tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75506776448904825732024-03-13T14:10:16.004-07:00Confessions of a Confessional Rev.Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.comBlogger254125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-83211137334888838112011-02-13T16:20:00.000-08:002011-02-13T16:24:07.266-08:00That's All, Folks!I've been thinking about doing this for some time, but in all likelihood, this will be my final post on this blog. Life in general, and ministry in specific, are both quite busy right now and I simply do not have the time to keep this blog current (six posts in the last four months might have already given you a clue). Anything of interest that I will link to or comment on will be posted on my Facebook page. And if you really want to hear my take on theological matters, you can join me on Sundays at Zion United Reformed Church (www.zionurc.org).Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-49897823962725818172010-12-28T16:25:00.000-08:002010-12-28T16:28:35.689-08:00New Year's Eve ServiceThis Friday night, we will having a New Year's Eve service, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Here is the liturgy...<div><br /></div><div>Prelude</div><div>Call to Worship</div><div>God's Greeting</div><div>Opening Psalm of Praise: #48 (Psalter Hymnal) "Jehovah Is My Light" vv. 1, 3, & 5</div><div>Responsive Reading: Psalm 90</div><div>Psalm of Response: #176 (Psalter Hymnal) "O God, Our Help in Ages Past"</div><div>Offering</div><div>Congregational Prayer (concluded with corporate "Amen")</div><div>Psalm of Preparation: #38 (Psalter Hymnal) "The Lord's My Shepherd"</div><div>Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8</div><div>Sermon: "A Time for Everything"</div><div>Hymn of Response: #351 (Psalter Hymnal) "Ah, Dearest Jesus, How Hast Thou Offended"</div><div>Celebration of the Lord's Supper</div><div>Hymn of Response: #316 (Psalter Hymnal) "Now Thank We All Our God" vv. 1 & 2</div><div>Benediction</div><div>Doxology: #316 (Psalter Hymnal) "Now Thank We All Our God" v. 3</div>Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-56539843172110064162010-12-23T09:43:00.001-08:002010-12-23T09:47:13.537-08:00Christmas Service of Lessons & CarolsJoin us this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. for our Christmas Day service of Lessons & Carols...<div><br /></div><div>Call to Worship</div><div>Prayer of Invocation</div><div>God's Greeting</div><div>Opening Carol: "Angels, from the Realms of Glory"</div><div><br /></div><div>First Lesson: Genesis 2:4-25</div><div>Carol: "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing"</div><div><br /></div><div>Second Lesson: Genesis 3:8-15</div><div>Carol: "Joy to the World!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Third Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11</div><div>Carol: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"</div><div><br /></div><div>Fourth Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-14; 9:2, 6-7; 11:1-10</div><div>Carol: "Silent Night! Holy Night!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Fifth Lesson: Micah 5:2-5</div><div>Carol: "O Little Town of Bethlehem"</div><div><br /></div><div>Offering</div><div>Congregational Prayer</div><div><br /></div><div>Sixth Lesson: Luke 1:39-55</div><div>Carol: "Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus"</div><div><br /></div><div>Seventh Lesson: Luke 2:1-21</div><div>Carol: "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night"</div><div><br /></div><div>Eighth Lesson: Revelation 12</div><div>Sermon: "The Preservation of the King"</div><div>Carol: "O Come, All Ye Faithful"</div><div><br /></div><div>Benediction</div><div>Doxology: "O Come, All Ye Faithful"</div>Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-28630141338657914532010-11-16T16:08:00.000-08:002010-11-16T16:12:47.143-08:00Kevin De Young and Grand RapidsFantastic post <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2010/11/16/can-the-reformed-resurgence-fly-in-grand-rapids/">here</a> by Rev. Kevin De Young on Grand Rapids, Michigan.Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-43706491448848476732010-11-16T09:25:00.000-08:002010-11-16T09:28:21.931-08:00New Book<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TOK-xDB0zCI/AAAAAAAAAnM/w8lkbBR-vGM/s1600/JustifiedSmall.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 148px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TOK-xDB0zCI/AAAAAAAAAnM/w8lkbBR-vGM/s320/JustifiedSmall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540200241454959650" /></a>The White Horse Inn has just released a new book on the doctrine of justification. For more information, click <a href="http://www.whitehorseinn.org/justified.html">here</a>. Also, if you use the code XFPM89VW when ordering you receive 50% off.Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-53121555273390599212010-11-13T15:03:00.000-08:002010-11-13T15:05:42.017-08:00The Gospel for Those Broken by the Church<div>From Rod Rosenbladt, one of the panel on the White Horse Inn...</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.whitehorseinn.org/blog/2010/11/11/dad-rod-thursdays-the-gospel-for-those-broken-by-the-church-in-video/">Dad Rod Thursdays – “The Gospel For Those Broken By The Church” In Video</a>Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-11447444374034849942010-11-02T14:24:00.000-07:002010-11-02T14:25:57.021-07:00Reformation Conference<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TNCBnkUhe-I/AAAAAAAAAnE/N05iIozO3ck/s1600/event-reformation_conference_2010-Dallas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 103px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TNCBnkUhe-I/AAAAAAAAAnE/N05iIozO3ck/s320/event-reformation_conference_2010-Dallas.