The CYpress

Hello everyone! I hope you are all having a great, post-retreat summer; I know I am. Here is a book list of further reading on "Preaching as a Means of Grace", that Reverend Adam King so kindly provided for us! Enjoy:

Good Preaching in General: The Lasting Power of Reformed Experiential Preaching by Joel Beeke (online)http://www.frcna.org/Data/StudentSocietySpeeches/The%20Lasting%20Power%20of%20Reformed%20Experiential%20Preaching%20-%20Dr%20Joel%20R.%20Beeke.pdf

For Listening to Sermons Well: A Remedy for Wandering Thoughts in Worship by Richard Steele http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/A-Remedy-for-Wandering-Thoughts-in-Worship.html

Resources for Preaching Well:
1. Lectures to My Students by CH SPurgeon http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/Lectures-to-My-Students.html
2. The Art of Prophesying by William Perkins http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/The-Art-of-Prophesying.html

Read Good Preaching:
1. Sermons in Times of Persecution in Scotland http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/Sermons-in-the-Times-of-Persecution-in-Scotland.html
(some of the best examples of Covenanter preaching)
2. Sermons by Some Noted Ministers of the Northern Highlands (available from the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland Book roomwww.fpbookroom.org)
3. Anything by the Puritans (http://www.puritanlibrary.com/)
4. Moses the Man of God by the Rev James Hamilton (http://www.archive.org/stream/mosesmanofgod00hami#page/n5/mode/2up)

(a.k.a Recordings are up!)

Here is the link:

http://midwestcy.net/retreg.php#spring

[This is an article that I neglected to post when Alex sent it a few months ago. I know all the CYpress writers have been busy, myself included, but I think Alex's words in light of his recent "Retirement", are ones we can be motivated to continue strong in the CYpress's "ministry". Thanks Alex.]

A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. For the past 3 years I have had the privilege to organize the CYperus newsletter for the Midwest Presbytery Covenant Youth. Had I known the adventure I was about to set out on when I volunteered to organize I might not have been so quick to toss my name into the hat. Looking back on the last three years through the ups and downs, I really appreciate being able to take part in the organization of the paper. I cannot even begin to tell you how much God has blessed me over these years. However, I would like to take this opportunity to share some my experience with you all.

Starting off the newsletter, I wanted it to have a catchy title everyone could recognize. So I set out and researched what type of interesting twist would characterize the newsletter. I wanted a portion of the title to include a part of the Covenant Youth organization. My search continued for words that included the letters CY in them. Finally I settled on the CYperus because it had the letter CY and because of its definition: A large genus of plants belonging to the Sedge family, and including the species called galingale, several bulrushes, and the Egyptian papyrus. So the CYperus began and has remained up until recently with a well thought out name.

To tell you the truth even though the CYperus’ name was well thought out, it did seem to cause a little bit of confusion here and there. I recall many times when people could not quite remember the name just because of the odd spelling. Or they would confuse it with the island of Cyprus because the pronunciation was identical. I even recall someone coming up to me and suggesting we rename name the paper to the Cypress because it was easier to remember and was basically the same meaning. At that point I saw no reason to change the name to something simpler. The name had grown on me and I just could not part with it.

When I stepped down as head of the paper, one of the first things Tava asked me was if name could go. As attached as I was to the name since I was no longer in charge the decision was not really up to me anymore. This whole naming situation reminds me of the movie That Thing You Do. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to watch the movie I will take this opportunity to fill you in. The story follows a band called the Wonders. Originally the band took on the name of the One-ders which turned into an interesting fiasco when people started referring to them as the Oneders /Oh-nee-ders/. So when they hit the big scene their manager decides to scrap the confusing name for the simple name. So whoever came up to me with the suggestion of a simpler name well you just got your wish.

