Cedar Church Life

Happy Reformation Day!

2009-10-31T07:07:00.000-04:00

Four Tenors Sing Inside the Roman Coliseum

2009-10-23T08:29:00.001-04:00

Special Offer: October 21-22

2009-10-20T12:12:00.012-04:00

With the upcoming celebration of Reformation Day, Ligonier Ministries is making several special offers avaialable for a gift of any amount for the next week. For today, through the twenty-second, they are making available the hard cover book, Living for God's Glory: An Introduction to Calvinism by Joel Beeke.

In this work, "Dr. Joel R. Beeke aims to 'cover the intellectual and spiritual emphases of Calvinism, the way it influences the church and everyday living, and its ethical and cultural implications' in his latest book, Living for God’s Glory: An Introduction to Calvinism. In this comprehensive survey of Reformed Christianity, Dr. Beeke and eight fellow contributors offer twenty-eight chapters that trace the history of Calvinism; explore its key doctrinal tenets, such as the so-called five points of Calvinism and the solas of the Protestant Reformation; reveal how Calvinists have sought to live in devotion to God; and survey Calvinism’s influence in the church and in the world at large. In the end, the book asserts that the overriding goal of Calvinism is the glory of God. Saturated with Scripture citations and sprinkled with quotations from wise giants of church history, this book presents Calvinism in a winsome and wondrous fashion."

You may purchase this book here, by giving a gift of any amount to this wonderful ministry.

An Evening of Eschatology

2009-10-07T13:11:00.002-04:00

OPC Church Planter Swims the Sea of Galilee

2009-10-05T13:19:00.000-04:00

Friends,

My son Billy and I flew out of Key West via Atlanta to Tel Aviv on August 31st as planned. All went well with out travels. In fact, we landed about an hour earlier than expected. We got our rental car and drove to Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. My good friends John and Judy Pex were there at the Beit Bracha Guesthouse to greet us at our arrival at about 9:00PM. We were pretty tired because it was now Tuesday, September 1. There is a 7 hour time difference Israel and Florid a. We managed to sleep pretty well that night. The next afternoon we went to find a boat that would escort me the distance of the Sea of Galilee. We checked a few options and settled with a fisherman named Amnon.

The plan was to meet him at 5:30AM at the dock and ride in his boat to the northern shore of the lake. We were there on time but both Billy and I had not one wink of sleep the night before. I don't attribute my sleepless to jitters as much as to jet lag. Certainly Billy wasn't nervous about my swim. I listened to him toss and turn the full night. I just tried to lay still and get some rest, hoping for the sleep that never came. At 5:00AM John knocked on our door and we were on our way 15 minutes later. I knew what I need for the challenge from all my swims around Key West. I had two sport bottles and several litres of water and my Hammer Perpetuum in a plastic bag with the scoop. I had plenty of gel shots and some Cliff bars in snack baggies. I had all I need in a sport bag. I didn't feel tired and trusted that will power and adrenaline in addition to all the prayers of God's people would carry me through. I explained to John and Judy everything in my bag and what to expect as to my needs and we slowly putted to the start location. As we neared the start the sun was just coming over the eastern mountains. It was a very hazy morning and the Sea was very calm, like glass. We started just to the east of the Jordan River, the river which feeds into the Kinneret (Galilee). Judy lathered me up with my zinc oxid e, for protection from the sun.

In addition to my zinc I only wore a Speedo swim suit and goggles. I got out in about a foot of water on the soft delta sands. I was just after 7:00AM that I took my first stroke. The first of many. The water was sweet. I was used to salt. The water was warm, about 83 degrees and very still, calm, tranquil. I didn't notice being heavier but I did notice after about an hour's time that the area opposite my Achilles tendon, where my leg meet my foot was becoming very sore. I am sure it was because I had to kick more than in the salt. I kept taking inventory wondering if my lack of sleep was going to play a part. I figured I better just settle into the task at hand. I stopped to drink my Perpetuum on an average of once an hour. Every other feeding I had a gel pack. I never ate any Cliff bars.

At the start I didn't know how we would work the logistics with the escort boat (the fishing boat), but that worked out fine. Captain Amnon would speed up ahead and I would swim swim to the boat. When I was hungry I would shout out "Drink!" and the boat would wait for me and I would get my sustenance. John mixed my drinks and Billy would hand me my bottles and gel packs. Amnon gave us some string to tie on the bottles in case we lost one with an over toss. I treaded water in taking my food never touching the boat as I drank.

