INNERGLOW. First Reformed Church Boyden, IA. LaVonne Sietstra & Teresa Harms, Editors

Transcription

1 INNERGLOW First Reformed Church Boyden, IA LaVonne Sietstra & Teresa Harms, Editors September 2018

2 As I was reading this week I came across an article about Theology. Many people may stop right her because any discussion about this frightening subject makes people s eyes glaze over. But it doesn t have to be so. Theology is the study of God and we definitely need more of that in our day and age. One of the ways to study it is to see how some people tried to explain what wouldn t stay together with human logic. To quote Mike Leake, Most heretics come from an attempt to tie together paradoxes (or contradictions) in the Scriptures. After reports had been published that Mark Twain had died, the still living author wrote into the New York Journal with this quip: The report of my death was an exaggeration. I wonder if we could say the same about some of the early heresies because they aren t quite dead yet. And this is true. There are many misconceptions about Heretical teaching. WHAT IS HERESY? Heresy is not the same as error. Heresy is the choice to abandon the widely accepted teaching on an essential doctrine and embrace one s own view. Heresy is to preach another gospel, as Paul stated in Galatians 1:9. Technically speaking something is not a heresy just because the church deemed it so. It is heretical because it is teaching which has abandoned the pattern of sound teaching. Listed and hopefully explained below are four heresies which aren't quite dead yet: 1. Judaizers: "Good deeds or efforts contribute to salvation." One of the first group of heretics were the Judaizers. Most heretics come from an attempt to tie together paradoxes in the Scriptures. They begin wellmeaning but take things further than they ought to go. The Judaizers began by asking a right question about the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. When uncircumcised Gentiles began following Christ and claiming the promises to Israel, these life-long Jews wondered how the Old Testament laws applied to non- Jewish followers of Jesus. Did they have to become circumcised and follow Jewish customs in order to be equal members with the Jewish Christians? This well-meaning question was addressed in Acts 15 by the Jerusalem Council. The answer was that Christ had fulfilled the Old Testament and was setting aside the old categories. As Paul summarized in Ephesians 2:15 God was abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace It was union with Christ and not works of law which qualified a person for the promises of God. The Judaizers did not accept this answer and gave Paul issues in all of his missionary travels. The fundamental problem: Their fundamental problem was that they held that something other than union with Christ was necessary for salvation. According to a recent study by Lifeway and Ligonier, 36% of selfidentified evangelicals believed that by the good deeds that I do, I partly contribute to earning my place in heaven. This is the same belief as the Judaizers held. Any belief which holds that our good deeds or efforts contribute to salvation is firmly in the same stream as the Judaizers. 2. Docetism/Gnosticism: Christ only appeared to be human. Another early heresy was Gnosticism. Though Gnosticism had various forms one of the most pernicious and one that is still present today is Docetism. Docetism was an early Christological heresy which taught that Christ only appeared to be human. The foundation of Gnostic philosophy was that all physical matter was evil and all things spiritual were good. Therefore it was unthinkable that God would actually take upon human flesh. This belief also led to either severe asceticism (punishing the flesh) or licentiousness (since the physical had no connection with the eternal). Most believe the apostle John had a docetic form of Gnosticism in his sights in the writing of 1 John.