Oh how much fun I had over the last few years harassing those on the CYperus staff to send me their articles on time. If I recall correctly, I did not make any friends in this process. Maybe I am just too much of a pushover or maybe I did not fulfill my threats. I truly was in a tuff situation. It was difficult to find people who were passionate about writing. Once I found those people I really did not want to have to find new people to replace them. When I finally fulfilled my threats and decided to replace some of the writers because of their regular lateness, I was met not with anger but with happiness. It was as if I had lifted a huge burden off their back. I do however remember that when I finally needed people God was able to direct me to people who were willing and able to take up the torch.

My biggest fear was that the CYperus would end when I stepped down from my position of overseer. I realized I would have to be a little proactive in my approach to keep this from happening. The first step I took of course was prayer. God had provided writers in the past, if the CYperus was to continue somebody would come along and step up into my position when I was gone. My second step was to announce that I was planning to retire from my leadership position with the CYperus a year before I actually planned to retire. Well all my fears about the transition of the CYperus were put to rest at the winter retreat. Will once again announced my retirement from the CYperus during the CY business meeting. That day two people came up to me and volunteered to take my spot. Now I was in the uncomfortable situation of having to choose between two people.

I would say I have been extremely blessed to be part of the CYperus paper these last three years. I thank God for giving me this opportunity. I also thank God for sustaining me through those years. I have no doubt that the Cypress is in good hands. I have every confidence in Tava and the new direction she is taking the paper. Hopefully, she will allow me to continue to write. Although it seems that already I am running a little behind.

As part of my farewell to the Cypress management, I would like to borrow a page from the Apostle Paul’s epistles. Thanks to Keith Mann who has imparted so much wisdom to me throughout the three plus years I have been involved in the CY ministry. Thanks to Jeremiah Hamer who volunteered to write while I located a full time staff. Thanks to Philip Noell and Joanna Ward, who were part of the original CYperus staff. Thank you for all of your hard work and forgive me for pestering you guys to death for your articles. Thanks to Molly Finely an original part time writer and full time editor. Thanks to Lydia Scoby who was quick with the camera at many retreats and allowed me to use her photos. Thanks to Martha Scoby who came on later to add more depth. Thanks to Garrett Mann, Dan Yost, Erin Greene, Rachel Debenedittis, and Lisa Lyon, and Joel Wallace. All of these people worked as guest writers for a time. My thanks to my friend and mentor, Shawn Mathis, who allowed me to use several of his articles as food for thought. Finally, last but not least, I am thankful for Ruth Fisher, William Pinson, Molly Finely and Tava Reese for their ongoing work as current staff members. I look forward to the future of the new Cypress paper.

Submitting as a Disciple

Essay on Wade Mann’s “Church Preliminary” teaching session, April 3, 2010, Denison, Kansas

Scott Stewart

April 16, 2010

What thoughts come to your mind when you hear the words “Church Discipline”? Do you think of excommunication, suspension, or maybe the authority of elders? While those are all true and appropriate, I hope that you will come to see that is not the full picture of church discipline that the Bible gives us. Biblical church discipline is both instruction and correction for the purpose that we, the bride of Christ, will come to perfection and be pure and without blemish like He is. God is holy, and He wants the church to be holy. Church Discipline is of God, and therefore receives its authority from Jesus Christ, who gave the church the “Keys to the Kingdom.” Church Discipline may seem painful, but it is worth the effort because it yields the “peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb 12:11).

First, what is Church Discipline? Again, it is not simply the punishment or correction of sinful behavior, but it is also the instruction to be godly, and to grow in the knowledge of God. Ephesians 6:4 teaches us that part of bringing up children is to both instruct and discipline them. 2 Timothy 3:16 is the classic verse to authenticate scripture. In addition, this verse reminds us of the nature of scripture to be instructive and corrective; not just corrective. Another way to think of Church Discipline in its two-fold nature is one being preventative and proactive, and the other being corrective and remedial.