I could see Tiberias on my right and at first I thought I was making very good time but then it never seemed to arrive. Maybe it was an optical illusion but I seemed to be swimming in place. Later Amnon told me that there was a current that ran across the area and that I was swimming against it. He also told me that since it was a full moon, it was even stronger. That is so odd to my thinking as this is a fresh water lake and I had never imagined such a thing. If any one can add some light to this I would love to hear more.

I was amazed to be swimming in this particular body of water. Up north I most likely swam over the area that Jesus came walking to His apostles as they struggled against a storm in the middle of the night. I tried to imagine Him in a boat with his disciples and absorbed looking at the mountains on both sides of me. I was an unreal feeling, beyond my wildest dream. Amnon told us of several individual who swam the width but he sad he had never known anyone to attempt the length.

John decided we needed to get some news coverage on the swim. He called his son, Joshua who just passed his bar exam and works for a law firm that caters to human rights cases. Joshua told his dad that if I had a cause I would fair better. He suggested I swim for civil marriages. Since I have always believed in civility between spouses, I thought that was a good cause. Actually, civil marriage (state recognized marriage for non Jewish religious marriages) in Israel is not of any legal standing. For example two Christians cannot marry in Israel. They must leave the country to legally marry.

We were just passing the center of Tiberias and a speed boat came whizzing out with a camera man and a big camera in it. The boat circled me several times and then stopped to speak to Amnon and the crew in his boat. I paid little attention to all of that and just kept on swimming. Later that night some footage appeared on the channel 10 national news just before 9:00PM. I didn't see it but was told that my name was mentioned and the cause.

I checked my watch periodically. I did so not only to check the time but to keep track of my need to for food. I needed to stay fueled, to feed my muscles.

I initially thought this swim would take 8 hours at top end. Boy was I surprised when 8 hours came and went and I was still swimming. I felt my muscles aching, especially in my lower back on the left side, in the kidney area. At about the 5 hours mark I hit the doldrums. Judy had jumped in and began to swim next to me. That had an exhilarating effect on me. I tried to match her pace. Then I began to push my head and chest below the surface. It made me feel like I was swimming down hill. It seemed to take pressure off my shoulders and lower back. It seemed as though I had gotten a second wind. It was a joy to have passed Tiberias. At about 4:00PM the wind began to pick up.&nb sp; It came out of the west and things got choppy. I wondered how far to the end. The haze never totally went away and judging distance in the water is very hard. I asked my support crew how far unto the finish. I was told about an hour. An hour later I asked the same question. This time they didn't even want to offer a guess. I had to reconcile myself that every stroke I was one closer. I couldn't give up now. My body was aching. I prayed fervently and continued to stroke.

As we approached the Jordan in the south of the Galilee Amnon directed me to the shore. It was very difficult because I swam directly into the wind. I would be happy to see the bottom. I swam until the water was too shallow and my fingers dragged on the bottom. The bottom was somewhat rocky and when I tried to stand I lost my balance. I looked at my watch. I had been swimming for 10 hours, 25 minutes, 34 seconds. I couldn't believe it. John came to help steady me until I got my "land legs" back. Praise God, I had completed the swim!

When I finally got on shore I asked where our captain had gone. John and Judy told me he went to look for cigarettes. When he returned he informed me that I had swum 23 kilometers. By God's grace I had made it. Thanks to all who prayed and to John and Judy and my son Billy for their encouragement during this great day of my life! I am sore but no damage for the wear.

The staff and guests at Beit Bracha gave me a hero's welcome when we returned. They held dinner for us and though I had no appetite I ate anyway knowing that my body need the nourishment. I was light headed, somewhat dizzy and dead tired. I had found the remedy for jet lag. I went to bed at 9:15 and slept until just before 8:00AM. I slept deep.

