Date: Tue, 18 Nov 1997 04:06:22 -0500 (EST) From: Darrell128@aol.com Subject: NR 97116: Speakers and Topics at ICRC 1997 NR #1997-116: Speakers and Topics at ICRC 1997 The edited text is excerpted from an official press release produced by the International Conference of Reformed Churches, summarizing five papers which were presented to the meeting and discussed. These papers will appear in the printed Proceedings of the meeting. NR 1997-116: For Immediate Release Speakers and Topics at ICRC 1997 by Rev. John Galbraith and Rev. W. Peter Gadsby ICRC Press Release Committee Distributed by United Reformed News Service [The following edited text is excerpted from an official press release produced by the International Conference of Reformed Churches] SEOUL, South Korea (October 23, 1997) URNS -- Five papers were presented to the meeting and discussed. These papers will appear in the printed Proceedings of the meeting. The first paper was presented by Elder Mark Bube, General Secretary of Foreign Missions of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, on "Principles of Reformed Missions." Beginning with the premise that worship lies at the heart of the church's missionary endeavors, Bube outlined God's decree to save a people for himself, for the manifestation of his glory. He noted that God has foreordained all the means by which such is to be accomplished; that it is to the church that Christ has entrusted this ministry for the gathering and perfecting of the saints; that in this supernatural ministry, God is especially pleased to make the preaching of the Word an effectual means of accomplishing that end; and that, in His Word, God has fully supplied the elders in His church with all that is necessary for them to carry out this work. Dr. Soon Gil Hur, President of Kosin Theological Seminary in Pusan, South Korea, and a member of the Kosin Presbyterian Church, spoke on "Women in Office, with Particular Reference to 'Deaconesses.'" He stated that eldership is restricted to male members of the church because its task is to exercise authority over the congregation. This is a clear teaching of the Scriptures (I Timothy 2:12). However, diaconal office does not involve the exercise of authority. Therefore, it seems possible that female members may be installed as unordained deaconesses or assistant-deacons, seeing that women were positively involved in the life of the apostolic church. Dr. Robert C. Beckett of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ireland discussed "Biblical Principles for the Relation Between Church and State." Dr. Beckett affirmed the total sovereignty of God over all the structures of authority in both secular and ecclesiastical realms. The New Testament does not give approval to any specific form of government. Democracy involves the determination of laws by the majority views of fallen man, and is a perilous substitute for the infallible Word of God. Both church and state are established by God under the sovereignty of Jesus Christ, and are distinct structures that should peaceably co-exist and support each other. Complete separation of church and state is an unbiblical illusion, and Christians should be encouraged to act as "salt and light" within the political process. Involvement of pastors as politicians is forbidden by Scripture, and brings dangerous confusion to the gospel message. Within a pluralistic society, the church can best fulfill its duty to God and the state by prioritizing the Great Commission. Obedience is to be rendered to the state as far as humanly possible, without transgressing the law of God. When the demands of the state are in conflict with the law of God, God must be obeyed rather than man, and civil disobedience becomes inevitable. The fourth paper was presented by Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, professor at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, on the subject of "Challenges of the Charismatic Movement to the Reformed Tradition." Gaffin addressed two issues: the meaning of Pentecost (being baptized with the Holy Spirit) and the cessation of certain gifts of the Spirit. On the first issue, Gaffin argued that Pentecost has its significance in terms of "historia salutis" (the completed accomplishment of salvation), not "ordo salutis" (the ongoing application of salvation). It does not provide a repeatable paradigm event for individual Christian experience. In the light of the truth of I Corinthians 15:45 ("the last Adam became a life-giving Spirit), Pentecost reveals the unbreakable unity between the activity of the exalted Christ and the Holy Spirit in the church in all aspects of their conjoint activity. On the issue of cessation, Gaffin argued that New Testament prophecy possessed inspired and infallible authority, and was present in the life of the church only for the period when the New Testament canon was in the process of formation. The view that New Testament prophecy continues today with lower fallible authority was shown not to be sustainable exegetically and to undermine the final authority of Scripture. Finally, Rev. David John of the Free Church of Central India spoke on "The Ministry of the Word Amongst Asian Religious Peoples." He gave information about Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism in India, stating that many Asian people respect their elders, worship ancestors, and seem to be very respectful and humble. They claim to be seekers of wisdom, peace, and light, desiring to become one with god and achieve salvation. To achieve this goal, they go to extremes, such as "yoga," transcendental meditation, and asceticism. This often means a withdrawal from real life -- its hardships, trials, and responsibilities. Tradition holds that the Gospel was first brought to India by Thomas, the disciple of Christ, in AD 52. Christian missions, now including Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, have been present in India ever since. Besides evangelism, educational work and ministies of mercy have been founded. It is said that annual church growth in India is about 3.4% and that there are now about 97,700 professing Christian congregations with 7.3 million members and 16 million adherents. It should go without saying that the only approach to all religions is by the Word of God and the only salvation is by the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Cross-References to Related Articles: #1997-103: International Conference of Conservative Reformed Denominations to Convene Next Week in Seoul, South Korea #1997-106: Former Reformed Ecumenical Synod Moderator Opens Prayer Service for International Conference of Reformed Churches #1997-107: International Council of Reformed Churches Convenes in Seoul, Elects Korean Chairman #1997-108: International Council of Reformed Churches Admits Seven New Denominations; Questions ARP Qualifications #1997-109: A New Member Responds: "What's the International Conference of Reformed Churches Good For?" #1997-110: International Conference of Reformed Churches Amends Constitution and Regulations #1997-111: International Conference of Reformed Churches to Promote Jewish Evangelistic Outreach #1997-112: Kosin Presbyterian Church of Korea: "Church of the Martyrs" #1997-113: Regional Mission Conferences, Seeking Advice on Doctrinal Issues, Improved Interdenominational Cooperation Urged by International Conference of Reformed Churches #1997-114: Restructuring Ecclesiastical Fellowship Among Conservative Calvinist Denominations #1997-115: Speakers, Business, and Budgets for Upcoming Conferences Contact List: Rev. W. Peter Gadsby, ICRC Interim Committee Member 9 Craiglee Close, Taree, NSW, AUSTRALIA O/FAX: [61] 6-552-1317 * E-Mail: gadsby@tpgi.com.au Rev. John P. Galbraith, Delegate, Orthodox Presbyterian Church Rydal Park, Jenkintown PA 19014 H: (215) 885-7981 * E-Mail: jpgopc@erols.com Dr. Soon Gil Hur, President, Kosin Theological Seminary Amnan-Dong 34, Su-Koo, Pusan, 602-030, SOUTH KOREA O: [82] 51-2575131 * FAX: [82] 51-2535133 * E-Mail: KTSNET@chollian.dacom.co.kr Rev. David John, Delegate, Free Church of Central India Free Church Premnagar, Jabalpur, 482 001 MP, INDIA O: [91] 761-27613 ---------------------------------------------------------- file: /pub/resources/text/reformed/archive97: nr97-116.txt .