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535066458802977762" /></a>Dr. Michael Horton, professor at Westminster Seminary California, recently spoke at St. Peter's Presbyterian Church's 2010 Reformation Conference. Audio files of those lectures may be found <a href="http://www.whitehorseinn.org/blog/2010/10/29/michael-horton-mp3s-reformation-conference-2010/">here</a>.Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-46546843278718007552010-10-29T08:52:00.000-07:002010-10-29T08:57:13.969-07:00The Family Pew<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TMrulx7ocdI/AAAAAAAAAm8/dzyS2lPYmRQ/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 209px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TMrulx7ocdI/AAAAAAAAAm8/dzyS2lPYmRQ/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533497425004098002" /></a>Rev. Michael Brown, pastor of Christ United Reformed Church in Santee, California, has written a very helpful piece on children in worship. You may find it <a href="http://www.blog.christurc.org/2010/10/27/a-few-more-thoughts-on-the-family-pew/">here</a>.Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-3236329158971318302010-10-27T19:45:00.001-07:002010-10-27T19:49:54.654-07:00Upcoming Conference<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TMjkfLyIxLI/AAAAAAAAAm0/kUGX26fCWK0/s1600/conference2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 89px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TMjkfLyIxLI/AAAAAAAAAm0/kUGX26fCWK0/s320/conference2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532923366614811826" /></a>Westminster Seminary California will hold their annual conference on January 14-15, 2011. The theme will be "Christianity and Liberalism Revisited." Cost is $50/person for early registration. For more information, click <a href="http://wscal.edu/conference2011/index.php">here</a>.Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-79822032766752221312010-10-27T08:34:00.000-07:002010-10-27T09:00:37.031-07:00Reformation Day Service<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TMhGpvcxPmI/AAAAAAAAAmk/PxsJ6Pw3xOM/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 259px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TMhGpvcxPmI/AAAAAAAAAmk/PxsJ6Pw3xOM/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532749825150369378" /></a>This Sunday, October 31st, is Reformation Day, the day on which, in 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenburg. This, of course, is seen as the beginning of the 16th Century Protestant Reformation (though there were forerunners to this, men like John Huss and John Wycliffe).<div><br /></div><div>Some of the great truths that came out of the Reformation are known as the "5 Solas." These were at the very heart of the Reformation. However, we must remember that these were not new truths that were first discovered in the 16th Century. Rather, they are "old" truths that are found in the very Word of God.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Sola Scriptura" - Scripture Alone</div><div>"Sola Gratia" - Grace Alone</div><div>"Sola Fide" - Faith Alone</div><div>"Solus Christus" - Christ Alone</div><div>"Soli Deo Gloria" - To God Alone Be the Glory</div><div><br /></div><div>This Sunday morning (9:30 am) at Zion United Reformed Church, we will be focusing on these great truths. Below is the order of worship...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Entering God's Presence</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Choir</div><div style="text-align: left;">Call to Worship</div><div style="text-align: left;">Votum</div><div style="text-align: left;">God's Greeting</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hymn of Praise: "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Scripture Reading: Psalm 19:7-11</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hymn of Praise: "Jehovah's Perfect Law"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hymn of Praise: "And Can It Be"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sola Fide (Faith Alone)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Scripture Reading: Romans 4:1-8</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hymn of Praise: "Not What My Hands Have Done"</div><div style="text-align: left;">Offering</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Solus Christus (Christ Alone)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Choir</div><div style="text-align: left;">Congregational Prayer</div><div style="text-align: left;">Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sermon: "Christ Crucified"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Soli Deo Gloria</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hymn of Praise: "In Christ Alone"</div><div style="text-align: left;">Benediction</div><div style="text-align: left;">Doxology: "Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow"</div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Optima; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></p></div>Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-43085604673106570462010-10-23T10:59:00.000-07:002010-10-23T11:07:49.976-07:00The Church & Politics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TMMjFyGA8JI/AAAAAAAAAmc/pZ1wUnZlhbM/s1600/workpastor.