The Tub in the Living Room

There's a bathtub in my living room.

After raising four children and putting them all through private Christian school, we are finally getting to the point of being able to afford some desperately needed home repair. Our bathroom requires serious renovation; we need to replace the vinyl flooring, sub-flooring, sheetrock, sink, and...tub.

Because I struggle with chronic pain from arthritis and brachial neuritis, we've had our eyes on a moderately-priced whirlpool tub at Menard's for about the last three years. When it recently went on sale, we bought it; even though we haven't started the bathroom renovation yet and are not anywhere close to being ready to install the tub.

So it sits inside its huge cardboard box in our living room. It takes a lot of space, although it came in handy for sorting paperwork while I was working on income tax preparation. It was a little awkward when our elders came for their annual home visit. It fascinated our grandsons. It has been difficult to ignore when we've had visitors.

It reminds me of the idiom about an elephant in the living room. Writers or speakers often use the phrase to refer to a pressing issue that people choose to ignore, even though it is as obvious as an elephant in a living room.

People may say, "Nice warm day." Or they'll ask, "How 'bout them Hawks?" But they don't ask about the elephant in the living room. Meanwhile the elephant stands there, slowly swinging his trunk above the creaking boards and sagging floor joists.

It would be more helpful to discuss the elephant and help the owner remove it before it compromises the structure of the entire house with its weight (not to mention its droppings!).

As long as the tub sits in my living room, it reminds me that we all have issues that need to be faced and addressed. Although it may be painful, it is better to deal with the elephant in the living room than to ignore it.

It causes me to tremble, Psalm 114

What causes the earth to tremble, firm ground to ripple, and buildings to sway?

We can talk all day about plate tectonics and continental drift, but the short answer is: God.

In beautifully poetic language and form, Psalm 114 depicts an animated earth and its elements when God delivered Israel from Egypt. Read it aloud to enjoy the fullness of its beauty!

When Israel went out from Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of strange language,
Judah became his sanctuary,
Israel his dominion.

The sea looked and fled;
Jordan turned back.
The mountains skipped like rams,
the hills like lambs.

What ails you, O sea, that you flee?
O Jordan, that you turn back?
O mountains, that you skip like rams?
O hills, like lambs?

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool of water,
the flint into a spring of water (Psalm 114, ESV).

The parallelism is obvious. (Parallelism is the repetition of a similar concept with different words in two subsequent lines.) The ESV Literary Study Bible says, "There is no better example in the entire Psalter of how Hebrew parallelism works and of the beauty that attends it" (p. 878).

Parallelism and other poetic devices enliven and energize this psalm. We visualize the water of the Red Sea cresting up into two giant waves that part and expose a quickly drying sea bed. We see the face of a hard gray rock melt into a rippling pool of shimmering water reflecting the sun's beams and the blue sky. We feel the excitement and wonder.

But perhaps we think: "Well, it would have been great to be the Israelites and see those miraculous events, to finally be free from slavery; but we're stuck here in this broken world with all its pain."

The reality is that we've been delivered from slavery in even more miraculous ways than the Israelites. We were dead. Now we live.

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind (Ephesians 1:1-3, ESV).

We were dead, not sick or comatose, in our sins. Is resurrecting a corpse any less marvelous than parting a sea? Ephesians 3 continues by describing God's ultimate crisis intervention:

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (4-7, ESV).

We do not simply exist, feebly grasping life with our fingernails while we wait for Christ to reappear and rescue us; we are alive with Christ. We have been saved and raised with him. In ways we can't fully understand, we are already seated with him in the heavenly places. When we die, our souls will go to heaven, and one day Christ will resurrect and glorify our bodies; but we don't have to wait for his grace. He is already demonstrating the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness toward us.

Tremble in amazement at your deliverance from the slavery of sin, which was no less remarkable than the marvelous deliverance of Israel so poetically described in Psalm 114.

Pray for grace. Pray for God to open your eyes to the immeasurable riches of Christ's grace that already exist in your life!

Ministerio Cristiano "El Pacto de Gracia"

I recently interviewed Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate, Valentin Alpuche, regarding his urban church planting work among the Hispanic population of Chicago Heights: Ministerio Cristiano "El Pacto de Gracia" (Ministry of Christ "The Covenant of Grace"). His work is based in a storefront shared with an art gallery.
Valentin is second from the left in the front row of this group of men.
Valentin's wife, Betty, and their daughter, Jade, are in the middle chair of the front row in the above photo.

This is what Valentin said about his ministry's challenges and joys:

"There are many different challenges. The first is that a lot of second and third generation Hispanics don’t speak Spanish or they prefer to speak English. Another challenge is that once Hispanics come to America, they become even more materialistic in their worldview since having a job and a salary is what really matters, and they feel no need to have a saving relationship with God. Another factor is that because of their Catholic background Hispanics don’t see faith as a serious matter, requiring a commitment to serve the Lord in all areas of their lives. Unfortunately this same understanding is being infiltrated into many non-Reformed Spanish churches. Another aspect is that many of the immigrants are illegal. A final challenge is that we don’t have our own location in a visible area. We are praying for the Lord to provide a more strategic location."

"The main joy is to see people being saved from eternal condemnation—to see people opening their hearts to the gospel of Jesus Christ! I rejoice as much as the angels do in heaven!"

The entire interview has been posted on the website of the Seminary, and you can read it here.

Already blessings, Psalm 113

Reformed Christians are fond of talking about "already" and the "not yet."

By this they mean that we already enjoy the blessings of the Christian life, but that we have not yet experienced its fullness. When we die, we leave the ravages of physical life and enter into fellowship with Christ in heaven, but we will not experience the fullness of Christ's kingdom until his return. Then the first heaven and earth will pass away and the sea will be no more; there will be a new heaven and earth and God will dwell directly with us; He will wipe every tear from our eyes and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain; for the former things will pass away and he will make all things new (Revelation 21:1-5, ESV).

Many events in this world and struggles in our lives make us long for that day. Much of scripture, including many of the psalms we've looked at on this blog, point us toward that great day. But the thing that strikes me about Psalm 113 is that it isn't simply pointing to the "not yet" of future glory; it's talking about the "already" of our lives now.

