. Thomas; F. David Farnell. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, c1998.
• The Master’s Perspective on Biblical Prophecy / Richard Mayhue; Robert L. Thomas; John MacArthur. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, c2002 (The Master’s Perspective Series) v. 4
• All Things New: Revelation as Canonical Capstone / Brian J. Tabb; Donald A. Carson. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2019 (New Studies In Biblical Theology) vol. 48
• Jehovah’s Mighty Acts: Book 1 / (Tell His Wonders) Nathan J. Langerak; Michael Welply, Illustr. Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Pub. Association, 2019.

Church History, General and Biography

• The Reformation 500 Years Later: 12 Things You Need to Know / Benjamin Wiker. Washington, DC: Regnery History, 2017.
• The Six Johns of the Scottish Reformation: With the Scots Confession of Faith 1560 / S. James Millar. Kilsyth, Scotland: James A. Dickson Books, 2015.
• Sons of Calvin: Three Huguenot Pastors / Alan C. Clifford. Norwich: Charenton Reformed Pub., 1999.
• 21 Servants of Sovereign Joy: Faithful, Flawed, and Fruitful / John Piper. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018 [a compilation of the entire “The Swans Are Not Silent” series, vols.1-7]
• Americans from Holland. / Arnold Mulder, 1885-1959. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Co., 1947 (The Peoples of America Series) – gift from Van Raalte Center
• History and Characteristics of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. / David D. Demarest, 1819-1898. New York: Board of Publication of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, 1856 (from DJE’s library – had rebound).
• A Goodly Heritage: The Secession of 1834 and Its Impact on Reformed Churches in the Netherlands and North America / Cornelis Pronk, Grand Rapids, MI : Reformation Heritage Books, 2019.
• Recognizing the Legacy of George M. Ophoff / Douglas J. Kuiper. Grand Rapids, MI: Calvin Theological Seminary, 2019 (ThM thesis).

Creeds, Confessions, History of

• The Belgic Confession: A Commentary / David J. Engelsma. Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Pub. Association, 2019 (vol.2).
• Article 36 of the Belgic Confession Vindicated Against Dr. Abraham Kuyper: A Critique of His Series on Church and State in ‘Common Grace’ / Ph. J. (Philippus Jacobus) Hoedemaker, 1839-1910; Ruben Alvarado, Transl. Alten, the Netherlands: Pantocrator Press/ Wordbridge Publishing, 1901/2019.

Book Alert! New Title Commemorating Dordt’s 400th – “For God’s Glory and the Church’s Consolation”

Now available from the Reformed Free Publishing Association is a new title commemorating the 400th anniversary of the “great Synod” of Dordt (1618-19). The work is titled For God’s Glory and the Church’s Consolation: 400 Years of the Synod of Dordt, edited by PRC Seminary professor Ronald Cammmenga. The work is a compilation of the speeches given at the April 2019 conference sponsored by the PRC Seminary marking Dordt’s 400th.

The publisher gives the following for its description:

Among Reformed Christians, the celebration of the anniversary of the Synod of Dordt (1618–19) is second only to the commemoration of the Reformation of the sixteenth century. Indeed, marking the anniversary of the “great synod,” as it soon was called, is commemoration of the Reformation. For mainly Dordt’s accomplishment was the preservation of the gospel of God’s sovereign grace, which was restored to the church through the Reformation.

The Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary held a conference to celebrate the four hundredth anniversary of the Synod of Dordt. For God’s Glory and the Church’s Consolation includes all the presentations made at this conference, plus a bit more. The book explores the heritage that faithful Reformed churches ought to esteem, as that heritage was defended and handed down by the Synod of Dordt.

The chapters included in this book are written by: Rev. Angus Stewart, Prof. Brian Huizinga, Rev. Mark Shand, Prof. Douglas Kuiper, Rev. William Langerak, Prof. Ronald Cammenga, and Prof. Barrett Gritters.

Some of the subjects covered are Dordt’s doctrine of the covenant, reprobation (and election), the call of the gospel (over against the free offer), the Church Order, the five points of Calvinism, and assurance of salvation. All set against the background of the attacks on sovereign grace by the Arminians (Remonstrants) in seventeenth-century Holland (the Netherlands). In that context, the “great synod” was an international synod and brought together the best theologians from across Europe to set forth the “canons” that would refute the Arminian heresies troubling the Reformed churches and bring her peace through the establishment of the truth of the gospel.