3 The Bible is clear, By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. Anytime we exalt the spiritual above the physical we, too, are falling prey In our day it s likely more common for people to deny the deity of Jesus than his humanity. Yet the dualism of Gnosticism/Docetism is alive and well. Christian Science and New Age have a strong bent towards Docetism, but the truth is, anytime we exalt the spiritual above the physical we too are falling prey to the dualism of these philosophies. Our bodies matter. This world matters. To deny this is to agree more with early Gnostics than the Bible. 3. Prosperity Gospel The ancient form of this modern heresy didn t really have a name, but it appears in 1 Corinthians 4:8-13. In this text Paul speaks tongue in cheek about those in Corinth who have already become kings. The Corinthians believed that they were living in the blessings that are reserved for the future. To steal a popular phrase the Corinthians believed that they were to begin living their best life now. They believed true things but applied them at the wrong time. They wished to acquire on earth what should be sought in heaven. Thinking that s only true in the age to come. This quote from prosperity gospel teacher Kenneth Hagin would have been right at home with the Corinthians: I believe that it is the plan of God our Father that no believer should ever be sick It is not I state boldly it is not the will of God my Father that we should suffer with cancer and other dread diseases which bring pain and anguish. No! It is God s will that we be healed. The problem, as Paul taught the Corinthians, is that such thinking is only true in the age to come. There is no crown without a cross. This modern presentation of this ancient heresy is deadly. It harms those who are suffering, it detracts from the gospel, and breeds cynicism when promises which God never made do not come true. 4. Pelagianism: God responds to us and not the other way around. Look at that innocent baby? I doubt we realize we are affirming heresy when we say such a thing. Likewise when 83% of evangelicals affirmed the statement, A person obtains peace with God by first taking the initiative to seek God and then God responds with grace, I doubt they intended to affirm heresy. But it s true. Pelagianism is a heresy from the time of Augustine (and it s other form Semi-Pelagianism) which refuses to die. Pelagius was bothered by a quote by Augustine who said, Grant what Thou commands, and command what Thou dost desire. Pelagius believed that such teaching was leading to immorality. He believed Augustine was so exalting divine sovereignty that he was denying human responsibility. Pelagius logic was that if God commanded something Then humans must have the ability to carry it out. He further taught there is no such thing as original sin. We are born with a clean slate, according to Pelagius. Augustine did not deny that humans were created with a freedom of will. Humans can do exactly what they desire. Yet, because of the fall humanity, apart from grace, will always desire evil. Augustine turned to Philippians 2:12-13 to defend his view of grace. It is God who is at work in us both to will and to accomplish. It wasn t grace, per se, that Pelagius had a hard time with. It was necessary grace that he could not swallow. Therefore, Pelagius firmly believed that God responds to us and not the other way around. Apparently 83% of professing evangelicals agree Big Heresies Still Alive in the Church, Mike Leake Borrowed Light; Mike Leake is the Lead Pastor at FBC Marionville in Marionville, Missouri. He is currently pursuing his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mike is married to Nikki, and they have two children, Isaiah and Hannah. You can follow him on

4 *those who had surgery and are recovering at home Bobby Reuvers & Wayne Steenhoven *grandparents who have the opportunity to spend quality time with their grandchildren *our jobs and the privilege to work in a free country *choir director, choir members, pianists and organists *a hot shower after working outdoors in the heat and humidity *the evidence of the Gospel at work in our community *answered prayers *everyone who made donations to the Give 10 program *each member of Boyden First *Pastor Dave and Consistory members as they make decisions for our church *leaders for Awana

5 *those who grieve the loss of loved ones Marlin Uittenbogaard and family for the loss of his father Willis; family and friends of Alice Van Der Brink; Carman Van Beek and family for the loss of her brother-in-law Calvin Van Beek *volunteers and leadership to help with Awana & Sunday School *Matt De Wild, nephew of Laryl & Brenda DeWild, who is receiving therapy in Denver, Colorado following a serious car accident *Marcia Neely and the Reuvers family as Marcia continues on her cancer journey; Gene Salmon & Larry Salmon as their treatments and health issues continue *RCA colleges Central in Pella; Hope in Holland, MI; Northwestern in Orange City *patience with our parents they make mistakes too *the students and all school personnel as they return to school *God to bless the work of our missionaries *safety and protection of our servicemen Darin Maassen *personal family needs, concerns & disappointments *help to those struggling with mental health issues