Psalm 113 is a simple psalm bracketed with exclamatory praise. Its opening verses pulse with joyous praise:

Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD!
Blessed be the name of the LORD
from this time forth and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
the name of the LORD is to be praised! (1-3, ESV).

Certainly these verses convey the everlasting nature of God and his praise; his name is to blessed "from this time forth and forevermore" (the "already" and the "not yet"). But this opening reinforces the "already" aspect by mentioning the rising and setting of the sun.

In addition to the beautiful promises reflected in the second paragraph above, the penultimate chapter of the Bible tells us that the New Jerusalem "has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb" (Revelation 21:23, ESV).

If there will be no sun or moon in the new creation, then Psalm 113:3's reference to the rising and setting of the sun clearly conveys the concept of praising God's name in the here and now.

After this jubilant opening, Psalm 113 turns our gaze upward to focus on our exalted and sovereign God.

The LORD is high above all nations,
and his glory above the heavens!
Who is like the LORD our God,
who is seated on high,
who looks far down
on the heavens and the earth? (4-6, ESV).

From the highest heaven, our glorious God reigns over all the nations. He does not ignore current events; he "looks far down" on the obedient hosts of angels in heaven as well as the rebellious nations of people on earth. This means God is firmly in control, even over all the countries being torn apart by internal conflict.

God sees the suffering of his people, many of whom need not wait until their translation to glory for relief and blessing.

He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.
He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the LORD! (7-9, ESV).

In his great mercy, God raises the poor from the dust of poverty and lifts the needy from the ash heap of mourning. He seats them with the princes of his people! In his marvelous compassion, God grants the barren woman a joyful home filled with the sweet sounds of children.

These are not "pie in the sky, wait until you die" promises. These are blessings that God gives to believers here and now in the "already" of his kingdom.

No wonder the psalmist concludes as he began: "Praise the LORD!"

South Orange County Church planting effort changes frequency and venue

After nearly two years of monthly mid-week home studies, South Orange County Reformed Fellowship is stepping forward in faith with weekly Sunday evening public meetings.

Beginning March 13, 2011, the group will meet each Sunday at 5:00 PM for a time of prayer, fellowship and Bible study at the San Felipe de Jesus Chapel, located at 26010 Domingo Ave. in Capistrano Beach, CA.

Under the supervision of the Oceanside URC consistory, Rev. Jon Moersch carries out the church planting work in a tent-making capacity. Rev. Moersch explains that the change in frequency and venue has been under consideration for some time.

“For the past several months, we have been thinking that a midweek home Bible study, held once a month, made it difficult for visitors to come,” he says. “Our thoughts were that if we could get a public facility and meet every Sunday evening, we could potentially draw a larger number of people.”

Obstacles to making the changes were finding a suitable location and the financial burden of renting a facility. But the Lord overcame those obstacles in an amazing way.

“Thankfully, I was able to find a small chapel near the beach that was available on Sunday evenings,” Rev. Moersch relates. “The building is owned by a large Roman Catholic church up the road and they use it largely for Spanish language mass. The priest was extremely gracious and is allowing us to use the facility for six months at absolutely no cost!”

The group’s initial goal is to spread the word concerning the work. A closely related goal is to gain as many core members as possible.

“Currently there are three families (not including my own) that are seriously committed to planting this church,” says Rev. Moersch. “Please pray for us that the Lord would see fit to bless our labors and add to our numbers.”

Oceanside’s pastor, Rev. Danny Hyde, reports that the Oceanside consistory approved South Orange County Fellowship’s changed venue and frequency for six months.

“If we grow to 6-10 families (singles, couples, entire families), we will proceed with public worship.” Rev. Hyde writes. “If not we will bring this labor to an end after nearly three years.”

The consistory of Oceanside URC adopted a church planting plan for the area in October of 2008. In February of 2009, Jon Moersch (member of the core group and previous Oceanside intern) was ordained to the work. The monthly home meetings began in San Clemente in May of 2009.

“For the past year and nine months,” writes Rev. Hyde, “Pastor Jon has labored with minimal success in terms of numerical growth, although we know his labors are not in vain eternally.”

The consistory of the Oceanside URC remains convinced of the desperate need for a confessionally Reformed congregation in South Orange County, CA.

“While we remain convinced of the need, only the Lord can grant success,” writes Rev. Hyde. “Will you boldly pray with and for us: ‘Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success!’ (Ps. 118:25)?”

Rev. Hyde requests not only the prayers of God’s people, but also the transmission of information: “We need your help propagating this info to anyone you may know in South Orange County who is not a member of a Reformed congregation.”

Readers are encouraged to point area family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to the South Orange County Fellowship’s blog.

The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on page 17 of the March 16, 2011 issue of Christian Renewal.

Reviewing "Calvin as Journalist"

In Calvin and Culture's penultimate chapter, "Calvin as Journalist," Warren Cole Smith connects the dots between Calvin's characteristics and modern journalism.

My review of Smith's chapter went up last Friday at the Reformed Academic blog.

Some of Smith's lines are heavier than others, but his transitions between subjects flow smoothly and he leaves readers with a challenge to reclaim journalism's noble past.

Light dawns in the darkness, Psalm 112

As nuclear meltdowns threaten and the earth's foundations shake, God reminds us today that the righteous will never be moved and light dawns in the darkness.

Like so many other psalms, Psalm 112 begins with praise to God. But it quickly shifts focus to the godly person (verse 1, ESV):

Praise the LORD!

Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commandments!

In the ESV Literary Study Bible, editors Ryken and Ryken identify Psalm 112 as an encomium, which they define in their glossary as "A work of literature that praises either a general character type (e.g., Psalm 1 on the godly person and Proverbs 31:10-31 on the virtuous wife) or abstract quality (e.g., 1 Corinthians 13 on love and Hebrews 11 on faith)" (p. 1887). If you've studied poetry or classical literature, you may already be familiar with the term.

The editors also note that the psalm's "successive half-verses follow the sequence of letters in the Hebrew alphabet, making this an acrostic poem" (p. 876). Regular blog readers will recall that the previous psalm we examined, Psalm 111, was also an acrostic praise psalm. Psalm 112 assures the godly of God's covenantal care for their ensuing generations.

His offspring will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever (2-3, ESV).

Our children may not win wrestling meets and we may not have a safe stuffed with currency and jewelry, but our believing children are strong in the Lord and their eternal souls are treasures in our households now and in our eternal homes. Our righteousness is Christ's, and that will never fail.

