Question I’m struggling with self-condemnation. I’m so focused on my last regrets and mistakes. I feel like I’m always struggling with an issue - porn, relationships, fear of abandonment. I’m afraid of reaching out to the church for help because I’ve hurt many people in my past (burned bridges). How can I move forward and ‘start over’? Answer This is a reality all believers struggle with, if they’re honest, in one way and degree. Recently I preached on Romans 7, where the Apostle Paul writes how he cries out to God, “Wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death” (v. 24)? Read it and see how he was confronted with the 10th commandment (v. 7!) and how he owns up to his ongoing battle with sin (v. 14-24)! So, even 20 years after his conversion, he clearly did not only struggle with memories of his past sins, but with the real and painful presence of sin! Thankfully he doesn’t end there. His agonizing prayer turns into heartfelt praise, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (v. 25). He takes comfort believing the biblical truth that God forgives his sins the moment he confesses them. Read Psalms 32 and 51! The New Testament confirms it, “If [or when or whenever!] we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Note that this is not only a promise about the forgiveness of our sins but also of an ongoing cleansing. So Paul also humbly acknowledges, “So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin” (v. 25). Now there are two truths to remember. The first: though there is forgiveness, there is no excuse for sin! Psalm 130 clearly states that there is forgiveness with God so that He be feared. We are commanded, “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22). In other words, how to fight the darkness of sin? Turn to the Light! Search the Scriptures, feed on them, because they are food for our soul. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Take refuge to Him, not only for the forgiveness of your sins but also to be made more and more like Him. That brings me to the second truth: the older you get and the closer you follow Jesus, you will see more of your sins and sinfulness. As you prayerfully grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus, so you also grow in understanding of your sins of thought, word and deed, not only your sins of commission (doing what you shouldn’t have done) but also your sins of omission (not doing what you should have done)! A while back I read something very encouraging about this. The author used the example of a sunbeam breaking into a room, showing millions of dust particles. The closer you are to the light, the more dirt you see. They were there already but we don’t see them till the light exposes them. The closer to Jesus, the more you see your sins. So, though it’s not pleasant to see our sins and there is no excuse for sin, yet it is profitable. It’s like pain without which we wouldn’t take medicine or go see a doctor. It would be worse if you did not feel your guilt and lived on with a calloused conscience.

Question When it comes to the Lord's Supper, must wine always be used? There are many that struggle with alcohol and it would be forcing someone into a struggle that they deal with. Like would it be OK for the church to have the option (not necessarily a full out switch) of having grape juice or something of sorts. Answer Alcohol abuse has been around since at least the days of Noah (Genesis 9:20-21). We know it was present in the New Testament because, at the wedding at Cana in John 2:1-11, Jesus turned water into wine. Proverbs 31:6-7 says, "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more." In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul writes to Timothy, "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." When Jesus gave His disciples the Cup of the Lord's Supper, the wine of the Pascal meal was in that cup (Matthew 26:27-28; Mark 14:23-24; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-2). So, the Bible does not condemn wine but condemns the abuse of wine. Proverbs 23:31-32 "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.” That’s drunkenness. So, it is the abuse, not the use we need to be aware of. I also know many long term recovering alcoholics who take the cup at the Lord's Table, where wine is used. They have for years. No wine for them at dinner. But wine at the Lord’s Supper. For the child of God, there is no possible way the LORD would ever use His means of Grace to cause one of His little ones to stumble. He's far more loving and watchful than that. Not in Jesus' day, the days of the Early Church, or Reformation, all the way to the arrival of Welch's 100% Grape Juice™ on the heals of Prohibition in the 1920s. Before Welch's, the Church of God only had wine in the cup. And people abused alcohol at every point in history. Some churches have Welch's as an alternative to wine. Is it still the Lord's Supper? Yes. Grape juice is still the blood of the grape or fruit of the vine. Yet when a wine is pasteurized, it takes the fermentation properties out of the grape. It must be done so quite scientifically. I doubt that the Lord intended the liquid that represents His blood to be divested of natural quality. Blessings.