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 304px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TMMjFyGA8JI/AAAAAAAAAmc/pZ1wUnZlhbM/s320/workpastor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531303349594419346" /></a>I've recently been reading William Still's excellent little book "The Work of the Pastor." If you are a pastor or in seminary, I would highly recommend that you pick this up.<div><br /></div><div>Anyway, as most of you in the U.S. know, you can't go more than 5 minutes today without hearing a political ad on the radio or seeing one on television. And as citizens of this country, it's our duty and our privilege to vote. It's also a legitimate calling for Christians to be involved in the political realm. However, should the church be involved in politics? Last night, I came across this quote from William Still...</div><div><br /></div><div>"A great many of us are far busier propping up our particular brand of democracy and social service than building the church of Jesus Christ against which even the gates of hell shall not prevail, whether our democracy collapses or not. The church is not called to subsidise the state any more than she is called to work against it; she has to be as neutral to it as loyal citizens can be. She is called to gather and build the church of Jesus Christ under any system whatsoever."</div><div><br /></div>Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-59235668137811833012010-10-22T11:19:00.001-07:002010-10-22T11:27:05.620-07:00New Book on Baptism<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TMHVuAEIPYI/AAAAAAAAAmU/CqXg0_DxrkA/s1600/Fesko+Water+Word+Spirit.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 183px; height: 275px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TMHVuAEIPYI/AAAAAAAAAmU/CqXg0_DxrkA/s320/Fesko+Water+Word+Spirit.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530936803655695746" /></a>Here's a new book on baptism that you might want to check out. It's "Word, Water, and Spirit," by John Fesko. Dr. Fesko is the academic dean at Westminster Seminary California. Here's what Joel Beeke says about this book...<div><br /></div><div>"J.V. Fesko's 'Word, Water, and Spirit' is a major work that both models how to do theology by moving from historical theology to biblical and systematic theology and, most importantly, presents fresh insights for a Reformed understanding of baptism. Fesko's fair-minded, page-turning history of the doctrine of baptism is itself worth the price of the book. Most enlightening, however, is his biblical-theological survey of baptism as new creation, covenant judgment, and eschatological judgment. The book's emphasis on God's judgment in baptism is particularly innovative and helpful. These insights pave the way for treating baptism systematically as a means of grace and as a sacrament in relation to its recipients and ecclesiology. Highly recommended for all who wish to grapple seriously with the doctrine of baptism and its implications."</div><div><br /></div><div>You can order Fesko's book <a href="http://www.wscal.edu/bookstore/store/details.php?id=2852">here</a>.</div>Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-54513088550151729582010-10-20T08:45:00.001-07:002010-10-20T09:10:06.637-07:00The Cult of Personality<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TL8On9zK4pI/AAAAAAAAAmM/gI7cRcr1yrg/s1600/pic.php.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 195px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TL8On9zK4pI/AAAAAAAAAmM/gI7cRcr1yrg/s320/pic.php.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530154947201131154" /></a>This morning, I came across something on Facebook that caught my attention. It was a Christian radio station in a place that I formerly lived, asking people what they appreciated most about their pastor. Here are some of the responses...<div><br /></div><div>"He believes in us and our gifts! He and his wife (our worship Pastor) love getting to know everyone; we're more like family than just a congregation. They love to plan potlucks, family community outreaches, and just 'hanging out' on a casual level."</div><div><br /></div><div>"My pastor is the funniest dude I know! So weird, and filled with energy when he's teaching a sermon, it's so easy to learn because he's so weird!"</div><div><br /></div><div>"We have a new pastor and we learn more about him every day! One Sunday he sang a solo! Who knew?? Then, last week, he played guitar too! And his wife was on keyboard!"</div><div><br /></div><div>"All the pastors out at _______ Church are just amazing. They know how to relate the day's sermon to our understanding and make us laugh the whole way through."</div><div><br /></div><div>"My pastor has the most amazing sense of humor."</div><div><br /></div><div>"I appreciate his transparency...he shares his own struggles with us and also that he is energetic and shares what the Holy Spirit tells him spontaneously."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Two things come to mind--1st: He has upgraded our sound system and brought our sound system into the current century! 2nd: His wife Lily has done a lot for our Youth group."</div><div><br /></div><div>"He's hilarious!"