Ah, the Fourth of July! A wonderful holiday right in the middle of summer that celebrates both the birth of the United States and the uniqueness of our nation. The birth of the United States is indeed an amazing event. A group of men, sent from the various colonies, carefully deliberated on what their action might be in the face of a growing tyranny by their mother country, England, but also on principles upon which they might found a much better nation. They wanted separation from English rule, all right, but they wanted much more-they wanted a nation that might ban tyranny itself.

To fulfill their ambitions for a nation of free men, these colonial representatives produced the Declaration of Independence (the document signed on July 4, 1776), a document based on inter-colonial correspondence that had been going on for several years, correspondence that included a long series of booklets called "The Federalist Papers." When the Declaration was finally written by Thomas Jefferson, it was the result of a strong consensus among the delegates to several principles that were in direct contradiction to theories of government by monarchy or any other form of dictatorship. To enforce their convictions on these principles, the assembly declared its principles to be beyond question or debate. It said, "We hold these truths to be self-evident."

The principles announced are justly famous:

1) "All men are created equal," no person is by nature higher or lower than another since they are all created by the same God (thus titles of "nobility," such as "prince" or "princess," are forbidden to American citizens).

2) All men have the same rights given to them by their Creator God. These rights are "inalienable," that is, they may not be abridged or taken away by any one or anything because they come from God. When someone removes those rights, they not only are sinning against God, they are subject to the righteous rebellion of those whose rights are being stolen (this justified the American revolt against England).

3) These rights are "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Even though England was a land of some freedom, the colonists had seen enough oppression by unequal taxation, laws passed to punish previous acts, debtors' prisons, etc., to be fed up and to realize that all such were simply wrong. (Interestingly, while the original Constitution of the U.S. forbade unequal taxation, the 16th Amendment passed during the First World War established a governmental right to unequal taxes in the disguise of the ever popular lie about "taxing the rich.")

4) The fourth principle of the Declaration of Independence is that "governments are established to secure these (God-given) rights to the people." The job of government is not to rule over or take care of the people, but to make certain that neither it, nor anyone else, would interfere with the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness of the people.

These are unique ideas, truly to be celebrated. But, where did such ideas come from? Today it is seldom acknowledged, but when we read the Federalist Papers and other writings, it is clear that the Founders of the United States got most of their ideas out of the Bible. Our nation received its liberty and prosperity not out of a money bag called the "Federal Government," but out of a book, the Holy Bible. Modern historians often talk vaguely about Greece as the "cradle of democracy." The founders of the United States, however, specifically rejected Democracy-where everyone votes on everything-as leading to mob rule. They gave us a Constitutional Republic, a nation ruled by laws, of which the Constitution is the supreme law, laying down what is right and wrong before anyone votes. Subsidiary laws are made by representative legislatures but must conform to the Constitution. The foundations for such government are found in ancient Israel, 500 years before Greek democracy, when Israel elected Saul and later David as their kings, whose constitution is found in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Martin Luther, a theologian, already wrote, "The Freedom of the Christian Man," in 1520.

The Declaration of Independence declares that our unique rights as human beings come from God. We must not forget to thank God when celebrating America.

Rev. Robert Grossmann
Providence RCUS, Vermillion, SD
From a newspaper column, July 13, 2009

President's Report to the 263rd Synod of the RCUS

Esteemed Brethren:

Making use of the reports of the Presidents of the Executive Committees of the Classes (The Constitution of the RCUS, Art. 111), what can be said concerning the state of the Reformed Church in the United States? The presidents' reports are based upon the parochial reports of the individual pastors in the four Classes. The pastors report that the marks of the true church (the preaching of the pure doctrine of the Gospel, the pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ, the exercise of church discipline in the chastening of sin, cf. The Belgic Confession of Faith, Article 29), are present in the churches. As a true church, the RCUS confesses the "One Holy Catholic Church" which is defined as follows: "That, out of the whole human race, from the beginning to the end of the world, the Son of God, by His Spirit and Word, gathers, defends and preserves for Himself unto everlasting life a chosen communion in the unity of true faith" (Heidelberg Catechism, Q54). The Foreign Ministries Reports concerning Kenya and Uganda, the Congo, the Philippines, the outreach of the Reformed Faith and Life Radio Broadcast to the French-speaking world, and the Interchurch Relations Committee Report concerning fraternal churches (NAPARC and the ICRC) reinforce that confession.

The presidents' reports further indicate that the state of the RCUS is not unlike the state of the New Testament Church. Reading the epistles to the churches in the New Testament, we are given a greater understanding of the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 1:9, "There is nothing new under the sun."