Included in the book are an historical overview of the times and the controversy, and two appendices, one summarizing the various sessions of Dordt and the other being the opening sermon by Reformed pastor Lydius Balthasar (which you may also read here – click on the November 2018 issue of the PRT Journal).

The book is highly recommended for your reading enjoyment and edification, even if you heard the speeches. And if you missed those, read the book and watch the videos here.

Make this title one you add to your personal, family, and church libraries.

1st Quarter Books 2019 – PRC Seminary Library

Here it is nearing the end of May (middle of the second quarter of 2019) and I still have not posted my list of significant book acquisitions for the first quarter of this year. So, tonight it is time to do that. We will reference this list that I put together for the faculty, students, and Theological School Committee in two parts, looking at three sections – two on Biblical studies and one on church history.

As noted before, part of my reason for posting this list here is not only to show you the kind of books the seminary adds to its library, but also to stimulate you to find something to read also. Yes, there are books here for the layman and laywoman, for the young adults and for teenagers (perhaps a “bitesize biography for you! see below!). Browse this list and perhaps you will find something of interest to you.

I might also add that not all of these are new books, nor are they always sought after. I purchase a fair amount of used and bargain books, and we also get some that are donated to us, which we always appreciate.

Other Commentaries (Individual)

• Esther: The God Who Is Silent Is Still Sovereign / Norman De Jong. Grandville, MI: Reformed Fellowship, 2018.
• A Proverbs Driven Life: Timeless Wisdom for Your Words, Work, Wealth, and Relationships / Anthony. Selvaggio. Wapwallopen, PA: Shepherd Press, 2008.
• That’s Just The Way It Is: A Realistic View of Life from the Book of Ecclesiastes / Derek Tidball. Fearn, Ross-shire, GB: Christian Focus, 1998.
• The Love of Loves in the Song of Songs / Philip Graham Ryken. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.
• Living Water: Studies in John 4 / David Martyn. Lloyd-Jones. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2009.
• The Epistle to the Romans / H. C. G. (Handley Carr Glyn) Moule, 1841-1920. Grand Rapids, MI : Zondervan, nd.
• Walking in the Way of Love: A Practical Commentary on 1 Corinthians for the Believer / (Vol.2) Nathan J. Langerak. Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Pub. Association, 2019.

Individual Biblical Studies Titles

• Getting the Message: A Plan for Interpreting and Applying the Bible / Daniel M. Doriani. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Pub., 1996.
• God’s Design: A Focus on Old Testament Theology / Elmer A. Martens. Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, UK; Baker Books; Apollos, 1994.
• Plowshares & Pruning Hooks: Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic / D. Brent Sandy. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002.
• Friendship in the Hebrew Bible / Saul M. Olyan; John J. Collins. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2017 (The Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library)
• Christ from Beginning to End: How The Full Story of Scripture Reveals the Full Glory of Christ / Trent Hunter; Stephen J. Wellum. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018.
• How to Read Prophecy / Joel B. Green. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1984.
• Echoes of Exodus: Tracing a Biblical Motif / Bryan D. Estelle. Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2018.
• The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job / C. J. (Clayton J.) Williams; Richard C. Gamble. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2017.
• Out of the Depths: The Psalms Speak for Us Today / Bernhard W. Anderson. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983.
• Saved by Grace Alone: Sermons on Ezekiel 36:16-36 / D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Edinburgh, Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 2018.
• How to Read the Gospels & Acts / Joel B. Green. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1987.
• Can We Trust The Gospels? / Peter J. Williams. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018.
• The Child-Parent Relationship in the New Testament and Its Environment / Peter Balla. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2006.
• How New Is the New Testament?: First-Century Judaism and the Emergence of Christianity / Donald A. Hagner. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2018.
• Paul, Women & Wives: Marriage and Women’s Ministry in the Letters of Paul / Craig S. Keener. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.
• The Theology of Paul’s Letter to the Galatians / James D. G. Dunn; James D. G. Dunn. Cambridge [England]; New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 1993.
• Why I Love the Apostle Paul: 30 Reasons / John Piper. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.