I am writing this from the home of John and Judy Pex in Eilat. Eilat is located at the southernmost point of Israel. Billy and I left Beit Bracha in Tiberias at Friday noon. We drove up to Capernaum and saw the ruins and then up to Bethsaida. We then drove around the Sea of Galilee, through the Golan Heights and south. From the southern point of the Sea of Galilee we continued south passed Jericho passed the Dead Sea and here to Eilat. John oversees the congregation of Jewish believers in Jesus Christ here in Eilat. I gave one of my easel message on Friday evening and this morning I gave the message in the mor ning Shabbat service. We had a wonderful time of worship with believers from around the world who now lived in Eilat. The service was variously translated in Russian, Spanish, English, Hebrew and Arabic.

In the late afternoon we went swimming in the Gulf of Aqaba (near the Egyptian border). Honestly, it was like swimming in an aquarium. The deep blue crystal clear water, the coral heads and the exotic fish were breathtaking. It was also good to stretch the swimming muscles and try to get rid of some the lactic acid. The swim is over and now it is time for a little vacation. Billy and I hope to be back home, in Key West, Fl. on Wednesday, September 16th. Blessings!!

In the Loving Arms of My Great Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Bill "Ciastko" Welzien

A Conversation, Part VI

2009-08-29T12:41:00.000-04:00

A Conversation, Part V

2009-08-28T12:40:00.000-04:00

A Conversation, Part IV

2009-08-27T12:40:00.000-04:00

A Conversation, Part III

2009-08-26T12:39:00.000-04:00

A Conversation, Part II

2009-08-25T12:38:00.000-04:00

A Conversation, Part I

2009-08-24T08:36:00.000-04:00

What is the Bible Basically About?

2009-08-22T10:43:00.000-04:00

Why We Love Church

2009-08-04T12:37:00.000-04:00

Cedar Church to Host Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University!

2009-08-01T18:03:00.000-04:00

Beginning Wednesday, September 16th, Cedar Church will host Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University every Wednesday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Childcare & refreshments will be provided. You are invited to attend a free preview @ the teacher's lounge of Hudsonville Christian Elementary School, 3435 Oak Street in Hudsonville, on either:

Sunday, August 16th, 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Sunday, August 30th, 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Wednesday, September 2nd, 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM

For more information, please contact the church office at 616.669.9151 or send us an email by clicking here.

What is Financial Peace University? Financial Peace University (FPU) is a 13-week life-changing program that empowers and teaches you how to make the right money decisions to achieve your financial goals and experience a total money makeover. It meets one night a week for two exciting hours. FPU will be an important step to changing your financial future! It takes the head knowledge from the books and and turns it into real action.

Who is FPU for? It's for everyone! FPU provides Biblically based common sense education and empowerment which gives HOPE to everyone from the financially secure to the financially distressed. It is not just for those who are in debt. Over 300,000 families in over 11,000 churches have attended Financial Peace University classes and found a new freedom in managing the resources that God has provided. On average these families have paid off over $5,300 in debt and saved $2,700 during this 91-day program! Where else can you get that kind of return on a small investment?

How do I get involved? Our church will be having a couple of orientations for those who will take the time to attend. Just because you attend an orientation doesn't mean you've committed to the class. Come and find out what FPU is all about.

What do I get with my FPU Membership? Your lifetime membership comes with a FPU kit for your entire family to FPU, anywhere, anytime. You will receive a workbook, all the lessons on CD, a starter envelope system, a copy of Dave's book Financial Peace, and budgeting tools on CD-ROM.

Neon Reformed Presbyterian Church

2009-05-28T06:18:00.000-04:00

NEON REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

A Congregation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church

P.O. Box 11, Neon, Kentucky 41840

April 21, 2009

Dear brothers and sisters,

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ from Pastor Belden and the congregation of Neon Reformed Presbyterian Church.

I’m tempted to give up date setting when it comes to predicting when we will be in the new building. I’m afraid I’m starting to lose credibility. But I really think we’re close this time. We decided to hold off on renovating the storefront and replacing the windows until later this year. This means we can move in as soon as the carpet is installed. The carpet could take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. The good news is, this has given me more time to work on preparations. I talked to one local newspaper and they would like to do a story on our building, including before and after pictures. I have arranged for an advertisement in another local paper to invite people to an open house. I will also be running outreach articles in both papers during this time. I’m still planning on preaching a series of evangelistic sermons for the first few months. Please pray that God would cause His word to run and be glorified.

Moving into the building means we’re in the market for sound and recording equipment. If anyone out there has expertise in this area and is willing to give us some advice, we would greatly appreciate it.

