Reformation Society Philippines

30/12/2024

Fasting, Christmas celebration, Exclusive Psalmody and Musical Instruments in the Church.

From: Acts or Proceedings of the National Synod of the Netherlands, German and Walloon Churches, as well as Domestic as Well as Foreign, Begun at Dordrecht the 3rd of June, and Concluded the 18th of the Same Month, 1578.

[The original Dutch]:

74. In tyden van oorloghe pestilentie diere tyden sware vervolghinghen der Kercke ende andere openbare ellendicheden salmen een vasten met bidden aenstellen ende heylighen door raet der Kercke ende bewillinghe der Ouerheyt soo dat gheschieden kan. Alsoo dat de Ghemeynte haer van het ghewonelicke voetsel ende tydelicke handelinghe onthoudende totten auont toe, met bidden, het woordt Gods te hooren, de Heyl. Schrifture te lesen ende andere heylighe oeffeninghen hare boetveerdicheyt ende ghelooue betuyghe, ende in der warer godsalicheyt toeneme. Dogh sal het raedtsamer syn het vasten op andere daghen dan op den Sondagh te heylighen.

75. Het ware wel te wensschen dat de vryheyt van ses daghen te aerbeyden van God toeghelaten in der Kercke ghehouden ende de Sondagh alleen ghevyert mocht worden. Nochtans dewyle somighe andere feestdaghen door authoriteyt der Ouerheyt onderhouden werden, te weten den Christdagh metten navolghenden dagh, item den tweeden Paeschdagh ende tweede Pynxterdagh ende in somighe plaetsen den iaersdagh ende hemelvaerts dagh, soo sullen de Dienaers neersticheyt doen datse met predicatien in den welcken sy in sonderheyt van de gheboorte ende verrysenisse Christi seyndinghe des H. Geestes ende derghelycke artykelen des gheloofs, de ghemeynte leeren sullen den onnutten ende schadelicken ledichganck in een heylighe ende profytelicke oeffeninghe veranderen. Het selfde sullen de Kerckendienaeren in dien Steden doen daer meer Feestdaghen door de authoriteyt der Ouericheyt onderhouden worden. Hierentusschen sullen alle Kercken aerbeyden, dat het ghewoonlick ghebruyck aller feestdaghen behaluen den Christdagh (dewyle Paesschen en de Pyncxteren op den Sondahg koemen) soo vele moghelick is, ende op het aldervoeghelickste affghedaen werden.

76. De Psalmen Dauidts van Petro Datheno ouergesett sullen in den Christelicken tsamenkoemsten der Nederduytscher Kercke ghelyckmen tot noch toe ghedaen heeft ghesonghen worden, achterlatende de ghesanghen de welcke in der H. Schrift niet en worden ghevonden.

77. Het ghebruycke der Orghelen in den Kercken houden wy niet voor goed in sonderheyt voor de predicatien. Daerom achten wy dat de Dienaren behooren te aerbeyden, ghelyckse voor eenen tyt gheduldet worden, datse alsoo metten eersten ende op het aldervoeghelickste wegh ghenomen werden.

[English translation]:

74. In times of war, pestilence, times of serious persecution of the church and other public woes, days of fasting and prayer shall be appointed and set aside by the consistory and with the approval of the government so that it can take place. This shall be done in such a way that the congregation, refraining from ordinary good and temporal activities until the evening by means of prayer, listening to God's Word, reading the Bible, and other holy exercises shows its penitence and faith, and increases in true godliness. But it shall be more advisable to set aside a time of fasting on other days than Sunday.

75. It would be desirable that freedom to work six days as allowed by God be maintained by the church and only Sunday be kept holy. Nevertheless, since some other festive days are observed by authority of the government, such as Christmas with the day following, the second Easter day and the second Pentecost day and in some places New Year's Day and Ascension day, the ministers shall show diligence to have sermons in which they shall especially teach the congregation concerning the birth and resurrection of Christ, the sending of the Holy Spirit and other articles of faith and how to change the occasion to some profitable exercise. The same shall be done by the ministers in the cities where more holidays are observed by authority of the government. Meanwhile # all churches shall work to the end that the ordinary use of all holidays except Christmas (since Easter and Pentecost are on Sunday) be abolished as much and as early as possible.