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7 who is on the lord s side? Then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, Whoever is on the Lord s side come to me! Exodus 32:26 (NKJV) When people ask me my favorite hymn, I thrash about for an answer, but when I m asked for my favorite hymn writer, I respond quickly: Frances Ridley Havergal, author of such hymns as Take My Life and Let It Be and Like a River Glorious. Frances was born just before Christmas in 1846 in Astley, Worcestershire, England. Her father, Rev. William Henry Havergal, was a humble but influential pastor who passionately worked to improve the hymnody of the Anglican Church. He is the composer of the tune ZOAN ( I Sing the Mighty Power of God ), and the author of one hundred hymns. As a child, Frances worried that she was not among the Elect. As her mother was dying, she called Frances, eleven, to her bedside and said, You are my youngest little girl, and I feel more anxious about you than the rest. I do pray for the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. And remember, nothing but the precious blood of Christ can make you clean and lovely in God s sight. It wasn t until Frances was fifteen that she found assurance of salvation in Christ. Soon she was writing poems and hymns to the Lord. Frances had a quick mind, a clarion voice, and a radiant personality that drew people like a magnet. During her 30 s, she began writing devotional books, and the combination of her hymns, poetry and books made her one of the most popular Christian authors in England. The year 1877 was very busy for Frances. To a friend, she wrote What shall I do? Your letter would take two hours to answer, and I have not ten minutes; fifteen to twenty letters to write every morning, proofs to correct, editors waiting for articles, poems and music I cannot touch, American publishers clamoring for poems or any manuscripts, Bible readings or classes weekly, many anxious ones waiting for help, a mission week coming and other work after that. And my doctor says my physique is too weak to balance the nerves and brain, and that I ought not to touch a pen. But she did touch a pen that year. After studying Exodus 32:26, she wrote this great hymn, Who Is on the Lord s Side? with its resounding answer: By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord s side Savior, we are Thine!

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9 25 YEARS AGO Nathan Andrew Warntjes, son of Arnie & Nel; and Jordan Douglas Bonestroo, son of Wayne & Pam received the Sacrament of Infant Baptism. Boyden First welcomed the Rod Bolkema family as members through a transfer of their membership. Pat Bonestroo made profession of faith and Audrey Grandgenett made a reaffirmation of her faith. Congrataulations to Mark & Cindy Warntjes for the birth of their son Blake; also to Loren & Michele Starkenburg for the birth of their daughter Shayla Marie. 10 YEARS AGO Sympathy wishes were extended to the friends & family of Tuff Grooters. Jo Vermeer moved to Fieldcrest Assisted Living in Sheldon. Johanna Slothouber moved to Newton, Iowa to be near her son. 5 YEARS AGO Boyden First Reformed Church celebrated their 125 th Anniversary!! Haley Mouw, daughter of David & Laura Mouw, made profession of faith. Abe J. & Gert Van Roekel celebrated their 25 th Wedding Anniversary. Leona Ver Meer moved to Spencer, IA. Sympathy wishes were extended to the friends & family of Sharon Heitritter, Lawrence De Wild and Edith Sietstra. Congratulations to Josh & Alli Mouw on the birth of their son Colin Lee.