Because we have this never fading hope, light dawns in our darkness.

Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;

who conducts his affairs with justice (4-5, ESV).

In the murky shadows of this world, we can see the light of Christ. His dawn lights our way and lightens our hearts. He enables each of us to imitate him by being gracious and merciful. The righteous person is generous and helpful; he deals honestly with others.

The righteous are able to stand firm even in adversity.

For the righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered forever.
He is not afraid of bad news;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
until he looks in triumph on his adversaries (6-8, ESV).

Because our righteousness is the righteousness of Christ, we will not be shaken even when the earth trembles. The grass may wither and the flower fade, our earthly bodies may deteriorate and die, but the Word of the Lord stands firm forever. And our souls are eternally secure in Christ that living Word. We need not fear frightening news reports. Our pulse remains steady when we trust God. We can be sure that one day we will view all enemies from a victorious vantage point.

The righteous acts of the godly person have everlasting value.

He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn is exalted in honor (9, ESV).

The biblical image of a horn represents power. In this world, God's people often are weak, oppressed, and humiliated. But the reality beyond this ephemeral sphere is that we are strong, powerful, and honored.

This makes the wicked very angry (verse 10, ESV):

The wicked man sees it and is angry;
he gnashes his teeth and melts away;
the desire of the wicked will perish!

The wicked may try to grind the righteous in their vicious teeth, but they will soon melt away like a mist dispersed by sunlight. Their desires and stratagems will disappear.

In the face of today's bad news, take heart! God promises that the righteous will stand firm. Light will dawn in darkness!

California Dream Becomes Reality

First United Reformed Church in Chino, CA, had a dream: develop a coordinated catechism curriculum for grades five through twelve that encompassed the Three Forms of Unity (the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and the Heidelberg Catechism) with references to the Westminster Confessions.

After years of effort from many people, the new Life in Christ catechism curriculum now is available online for preview and pre-order!

First URC has arranged with Reformed Fellowship in Grandville, MI, to distribute the material. Reformed Fellowship's website features the Life in Christ project on its home page, and offers a pre-order special discount of $5 off the regular price per book on orders placed prior to May 15.

From the website:

This new curriculum is designed to instruct young people in the precious biblical Reformed faith in a format that uses sections of explanation, memory work from the confessions and Scripture and questions for discussion. Each lesson also includes space to answer the questions, a high-lighted box of key words and concepts, and personal application of the theme. Each of the volumes comprises twenty-five lessons in an 8-1/2” x 11” spiral-bound study-guide/workbook. Teacher Tips, helps for teaching the lessons, will also be available for most of the volumes.

The consistory of Chino's First United Reformed Church asked its pastor, Rev. Ronald Scheuers, to begin preparing this project in 2006. Many churches and individuals donated funds toward the project. Additional authors and editors contributed to the effort.

One of those authors and editors was yours truly, Glenda Mathes. I came on board with the project later than many others, but edited numerous lessons during the last half of 2008 and the first half of 2009. In July of 2009, I was asked to write a beginning level volume overviewing the Heidelberg Catechism, and I was asked if I could complete it by December 1. I said I would think and pray about it.

My experience with guided independent study as a non-traditional, older student taught me (among many other things) how to structure my work. I charted my anticipated writing and editing deadlines and factored in the number of lessons for each week in the time period. It looked intense, but viable. I said yes.

Between mid-July and the first of December, I wrote the twenty-five lessons of Not My Own: Discovering God's Comfort in the Heidelberg Catechism. I was not able to do this because of any personal abiblity; I was able to do this only and completely due to the amazing equipping grace of God.

That is the point I tried to convey in the "Author's Acknowledgments," which can be found in the introductory material here. The PDF file additionally shows the cover, table of contents, and the first lesson.

It is my prayer that this volume will help many students discover not only the beauty of the Reformed faith expressed in the Heidelberg Catechism, but also the comfort of God portrayed on every page of Scripture.

Praise Primer, Psalm 111

In the original Hebrew language, Psalm 111 is an acrostic poem in which each line begins with consecutive letters of the alphabet.

The alphabet portion of the New England Primer uses an acrostic pattern to teach young children their A, B, Cs and simple theology. The New England Primer was the first published work for children in the American colonies. Its alphabet begins with this famous verse, "In Adam's Fall, We sinned all."

One can imagine little Jewish children memorizing the words of Psalm 111 to help them learn the alphabet and theology. The psalm contains a condensed overview of the gospel, the good news of God's sovereignty and salvation.

It begins with a call to praise and a vow for faithful corporate worship:

Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation (1, ESV).

On Wednesday evening, our church held its annual Prayer Day service, in which we hear a message from God's Word and intercessory prayers for various aspects of life: business and agriculture, our country, diaconal causes, and the Church.

Perhaps because of recent turmoil in the world and in our lives, I was more blessed by this service than ever before. It was a joy to gather with my church family and pray together. My heart truly was thankful for the opportunity. And today, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to return to corporate worship tomorrow, on God's "festive day of rest" (Heidelberg Catechism, Q & A 103).

Not only are Christians called to joyfully worship, but we are also called to lovingly study God's works and words:

Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them (2, ESV).

God's splendid and majestic work is glorious. His faithful righteousness will never fade or fail:

Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever (3, ESV).

In God's great and gracious mercy, he has provided for the continuing transmission of his Word.

He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and merciful (4, ESV).

As he spiritually feeds us from his Word, he also physically nourishes us and cares for our covenant children throughout their generations.

He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever (5, ESV).

God demonstrated his power to Israel by bringing them out of Egypt's oppression and bestowing them with a fruitful land, tilled and established by others.

He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations (6, ESV).

God has also shown us his power by freeing us from sin's bondage and granting us the freedom of an abundant life in Christ. Every day we benefit from his faithful works.

The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness (7-8, ESV).

We can trust every part of eternal God's Word. His works and his words are faithful and upright. His most awe-inspiring gift is the salvation he freely grants to his covenant people (9, ESV):

He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!

Awesome is a word that has almost lost its meaning through trivial overuse, but its most appropriate use is in describing God's holy name. Our holy God's amazing redemption through Jesus Christ and his covenantal love to believers and their children truly generate awe.