Question How are we to understand Matthew 24:34? Jesus describes end time type events and ends by saying "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” I’ve heard it described that generation may refer to Christians in general. Another interpretation is that we are passing from the Jewish generation to the Christian generation or that Christ is referring to the destruction of the temple. Any wisdom would be appreciated. Answer It is always wise to consider the context of a particular Scripture verse. In this case the immediate context would be Matthew 24: 29-35, "29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 "And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 32 " Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 "So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near -- at the doors! 34 "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” Clearly the Lord is here foretelling His second coming on the clouds of heaven (vs 30). So how must we understand the phrase ‘this generation’ in vs 34? It cannot mean the people alive at that time because none of them survived more that 100 years after Jesus made this proclamation. Though Jesus speaks of the destruction of the temple earlier in the chapter (vs 2), He does not mention it here in connection with His second coming. In fact, we know from church history that the Apostle John was still alive for at least twenty-five years after the temple’s destruction. So, Jesus is not referring to the temple’s fall nor to those standing there with him as He spoke these words. I agree with those commentators who teach that Jesus is here speaking of the Jewish people in general. When he says that ‘this generation shall not pass away till all these things take place,’ the reference is to the generation of the Jews. For thousands of years the Jews have survived all over the world. They live in nearly nation on this earth. They have been persecuted relentlessly and have survived. The Jews as a distinct people, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are living proof that God’s Word is true. Whomever Jesus is speaking of in vs. 34, we know that for all of us vs 35 is true too: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” His words are still true today, and always will be. Therefore, dear young friends be sure to believe the words of our Lord Jesus when He speaks earlier in this chapter of wars and rumors of wars, famines, diseases, and earthquakes. When we see all things happening, we know that the end is near (vs 33). So let us not get bogged down about vs 34, but rather let us be sure that our souls are safe through faith in the Lord Jesus. Because today the exhortation of vs 44 is surely true and relevant for us: "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” We are only ready in one way, that is to obey the words of Jesus’ first sermon: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).

Upcoming Events Tue, Jul 04 Pincher Creek No. 9 Berechiah Junior Youth Camp Join us for junior camp in the beautiful foothills near Beaver Mines, Alberta! Enjoy the wonder of God’s creation. Learn more Thu, Jul 06 Pincher Creek No. 9 Berechiah Young Adults Camp Join us in the beautiful foothills near Beaver Mines, Alberta, for our first young adults camp! Enjoy the wonder of God’s creation. Learn more Thu, Jul 06 Pincher Creek No. 9 Berechiah Senior Youth Camp Join us in the beautiful foothills near Beaver Mines, Alberta, for senior youth camp! Enjoy the wonder of God’s creation. Learn more Fri, Aug 04 Peace Williams Camp Youth Camp East Join us again at Pearce Williams for another great weekend of fun & fellowship! Learn more Mon, Aug 21 Grand Rapids FRC Young Men’s Summit The FRC Young Men’s Conference is for young men from the Free Reformed Churches between the ages of 16-25. The purpose of the conference is to help train and support young men who desire to become a servant leader in their home, church, and denomination. RSVP