10 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 Bible League International Volunteers will host a special retreat day and evening concert in Sioux Center, Iowa, on September 11, Bible League International is celebrating 80 years of ministry engaging people in God s Word. You will have the opportunity to provide the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ through an offering for Latin America. The retreat theme verse is: Let everyone on earth learn about You. Let every nation see how You save people. May people praise You, God! May all people praise You. Psalm 67:2-3 ERV Key note speaker, Liz Curtis Higgs is the author of 37 books with 4.6 million copies in print, including her bestseller, Bad Girls of the Bible. Her messages are biblical, encouraging, down-to-earth, and profoundly funny. You will also hear from Bible League International President and CEO Jos Snoep, and Israel Islas Lopez who leads ministry in Mexico by sharing the Gospel, training leaders, and equipping under-resourced churches with God s Word. Rich worship will be led throughout the day by Jennifer Frens who is a musical performer and adjunct professor of violin and viola at Dort College. Then an evening performance by Gary and Martha Matthews will bring an uplifting musical experience and rich spirit of worship. Registration forms are by the mailboxes. Awana! Calling all superheroes!! Boyden Awana starts this month!!! Adult and teen superheroes are needed to serve as handbook leaders, large group leaders, kitchen help and greeters! In these challenging times, it s more important than ever for kids to know God and His Word. It s time for superheroes to unite to stand for truth!! Please visit with Teresa Harms, Ken Hoogendoorn, or Brent & Shari Fedders to find out how you can be a superhero to a child in our community! Sponsor-A-2X4 Stud Siouxland Habitat for Humanity In the fellowship basement are 10 2X4 studs to be used in the house being built in Hull by Siouxland Habitat for Humanity. You are invited to share warm wishes, Bible verses, logos, pictures, or prayers by writing/drawing on the studs. Representatives from Siouxland Habitat will be here sometime this month to pick up the studs and our decorated studs will be framed into the house. There will be a Stud Finder Open House later on to see everyone's creations! Share your talents!! We are Women of God we are strong; we are beautiful; we are valuable; we are virtuous; we are loved; we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Boyden RCWM Executive Committee Kathy Beek Teresa Harms Ranae Kleinwolterink Lisa Nelson Tamie Uittenbogaard Joan Wiertzema

11 FUN WITH PICTURES! Did you recognize the members of Boyden Youth Group who went to Rocky Mountain High last year? Standing L to R Autumn Van Der Brink, Sara Koster, Peter Liu, Jacob Hoftyzer, Melissa Hinderks, Cole Rensink, Zach Fedders, Kevin Maassen, Andreah Maassen, Jeremy Rensink, Riley Neuman, Kali Maassen, Shannon Rensink Seated L to R Darin Maassen, Dustin Fykstra, Morgan Rosenboom, Audrey Kruen How about this gentleman who recently celebrated 40 years in ministry?

12 Fund Balances as of July 2018 Awana $1, Benevolent Fund $14, Building & Repair Fund $6, Charity Fund $ General Fund -$9, Memorial Fund $5, Mission Fund $9, Scholarship Fund $ Sunday School Fund $1, *We are caught up with West Sioux Classis. Are You Busy Enough for God to Use? God never goes to the lazy or idle when He needs men or women to do work. He goes to those who are already at work. When God wants a great servant, He calls a busy man or woman. Scripture attests to that fact. *Moses was busy with his flock at Horeb. *Gideon was busy threshing wheat by the winepress. *Saul was busy searching for lost sheep. *David was busy caring for his father s flock. *James & John were busy mending their nets. *Matthew was busy collecting customs. Suppose Christ has been too busy to die for your sins on the cross? Even though only men are listed as busy, I know we can all think of women in Scripture that were busy at God s work. Now is the time to be busy for the Master!

13 HAPPINESS IS New baby! Congratulations to Keith & Kendra Van Nyhuis on the birth of their first child, Elliot Alexander Van Nyhuis 7lb 5 oz 20 inches They live in El Cerito, California. Congratulations grandparents Dick & Arlys Van Nyhuis! Back to School!

14 IT S TIME FOR AWANA! The Boyden AWANA is back at First Reformed Church! This program is open to area children ages kindergarten through 8 th grade! AWANA is scheduled to start Wednesday September 12, 2018, 6:15 pm, with a meal for all clubbers and their families!! There is no charge for the meal. Classes will be Wednesday nights starting September 19, 2018 from 6:15 pm to 7:45 pm. For more information or to register a child, please contact Teresa Harms at Boyden First Reformed at or frcboyds@premieronline.net.