Wisdom begins with love and awe for God (10, ESV):

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!

We shouldn't shy away from the biblical term "fear of the Lord." It doesn't mean to be terrified of God, although it includes an element of understanding God's power and his righteous anger against sin. The thought of a righteous and holy God ought to terrify those who don't trust in Christ for their salvation! But believers understand the "fear of the Lord" to encompass much more than simply acknowledging his holiness and power. It also means to whole-heartedly love and serve God. When we praise God, participate in corporate worship, peruse his Word, proclaim his wondrous works, and promote the covenant faithfulness of his salvation, we begin to have true biblical wisdom.

The alphabet section of the New England Primer taught early American tots how to read by inculcating biblical truths. The original model for that primer may have been Psalm 111, the acrostic "Praise Primer" that teaches us to trust our heavenly Father with a child-like faith.

In signs of times: Pray, Praise, Persevere

Waking up this morning to news of Japan's massive earthquake and the resulting tsunami threatening more Pacific Rim countries, I pray for the people in the tsunami's path.

Prayer is appropriate and necessary in the wake of catastrophe, but sometimes our fears and concerns distort our prayers. We wallow in worry to the point of paralysis. We shouldn't allow our worries to paralyze us. So I do more than pray. I praise. And I persevere.

How can I praise God in the face of such devastation? Because God is the Almighty and Most High God. He looks on the earth and it trembles, he touches the mountains and they smoke (Psalm 104:32). Earthquakes and tsunamis are small glimpses of God's great power.

They are also signs of the times. In a private setting, Christ taught his disciples about the end of the age:

"And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains" (Mark 13:7-8).

Global unrest and disasters confirm that we live in the last days, the time between Christ's first advent and his second, and that every day brings us closer to the final great day of the Lord.

Perhaps the idea of that great day terrifies you. If you don't believe in Christ, it should! But Christ reassured his disciples that they should "not be alarmed." Luke quotes him as telling his followers, "Do not be terrified" (21:9). Christ said that catastrophes are only "the beginning of the birth pains." Just as contractions alert a woman to the approaching birth of her child; these earthly calamities alert believers to the quickly approaching return of our king (see my 9 March 2011 entry).

Jesus used the following analogy to teach his disciples about his second coming as "the Son of Man":

"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates" (Matthew 24:32-33).

Earthquakes and tsunamis remind us of God's incredible power and Christ's impending return. But we do not fall prey to panic. We also do not prophesy.

Harold Camping of Family Radio proclaims that Christ will return on May 21 of this year. He claims the Bible guarantees it! Apparently he hasn't read Matthew 24:44, which says, "...the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect," or Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32, which clearly state that "no one" knows the day or the hour of Christ's second coming, "not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

If Christ said that the angels didn't know and he himself didn't know, I doubt that Harold Camping knows. Nevertheless, I sometimes hope that God, in his inscrutable wisdom, would choose a day as soon as May 21; not in order to prove Harold right about anything, but because I ardently long for the day. Living with an increased awareness of Christ's imminent return also focuses our living on actions with eternal value.

Even though life in these end times can be difficult and its pain overwhelming, I persevere.

I do so because Christ commands it. He said, "And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Mark 13:13). He also said, "By your endurance you will gain your lives" (Luke 21:19).

Many succumb to fear and confusion when confronted with calamitous signs of the times, but not believers. They've read the Book and they know how the story ends.

"And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:25-28).

When the sea roars and waves strike, nations are perplexed and distressed. People faint with fear and foreboding. But believers need not be bowed down with distress or despair. Christ tells us to "straighten up and raise your heads," because our "redemption is drawing near."

Christ encourages us to live watchful, worthy lives as we wait for his appearing:

"But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:34-36).

We must not drown our sorrows in debauchery or bow down in despair over our cares. Both these extremes weigh down our hearts. And both extremes dull our senses to the twinges alerting us to Christ's return. We must stay alert and pray for the strength to persevere. We don't persevere in our own strength, but only in God's. He will enable us to stand.

Because God is in control even of catastrophes that signal Christ's imminent return, we need not panic or prophesy. We pray, praise, and persevere.

Packaging news for children: Interview with Norm Bomer

by Glenda Mathes


Norm Bomer is the Senior Editor of God’s World News (GWN) and was its founding editor in 1981. He also is a talented writer and the author of several books including his memoir, Sons of the River. I recently had the opportunity to interview him via email.

GM: Your memoir, Sons of the River, is beautiful for its poetic prose and its depiction of relationships between family members and friends. What led to its writing?

NB: The writing of Sons of the River was sparked by our church’s first “hymn of the month”—either a familiar or an unfamiliar hymn chosen to be sung every week for one month during worship. That hymn was “Our God Our Help in Ages Past”—a very familiar one. As with so many other hymns, I knew all the words and usually sang them without thinking much about their meaning.

This time was different. The verse that begins, “Time like an ever-rolling stream” hit me as never before. Time “bears all its sons away.” But the words are not just about death. They are about the fact that a human does not really make his mark through his own merit. Life is short. And so are memories. Those sons who pass away are soon forgotten. They “fly, forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day.”

Suddenly I was struck with the fact that I now had personal friends who had already died. Only a few people remember them, and they will soon be gone too. Was there anything about their lives on earth worth remembering?

Oddly, the name and face of an actor popped into my mind too: Franchot Tone.

GM: Who is Franchot Tone? I’ve never heard of him.

NB: I’m not surprised. But 60 or more years ago, virtually the whole world knew him. He was a beloved and highly acclaimed Hollywood star. I admired him. And he had a smile exactly like my friend Clayton Hoke.

The bottom line is this: There is no eternal hope in ourselves. Only God is “our hope for years to come . . . and our eternal home.” But there are things worth remembering. The Bible tells me so. And I wanted to remind others of that fact, not to brag about human accomplishment, but to glory in the fact that life in Christ does have meaning that lasts forever.

My early years in the small Nebraska town of Ewing made a huge and lasting impression on my heart. Few people have ever heard of Ewing, Nebraska, or known the people who made it live—people such as my lifelong friends Gordon Shrader and Clayton Hoke. I wanted to tell their story, which includes the story of their ancestors. For not only had that story intrigued me all my life, I saw it as everyone’s story—a reminder that life is worth living, that it has eternal meaning in Christ, and that true, eternal hope includes remembering what God has done on earth.