We continue to receive good feedback from the gospel tract. More local individuals and churches have ordered copies to distribute. I may even have opportunities to present the material in the tract to some of these churches. Please pray that God would open that door and bless these labors.

We recently had an encouraging visit from a family living in Hindman Kentucky, a community within 35 minutes of Neon. Richard and Beth Ann Bowers and their three daughters have been attending our evening worship services. It turns out that Richard grew up in Hindman. His parents worked for a Christian summer camp. While in college he came to the reformed faith. After attending a PCA congregation in Atlanta for about a year, he and his family moved back to the mountains. Richard’s desire is to see reformed theology and practice take root in the community he grew up in. He is very active among the churches in his area promoting male leadership in families and covenant nurture. Richard is also distributing the gospel tract. He is talking to the churches in his area about having me come in and do presentations. We don’t know what God plans to do with all this. Please pray that God would guild Richard and his family. Pray also that God would bless the use of the gospel tract in outreach.

Doug Brink continues to struggle with on-going health issues. He is also dealing with continuing back pain. Please pray for healing and encouragement.

Until very recently, Morgan Madison had been attending morning worship faithfully for about the last six months. He asked for prayer with his addictions to drugs. All this was very encouraging. But he hasn’t been back for a few weeks. Please pray that Morgan would return and that God would open his heart to the gospel and break the bondage of his sin.

Grace Ann celebrated her first birthday on February 7th. This is a milestone for children with her condition. Only 10% of children with Trisomy 13 make it to their first birthday. During her latest visit to UK Medical Center, all her doctors were very pleased with her improvement. Sheryl has commented on how encouraging it is to visit the doctors for checkups. It’s not uncommon for them to say things like, "How’s our little miracle baby doing?" The doctors did not expect Grace to improve this much. For instance, her eye doctor said that if she had not measured Grace’s eyes herself, she wouldn’t have believed it was the same child. This gives Seth and Sheryl opportunities to witness to God’s goodness. The Longs are thankful for all your prayers. Please pray for Grace as she begins the process of switching from baby food to more substantial food. Pray also for the family as they continue to care for her.

May God Bless you and keep you,

Pastor John Belden

2009 Soccer Camp Mission Trip

2009-05-23T09:24:00.000-04:00

The OPC Hispanic Bible Ministry in Chicago, IL would like to invite youth and adults (11th grade and up) from across our presbytery to serve in their first annual Bible Soccer Camp Outreach on June 22-26, 2009 in Cicero, IL. OPC Pastor Chris Sandoval expects about 100 hundred boys and girls in the 4th – 6th grades to participate in the OPC’s first major evangelistic outreach event to Hispanics in the greater Chicago area. Volunteers do not need to speak Spanish or be experienced in soccer. Approximately 20 volunteers will be needed to serve as counselors, chaperones, and support staff with Pastor Chris, Coach Jose Dominguez (Trinity Christian College Soccer Coach) and the Trinity soccer team. Housing, breakfast and lunch will be provided free of charge. Teams from the Presbytery of Michigan and Ontario can arrange transportation with Pastor Steve Igo. Teams will need to provide their own spending money for evening social activities in downtown Chicago.

To register for this camp, please print out and fill out the (a) Volunteer Application and the (b) Medical Release Form and fax or mail them to Pastor Chris Sandoval at the number listed on the forms.

To register for transportation from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, contact Pastor Steve by clicking here.

The Shack: A Review

2009-05-22T06:37:00.001-04:00

William Paul Young's theological novel The Shack is a contemporary phenomenon that pastors, elders, and deacons must reckon with. Why? One reason is that—like it or not—so many people (church people and those outside the church) are reading the book.

Here are some of the specifics: The Shack was number one on the New York Times bestseller list, and since its original publication in 2007 (in spite of being self-published by an unknown author through an unknown publisher) it has sold two million copies. At the time this review was written, The Shack had received a total of over two thousand customer reviews on Amazon.com (most books get only half a dozen or fewer customer reviews). Two-thirds of the reviews of The Shack give the book the highest rating (five stars), many of the reviewers testifying "the book changed my life."

It is important to recognize that the positive responses (on and off Amazon) are coming not only from those outside the Christian faith, but also from those who profess to be evangelical Christians. One oft-quoted example is Eugene Peterson, professor emeritus of spiritual theology, Regent College. Here is Peterson's praise (which can be found on the front cover of the book):

When the imagination of a writer and the passion of a theologian cross-fertilize, the result is a novel on the order of The Shack. This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress did for his. It's that good!