Church History, General and Biography

• Why Study History? : Reflecting on the Importance of the Past / John Fea. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013.
• Augustine the Bishop: Church and Society at the Dawn of the Middle Ages / Frederik van der Meer, 1904-1994; Brian Battershaw, Transl.; G.R. Lamb, Transl. New York; Evanston: Harper Torchbooks, 1961.
• The Middle Ages / Johannes Fried; Peter Lewis, Transl. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press, 2015.
• In Their Own Words: The Testimonies of Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, and John Bunyan / David B. Calhoun. Edinburgh, Scotland; Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 2018.
• Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution – A History from the Sixteenth Century to the Twenty-First / Alister E. McGrath. New York : HarperOne, 2007.
• To Find a Better Life: Aspects of Dutch Immigration to Canada and the United States, 1920-1970 / Gordon Oosterman; Adrian Guldemond; George Vandezande. Grand Rapids, MI: National Union of Christian Schools, 1975.
• Hollanders: The Development of their Objectives in Europe and America / Jacob A. Vander Meulen. Zeeland, MI: The First Reformed Church, 1945.
• 1847 – Ebenezer – 1947: Memorial Souvenir of the Centennial Commemoration of Dutch Immigration to the United States Held in Holland Michigan 13-16 August / Henry Stephen Lucas, 1889-1961. ; MI Centennial Commission of Holland; J. R. Slotemaker de Bruine. New York: Netherlands Information Bureau, 1947.
• A Tender Lion: The Life, Ministry, and Message of J.C. Ryle / Bennett W. Rogers. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2019.
• Geerhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian / Danny E. Olinger. ; Camden Bucey. Philadelphia, PA: Reformed Forum, 2018.
• Charles Hodge / S. Donald (Samuel Donald) Fortson, 1956-. Darlington: EP Books, 2013. (Bitesize Biographies)
• God’s Continent: Christianity, Islam, and Europe’s Religious Crisis / Philip Jenkins. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.
• Archives and Anecdotes: 75 Years at Southeast Protestant Reformed Church / James Holstege; Tim Pipe, Sr. Grand Rapids, MI: Southeast PRC, 2019.

The Libraries of Famous Men: Ernest Shackleton | The Art of Manliness

It has been sometime since I referenced this series of posts on The Art of Manhood website, but this Feb.26 post grabbed my attention and I decided to inform you of it here.

You may remember the story of Irishman Ernest Shackleton’s exploratory trips to the South Pole in the early part of the 20th century (especially notable is the one on the ship Endurance in 1915), but you probably did not know the story of his library. That’s the focus of this article on AOM. And while this story is interesting in its own right, the part of that also caught my attention was the reference to his Bible.

We quote from the first part of it here, and then from that section that references Shackleton’s Bible. So read on and learn the importance of every library, large or small, in a library, a home, or on a ship.

Part of explorer Ernest Shackleton’s genius for leadership, was how keenly he understood the way in which idleness can destroy men’s morale. Thus when his ship, the Endurance, became stuck in pack ice en route to a planned Antarctic expedition, he didn’t let his men simply sit on their hands. Instead, he charged them with daily maintenance tasks, organized games of football, hockey, and soccer on the ice outside the ship, and encouraged the keeping of daily diaries. As a help in biding the time, Shackleton also lent members of the crew books from his personal library, the exact contents of which were unknown, until recently.

Two years ago, when pictures taken by the expedition’s photographer, Frank Hurley, were digitized and restored by the Royal Geographical Society, it became possible for the first time to clearly make out the titles of the books Shackleton kept in his shipboard cabin. We now know his field library contained quite a mix of genres, including a set of encyclopedias, popular and classic novels, collections of poetry and quotations, manuals of grammar, several dictionaries, and accounts of other polar expeditions.

And now this special reference to the things Shackleton took when they had to abandon the Endurance:

While most of Shackleton’s library could not be brought along, he did encourage his men to take one of his books if it fell under their weight allowance.

Shackleton himself tore out the flyleaf of his Bible, upon which Queen Alexandra had inscribed a prayer for his safety, as well as the pages for Psalm 23 and Job 38:29-30 (“Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.”), before laying the rest of the book down on the ice.

To finish reading this story, visit the link below.

Source: The Libraries of Famous Men: Ernest Shackleton | The Art of Manliness

The Canons of Dordt and Missions – Rev. D. Kleyn (Feb.15, 2019 “Standard Bearer”)

The latest issue of the Standard Bearer (February 15, 2019) is now out and among its ten (10) articles are two on the Canons of Dordt, marking its 400th anniversary.

The first is Part 7 of Prof. Douglas Kuiper’s series “Dordt 400: Memorial Stones,” a year-long tribute to the “great Synod.” This installment treats Dordt’s consideration of “training students for the ministry.” It is another interesting, edifying, and relevant article on the Synod’s work and decisions.

The second article is the one we feature in this post. It is PRC Missionary-pastor (Philippines) Daniel Kleyn’s second installment on “The Canons of Dordt and Missions.” We pull a section from this fine article, which shows how the Canons teaches that the gospel is to be preached “far and wide.”