76. The Psalms of David translated by Pieter Datheen shall be sung in the Christian gatherings of the Netherlands churches as has been done until now, excluding the hymns which are not found in the Bible.

77. We do not consider the use of organs in the churches to be good especially for the preaching (services). Therefore, we judge that ministers should labor, even though organs are tolerated for a time, that they be removed at the earliest and most suitable time.

25/12/2023

During Christmas, it becomes an awkward moment when someone, with sincere and well-meaning motives, sends you Christmas greetings while you don't personally believe in Christmas celebrations. The question that arises is, how can one respond to such situations without being offensive to the well-wisher? How can appreciation be expressed for their sincere greetings while politely conveying that Christmas isn't personally celebrated?

I've witnessed devout Christians, who love the Lord and their neighbors, responding bluntly and without tact to those who greet them. In my town, carolers visit my house regularly during this time of the year, and avoiding them seems impossible. Since we don't celebrate Christmas, is it necessary to shoo them away, or can we handle the situation more diplomatically? Striking a balance between standing firm on our faith and convictions while maintaining a courteous demeanor is crucial.

It's important to note that some dear brothers in Christ, for whom our Savior died, may differ with us on Christmas celebration. Firstly, let's remember that the celebration of Christmas isn't the most pressing issue for debate among us; there are other, more crucial matters to resolve, especially within the Regulative Principle of Worship (RPW).

Secondly, acknowledging that we don't all agree on every aspect within the mystical body of Christ is essential. We live in diverse lands and cultures, serving the Lord in various denominations, yet sharing fundamental truths taught in Christianity.

Thirdly, we shouldn't dismiss the good intentions of our brethren during Christmas. Ignoring their proclamation of the Lord's birth among the heathen world is not the solution. However, while standing firm in not celebrating holidays that the New Testament Church didn't observe, we can do so with charity and meekness toward those who do.

An argument against celebrating Christ's birth during Christmas (though celebrating Christmas itself isn't inherently wrong) is that we can celebrate it wherever and whenever we choose. Any cardinal message from the Bible, including Christ's birth, should be preached at all times as part of the Gospel story. Specializing one day over others neglects preaching the whole counsel of God.

To illustrate, try singing "Silent Night" or "Joy to the World" in a public square in March, and people will likely laugh. The point is that our role is to affirm all biblical stories equally, and that's why, as a church, we don't celebrate Christmas. However, we must be cautious not to appear more opposed to the story of Christ's birth than the worst persecutors of Christianity today. Let's remain firm in our beliefs and convictions but extend charity in our dealings with those who differ from us.

22/12/2023

We should ask God to increase our hope when it is small, awaken it when it is dormant, confirm it when it is wavering, strengthen it when it is weak, and raise it up when it is overthrown. There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice. - John Calvin

10/12/2023

My production yesterday. I began translating the OT to Manobo. The English Bible I'm comparing is the original 1611 printing in PDF.

07/12/2023

I have watched this preaching. I may not agree with everything that Voddie Baocham is saying, but generally what he is saying is correct.

This sermon was given by Dr. Voddie Baucam on January 18, 2023 at the IOPT Pre-conference on Christian Nationalism, preceding the 2023 National Founders Conf...

11/10/2023

My take on the present crisis in the Middle East:

The current escalation of tensions between Israel and Hamas is deeply regrettable. As a citizen of a free country like the Philippines, I cannot fathom the profound difficulty of losing one's land and homeland. My sympathy extends not only to Israel but also to the Palestinians in Gaza, who are under the control of Hamas. It's worth noting that the EU, the US, and the UK have classified Hamas as a terrorist organization, a categorization that is substantiated by the many atrocities committed by this group. Nevertheless, it is crucial not to conflate the Palestinians in Gaza with the Hamas organization; they are, in many ways, victims of Hamas's tyranny. I earnestly hope and pray that these countries will make every effort to ensure that the actions of Hamas do not tarnish their humanity. Western countries should strive not only to provide assistance to Israel but also to the Palestinians.