Rev. Foppe Vanderzwaag 1 day ago 3 min Ask a Pastor: How Can I Start Over? Question I’m struggling with self-condemnation. I’m so focused on my last regrets and mistakes. I feel like I’m always struggling with an... Rev Jerrold Lewis May 23 2 min Ask a Pastor: Is Wine Necessary for Celebrating the Lord's Supper? Question When it comes to the Lord's Supper, must wine always be used? There are many that struggle with alcohol and it would be forcing... Rev. Jan Neels May 16 3 min Ask a Pastor: How are we to Understand Matthew 24:34? Question How are we to understand Matthew 24:34? Jesus describes end time type events and ends by saying "Assuredly, I say to you, this... Dr. G.M. Bilkes May 6 3 min Ask a Pastor: How to Stay Pure in Relationships? Question How do you keep a dating relationship 100% pure? We've always been told "Don't have sex" and that's the standard but still is it... Rev. Joel Overduin Aug 24, 2022 2 min Ask A Pastor: Is Universalism Wrong? Question What is universalism and is it wrong? For example, in 1 Corinthians 15:22 does the all refer to everyone (or Romans 5:18)? Will... Rev. Mark Wagenaar Jul 13, 2022 4 min Ask A Pastor: Do my prayers really matter or change anything? Question: If God is sovereign, what is the purpose of prayer? He already knows what I’m going to ask and has already planned out what is... Pastor Scott Dibbet Jun 2, 2022 2 min Ask A Pastor: Should the church enforce government obedience? Question Why do we obey the government? And is it the church’s job to enforce obedience? Answer Honouring and being subject to the... Rev. Lawrence J. Bilkes May 18, 2022 3 min Ask A Pastor: Should I Fast? Question: In a few of the past sermons and speakers I have listened to over the last few weeks, I have heard fasting and prayer brought... Rev. Rob VanDoodewaard May 5, 2022 3 min Ask A Pastor: Are Dating Apps Sinful? Question If you go on dating sites or apps is that wrong? If it is wrong, what is the explanation? Is there such thing as a good... Rev. Froppe VanderZwaag Apr 14, 2022 3 min Ask A Pastor: How should Christians react to the Black Lives Matter movement? Question How should a Christian react to the Black Lives Matter movement and those who support it? Answer Black Lives Matter (BLM) was... Rev. Pieter van der Hoek Mar 31, 2022 4 min Ask A Pastor: Why did God create the tree of good and evil? Question: If God is a loving God, why did God create the tree of good and evil knowing that Adam and Eve would sin and cause all of... Rev. Mark Kelderman Mar 19, 2022 3 min Ask A Pastor: Is Anxiety a Sin? Question: Is anxiety a sin? Answer: This is a great question, but one that really needs a longer discussion to adequately address. Our... Rev. Hans Overduin Mar 5, 2022 3 min Ask A Pastor: Is it ok to watch shows that depict Jesus? Question: Is it okay to watch The Chosen or other shows/movies that have depictions of Jesus? Answer: The answer is no, it’s not okay.... Rev Jerrold Lewis Feb 3, 2022 2 min Ask A Pastor: Close Communion and Baptism? Question: In our denomination we practise closed communion. This means that it is possible for a person who isn’t a member of our church... Dr. Arthur Miskin Jan 5, 2022 3 min Ask A Pastor: will I remember life on earth in heaven? Question: Do you believe that we will remember everyone and everything that happened during our time on Earth in Heaven? I have been told... Rev. David Vanbrugge Dec 17, 2021 2 min Ask A Pastor: Should I date a Baptist? Question: I am interested in dating a Baptist girl, who professes Christ. I personally believe in infant baptism. Knowing that this... Rev. David Lipsy Sep 16, 2021 2 min Ask A Pastor: Why did God allow sin to happen? Question: Can you please explain more as to why sin entered the world if God, who rules all things, didn’t have to make sin happen?... Rev. John Koopman Aug 30, 2021 2 min Ask A Pastor: Should preaching be directed at unbelievers? Question: When we view the visible church as a “field of wheat”,in Matthew 13, it is understood that the tares represent the unbelievers... Rev. David Lipsy Aug 5, 2021 2 min Ask A Pastor: Should I do public confession of faith if I disagree with something in my church? Question: Confession of Faith – when you do confession of faith, are you doing it to the church or are you doing it to God? What i mean... Rev. Bartel Elshout Jul 17, 2021 3 min Ask A Pastor: Is “Forgive and Forget” Biblical? Question: Is the saying “forgive and forget” Biblical? I understand we as Christians are called to forgive under any circumstance 7×70... 1/6 All posts Devotionals Articles Ask A Pastor Bible Study Poems Have a question? Ask it here anonymously ASK HERE

Art Burggraaf Sep 1, 2018 1 min Are You Listening? (A Poem) Matthew 13:9, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!“ Did you hear the angels sing? Of Christ the Lord the newborn king? My Saviour gave... Art Burggraaf Jun 15, 2018 1 min A Father’s Love My daughter in love Life covered in roses Sweet fluttering heart fooled By this one who proposes No Genuine spirit To be found in the lad... Art Burggraaf May 11, 2018 1 min Ruth Entreat me not to leave thee I’ll be ever at your side When you’ve sorrowed I have sorrowed When I cried You dried my eyes I will always... Art Burggraaf Apr 6, 2018 1 min The Song Of Mary Magdalene There are whispers in Galilee Of a prophet divine A carpenter turned king The water turned wine Compassionate love That will never cease... All posts Devotionals Articles Ask A Pastor Bible Study Poems