15 Willis Uittenbogaard October 30, 1926 July 25, 2018 Mr. Willis Uittenbogaard, age 91, of Boyden, passed away on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at the Pleasant Acres Care Center in Hull. Willis Gerald was born on October 30, 1926, at Archer, the son of Gerritt and Nelsena (Boerhave) Uittenbogaard. He was raised at Boyden, where he attended the Grant Township No. 4 country school and the Boyden High School. He then helped his father on the farm. Later, he began his employment with Sioux County, doing road maintenance out of the Boyden shed. On November 20, 1947, he married Hermina Jansen at Sioux Center. They first made their home on her family s farm. They then moved to a farm southwest of Boyden, where he also drove an egg route for the Boyden Produce. In 1962, they moved into Boyden. In 1977, he began a 28-year career at Demco in Boyden. During retirement, they spent thirteen winters in Mesa, Arizona. In 2007, they moved to the Christian Retirement Home in Sheldon, and in January of 2015, they transferred to the Pleasant Acres Care Center in Hull. Mr. Uittenbogaard was a lifelong member, and served on the consistory, of the First Reformed Church of Boyden. He belonged to a bowling league and a horseshoe league. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing cards, gardening, watching sports, especially the Hawkeyes and the Twins, and having morning coffee with his friends. Survivors include his wife of more than seventy years, Mina ; three sons and a daughter and their spouses, Leon Ike (Phyllis) Uittenbogaard, of Hull; Les Uittenbogaard, of North Palm Beach, Florida; Marlin (Tamie) Uittenbogaard, of Boyden; and Rhonda (Ron) De Groot, of Des Moines; ten grandchildren, Chad Uittenbogaard, Kathy Poppema, Jeff Uittenbogaard, Steve Uittenbogaard, Michael Uittenbogaard, Melissa Woodley, Nichole Kelderman, Eric Uittenbogaard, Ethan De Groot, and Jared De Groot; 26 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Art and Ed Uittenbogaard, and a sister, Margaret Moret.

16 Alice Van Der Brink October 28, 1928 August 10, 2018 Mrs. Alice Van Der Brink, age 89, of Boyden, IA, died Friday, August 10, 2018, at Fieldcrest Assisted Living in Sheldon, IA. Alice Jean Van Der Brink was born October 28, 1928 to Henry and Grace (Rook) Flier. At 16 years of age her mother, Grace, passed away. Henry then married Ann Sneller who became a loving mother to Alice. She was united in marriage to Case Van Der Brink on April 8, 1953 at her family farm near Lester, IA. The couple lived near Larchwood and later Doon, before moving to a farm near Hull. In 1962 Alice and Case moved their family to Boyden. Alice was a longtime member of the First Reformed Church in Boyden. Alice loved to sew and was a very good cook. Her baked goods were always met with delight from her family. She tended a large garden and enjoyed canning fresh vegetables and fruits. Alice also very much enjoyed fishing and camping with her husband and family. She was a devoted Christian who loved her God. She loved reading her Bible. She always would ask us kids if we went to church on Sunday. She was a loving mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her son, Henry and Brenda Van Der Brink of George and their family: Bob (Tami) Van Der Brink of Boyden and their family, Corey (Sheri) Van Der Brink and their family of Rushmore, MN, Ashley (Nathan) Kruse and their family of Harrisburg, SD; daughter Connie and Kent Rushe of Hospers, IA and family: Tammie (David) Kosgei of Des Moines IA, Eric Van Zee of Orange City, IA, Amanda (Mike) DeKoster and family of Orange City, IA; son Lyle and Delores (Van Den Berg) Van Der Brink of Sioux Center, IA and family; sister, Carrie Lems of MI; and a very special sister-in-law, Eldora Van Der Brink and her family of Sioux Center, IA; brothers-in-law Joe Van Der Brink of Sioux Center, IA, Rich (Greta) Van Der Brink of Luverne, MN; sisters-in-law Marcella Flier of Brandon, SD, and Roberta (Art) Flier of Rock Rapids, IA. Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Case; sister and brother-in-law, Harriet (Albert) Smidstra; three brothers John Flier, Henry Heinie Flier, Martin Flier; grandson Christopher Vanden Berg; three brothers-in-law Frank (Ann) Van Der Brink, Bill Van Der Brink, Corbie Lems; three sisters-in-law Hendrika Van Hill, Greta (Jim) Scholten and Arlene Van Der Brink; nephews Dale Flier, Dean Lems, Mike Van Der Brink; nieces Wilma Van Der Brink and Dorothy Scholten.