GM: How did the memoir writing process affect you?

NB: The writing itself was a cathartic experience for me. As a professional writer, I whip things out and meet deadlines regularly. But this was different. Although the book is not a long one, I spent three years creating it, usually writing in the dead of night when I and my memories were the only ones awake in the world. It was my sincere desire to create something beautiful, not only in theme but in form.

GM: You definitely accomplished that. Sons of the River has beautiful writing as well as beautiful content. What other books have you written?

NB: I’ve written No More Singing, published by Paideia Press; Willow, published by Baker Book House; Etymology for Wordbrains Like Me, published by Wordbrain Paperbacks (GWP); and Adventures in Etymology for Wordbrains Like Me, Wordbrain Paperbacks.

GM: Let’s talk about your professional writing and regular deadlines. God's World News produces four different monthly current events magazines at age-appropriate levels to help elementary and middle school students develop Christian character and learn to discern. These magazines remind me of the “Weekly Readers” from my grade school days, and I tend to think of them as "Reformed Weekly Readers." How would you describe God's World News as well as its mission and purpose?

NB: "Reformed Weekly Readers" would be a fair description, although they have now become monthly readers. The word “Reformed” is avoided in the context of GWN published materials, since many orthodox Christians react negatively to that term. The base of current events, biblical editorial analysis, and related features remains. And the core focus remains Christian worldview, promoting biblical discernment in students. The presentation now includes specific connections to the major academic areas of Christian school/home school curricula.

GM: Developing a biblical worldview is a lofty ideal, but how does that play out in practical terms in the pages of a current events magazine?

NB: All publications are written from a distinct worldview. Liberal, secular media masquerade as “neutral.” That masquerade is a powerful weapon. Readers are led to believe that the front page of a newspaper is just “fact,” and that opinions are exclusive to the editorial pages. Not true. The most influential opinion molders are on the front pages, where writers carefully pick and choose the stories you will see, carefully pick and choose the details they want you to hear, and carefully censor out what they do not want you to hear or think about. They also carefully choose quotes that build their cases—a media tool known as “journalistic ventriloquism.”

Like all news media, God’s World News is not neutral. We also carefully pick and choose the news stories we present and the details we believe our readers at each level should know about. The difference is, at GWN and in GWN we are honest about our non-neutrality. But more important than that, we diligently strive to be biblical, to tell the truth, to be honest and fair.

Our “Newsthink” editorials comment at length on particular current events, encouraging students to analyze them through the eyes of Scripture. In addition, we often append news stories with relevant Bible verses, questions for discussion, and sometimes brief editorial comments under the heading “Bible2Life.” We also supplement our print publications with online teaching tools, including a biography series that includes biblical commentary.

GM: What is the relationship of God's World News (GWN) to WORLD magazine and how did that relationship develop?

NB: During the first several years of publishing God’s World News, parents and teachers frequently expressed interest in the creation of a similar current events magazine for adults, one presented from a biblical editorial perspective. WORLD magazine is the product of that interest. It was first published in the mid 1980s and was financed largely through the success of God’s World News. Today, both publications are governed by the same board of directors, as is the World Journalism Institute.

GM: I’m curious about the logistics for GWN. Where are the offices for GWN located? Where are production and mailing handled? How do you get your news?

NB: God’s World Publications headquarters is located in Asheville, North Carolina, although the staff of WORLD magazine is scattered throughout the country. Printing and mailing are done by a company in Pennsylvania. We are members of the Associated Press and get most of our news information from AP. Some stories, of course, originate with us.

GM: What are the unique challenges faced by GWN and of your work in particular?

NB: One of the primary challenges over the years has been to encourage Christian school/home school teachers and administrators to appreciate the vital importance of teaching current events and Christian worldview—and to move beyond the traditional loyalty to textbooks. Completing a textbook should not be the primary purpose and goal of the school year in any classroom. The goal should be the proper teaching of children. The unique challenge of my particular work is also the most gratifying personally—that is, to see and explain what God’s word teaches in relation to a particular event or issue, and to do it in a manner appropriate for a particular age level.

GM: In what ways have you seen God's hand at work through your work with GWN?

NB: Over the years, the thousands of appreciative responses and testimonials from parents, teachers, and students have reinforced the importance and effectiveness of this facet of Christian education.

GM: How can Reformed Christians support the work of GWN?

NB: I believe the biggest need continues to be a thorough and enthusiastic dedication to Christian education. Education works, period. Christian parents who send their children to Godless schools need to understand the powerful and lasting ramifications of the fact that they are indeed Godless. As for God’s World News, I suppose one of the most helpful contributions would be to encourage local Christian schools/home schools to include it in their standard educational process.


ENDNOTE:
God’s World News produces 30 page editions for pre-Kindergarten through first grade (Early Edition) and second through third grades (Taking Off), as well as 38 page editions for fourth through fifth grades (News Current) and sixth through ninth grades (Top Story). The current subscription level for all four editions is 116,000. School year subscriptions include seven monthly issues (September-April), while full year subscriptions include 10 issues (every month except December and May). Subscriptions for three monthly summer issues of each edition are also available. Educational resources and subscription information for God’s World News publications can be found at: www.gwnews.com. More information about World is available at: http://www.worldmag.com/.


Christian Renewal Editor John Van Dyk added the following boxed article to the above interview.



Norm Bomer had this to say when asked how he became the editor of God's World Publications:



In February 1981, we were living in Hutchinson, Kansas. A close friend in Sterling, Kansas, called to tell me he had read a news report in The Presbyterian Journal about the launching of a Christian "weekly reader" by the Journal organization. He said a search was underway for a founding editor, and that with my enthusiasm for Christian education, my Christian school teaching experience, and my writing/editing history, I was Tailor-made for the job. But when I found out the Journal was published in North Carolina, I told Carol, my wife, that I was not even going to inquire. For me anything east of the Mississippi was too foreign and too strange. Here's a quick calendar of events:

February: phone call from my friend Harry Wilkey

February: at Carol's urging, very brief letter of inquiry to The Presbyterian Journal

February: no response

March: no response

April: in Prinsburg, Minnesota, interviewing for a teaching position at a Christian high school. Phone call from Carol telling me Joel Belz had called from The Presbyterian Journal

April 1981: home again, spoke to Joel by phone

April 1981: flew to Asheville, North Carolina, for interview. Joel had interviewed nearly 50 candidates, but not one had met all of the half-dozen prerequisites he had established.