But is The Shack that good? And is the teaching of The Shack in line with Bunyan and the Bible? Lane Keister, author of the Green Baggins blog on the Web, doesn't think so. He has this to say:

The Shack is the story of a man ["Mack"] whose [youngest] daughter is brutally murdered. The man ... receive[s] a message from God [four years later] to meet him at the shack, the very place where his daughter was murdered. He then meets God....

The upshot of the plot is that God explains to the main character the why's and the wherefore's, and the man is healed. The theological upshot is that God is good, but not all-powerful....

Contrast Job. Job lost much more than the man in the story.... He had much more to complain about than the man in The Shack. He too wanted God to explain.... But when God finally has His say, He tells Job that He does not have to come to the bar of human reason. Humans have to come to the bar of God.

In [C. S. Lewis's] brilliant essay entitled "God in the Dock," he makes the point that the really important thing for autonomous man is that he is the judge, and that God is in the dock. The man may very well be a kindly judge and acquit God of wrong-doing, if God shows Himself up to the task of defending himself. But the really important thing is that man is the judge, and God is in the dock (on trial). Job shows us that the reverse is true. God is the judge, and man is in the dock.

The author of The Shack is a typical example of "modern man": From Young's perspective, God is in the dock and God (through the author of The Shack) must present "a reasonable case for being the god who permits war, poverty and disease." Young ignores Lewis's rebuke and—with tongue in cheek—titles chapter 7 of The Shack "God on the Dock," making an allusion to Lewis's essay and his own rejection of it (104-114).

Young's approach is far different from that which we see in John Bunyan and in Job in the Bible, as Keister explains:

Bunyan and Young go in fundamentally different directions. Christian's journey is to the bar of judgment as a defendant whom God will acquit based on the spotless righteousness of Christ imputed to him. The man's journey in The Shack is to the bench, where he magnanimously acquits God of wrong-doing, once it becomes evident that God is really powerless to stop it....

... [O]ne of my friends ... . noted the contrast between the way in which God is portrayed in the Bible as opposed to how God is portrayed in The Shack. The God of The Shack is hardly a God with the least little hint of awe and majesty. He is not the God of the whirlwind, which is how God treated Job. He is not the God before whom all bow their faces to the ground.

In chapter 6 of The Shack, Mack meets God, and we as well are introduced to a very different view of the Triune God from that found in Scripture:

The door flew open, and he was looking directly into the face of a large beaming African American woman ... . Just as she turned to enter the cabin, a small distinctly Asian woman emerged from behind her ... . He [Mack] then glanced past her and noticed that a third person had emerged from the cabin, this one a man. He appeared Middle Eastern and was dressed like a laborer, complete with tool belt and gloves (82-84).

All three are "down to earth," humanized to such an extent that any sense of awe seems to be excluded:

Mack tried again to look at the Asian woman ... . From her attire, Mack assumed that she was a groundskeeper or gardener ... . [T]he large woman put her arm around Mack's shoulders, drew him to her, and said, "Okay, we should probably introduce ourselves to you. I am the housekeeper and cook"... . "And I," interrupted the man who looked to be in his thirties and stood a little shorter than Mack himself, "I try to keep things fixed up around here. I enjoy working with my hands, although, as these two will tell you, I take pleasure in cooking and gardening as much as they do" (85-86).

We learn that these three represent the Persons of the Triune God: " 'Then,' Mack struggled to ask, 'which one of you is God?' 'I am,' said all three in unison" (87).

It is difficult to see the portrayal of the Trinity in The Shack as other than a violation of the second commandment (the commandment against creating images of God), even if Young creates his images with words rather than pictures.

We move from Young's treatment of God to his treatment of the Word of God. While the Westminster Shorter Catechism states, "The scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man," Young seems to see the Scriptures as rather unimportant or uninspiring (especially when compared with The Shack?). Here, for example, is how Mack sees his experience of family devotions:

Images of family devotions from his childhood came spilling into [Mack's] mind, not exactly good memories. Often, it was a tedious and boring exercise in coming up with the right answers, or rather, the same old answers to the same old Bible story questions (102).