17 A Prayer for Labor Day Lord, on this Labor Day, we thank You for the blessing of work. We ask for strength to complete each day. We ask for rest when we are weary. We ask Your guidance for everyone seeking employment, and we ask that You be with those whose faces we might never see But who work tirelessly each day for the good of us all. AMEN.

18 Gifts for our children & grandchildren by Charles Ferrell There are many gifts we can give to our children & grandchildren: 1. The gift of oneself as a very loving father/mother or grandpa/grandma. 2. The gift of being available for counsel, guidance and encouragement. 3. The gift of a spiritual foundation by affirming God, praying with and for the children. 4. The gift of showing sympathy for the poor, handicapped, ill, unemployed, persecuted and others. 5. The gift of being an example in seeking justice for all, being completely fair in dealing with others and being truthful at all times. 6. The gift of being a good steward of time, talent and possessions. 7. The gift of showing how to keep debt to a minimum and savings to the maximum. 8. The gift of keeping one s life in balance so that no activity, such as work, prohibits family activities. 9. The gift of discipline in terms of eating, exercising, reading, doing home chores and worshiping together. 10. The gift of humor, enabling fun and joyfulness to be a prominent part of family life. Sunday, September 9, 2018

19 Welcome to our church family! Chris Diekevers & Sarah Breems-Diekevers Ella and Colton Names Chris Diekevers, Sarah Breems-Diekevers Children Ella and Colton (22 months old), Autumn (deceased) Where were you born Chris was born in Orange City; Sarah was born in Spirit Lake; Ella and Colton were born in Sioux Falls. Education Chris graduated from MOC-Floyd Valley High School; Sarah graduated from Harris-Lake Park High School and earned a BA in English from Buena Vista University and MA in English from the University of Maine. Jobs Chris works for Brian Hofmeyer cattle feedlot near Hospers; Sarah works at Northwest Iowa Community College as the Adult Education and Literacy Coordinator. How we met Sarah was renting an apartment from one of Chris s friends and they met at a Labor Day Barbecue hosted by the landlord/friend. Hobbies Chris enjoys riding motorcycle, boating; Sarah enjoys reading, crocheting and cooking new recipes. How long attending Boyden First Reformed Since January, 2018 What brought us to church We wanted to attend a church in town and the people were friendly and welcoming; we enjoy the fellowship over coffee. Recipe Sarah s Meatballs These can be used in spaghetti or as a meatball sandwich (with spaghetti sauce). They are also good without sauce. Ingredients 1 small onion, chopped; 2 tbsp dried parsley; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 large egg; 3 tbsp ketchup; 3 garlic cloves-minced; 1 tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper, 2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs (you can find these next to the regular bread crumbs in the store); 1 pound ground beef Directions 1. Whisk the first 9 ingredients. 2. Stir in cheese and panko breadcrumbs. 3. Mix in beef. 4. Make small meatballs (golf ball size). Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Enjoy!

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21 SEPTEMBER SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Mission Offering Labor Day! Merle Van Roekel Ruth Boender Mr/Mrs Ken Baartman (59) Mr/Mrs Jamie Koele (22) Josh Hoekstra Mr/Mrs Kevin Rosenboom (28) Grandparents Day! Awana Supper! 6:15 PM Consistory 8 pm Lydia Circle 9 am Esther Circle 1:30 pm Mr/Mrs Alan Warntjes (37) Mr/Mrs Rod Bolkema (32) Dalton Hoekstra st Night of Awana Building & Repair 6:15 PM Offering Youth Group 7-8:30 pm Gary De Raad Greg Moret Mr/Mrs Cody Rensink (13) Awana 1st day of Fall! Innerglow News Due! 6:15 PM 30 Youth Group Missionary Visit 7-8:30 pm JJ Ten Clay Brent Dokter Mr/Mrs John Beek (53) Colin Mouw Chris Diekevers