Pastor John van Popta, retired pastor of Fellowship Church in Burlington is our guest (John is the producer/director of Tyrannus Hall and does much of the background research and organization for our podcasts).
Our hosts, Bill and Winston, interview John about how best to welcome guests on “Communion Sundays.” Who should participate? Who should be withheld? John’s research into the Biblical data has convinced him to examine carefully the manner whereby we withhold communion from visitors. Does Paul’s rebuke of Peter, recorded for us in Galatians 2 speak to this matter. What about 1 Corinthians 11? Has the church misread Paul’s command to self-examination?
He suggests that there are better ways than the traditional Canadian Reformed practice of having the visitor present a document from a sister church affirming membership in good standing. He suggests change is necessary if we desire to develop a missional model of the church, that we might welcome new people to church membership.
John retired a few years ago due to his Parkinson's Disease. This disease has impaired his speech somewhat. And his medications, though they control his tremors, cause some dyskinesia (involuntary movements). Please look (and listen) past these disabilities and be stimulated to “examine the scriptures … to see if what [John] says is true” (Acts 17:11).
Here is the link to Dr. NH Gootjes’ article on “the Reformed confession” cited by John: https://www.spindleworks.com/library/gootjes/articles.htm
Here is a link to an essay by John where he discusses Paul’s rebuke of Peter in Gal 2, because Peter denied table fellowship with Gentile Christians: https://fellowshippastor.blogspot.com/2019/11/visitors-at-communion.html
Here is a link to some notes by John on 1 Corinthians 11, where he discusses Paul’s rebuke of the Corinthians for causing division in the church at the Lord’s supper: https://fellowshippastor.blogspot.com/2022/01/1-corinthians-11-and-visitors-at.html
GoFundMe Update
Several weeks ago we opened a GoFundMe campaign to raise $ 3500 to cover subscription costs as well as to finance the purchase of new equipment. We thank the Lord for the generosity of our listeners who donated $ 3,720. Thank you for your generous support. Our next podcast will be recorded using new microphones and lighting!
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