</div><div><br /></div><div>So apparently, what people most appreciate in their pastor is a sense of humor, musical gifts, authenticity, and the ability to just "hang out." Very simply, this is the cult of personality. If we like the guy, if he's funny, hip, cool, then he's a great pastor. The problem with this, of course, is that it has no correlation whatsoever to Scripture. For example, as I read the New Testament, I don't see any of these characteristics in the apostle Paul. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 2, Paul says this...</div><div><br /></div><div>"And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."</div><div><br /></div><div>May God give us a greater desire to have pastors who preach Christ, rather than pastors who are funny and hip.</div>Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-60392193373605135802010-10-18T10:31:00.000-07:002010-10-18T10:34:29.295-07:00Preaching ChristHere's a great quote from T. David Gordon on the importance of preaching Christ...<div><br /></div><div>"Preach Christ, and you will have morality. Fill the sails of your hearers' souls with the wind of confidence in their Redeemer, and they will trust him as their Sanctifier, and long to see his fruit in their lives. Fill their minds and imaginations with a vision of the loveliness and perfection of Christ in his person, and the flock will long to be like him. Impress upon their weak and wavering hearts the utter competence of the mediation of the One who ever lives to make intercession for them, and they will long to serve and comfort others, even as Christ has served and comforted them."</div>Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-41453313321738370712010-10-13T09:03:00.001-07:002010-10-13T09:04:26.461-07:00Reformation ConferenceFor any of you near Sunnyside, Washington...you should check out the upcoming Reformation Conference on October 29th. It's on the critical subject of "worship." For more information, click <a href="http://yakimavalleyreformation.blogspot.com/2010/10/reformation-rally-october-29-2010.html">here</a>.Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-15727586202912169492010-10-09T16:51:00.000-07:002010-10-09T16:58:16.404-07:00Contemporary Worship Music<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TLEAPxbyBkI/AAAAAAAAAl8/zdRDnGp52-I/s1600/9781596381957m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 187px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TLEAPxbyBkI/AAAAAAAAAl8/zdRDnGp52-I/s320/9781596381957m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526198488728208962" /></a>I just picked up a copy of "Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns" by T. David Gordon. Thumbing through it this afternoon, I came across a great quote regarding the modern-day church's use of contemporary worship music in order to not "lose the youth." In other words, we seem to think that if we only introduce some contemporary praise music to our worship services that we can keep the younger people from leaving the church. Here's what Gordon writes: "Though even here, one must ask why no other generation manifested such a fear. As I indicated before, the church of my father's youth did not compose hymns in a big-band style in order to "reach the young," and the church of my generation, while quite aware of the 1960's rebellion against tradition, did not abandon its hymns to rewrite the hymnal to sound like Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton. So why do we constantly fear losing this particular generation if we do not employ musical idioms with which they are familiar?" (page 158)Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-41651508010388682802010-10-06T21:27:00.001-07:002010-10-06T21:40:59.586-07:00The Mission Commission<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TK1PJ6TKsRI/AAAAAAAAAls/Qb5GJKE8UKo/s1600/great-commission.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TK1PJ6TKsRI/AAAAAAAAAls/Qb5GJKE8UKo/s320/great-commission.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525159349540532498" /></a>One of the things that excites me about the church I pastor is the enthusiasm and the passion that the congregation has in reaching out to the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. A number of men here are involved in a ministry to truckers at the local truck stop. Hospitality hosts reach out to these truckers with a meal following our morning worship service. Our radio ministry seeks to bring the gospel to those in the surrounding area (and soon we will be sponsoring the White Horse Inn on the radio here). In June, the church hosted Vacation Bible School, where over 100 children attended (many who were not from the church). This coming June, we'll have our 2nd annual VBS. And each month, the church is involved at the Stockton Gospel Center Rescue Mission. Tomorrow night, I'll have the privilege of preaching at this mission, where I will be preaching on 2 Corinthians 8:9: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." Pray that the Lord would use the preaching of His Word to open the eyes and hearts of these men and bring them to faith in Jesus Christ.Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-76834532148775729222010-10-06T16:01:00.000-07:002010-10-06T16:05:23.572-07:00New Book<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TKz_5cetGII/AAAAAAAAAlk/1EbN7nCrzzg/s1600/2866.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 219px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TKz_5cetGII/AAAAAAAAAlk/1EbN7nCrzzg/s320/2866.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525072205239359618" /></a>A new book is out, entitled "Always Reformed: Essays in Honor of W. Robert Godfrey." I have yet to pick up my copy, but it can be ordered at the reduced price of $20 (normally $25) through this Friday. Some of the contributors are R.C. Sproul, Cornel Venema, Michael Horton, and Sinclair Ferguson.