Missions is to Preach Promiscuously

More significantly, the Canons of Dordt give an explicit call to the church to do mission work. Among the Three Forms of Unity, the Canons is the only creed to do this. This more than anything else proves the missionary character and missionary usefulness of this creed.

The Canons order the church to go out into the world with the gospel. That order is found in Head II, Article 5, which reads: “Moreover, the promise of the gospel is that whosoever believeth in Christ crucified shall not perish but have everlasting life. This promise, together with the command to repent and believe, ought to be declared and published to all nations and to all persons promiscuously and without distinction, to whom God out of His good pleasure sends the gospel.”

Who can deny that this call to missions is in full harmony with the biblical commands concerning missions? Even if no other passages in the Canons either taught or implied anything regarding missions, Head II, Article 5 would be enough to prove that the Canons promote mission work.

The word “promiscuously” is key here. This means the preaching must go far and wide, to every land and nation under heaven. This must be done by the church “without distinction.” God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). The church must not be such in her mission work either.

God’s purpose is that the promiscuous preaching of His Word will be used by Him to bring the elect to a conscious faith in Christ. The church and missionaries do not and cannot know who the elect are. They must, therefore, preach God’s Word to all to whom God gives them opportunity. In this way the elect will hear that Word and will, by the power of the Spirit, be saved.

The English Separatists Find Refuge in Holland

In Scrooby [England], the Separatists began preparations for their flight to mainland Europe [due to increasing persecution]. Their escape would need to happen in secret to circumvent England’s severe restrictions – and avoid the undoubtedly painful retribution. First, they needed a destination.

The Separatists chose Holland. The Dutch Republic offered freedom of conscience where religion could be openly practiced. Holland not only spoke of defending religious freedom but had a record of doing it. It had become home to other religious exiles in recent years, including the Huguenots, French Protestants driven out by the Catholic Church. They trusted Holland.

…When they finally limped into the port in Holland, people came flocking, ‘astonished at their deliverance.’ [the ship had come through a horrific storm that blew them 400 miles off course – near to the coast of Norway!] Their arrival was long overdue, and most assumed that the Dutch vessel had been lost at sea. Their survival was a remarkable sight.

For the Separatists now in Holland, they had arrived. While many would wait for loved ones, this offered the chance to start the life and freedom they imagined for many years. They could begin to worship freely, but also build their sacred community. For the foreseeable future, they would call Amsterdam home, and the men would take jobs in this port city’s growing global economy.

Taken from chapter 3 , “Dissenters,” in They Came for Freedom: The Forgotten, Epic Adventure of the Pilgrims by Jay Milbrandt (Nelson Books, 2017), pp.62-67. This is one of my current reads – and a good one.

WORLD’s Top 25 articles for 2018 – WORLD

As we near the end of the year of our Lord 2018, it is good to reflect on all that has transpired according to the sovereign plan and providence of our almighty God in this year. That, after all, is what we believe all the events of history are – the unfolding of our God’s perfect plan through His mighty providential hand. And, we also add this, that all these events of history – of 2018 too – are for the salvation of Christ’s church and the good of His redeemed and renewed people.

Many news sources produce year-end summaries of the year’s major stories, which are useful in helping us to reflect on the more significant events of the year. World Magazine (a Christian news source) has also produced its summary of the major stories it reported online throughout 2018. It included this list of 25 items today as part of its “Saturday Series” (which often feature books, writing, reading), and I thought it worth your while to point you to it here.

What follows here is the little blurb that introduced the list; after that I post here the last five news items (which were published at the “top” of the list on their website).

In 2018, WORLD’s online readers were drawn to major cover stories and timely features from the magazine, daily news reports from The Sift, and insightful Saturday Series essays. But issues related to marriage, family, and sexuality were often foremost in the minds of our readers this past year, as the website’s weekly Relations roundup makes multiple appearances in our countdown of the 25 articles that grabbed your attention the most.