I've been asked by friends about my stance on Israel at this time. It is my firm belief that Israel, as a nation, has the full right to exist, just like all other countries. It should not be denied the opportunity to function as a legitimate state. However, I am fully aware that the Palestinians also have the right to exist as a nation in the Middle East, in the very land where they reside. The challenge lies in how to resolve a conflict that has endured for many decades.

First, let's review a brief history of their presence in the Middle East:
The concept of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, which was then a part of the Ottoman Empire, gained momentum in the late 19th century with the rise of the Zionist movement, aiming to establish a Jewish state. In 1917, the British government expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine through the Balfour Declaration.

Following World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern Palestine. During this period, Jewish immigration increased, leading to growing tension between Jewish and Arab communities. In 1947, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with international administration for Jerusalem. While accepted by the Jewish leadership, it was rejected by the Arab states and Palestinian Arab leaders.

This rejection resulted in the Arab-Israeli War in 1948, leading to Israel gaining control over a larger portion of the territory initially allocated to the Arab state by the UN partition plan. In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel captured the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and other territories, leading to an extended Israeli military presence.

Subsequently, the Oslo Accords (1993-1995) marked a significant turning point in Israeli-Palestinian relations. These agreements allowed for the establishment of the Palestinian Authority and signified the first official recognition between Israel and the PLO. However, they were always regarded as interim agreements and did not resolve critical issues such as the final borders of a Palestinian state, the status of Jerusalem, the fate of Palestinian refugees, and the broader question of a long-term solution to the conflict.

In 2007, Hamas, an Islamist Palestinian group, assumed control of the Gaza Strip, resulting in a political schism between the West Bank, governed by the Palestinian Authority, and Gaza.

On December 6, 2017, President Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announced the intention to move the U.S. embassy there. The decision to move the embassy was implemented on May 14, 2018, with the formal opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. The timing coincided with the 70th anniversary of the Israeli declaration of independence.

History is something no one can deny. What has transpired is a matter of record, and we cannot undo what has unfolded since the founding of Israel as a nation. At the time of this writing, Israel, as a modern state, has established embassies in numerous countries, even within the Middle East and among Arab nations. Business interactions between Israel and other countries have flourished, making it undeniable that Israel is now a sovereign nation.

Ideally, Israel should be left to thrive in peace, but the current reality is different. Hamas persists in its harassment and the commission of atrocious acts against Israelis.

As for a solution to this long-standing conflict, there is no quick fix, in my view. Nations worldwide are striving for independence, seeking to break free from external influences and oppression. This aspiration holds true for Israel, just as it does for Gaza. The Philippines' territories face constant threats from Chinese incursions, Taiwan's independence is under constant challenge from the Chinese government, and Ukraine grapples with ongoing struggles involving Russia and the West. The history of nations is marred with disputes over territorial claims, driven by ideological or religious reasons.

While we may not be able to entirely eradicate this problem, we can certainly take steps to mitigate it.

As a minister of the Gospel and, even if I am just an ordinary Christian, one significant solution to mitigate this problem is the spread of Christianity. This has been proven to be true throughout history. Europe, Asia, Africa, and all continents were once entrenched in barbarism and savagery before the advent of Christianity. Many indigenous religions practiced human sacrifices, and some belief systems, like Islam, have been associated with the glorification of war and violence to achieve their objectives.
Christianity stands alone in teaching the virtue of turning the other cheek, advocating forgiveness over revenge. This crucial teaching sets it apart from many other religions. The path to conquering hatred and prejudice lies in the way of Christ.