May 1981: sold house in Hutchinson in spite of real estate recession.

June 1981: moved to Asheville, North Carolina. Harry had been right. It was the work of the Tailor.



The above articles originally appeared on pages 33-34 of the June 23, 2010, issue of Christian Renewal.

The Return of the King, Psalm 110

In these days of civil war and natural disasters, spiraling prices and insuperable debt, religious persecution and apocalyptic prophecy, public depravity and private pain, it's comforting to be reminded from Psalm 110 that God is in control and one day soon Christ will be the visible king.

Editors Ryken and Ryken write about Psalm 110 in the ESV Literary Study Bible, "The focus is on the godly king, with the implied double meaning that the ultimate embodiment of this ideal is Christ" (p. 875). Although I often agree with comments made by this father-son duo, it seems to me that the focus in Psalm 110 is on Christ with an implied double meaning relating to the godly king.

King David seems to find confidence for his own reign by envisioning God the Father speaking to God the Son:

The LORD says to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool" (verse 1).

Verse 2 affirms the guarantee of victory over God's (as well as the king's and our) enemies:

The LORD sends forth from Zion
your mighty scepter.
Rule in the midst of your enemies!

In verse 3, incredible imagery and poetic language anticipate the great day of the Lord:

Your people will offer themselves freely
on the day of your power,
in holy garments;
from the womb of the morning,
the dew of your youth will be yours.

As believers stumble through life in the torn and filthy garments of sin, we take heart in the sure knowledge that one day we will be clothed in "holy garments" of pure linen that have been washed whiter than snow by Christ's blood. When the Son of Righteousness dawns, the decrepit tent of this current body will burst from the grave like a baby delivered from the womb. The resurrected body will be ageless, neither infantile nor infirm, but forever fresh and timelessly youthful.

Verse 4 refers to the meeting between Abram, who would become Abraham, and Melchizedek, who was "priest of God Most High" (Genesis 14:18) at Salem, which would become Jerusalem.

The LORD has sworn
and will not change his mind,
"You are a priest forever
after the order of Melchizedek."

That verse is heavily referenced in Hebrews (5:6, 6:20, 7:17, 7:21), which teaches that Jesus has become our high priest forever.

As our high priest, Christ now sits exalted at the right hand of God, ruling and reigning until his return in judgment.

The Lord is at your right hand;
he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
He will execute judgment among the nations,
filling them with corpses;
he will shatter chiefs
over the wide earth (5-6).

Christ's victory will be thorough and global. No oppressive king or wicked nation will escape his justice. The execution of his justice also will be swift.

He will drink from the brook by the way;
therefore he will lift up his head (7).

John Calvin writes in his commentary on this verse that David intends to convey the military prowess of Christ, like a commander in battle who doesn't stop for refreshment but quickly drinks from a stream in his path. Matthew Henry believes the "brook on the way" indicates the black stream of God's wrath from which Christ drank. Both agree that the final line of this psalm confirms Christ's exaltation.

Christ is our only high priest and our exalted king. When he returns in power to judge the nations, sin will be forever vanquished and the wicked banished into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15, 21:8). But the righteous will enter the rest of their eternal home where the river of the water of life flows. Beside it grows the tree of life, bearing new fruit each month, with leaves for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:1-2).

How I long for the return of the king!

All scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Chino's Mission and Evangelism Emphasis Week

When I was a child, the highlight of the summer was our hometown’s annual Mission Fest—a week-long outdoor extravaganza featuring missionary speakers and fellowship for adults as well as playground fun and Cracker Jacks for kids.

Even as a married mom, I recall week-long Mission Emphasis events focusing on missionaries supported by our church. In today’s busy society, I don’t hear much about such week-long celebrations raising awareness and support for missions. But at least one church, First United Reformed in Chino, CA, has maintained a Mission Emphasis Week for 36 years. And it doesn’t look as if it’s a dying tradition.

Mr. Larry Vanden Berge, who is Vice President of the church’s council and chairman of its Evangelism Committee, says, “I certainly feel Mission Emphasis Week will go on for many years. In fact, it seems like it’s enjoyed more than ever. Even as our church approaches it 53rd year of existence and the congregation transitions from a predominately Dutch, dairy-based congregation to a rich variety of people who love and appreciate the Reformed faith, we still enjoy biblically-based traditions. Mission Emphasis Week boosts our support for missions, our local evangelism efforts, and our hospitality toward church visitors. In addition to providing generous support for our selected missionaries, our church members are even more inspired to make our church a shining light in our community.”

Based on Psalm 96:3, “Declaring God’s Glory to All People” was the theme when First URC in Chino held its 36th annual Mission Emphasis Week from January 22-30, 2011. It began with a Saturday evening prayer service, featured guest ministers and speakers for two consecutive Sundays, and included a Wednesday “Family Night” chicken dinner as well as a Saturday morning food and Bible distribution project.

“Mission Emphasis Week 2011 certainly exceeded my expectations,” says Mr. Vanden Berg. “Last year we put a lot of thought into the week but the attendance seemed about the same as if we had put little effort into it. This year I had lower expectations because of that. The Family Night event was much more edifying and, of course, the distribution project was again an encouraging event. Our committee commented they were quite pleased with the week and thought the sermons and presentations were all very motivating. We again arranged for a mix of foreign missions (Rev. Vic Bernales) and local evangelism (Rev. Danny Hyde), which seems to be an effective format.”

The week of activities began with an intimate gathering for prayer on Saturday evening, when about 18 people (many of them Evangelism Committee members) gathered around circular tables and prayed in small groups for specific aspects of the upcoming week.

On Sunday, January 23, the Sunday school children were told about foreign mission life and work. Rev. Vic Bernales, a church planter in Davao City, Philippines, spoke to the adult class on “Office Bearers’ Training: A Key to Sustain Reformed Mission Work.”

“Rev. Bernales’ presentation about training office bearers at a small church plant in a foreign land was a highly interesting topic,” says Mr. Vanden Berge.