USA Today notes not only that The Shack "slams 'legalistic' religions, denominations and doctrines, [but also that it] barely even mentions the Bible." That may be one reason why the discussions in The Shack seem often to open the way for theological error.

For example, here's one passage in The Shack which seems to leave the door open to universalism. In chapter 6 we are introduced to God:

"You seem to be especially fond of a lot of people," Mack observed ... . "Are there any who you are not especially fond of?" She [God] lifted her head and rolled her eyes as if she were mentally going through the catalog of every being ever created. "Nope. I haven't been able to find any. Guess that's jes' the way I is." Mack was interested. "Do you ever get mad at any of them?" "Sho' 'nuff! What parent doesn't? There is a lot to be mad about in the mess my kids have made and in the mess they're in. I don't like a lot of choices they make, but that anger ... is an expression of love all the same. I love the ones I am angry with as much as those I'm not." "But," Mark paused, "What about your wrath? It seems to me that if you're going to pretend to be God Almighty, you need to be a lot angrier." [She replied,] "Do I now? [Mack said,] "That's what I'd think. Weren't you always running around killing people in the Bible?" (118-119)

Susan Olasky wrote a review of The Shack for World Magazine, a review which contains some interesting background on Young's attitude toward the Church:

Young is no longer a member of a church, nor are his publishing partners, both former pastors. They are a part of a movement that rejects the institutional church.... His hostility ... shows up in The Shack.

Young has praise for "relationships" but disdain for "institutions," a disdain shared by the Jesus portrayed in The Shack (who also shares Young's sarcasm):

"You're not too fond of institutions and religions?" Mack said.... "I don't create institutions—never have, never will" [replied Jesus]. "What about the institution of marriage?" "Marriage is not an institution. It's a relationship.... Like I said I don't create institutions; that's an occupation for those who want to play God. So, no, I'm not too big on religion," Jesus said, a little sarcastically (179).

Enough examples have already been provided, I think, to suggest that one problem with the book is that it promotes "relationships," "love," "acceptance," "hugs," etc. at the expense of the Word of God, the Church, traditional historic Christianity, authority, doctrine, the fear of God, etc. Some feel that the book (more than) runs the risk of actual heresy (in the treatment of the Trinity, for example, especially in light of the second commandment).

To those who would suggest that The Shack may be bad theology but good literature, I offer two brief comments: (1) the book is poorly written (I've not found any fans of the book who regard it as well-written fiction or literature) and (2) it is really impossible to extricate the theology from the fiction (The Shack ceases to be The Shack if you ignore the book's subtitle, "Where Suffering Confronts Eternity").

I hope that I've been successful in setting forth what you need to know about The Shack. If so, I hope you'll spend your time on better books, including what is—although neglected by Young—the best book of all, God's Word.

The author, Barry Traver, is a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and the Web Design and Technical Associate for OPC.ORG. Ordained Servant, April 2009.

Spring Missions Offering

2009-05-21T16:41:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, we received a letter from the OPC alerting us to some financial struggles faced by OPC Worldwide Outreach ministries. In light of this informative letter and earnest request, the session of Cedar Church has called for a special Spring Missions Offering to be taken on Sunday morning, May 31st, during our morning worship service with visiting commissioners from the OPC General Assembly in Grand Rapids. We cordially invite you to prayerfully consider giving a special gift to OPC Worldwide Outreach on that day. Our missionaries and church planters especially need our support during these difficult days. Now unto him who is able to do exceedingly abundently above all that we ask or think, according to the power that is in us (Eph 3:20).

To read the letter in its entirety, please click here.

Time is Running Out for Family Camp Registration!

2009-05-12T16:21:00.007-04:00

Family Camp registration is going well. Currently, we have 26 families registered, and only 1 or 2 cabins left. Campsite are still available! If you plan on registering for camp, please do so this week. We don't want anyone getting shut out if they wish to come. This year’s camp is scheduled for August 10-14 at Camp Concordia, in Gowen, MI. We are excited to welcome back Pastor Kevin De Young and his family to camp as he speaks on the topic of "The Church" - using material from his new book - Why We Love the Church - which is due to be released this summer.

If you would like to download a form, please click here.

Collision: Is Christianity Good For The World?