Secondly, why is church discipline required? The primary reason goes back to God’s nature. God is holy, and therefore, as 1 Peter 1:16 quotes Leviticus 11:44, we are called to be holy. God instituted church discipline because God loves us. This reminds me of the chapter “Love Spanks” in Edna Gerstner’s Conduct for the Crayon Crowd that my mother would read me when I was younger. It was not out of malice, hate, or anger that the Gerstners spanked their children. It was out of love and a desire to see their children run a life pleasing to God. How much more will our Heavenly Father show us his love through church discipline? Ephesians 5:25-27 speaks of Christ’s love for His bride, and how He gave himself up for the church so that the church might be sanctified and be made holy.

Thirdly, what are the purposes of church discipline? The misunderstood answer to this question is to quickly remove an offending person from the local church. This is definitely not the biblical answer. The primary purpose of church discipline is to restore the wayward member to active membership. The details of this process are established in Matthew 18:15-20, and was a topic for a separate teaching session. The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church lists five reasons for church discipline. They are one, to reclaim the member to Christ; two, to deter others from similar offenses; three, to maintain the honor of Christ; four, to maintain the truth of the Gospel; and finally, to avoid the wrath of God. Church discipline clearly has many reasons that can all be summarized by saying that God wants the Church to care for His sheep.

Lastly, where does the church obtain its authority? Colossians 1:18 tells us that Jesus Christ is the head of the church. As its head, Jesus gave the keys of the kingdom to Peter, and to the church in Matthew 16:17-19. The church has a direct responsibility to Christ to guard the sheep and to keep out wolves in sheep’s clothing. As long as the church is true to the Word of God, the church has the authority to discipline with heaven’s backing.

Church discipline comes across to many Evangelical Christians as a strange, outdated, and an unnecessary function of the church. The reality is quite the opposite. One of the functions of the church is to equip the household of God with the necessary means to serve Him and deter sin. How can the church do this if they do not have the tool of discipline warranted by Christ? The obvious answer is they cannot. Through pro-active instruction and prevention, the church can eliminate many potential problems of the future. However, should the members need correction, the church has the authority enact discipline on the members. We should all, as members of Christ’s church, joyously submit to the instruction and discipline of the church as it is for our good and yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. We do profess to be disciples do we not?

Hey there! I’m here to tell you what went down at the Reformed Presbyterian Covenanter Youth Spring Conference. Pastor Mann, from the Shawnee congregation, preached on church discipline. He defined and covered the details of how church discipline was supposed to be “handed out”. On the side, the CY also did some organized and unorganized recreation.

The first session was defining church discipline and its purpose within the church. Church discipline is the authority that the church has to take upon members to prevent or correct poor actions. Discipline, according to the bible, helps us to grow spiritually and mentally for the life ahead. God does not need discipline because he is already holy, but we do because we sinned. Discipline, both at home and at the church, shows love, and keeps us somewhat holy. Discipline comes from Jesus and God.

The second session addressed the process of church discipline. There are five levels of church discipline. First, you deal with yourself, and if you have sinned you ask for forgiveness from God and whomever you have offended. If you have not noticed a sin, then one of your friends should make you aware. You either accept you were wrong, or they have to get a friend to help convince you of your wrong. If that doesn’t work then it becomes formal and they take it to the church level where the session reviews the case. If you still refuse to listen, then you are excommunicated from the church and treated like a non-believer. Only God can convince you that you did something wrong.

The third session was promising us that Jesus would be with us in all our troubles. In order to prevent us from doing wrong we need Jesus and encouragement from others. We have to have fellowship with each other to remind us we’re Christian. Otherwise, we might fall into the ways of the world and be lost. And with that, Mr. Mann ended his talks.

For recreation the CY did a couple of things. We did icebreakers during Saturday morning, and after Pastor Mann’s first and second talks, we played kickball and ultimate Frisbee. Others played cards inside the church because it can be argued that it was too muddy outside. After supper, we went on a hayrack for two hours around the country. We were singing songs and teasing each other while looking at the scenery. Then we had all went our separate ways for bedtime. That pretty sums it up! Thanks for reading!

FINALLY I've gotten the time to post this email I got from Pastor Bailey! He has sent us a book list for further reading on the sacraments! Enjoy!