25. A long way from home

Before getting lost in a cave, Adul Sam-on found direction for his future at a Thai church and school

by Angela Lu Fulton
July 13 | WORLD Magazine | Features

24. Moody Bible Institute leaders resign amid turmoil

Moody Bible Institute announced Wednesday the resignation of President J. Paul Nyquist and Chief Operating Officer Steve Mogck amid ongoing turmoil following staffing cuts

by Leigh Jones
Jan. 11 | WORLD Digital | The Sift

23. Willow Creek elders respond to new Hybels accusations

The elders of Willow Creek Community Church in suburban Chicago said in a letter Saturday they could have done a better job holding former Senior Pastor Bill Hybels accountable for inappropriate behavior toward women

by Lynde Langdon
April 23 | WORLD Digital | The Sift

22. Facing cultural storms

Six trends that are rapidly reshaping the lives of American Christians

by John S. Dickerson
Nov. 24 | WORLD Digital | Saturday Series

21. Turkey seeks life sentence for U.S. pastor

Turkish prosecutors are seeking a life sentence for a U.S. pastor accused of participating in the 2016 coup that attempted to oust Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

by Leigh Jones
March 13 | WORLD Digital | The Sift

Find the other 20 top stories at the link below.

Source: WORLD’s Top 25 articles for 2018 – Media – WORLD

Top Ten Books of 2018 – Kevin DeYoung

It is that wonderful time of year when the “best-books-of-the-year” lists are published. I have received notice of several already and will begin to reference them in the next two weeks.

These lists can be helpful in knowing what to read and/or to add to your personal or family library, especially, of course, those lists compiled by fellow Christians (including the Reformed ones). I also find them useful in learning what I may have missed for the PRC seminary library.

Pastor (now PCA) and author Kevin DeYoung published his “top ten books of 2018” on The Gospel Coalition website recently (Dec.14 – cf. link below). I will give you part of his introduction, which includes his criteria for choosing the titles he did. After that part of his introduction, I will post a part of his list; you may find the full list at the link below.

This list is not meant to assess the thousands of Christian books published each year, let alone every interesting book published in 2018. There are plenty of worthy titles that I am not able to read (and lots I never hear of). This is simply a list of the books (Christian and non-Christian, but all non-fiction) that I thought were the best in the past year.

When I say “best” I have several questions in mind:

• Was this book well written and enjoyable to read?
• Did I find it personally challenging, illuminating, edifying, or entertaining?
• Is it a book I am likely to reread or consult again?
• Do I see myself recommending this book to others?

Undoubtedly, the “best” books reflect my interests. This doesn’t mean I agree with every point in these books, but it does mean I found them helpful and insightful.

And now the top four of DeYoung’s “top ten.”

4. Alex Hutchinson, Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance (William Morrow). With Breaking2—the 2017 Nike-led project to run a sub-two hour marathon—as his backdrop, Hutchinson (a runner, columnist, researcher, and Cambridge PhD) explores the limits of athletic achievement and human endurance. This isn’t a training volume with secrets for getting a PR in your next race. Instead, it’s a journalistic examination of the different theories, studies, stories, and scholars trying to answer the simple question: what makes people keep going and what makes them stop? To that end, Hutchinson has chapters on muscles, heat, oxygen, thirst, fuel, and belief. His conclusion? We don’t finally know what makes people push through pain, but there is at least as much brain and belief involved as body and brawn.

 

3. D. Bruce Hindmarsh. The Spirit of Early Evangelicalism: True Religion in a Modern World (Oxford). In this important new work on evangelical devotion, Hindmarsh, a top flight historian and professor at Regent College, focuses on Edwards, Whitefield, and the Wesleys, but goes far beyond them in his analysis. Without discounting doctrinal continuity with the past, Hindmarsh argues that evangelical devotional ideas and practices were innovative, rooted in antecedent spiritual traditions, but new in their language and eclecticism.

 

2. Lewis Allen. The Preacher’s Catechism (Crossway). I’m always thankful for books that simultaneously convict and encourage. Using the Westminster Shorter Catechism as his inspiration and (loose) guide, Allen goes through 43 questions and answers designed to remind the busy/distracted/discouraged/puffed-up/cast-down preacher what really matters (and what doesn’t) in a life of faithful ministry. A Puritan throwback.

 

 

1. Jonathan Gibson and Mark Earngey (eds). Reformation Worship: Liturgies from the Past for the Present (New Growth Press). My top book from 2018 is likely to be the least purchased and least read of all the books on this list. And at nearly 700 pages, it’s also the biggest of the books here. But that’s part of what makes the book so valuable. Few people will read straight through, cover to cover, a collection of Reformation-era liturgies (I didn’t). But the sheer size of this volume tells us something important. Namely, the Reformers thought a lot about worship. It was essential to their Reformation project, which makes our relative indifference to the forms and flow of worship all the more surprising (and scandalous). Every Reformed pastor and worship leader with a book budget should have this on their shelves.

Source: Top Ten Books of 2018