The following article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pages 12-14 of the July 27, 2011, issue of Christian Renewal. You may wonder why the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) celebrated its 75th anniversary at its 78th General Assembly (GA). The first GA of the “Presbyterian Church of America” met in June of 1936 (long before the … Continue reading 78th OPC GA celebrates OPC’s 75th Anniversary
Executing Justice, Psalm 140
Psalm 140 begins darkly, but ends in the light. It was written by David, who was persecuted and maligned by Saul and his counselors as well as betrayed by Doeg. It applies to believers today who are persecuted and betrayed, not only in other lands, but also in our own society where evil flourishes and deceit thrives—sometimes … Continue reading Executing Justice, Psalm 140
Doon URC’s long-expected pastor
The following article by Glenda Mathes appeared on page 15 of the June 29, 2011 issue of Christian Renewal. After two and a half years of vacancy, Doon URC (Doon, IA) will welcome its own pastor at the end of June. The church called Simon Lievaart (a 2009 graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary and a Canadian … Continue reading Doon URC’s long-expected pastor
Completely known, Psalm 139
Psalm 139 contains well-known verses that have become a rallying cry for the pro-life movement, but I maintain that the entire Bible affirms the unborn child's personhood. And Psalm 139 contains so much more than those few verses speaking about God creating a child in the womb. The entire psalm speaks about God's intimate and … Continue reading Completely known, Psalm 139
Fulfilled purpose, Psalm 138
What a gift the Lord gave in setting aside one day each week for worship and rest! Although Old Testament Israel celebrated the Sabbath on the last day of the week, we worship on the first day to mark Christ's resurrection. As we worship and rest today, Psalm 138 reminds me that I should thank … Continue reading Fulfilled purpose, Psalm 138
RYS Glimpse
What began as a cloudy and warm morning with a rain shower has turned into a very warm and sunny day here on the campus of Dordt College in Sioux Center where over 800 people have gathered for the annual RYS Convention. On assignment for Christian Renewal, I arrived yesterday afternoon with time to settle … Continue reading RYS Glimpse
Weeping in Exile, Psalm 137
Psalm 137 is a sad dirge that records the Israelites' lament in exile. They had been torn from their homes, their infants ripped from their arms; they had watched in horror as those homes were torched and those babies were dashed against stones. After that horrible trauma, their captors had the audacity to taunt them, asking … Continue reading Weeping in Exile, Psalm 137
“Peaceful, lighthearted” mood characterizes 265th RCUS Synod
Some people pronounce “RCUS” as “ruckus,” which means a noisy commotion, but nothing could be further from the truth when delegates of the Reformed Church in the United States meet at their annual Synod. The 265th Synod of the Reformed Churches in the United States met in Mitchell, SD, from May 16-19, 2011. As usual, … Continue reading “Peaceful, lighthearted” mood characterizes 265th RCUS Synod
His steadfast love endures forever, Psalm 136
No question about what title to choose for Psalm 136! The first line of every verses praises God for his wonderful works, while each second line in this antiphonal psalm proclaims, "for his steadfast love endures forever." We've used this psalm in the past as a litany at Thanksgiving gatherings. The leader reads initial lines and … Continue reading His steadfast love endures forever, Psalm 136
Four years of vacancy nearing an end
Walker URC in Grand Rapids, MI, will soon have a minister after four years of a vacant pulpit. On May 8, 2011, Mr. Corey Dykstra, a 2011 graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, accepted a call to serve the Walker congregation, pending his successful completion of an ordination exam in Classis Michigan. Since sustaining his candidacy … Continue reading Four years of vacancy nearing an end
Glenda Faye Mathes 