Prior to the morning worship service, Cadets from the church presented the Christian flag and flags of sixteen countries in which the congregation supports mission work. Rev. Bernales preached on “Make Known His Deeds Among the Peoples” from Isaiah 12:1-6. Special music included brass players and the church choir singing “All Who Believe.”

At the evening service, Rev. Bernales preached from Acts 17:1-9 on “The Message That Turns the World Upside Down.” A soloist sang, “The Name Above All Names.” During a fellowship time following the service, Rev. Bernales gave a presentation on “Prayer and Gospel Preaching” that challenged attendees to seize every opportunity for witness.

“He asked the people in attendance to speak about their experiences in witnessing and their shortcomings as they did so,” says Mr. Vanden Berge. “Several people shared their encounters. It was encouraging for those present to hear others’ accounts and Rev. Bernales’ comments. I think many felt convicted to be braver in sharing their faith.”

Almost 150 people gathered at the church for a “Family Night Chicken Dinner” on Wednesday evening, after which Rev. Bernales gave an overview and answered questions regarding his work in the Philippines. Special music was presented by a mixed vocal group.

“The Wednesday night event had been a potluck for many years, but evolved into a Kentucky Fried Chicken dinner for the past several years,” explains Mr. Vanden Berge. “It was a lively and fun crowd with a good turnout of young families. The group seemed to greatly appreciate Rev. Bernales’ presentation. Vic interned in our church for ten weeks in the summer of 2007. Vic, Cathy, and their family are greatly loved by our congregation, so hearing about his ministry in Davao City was of high interest.”

An innovative aspect of the church’s Mission Emphasis Week was its “Food for Life” distribution project on Saturday morning, January 29. Mr. Vanden Berge explains that “Food for Life” began a couple of years ago and is supervised by a Christian board that acquires food items at depressed prices and sets up distribution events with various church in the local valley.

“We had participated in this as a congregation in October,” he explains, “and decided to tie it in this time with Mission Emphasis Week.”

About 175 families came to purchase groceries for $5 per large box. Approximately 60-70 volunteers from the church stocked the boxes. As boxes were loaded into the families’ cars, some church members offered them free Bibles, literature, and information about the church.

“Around 25 English Bibles were distributed and 40 Spanish Bibles were given to the largely Latino recipients,” says Mr. Vanden Berge. “They were very appreciative to receive spiritual as well as physical food.”

The week of activities concluded with a “Commitment Sunday” on January 30. Rev. Daniel Hyde, pastor of Oceanside United Reformed Church, spoke to the adult Sunday school class on “Being a Welcoming (Reformed) Church,” a topic on which he has recently published a book.

Rev. Quentin Falkena, First URC’s Youth Pastor, extended to the congregation a call to pledge financial support for the church’s monthly “Faith Promise” mission offerings. Through the “Faith Promise” offerings, the congregation supports Dr. Brian Lee’s work at Christ Reformed Church in Washington, DC; Rev. Ruben Sernas with Ontario Hispanic URC; Tom & Donna Cnossen with N. Canada Evangelical Mission; Rev. Bill Green with Latin American Reformed Fellowship in Costa Rica; Dr. Neal Hegeman, Academic VP & Hispanic Director for Miami International Theological Seminary (MINTS); Marvin & Joyce Hyde with Wycliffe Bible Translators; Chris & Joy Konop with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Democratic Republic of Congo; Dr. Sylvia Martinez with Ministries in Action in Dominican Republic; Rev. Steve McGee, Coordinator of English Speaking Caribbean Ministry for MINTS and President of Ministries in Action; Rev. Eric Pennings, Central American Director for MINTS; Rev. Steve & Nalini Poelman, URC missions in India; Roger & Karen Van Otterloo, Wycliffe Bible translators; Rev. Allen Vander Pol, Director of African and Philippines & English ministries for MINTS; and John & Shirley Wind with CRC World Missions in Mexico.

Rev. Hyde preached at the morning service on “Defending God’s Existence in an Age of ‘New Atheism,’” based on Psalm 19 and Romans 1:18-32. The Providence Men’s Group provided special music. Rev. Ronald Scheuers, First URC’s Senior Pastor, preached at the evening service on “Even a Gentile Soldier” from Acts 10. The “Bells of Praise” presented “Jesus Shall Reign.” During the fellowship time following the evening service, Rev. Ruben Sernas, pastor of Ontario Hispanic United Reformed Church, gave an overview of his Spanish ministry.

“Rev. Sernas helped us at the Food for Life distribution the day before,” says Mr. Vanden Berge, “and our congregation is seeking to help him financially and physically with his developing ministry.”

Mr. Vanden Berge relates that those attendees with whom he spoke “seemed very blessed and edified by the week of mission focused events.” He admits “it was a lot of work and sometimes I felt barely able to stay ahead of the wave.” He is quick to add, however, “But I think it is an awesome tradition to set aside this week at the beginning of the year, to focus on the work of our missionaries and to feel the conviction to do a better job of witnessing to our local community. Our congregation gives generously to our monthly Faith Promise for Missions offering, but I think more and more of us are becoming even more stimulated to witness in our community and show hospitality to the growing number of visitors who are checking out our church and joining us in worship.”

“I recommend that all churches, large or small, set aside a week focusing on missions and evangelism,” he says. “I believe it will spur them on to a year of ‘Declaring God’s Glory to All People.’”


The above article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 12-13 of the February 23, 2011, issue of Christian Renewal.

Keen Sox

My husband isn't exaggerating too much when he says that my toes warm up about July.

Sadly it only lasts a few months. Wool socks become my constant companions from early fall to late spring. In Iowa, that translates to several months. I have little interest in shopping for clothing or shoes, but I love wool socks!

The socks I love are not my husband's bulky wool socks that fill an entire drawer of our dresser. Although I borrow a pair or two when I hunt deer with him, the socks I love are thin socks blended from fine Merino wool. They fit comfortably inside my Merrells. On the coldest day, they keep my toes toasty.

I discovered thin wool socks one day in Cabela's bargain cave. But I fell in love with them a few years ago when I purchased my first pair of Smartwool socks. These socks are wonderful! They are also expensive and require a sizeable investment. Every year at this time, I hopefully watch for Smartwool socks at slashed prices. But these socks evidently sell well and don't go on sale very often.

Last week I walked into Brown's Shoe Fit and tok advantage of some slightly reduced Smartwool socks as well as a special offer on Keen Sox. A pair of these ingeniously designed "sox" includes a designated left sock and a designated right sock.