2009-05-08T12:30:00.008-04:00

Below is a preview of the first 13 minutes of the forthcoming documentary film "Collision". The film follows renowned author and anti-theist Christopher Hitchens and Pastor Douglas Wilson as they debate the topic: "Is Christianity Good For The World?"

Biblical Productivity

2009-05-07T06:17:00.000-04:00

Spanning more than four months on his blog, C. J. Mahaney's 17-part series on biblical productivity has finally concluded. You may download this series in it's complete form here, or, individually by subject below:

1. Are You Busy?
2. Confessions of a Busy Procrastinator
3. The Procrastinator Within
4. Just Do It
5. In All Thy Ways
6. The Sluggard
7. Time. Redeemed.
8. Roles, Goals, Scheduling
9. Roles (Part 1)
10. Roles (Part 2)
11. Goals (Part 1)
12. Goals (Part 2)
13. Goals (Part 3)
14. Goals (Part 4)
15. Scheduling the Unexpected
16. The To-Do Lists Are Never Done
17. Self-Sufficient

John Piper and the Prosperity Gospel

2009-05-06T12:13:00.000-04:00

2009 OPC Family Camp

2009-05-05T18:47:00.002-04:00

You are invited to join with other individuals and families around the Michigan and Ontario Presbytery for a week of refreshment and fun. Look for the OPC Family Camp registration forms in your church TODAY. This year’s camp is scheduled for August 10-14 in West Michigan. We are excited to welcome back Pastor Kevin De Young and his family to camp as he speaks on the topic of the church using material from his new book coming out this summer. Plan now to join us for a wonderful time of fellowship with others in our Presbytery. We expect a full camp so you'll want to get your registration in early.

Forms can be downloaded here.

Young Adult Ski Retreat ‘09

2009-05-02T17:11:00.002-04:00

On February 27th – March 1st, the OPC Youth Committee sponsored the first ever young adult ski retreat. As a member of the host church, Chain-O-Lakes OPC, I enjoyed helping with “behind the scenes” preparation. The young people arrived Friday night and enjoyed a pizza party and a session with Pastor Ken Smith on the topic of spiritual friendships. We spent the rest of the evening meeting new people and playing games, getting to know each other and also renewing previous friendships.

The focus of Saturday’s activities was skiing and snowboarding at the Shanty Creek Resort about 15 miles away. We were able to get cheap lift tickets and ski rental, which were enjoyed by all. After a full and tiring day, we headed back to the church where the ladies had prepared a hot meal for us.

After supper, we enjoyed a second session with Pastor Smith. He pointed out that spiritual friendships are a covenant, giving David and Jonathan as the example. He encouraged us to work at developing spiritual friendships. This is not easy. Satan knows our weak spots and tries to make it hard for us. It is always easier to talk about non-spiritual things. Some of the difficulty we experience is the pain caused when a deep spiritual friendship is broken, either by moving away, or by the unfaithfulness of the friend. Spiritual friendships are also obstructed by a false view of self. We tend to define ourselves by what we think others think about us. This is the wrong way to define ourselves; instead, we must let God define us. We looked at Psalm 55 and saw that God views breaking friendships very seriously. In the eyes of the psalmist, the just punishment for one who breaks a deep, spiritual covenant is that they go immediately to hell. However, (thankfully!) this punishment is not the norm. Saturday evening was another fun time of playing games and fellowshipping. We even put into practice what we had been learning and had some spiritual conversations.

The weekend ended with Sunday morning worship and a fellowship dinner at Chain-O-Lakes OPC. My favorite part of the retreat was learning from God's Word during the sessions, and also the fellowship with like-minded young people. We hope to make the winter ski retreat an annual event, so please join us next year for some great teaching, food, fun, and fellowship in northern Michigan.

The author, Vanessa Rubingh, is a member of Chain-O-Lakes Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Central Lake, MI.

Westminster Theological Seminary

2009-04-30T09:07:00.004-04:00

Westminster Theological Seminary has graciously made a number of their Heritage Lectures available online for no cost. Especially of interest is this brief lecture series by the late Dr. Gregory Bahnsen on Presuppositional, i. e., Van Tillian Apologetics.

Van Tillian Apologetics, Part I
Van Tillian Apologetics, Part II
Van Tilliam Apologetics, Part III
Van Tillian Apologetics, Part IV

If you would like to see their entire library, you may do so here.