29/08/2023

No life on earth, whether in nature or in the human world, is an independent life that exists entirely on its own. In nature, we know how the sun (and to a certain degree the moon and many stars as well) does not simply exercise influence upon the situation on this earth, but in fact governs it. This is no different for the spirit world. Also in the spiritual realm, the higher spirit world is active on our spiritual life. The real spiritual battle and struggle is not carried out here on earth but in the invisible world, and what we perceive on earth is only the consequence and aftereffect of what occurs in the latter. For that reason, it would be entirely inconceivable for Christ to have dominion as King over the spiritual domain of this world unless he, as King, had dominion also over both the good spirits as well as the evil spirits of the invisible world. Jesus’ dominion in the world of the demons and angels was not added to his kingship over this world, as if it were an incidental honor given to him by the Father to increase his splendor. Rather, since the spirit world above works upon the spirit world on earth, for Christ to rule down here it was entirely necessary for him to receive dominion over the invisible spirit world as well. If he did not have complete power in the spirit world, he would not be able to exercise his spiritual power on earth.

Thus it was precisely in this logical context that the apostle Paul first says that Christ has received authority over angels and demons, and that in that capacity he has been given to the congregation as its Head. Gas or electrical lighting illuminates the entire city throughout the night, but whoever keeps these lights burning must be lord and master where that gas or electricity is produced. In precisely the same way, Christ must be lord and master over all the powers and authorities that make it possible for the light to break through in this earth’s spiritual life. For that reason, in order that he might be Head of the spirits and the King of humanity, he was given the highest authority, supremacy, and right of control over all the spiritual factors in the invisible world that work and exercise influence upon this world.

Christ thus received authority and dominion (1) over regenerated humanity, (2) over the as yet unregenerated humanity that resists him, and also (3) over the world of the demons and holy spirits—and it is only by his dominion over these three spheres that his eternal and awesome kingship can exist.

~ Abraham Kuyper, Pro Rege, Vol. 1 (Lexham Press, 1313 Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225), pp. 315, 316.

28/06/2022

This is a glad tiding.

In 1584, Marcus Friedrich Wendelin was born in Sandhausen, Germany, not far from Heidelberg. His father was a Gospel Minister, and invested in his son’s education. At the age of eleven, he was enrolled in the Heidelberg Pedagogium, but he did not initially take to the rigorous discipline of study....

18/06/2022

"As a candle spends itself to give light to others: so must God's people spend those gifts which God has given them for the benefit of their brethren."

William Perkins

17/06/2022

https://reformedforum.org/resources/readinglist/

Biblical Studies & HermeneuticsBiblical TheologySystematic TheologyApologetics & PhilosophyChurch History & Historical TheologyPractical TheologyClassics, &tc. Introduction People often ask us to recommend books. While the occasional inquirer asks about a specific issue, most s

02/06/2022

Miracle is an uncommon display of God's special presence resulting in an uncommon outworking, or extraordinary alterations, of natural laws, occuring to manifest God's lordship over His creation. A miracle can still occur today, in a conditionᜓ, time and place He chooses in His sovereign will, without using human instrumentality, for the sole purpose of preserving His Church, judging the world, without adding His written revelation, rather conforming with, and attesting to, its finality and authority for the manifestation of His old but eternal glory.

23/05/2022

Non-Christian epistemology opposes this and embraces two alternatives: rationalism, irrationalism, or both. One who believes that God is absent will question the possibility of rational thought, for he will doubt whether there is any rational structure or meaning to the world at all. He will be an irrationalist. But one who believes that the finite world is divine will believe that something in the finite world, maybe the human mind itself, constitutes a supreme authority for human knowledge. He will be a rationalist. He will seek to think autonomously.

Rationalism and irrationalism are opposed to each other, but they are also parasitic on each other. Rationalism is an irrational commitment, based on a desire to avoid the demands of the true God. Irrationalism is a rationalist position because it pretends to be based on human autonomy.

~ John M. Frame