I was going to post a picture of a couple of pairs, showing the bright yellow "L" and "R" triangles on the big toe portion of the sock, but my monitor went blank when I plugged my camera's USB cord into my CPU.

It came back to life only after I manually shut down the computer and restarted it. Apparently the system experienced a static shock. Our air is very dry since we heat with wood and our wimpy humidifier died on Saturday. Obviously, I must replace it soon to avoid losing either my monitor, my motherboard, or both. I've lost both too often during recent winters to take another chance.

And while I'm thinking of it, I believe it's past time to back up.

Before I do that, I'll finish this entry by simply saying, "I'm keen on Keen Sox."

Was John Calvin a journalist?

I'll be honest: I've lived my entire life without ever pausing to consider the concept of Calvin as a journalist. Calvin as Reformer? Definitely! Calvin as theologian? Of course! Calvin as churchman? Indeed! But Calvin as journalist? Not so much.

Until now.

Arnold Sikkema, over at the Reformed Academic blog, asked me to review a chapter in Calvin and Culture: Exploring a Worldview. Edited by David W. Hall and Marvin Padgett, Calvin and Culture is published by P&R and currently is available for $15.20 (US) from Amazon.

Sikkema is Associate Professor of Physics at Trinity Western University and a member of Langley Canadian Reformed Church. He and the other contributors to the Reformed Academic blog have asked several people to review individual chapters of Calvin and Culture.

The 13 chapters in the book exhibit a variety of professional expertise on Calvin's connection to a wide range of cultural issues. Darryl G. Hart reflects on what Calvinism says to historians; John Witte Jr. writes about "Law, Authority, and Liberty in Early Calvinism"; William Edgar explores "The Arts and the Reformed Tradition"; while Leland Ryken discusses "Calvinism and Literature." Doesn't that sampling of authors and chapters pique your interest?

The penuntimate chapter, "Calvin as Journalist" by Warren Cole Smith, is the one I've been asked to review. Like Paul, I feel a little like "a child untimely born" (1 Corinthians 15:8).

I confess that I struggle to find nomenclature for my writing work. Am I a journalist? A reporter? A chronicler? A poet? An author? A wordsmith? Or simply a writer?

I have varying interests and numerous responsibilities. And in many different genres, I write much straw.

But if the primary characteristic required for a journalist is curiousity (as Warren Cole Smith points out in his chapter), then I qualify. And I'll take this step forward in the works God prepared beforehand for me (Ephesians 2:10).

PS - The Lord willing, you'll be able to read my review of Smith's chapter on the Reformed Academic blog on March 18.

"Life in Christ" catechism update

I've been receiving inquiries about the Life in Christ catechism curriculum, for which I wrote the first volume, Not My Own: Discovering God's Comfort in the Heidelberg Catechism.

The eight volumes of the catechism are nearing completion. Work progresses on illustrations for a few of the lower level volumes as well as final edits on other volumes. It is hoped that the covers, table of contents, and first chapters of each volume will soon be posted on a Life in Christ page of the Reformed Fellowship website.

Rev. Ronald Scheuers, who serves as the General Editor for the project, writes:

"About five years ago our council asked me to begin preparing a new coordinated curriculum for children and young people in grades 5 through 12. This curriculum was to cover the Three Forms of Unity (The Heidelberg Catechism, The Belgic Confession, and the Canons of Dort), and where possible to also reference the Westminster Confession and Catechisms. With the help of other authors, editors, and contributors to this effort, we are now in a position to have these materials printed in the near future."

Rev. Scheuers has contributed untold hours to the mammoth project now nearing completion. He explains the format consistently used in each volume:

"Our new curriculum is designed to instruct young people in the precious Reformed faith of the Scriptures by using sections of explanation, memory work from the confessions and Scripture, questions for discussion and space to answer the questions, a highlighted box of key words and concepts, and personal application of the theme for each lesson. All the volumes contain 25 lessons. Teacher Tips, helps for teaching the lessons, will also be available for most of the volumes."

The Life in Christ instructional materials will be available in three different levels: Intermediate, Middle School, and High School. The following listing indicates suggested levels with colors used in those volumes and provides a brief description of each volume.

Intermediate (blue tones)

Not My Own: Discovering God’s Comfort in the Heidelberg Catechism - An Introductory Course on the Heidelberg Catechism

God’s Unfolding Promise: From Shadows to SONlight - A Course that traces God’s Covenant History of Redemption from Genesis through Revelation

Middle School (shades of green)

Christ’s Living Church: A Journey From Then to Now - A Course on the Church and the Reformed Faith in History

Faith of Our Fathers: Studies in the Belgic Confession - A Course on the Belgic Confession of Faith

High School (tan and brown)

The Price of Possession: The Heidelberg Catechism, Part 1 - A Course on the First Half of the Heidelberg Catechism

The Price of Possession: The Heidelberg Catechism, Part 2 - A Course on the Second Half of the Heidelberg Catechism

The Doctrines of Grace: Pillars of the Reformed Faith - A Course on the Five Solas, the Canons of Dort, and other Key Reformed Doctrines

Facing Faith’s Challenges: Defending the Faith and Answering Life’s Important Questions - A Course on Defending the Reformed Faith

Rev. Scheuers explained to me that the commmittee's desire was to allow churches to be flexible with the material since some churches have classes with combined grades while others have enough students for separate grades. The picture above gives an idea of the cover design.

The picture below shows the table of contents for Not My Own: Discovering God's Comfort in the Heidelberg Catechism.

Although it is hoped that Not My Own: Discovering God's Comfort in the Heidelberg Catechism will contain many illustrations, the below picture gives an idea of how the first page of each lessons looks.

And the next two pictures show the graphic elements incorporated into the lessons to add visual interest:

I'm having a hard time getting these pictures where I want them. And I know these pictures will be small and difficult to see on this blog, but I hope they give youth education committees and interested persons an idea of how the finished product will look.

Churches expressing an interest in reviewing materials now may be receiving unedited versions of the manuscripts and I want to assure them that extensive editing has greatly improved the unedited versions.

As Rev. Scheuers writes, "It is our prayer that you will find these volumes helpful in the exciting task of training the next generation in the marvelous truths of the Scriptures."