<div><br /></div><div>You can order your copy <a href="http://www.wscal.edu/bookstore/store/details.php?id=2866&utm_source=mvp&utm_medium=mvp&utm_campaign=wscbooks">here</a>.</div>Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-55598438456135326612010-10-04T15:47:00.000-07:002010-10-26T09:10:50.405-07:00Ripon at 8 Weeks<div style="text-align: left;">It's hard to believe that we've been in Ripon for almost 8 weeks now, having arrived here on August 12th. For the first 2 weeks or so, it felt like we were on an extended vacation and would be heading back to the Pacific Northwest. But it didn't take that long before we settled in and it's definitely feeling like home now. While it wasn't easy to leave our former church, we feel very blessed that the Lord has led us to a group of people who are excited about the future ministry here and who love to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ from Lord's Day to Lord's Day. The girls have settled into school quite nicely...Corinne is on the 7th Grade Girls' Volleyball team and Kim will be in the High School play in November (Anne of Green Gables). They're also quite busy with church activities (GEMS for Corinne, high school youth group for Kim). My wife is adjusting to life with both girls in school and is busy with ladies' Bible study at church and getting a new house in order. We're also excited about all the new places to discover around here. While we've yet to get to Yosemite, we've been to San Francisco, Monterey, and Santa Cruz. I've also attended a SF Giants game with some of the men of the church. I'm very much excited to be around so many Giants fan, having been a LA Dodgers-despiser my entire life. Following are just a few pictures from our first 8 weeks here...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TKphJFBuS4I/AAAAAAAAAlc/xPv-2yH8Y2k/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524334701519457154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">My messy office as I unpack 60 boxes of books</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TKpghWDN2PI/AAAAAAAAAlU/9MaYwIwNR94/s320/picnic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524334018894354674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TKpgGMaDYcI/AAAAAAAAAk8/s5XUdcDMna4/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524333552449315266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Church picnic (complete with water slide)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TKpfgoqiOmI/AAAAAAAAAkk/RWB3VrYyF0o/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524332907199609442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ripon Christian Knights 7th Grade Girls' Volleyball game</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TKpetZbNydI/AAAAAAAAAkc/kTd8GB_-290/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524332026935495122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">No explanation needed</div>Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-78667768715853767132010-08-06T09:37:00.000-07:002010-08-06T09:57:11.855-07:00Ch-ch-ch-changes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TFw-2k5Bi1I/AAAAAAAAAjs/Ix99ofbOGUY/s1600/IMG_0549.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TFw-2k5Bi1I/AAAAAAAAAjs/Ix99ofbOGUY/s320/IMG_0549.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502341952076614482" /></a>As the sun sets on our ministry here in Bellingham, this will probably be my last post as the pastor of the Bellingham URC. I just realized something the other day: Before I got back into the ministry, I worked in the furniture business for a period of 7 years and 10 months. I have now been the pastor of the Bellingham URC for...you guessed it...7 years and 10 months. Somewhat strange. I wonder what we'll be up to in July 2018?<div><br /></div><div>It's been a very enjoyable and blessed 8 years serving here. From lots and lots of babies being baptized...to professions of faith...to people coming to grasp Reformed theology for the first time...to a great council and consistory to work with...to faithful members...to everything in between, it's been a blessing. Sure, there have been trials and disappointments, but that's going to be true no matter where you go. In many respects, I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a better group of people to work with.</div><div><br /></div><div>But now, we move on. And while we're sad to leave our church family behind, we're excited to learn a new area of the country. We're looking forward to having a solid Christian school (K-12) in our town. And we're looking forward to getting to know a new church family. That doesn't mean, however, that we'll ever forget our church family up here. I'm sure it's true for all pastors, that you never forget your first church.</div><div><br /></div><div>This Sunday, I preach my final sermons at BURC. It's going to be a strange day. It's going to be a hard day. But the Lord is good. And He will continue to build His church here and throughout the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness." Psalm 115:1</div>Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-10290512381344974422010-07-12T09:24:00.000-07:002010-07-12T09:29:57.458-07:00A Day at the Beach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TDtCPgkmQrI/AAAAAAAAAjM/uy7n-IEOSz4/s1600/beach.