AUTHORS:


Edmund P. Clowney, The Church, Chapter 18, Chapter on the Sacraments

Meredith G. Kline, By Oath Consigned, Examines Covenant Theology


Geerdardus Vos, Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, Pages 89-90, 169-170, 311-329, Significance of Circumcision, Peace-offerings, and John's baptism

John Murray, Christian Baptism, Should be obvious …

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion,II.13, II.14, III.2, IV.1, IV.14-17, Natures of Christ; Saving Faith; Church; Sacraments

Robert Reymond, New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith, Pages 623-627, 805-855, 911-966, Work of Christ; Church; Means of Grace

James Montgomery Boice, Foundations of the Christian Faith, Pages 594-605, Chapter on the Sacraments

Thomas Watson, The Lord's Supper, Honestly, just a handy little resource

William DeArteaga, Forgotten Power: The Significance of the L.S. in Revival, Charismatic Episcopalian examines Lord's Supper in revival

Eric Leigh Schmidt, Holy Fairs: Scotland and the Making of American Revivalism, Historian's look at the role of the communion season

John Calvin, Treatises on the Sacraments, Should be obvious …

Robert Bruce, The Mystery of the Lord's Supper, Sermons

Keith Mathison, Given for You, Historical in nature, but with significant theological value

Richard C. Gamble, The Whole Counsel of God, Vol. 1 - God's Mighty Acts, I basically just quoted this book the whole time

It's been a couple of weeks since the retreat, and Pastor Bailey's talks are starting to fade out of my memory. As excellent as they were, my mind is already letting them go. I hope that this article will serve to refresh his second talk, which dealt with the subject of baptism, both in my mind and in yours. Noah stated his main point this way, “In our baptism we passed through death and came out a new person, so live in Christ,” Or as Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 94 says it;

Q: What is Baptism?

A: Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.

Noah and the Catechism are really saying the same thing at the core. They are trying to tell us both what baptism represents and what it accomplishes. To clarify this statement Pastor Bailey took us on a survey of baptism in the Bible.

As he surveyed the Old Testament he looked at the Flood, Circumcision, the Red Sea, and the new baptism talked about in Ezekiel 36. These several passages each contribute a different piece to the picture of what baptism is. We see that for Noah and his family the flood was the waters of death and judgment, Noah and his family pass through death by hiding in the ark. Similarly in baptism we pass through the waters of death and judgment (1 Pet. 3:20.21). Circumcision is a sign of cutting off the sin from the flesh. In baptism, which has replaced circumcision (Col. 2:9-12), our whole body is buried and risen with Christ (Rom. 6) and we have a new life in him (Gal. 2:20). Circumcision, and now baptism, represents the removal of sin from our flesh. When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea they were baptized into Moses. He was their mediator, so they were hidden in him, and this is what the crossing of the Red Sea represented (1 Cor. 10:1-4). In Ezekiel 36: 25-28, God connects a cleansing baptism with giving His Spirit. In passages like Lev. 11 and Num. 19 we see that uncleanness ends with the washing of water. In Ezekiel we see that God is promising a new Baptism that will actually cleanse because of the gift of the Spirit. In baptism, the water that cleanses the dirt represents the Spirit that cleanses our heart.

In baptism we are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13, 4:30), but the Holy Spirit is not bound to baptism. This is illustrated by the contrast between Acts 10 and 19. In Acts 10 the Holy Spirit precedes the baptism of Cornelius and his household, but in Acts 19 baptism precedes the Holy Spirit. Then there is the example of Simon Magus, he had been baptized, and yet Peter accuses him of being captive to sin (Acts 8:13-23). These three examples serve to show that the Holy Spirit is not enslaved to baptism, yet we must not think that he is divorced from it either.

So in Baptism we have passed through the waters of judgment and death, our flesh has been buried, and now we are risen with Christ. We are baptized into Jesus and given his spirit so now we have a new life. As a result we must live like children of God.