The seven churches of Revelation, for example, had different strengths as well as weaknesses. They all faced threats and dangers from many sides, all instigated by Satan, who seeks to destroy the church. The dangers manifested in the first century continue and are repeated in every age of the church. In every generation the same dangers that Jesus rebuked in the seven churches of Revelation threaten the church today. These include lack of love, compromising the truth, adopting the ways of the world, lukewarmness, daring not to stand, ashamed of the Gospel, just to name a few. That is why the inspired Scriptures are always "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16).

Quoting from the Presidents' Reports, we recognize the similarities of the state of the church then and now.

Northern Plains Classis: "In almost every report, it was obvious that serious thought was given to various methods of outreach to the community. . . . Our Classis now has five radio broadcasts. . . . 2008 also saw an investigation . . . into the possibility of establishing a mission work in Jamestown, ND. . . . Our mission church in Watertown is constantly . . . seeking and finding new ways to spread the Gospel." Jesus' words to the church at Philadelphia come to mind: "I know thy works; behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name" (Rev. 3:8).

Covenant East Classis: "The reports highlight the fact that our Lord is diversely working in the lives of the sheep . . . . They are being challenged by the Word of God to pursue holiness, to live godly lives, to be faithful in the worship and service of our Lord, and they are rising to the challenge. Though the culture militates against them and attempts to submerge them in a sea of relativism, they strive to shine as lights and to live for Christ regardless of the cost."

"On the other hand the reports reveal that many of the saints are being winnowed and sifted under the preaching of the Word to see who are faithfully holding fast, to see who will stand. Many are responding positively to this. Others have grown disobedient, apathetic, and indifferent. Regrettably some of these pockets of disobedience, apathy and indifference are found among 3rd and 4th generation saints from whom younger saints ought to expect more." Hear the words of Jesus to the church at Ephesus: "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent" (Rev. 2:4-5).

The report concludes: "With all the diversity of God's working among us, there is great unity and that unity is grounded in the truth of the Word of God we hold dear and which is summarized in our confessional standards. It is incumbent upon us . . . to continue to do what we have done in the past, to hold fast the word of truth, to shepherd the flock of God and to seek to proclaim the gospel faithfully and to pray fervently for the Lord's blessings on our mutual labors." Unity was also a concern in the next President's Report:

South Central Classis: "‘Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing-life forevermore' (Ps. 133). It is a good thing when we can experience unity. But unity is not something that simply happens. It is something for which we must work. As Christians we sometimes have to determine to love our brothers and sisters in Christ, even if we vehemently disagree with them regarding some matter."

"This is not some idea or concept in the abstract. It is something that we as Christians face every day. We have had some division in our Classis in the past. We have had our disagreements. But in the midst of our disagreements, I would like to believe that we have maintained a love for each other. This is not because we are such good people; it is because God is a gracious and merciful God. He deserves all the credit for any unity we have today and any unity that we will have in the future. Nevertheless, we must labor for this unity and always determine to love one another."

Again we see how relevant the New Testament epistles are to the state of the church then and now: The apostle Paul exhorts the church at Ephesus: "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. ... And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:3-6, 11-13). The apostle John writes in his first epistle: "Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love . . . Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to love one another" (1 Jn. 4:7-8, 10-11).

The final President's Report is another reminder of how the RCUS portrays the "One Holy Catholic Church":

Western Classis: "Let me begin my President's Report with Proverbs 4:18, which reads ‘But the path of the just is as the shining light that shines more and more unto the perfect day.' Among other lessons, this verse teaches what should be true for every Christian, that in spite of the sins that do so easily beset us and the opposition of Satan to our testimony, that God's grace in Christ is always working more and more and brighter and brighter. For us this means that even death itself is "perfect day" because death brings us closer to Christ and Christ closer to us. But the verse also impacts our morale and outlook for the present, too, especially in our churches. The great question is: Is the candlestick shining brighter than the previous year? Is the effulgence of the Gospel shining brighter and brighter as the Word of God is preached, the sacraments dispensed, and church discipline meted out? After reading your reports, I am convinced it is. By God's grace, we are a city set on a hill and a city on a hill cannot be hid (cf. Matt. 5:14). Your reports brought to mind Acts 9:31: ‘Then had all the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified: and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, were multiplied.'"

Two of the Presidents' Reports make reference to the current shortage of pastors in the RCUS, certainly a concern with regard to the state of the church. That the church is to produce pastors from among its own sons is a necessary inference from the apostle Paul's exhortation to Timothy: "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). Are we encouraging our sons to consider and seek the ministry?