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 183px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/TDtCPgkmQrI/AAAAAAAAAjM/uy7n-IEOSz4/s320/beach.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493057004717359794" /></a><div>Dr. J. Mark Beach is Professor of Ministerial and Doctrinal Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He has recently written a helpful 2-part response to a paper produced by the Consistory of the United Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho that interact with the "Report of the Synodical Study Committee on the Federal Vision and Justification." I would highly encourage you to take some time and read Dr. Beach's response. I was privileged to serve on this study committee and am hopeful that our Synod (which meets in 2 weeks) will take a strong stance for the truth of the gospel of grace.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://johannesweslianus.blogspot.com/2010/06/professor-mark-beach-responds-to-nampa.html">Dr. Beach, part 1</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://johannesweslianus.blogspot.com/2010/07/part-2-of-professor-mark-beachs-reply_09.html">Dr. Beach, part 2</a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px; font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div>Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-82569725682535186522010-06-09T12:52:00.000-07:002010-06-09T12:53:17.661-07:00Not Much Going On HereSorry for the lack of posts over the last number of weeks. Life and ministry are quite busy. I hope to have some new stuff on here in the not-too-distant future. In the meantime, if there's a subject you'd like me to touch on, feel free to leave a comment.Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-27494658043984998072010-04-03T11:13:00.000-07:002010-04-03T11:19:33.369-07:00Children's Church<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/S7eFUOPztYI/AAAAAAAAAjE/Qh70FE3nswc/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 107px; height: 102px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/S7eFUOPztYI/AAAAAAAAAjE/Qh70FE3nswc/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455976056050922882" /></a>Scott Clark has an excellent post <a href="http://heidelblog.wordpress.com/2010/03/31/the-mystery-of-childrens-church/">here</a> on the subject of children's church. Many years ago, I remember attending a church and being looked at as if I was calling on people to worship Satan because we weren't going to put our child in children's church that morning. Now one thing that we have to keep in mind is that it's important that we train our children <b><i>how</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> to sit in worship. Nothing wrong with a little noise, but constantly noisy children should be taken out of worship so as not to distract everyone else. In fact, I'd be curious to hear any advice that some of you parents have for training and teaching our covenant children to sit through worship.</span></b>Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-90974316197999931012010-04-01T12:42:00.000-07:002010-04-01T12:55:05.562-07:00Whatever Happened to the Second Service?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/S7T6EETdPNI/AAAAAAAAAis/2vuOBIMv1cc/s1600/simpsons.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/S7T6EETdPNI/AAAAAAAAAis/2vuOBIMv1cc/s320/simpsons.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455259996434283730" /></a>One of the things that is interesting about the ecclesiastical landscape today is the almost universal absence of a Sunday evening service. Whenever we are on vacation, or out of town for some reason, it is virtually impossible to find a church that has a second service. Now certainly, there are many reasons for this. If you don't see Sunday as the Lord's Day, a day of rest and worship, then you might as well get worship out of the way in the morning (or even Saturday night) so that you can have the rest of the day free to do what you want. But why is it that among so-called "Reformed" churches that the second service has disappeared. Or, if there is a second service, why is attendance so poor? I am thankful that we get anywhere from 75-85% of our people back for the evening service, but in talking with fellow ministers, I've discovered that most Reformed churches (even of the confessional stripe) typically get 20-30% of their people back for the evening service. Some get 40%, but very, very few get more than 50%. Here's the question: Is there a biblical warrant for a second service? Or is that just simply a tradition that has no biblical foundation? I hope to use a post or two to look at this issue, so that we will understand both "why" we have a second service and the importance of the second service.Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550677644890482573.post-78067392964010801032010-03-31T16:51:00.000-07:002010-03-31T16:52:46.778-07:00The Return of Calvinism<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/S7PgPkbtboI/AAAAAAAAAiU/Jj_CTvlDbd8/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 101px; height: 130px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AHUx7RFda9Y/S7PgPkbtboI/AAAAAAAAAiU/Jj_CTvlDbd8/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454950131758362242" /></a>Click <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0327/Christian-faith-Calvinism-is-back">here</a> to read.Kevin Efflandthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136596237924284499noreply@blogger.com2