There were rebukes and encouragements given to the seven churches in Revelation by our Lord, as well as instructions and admonitions by the apostles in their epistles, that every church in every age must take to heart. Let us examine ourselves to make sure that we do not fail to "hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Let us be vigilant and valiant to maintain sound doctrine and a faithful witness in our day. Let us also remember how the epistles of the New Testament begin and end. The apostle Paul addresses saints that he loves. He begins and ends his letters with love as does the book of Revelation, the purpose of which is to remind them and us of our first calling-to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is the state of the RCUS as part of the "One Holy Catholic Church." But there remains a future state, a glorious state. Jesus our Savior has not only redeemed us, but He also, by His Word and Spirit, purifies us: ". . . Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish"

(Eph. 5:25-27). The process can be slow and painful, but it has a glorious end. What comfort to know "that I am and forever shall remain a living member of the same" (HC Q54).

In conclusion, the President's Report of the Western Classis makes mention of the fact that the Western Classis (all the Classes) will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year. Although 25 years is insignificant in the history of the "One Holy Catholic Church," it is a testimony to God's blessing the RCUS with continued existence as well as expansion and growth.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that at this 263rd Synod we "acknowledge with gratitude to God the influence and contributions of John Calvin by commemorating the 500th Anniversary of his birth" (‘08 Abstract). This, too, speaks to the state of the RCUS and its continued commitment to the doctrines of Sovereign Grace. Great is God's faithfulness!

Respectfully submitted,
Vernon Pollema

All violations of the Law of God are "hate crimes." Sins certainly are not an act of love to God or our neighbor. Hate crimes legislation was passed by our government in 1969 to address racial crimes. In late April 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act" which expanded the definition of "hate crimes" to include crimes based on sexual orientation, gender, or disability. The Senate is considering a similar bill-the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act (named after a gay man who was murdered in the course of a robbery in Wyoming). Our President has indicated that he will sign such legislation into law.

It is obvious that the purpose of this bill is to protect the practice of homosexuality and same-sex marriage. We already have laws that address race-related crimes, homophobia, etc., but now it is the thought and intent of the perpetrator which will have to be judged. The courts will be called on to judge the thoughts and the motives of man.

Whether the church will be silenced about preaching against the sin of homosexuality remains to be seen. For now, our federal legislators are saying that this new law only involves hateful physical violence but not speech. However, the foot will be in the door. Our courts have a way of reinterpreting the intentions of the law. If someone can say that they committed a crime because they heard of a specific sin (such as abortion or homosexuality) being condemned by the Bible as a grievous sin, it will not be too long before someone will be knocking on the door of the church to see that such "hate speech" is stopped. If the church does advocate any form of violence against those who commit such sins, then they should be liable for prosecution.

We are living in a fast-changing world where even some of the Bible itself is deemed "hate" literature. In the New Testament, any statement that Jesus was Christ, or that Jesus arose from the dead, or that there is no salvation outside of Jesus, was deemed hateful and worthy of death. The martyrs of the church were not imprisoned or put to death for any violent crime-but just for hate speech. Jesus was condemned by men for what He said, not for what He did.

For the unregenerate person, God's Word is hateful because it does not allow him the freedom to do as he pleases or continue in his sin. But the unbeliever does not consider it a "hate crime" to hate God. God disagrees (cf. "visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me"). If God condemns certain sins, the unregenerate mind interprets this as hateful toward them. But, the church is required to declare the Word of God.

The liberal church has been afraid to address sin as sin, out of ‘love.' Psalm 81:15 says, "The haters of the LORD would pretend submission to Him, but their fate would endure forever." When sin is not exposed and repentance is not commanded, this is the ultimate "hate crime" (cf. Ezek. 33:6-8; Ps. 139:21-22). It is hateful to God not to declare His righteous will, and it is hateful to the sinner if he is never called to turn from his sin to Jesus Christ. It is often said that "God hates the sin, but loves sinner." While this sounds pleasant enough and provides a false reason to ignore church discipline, it is not what God does. He punishes the unrepentant sinner because of his sin.

When sin is condemned for what it is from the pulpit, the world sees this as hateful, but it is, in fact, the most loving thing we can do for a fallen sinner. The Gospel is a message to sinners. If the Gospel is ever preached out of a hateful motive, then that is hypocrisy. But, if we are declaring what sin is and calling on the sinner to repent and believe in Jesus for forgiveness, what greater love could we show to anyone! What greater hatred can there be to men than to hide the Truth?! It is certainly not the calling of the church to try to overturn society's sins by violence, but to preach the whole counsel of God. To declare the truth is not a hate crime, but love divine.

In the end, God will perfectly judge the heart and the intents of the heart. Man cannot. In fact the Gospel exposes the darkness of the heart of man, but, "everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed" (Jn. 3:20). If there is any hatred associated with the Christian's life, it must be to "hate every false way" (Ps. 119:12). Proverbs 8:13 tells us, "the fear of the Lord is to hate evil."

How this "hate crime" legislation will affect the church and its ministry remains to be seen. One thing is certain. Peter and John taught us, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). We would do well to pray for boldness in proclaiming the Gospel, even as the disciples prayed, "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word" (4:20).