The Father has the Son in his heart, and he has chosen to place the Son at the heart of his plan for the entire universe. In other words, biblical cosmology is really a love story, a story of God diligently seeking to exalt his dear Son by making him the glorious and beloved creator, sustainer, redeemer, ruler, judge, and re-creator of all things.

. . . that all should honor the Son, just as they honor the Father.(John 5:23)
Cosmology is the study of the origin, structure, purpose, and destiny of our universe. Now that’s a topic to wrap your head around!
I’m guessing that most folks today doubt we can ever be sure about such lofty and complex matters. But here’s a thought to consider: Doesn’t the very fact that we’re able to ponder these questions imply that our minds were actually created to find the answers? Cosmological skeptics may moan and groan, but surely it is not without significance that nearly all of us remain incurably curious about cosmology!
Could it be, then, that we we were meant to behold and enjoy the one true cosmology—and that any religion or philosophy that hopes to win the allegiance of thoughtful people must offer us one?
No doubt. But if that cosmology is to prevail in the war of the worldviews, it will have to be a good one: clear, comprehensive, logical, well-supported by good evidence, and full of hope for a suffering humanity that knows there’s a Supreme Being, but is having difficulty discovering his truth about the world he created.
Having studied naturalistic, pantheistic, and theistic cosmologies for many years, I have concluded that biblical cosmology meets all these criteria, and that it does so far better than any other contestant in the ring. Indeed, I’m  convinced that here we reach the spiritual and philosophical home our hearts were made for.
Yes, its teachings run hard against the grain of  the cosmological “wisdom” of modern man. And yes, because of this, many Christians are reluctant to study, formulate, embrace, and defend a deeply biblical cosmology.
However, such cosmological conflict should not surprise or demoralize intellectually hungry believers. Has not God said that the wisdom of this world is foolishness to him, and that the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men? In such a world, does it make sense for the lovers of truth to let the majority rule?!
If, then, Christians would only dig a little deeper into these matters, and let the Spirit of Truth perform His wonderful work of illumination, I believe they would find, to their amazement and joy, that in his Word God  really has graciously granted us the full spectrum of cosmological truth for which we, by our very nature as creatures in his image an likeness, are ever hungering!
In this post I’d like to tackle first things first by looking at the heart of Biblical Cosmology: the One who dwells in the heart of God the Father, and whom the Father has placed at the heart of all things: the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Christ-Centered Cosmology of the New Testament
In order to understand the full-blown apostolic cosmology—which caps and completes biblical cosmology as a whole—we must begin at the beginning: the glory of God.
As we know from many passages in Scripture, one of God’s great purposes in creation was that the universe should be a theater for the display and enhancement of his glory. Even a cursory look at the apostles writings reveals that they fully understood, embraced, and proclaimed this sublime truth.
Thus, in a doxology that appears in his letter to the Roman Christians, Paul writes, “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36)!
Clearly, the expression “all things” is comprehensive, taking in the universe as a whole, and viewed from every conceivable angle: its framework, furniture, inhabitants, and entire history. By divine decree, all are meant to redound to the glory of God (Eph. 3:21, Phil. 4:20, 1 Peter 4:11, 2 Peter 3:18, Jude 25, Rev. 5:13, 7:12).
While this theme does indeed pervade the Old Testament (see Ex. 14:4, Psalms 19:1f,  Isaiah 24:15-16, 66:18f), the New Testament takes it to an entirely new level, opening it up like a flower in full bloom.
With Jesus leading the way, his apostles henceforth spoke of the glory of God in terms of the tri-unity of God. In particular, they revealed that it belongs essentially to the very nature and activity of the triune God that each of the three Persons should seek the glory and honor of the other.
Scriptural evidence for this amazing tendency abounds. Jesus said that the Father loves the Son, and has bestowed upon him any number of divine prerogatives “…so that all should honor the Son, just as they honor the Father” (John 5:23).
Similarly, concerning his own life and ministry, he said, “He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of the One who sent him is true, and no unrighteousness is in him” (John 7:18, 17:1).
As for the work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus taught that, “He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14; Matt. 12:32).
These few citations supply but a tiny glimpse into a pervasive NT motif: In all their work before men and angels in the great theater of the cosmos, each Person of the Holy Trinity seeks the pleasure, glory, and honor of the others (Matt. 12:32, John 5:19-23, 8:29, 14:31, 16:13-15, Phil. 2:1-11). Through the active, mutual, other-oriented love of each member of “the Holy Family,” God is ever seeking the glory of God!
Christ, the Firstborn Over All
Keeping these ideas in mind, let us turn now to the theme at hand: the Christ-centered cosmology of the NT. We will begin by looking at two passages of great cosmological importance.
The first is found in Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Seeking to clarify for them the nature and work of Christ, he writes:
He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born over all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Col. 1:15-17).
Clearly, the primary thrust of this rich text is to exalt the deity of Christ, which Paul accomplishes simply by enumerating some of his divine prerogatives. To this end he identifies Christ as “the image of the invisible God,”the one in whom we finite humans can best behold the glorious face of the infinite and invisible Father (John 14:9, 2 Cor. 4:6).
Similarly, he identifies Christ, along with the Father, as the eternal Creator, through whom not only the heavens and the Earth, but also the angelic hosts, were made (John 1:1-3, 1 Cor. 8:6).
Finally, he identifies Christ as the cosmic Sustainer; the one who holds all things together in their appointed form and structure, and the one who also guides them to their appointed ends (Heb. 1:1f, Rev. 6:1f).
We must, however, take special note of a subtle yet central aspect of Paul’s teaching here. Almost as if in passing, he states that God not only created the universe through Christ, but also for Christ. What might this cryptic remark mean?
In part, Paul has already supplied the answer, having identified God’s Son as “the first-born over (literally, “of”) all creation.” As commentators have often pointed out, this expression cannot mean that the pre-incarnate Son was the Father’s first creation, for the context itself (along with many other NT passages) declares that the Son existed before all things, and that all things were created through him. Such things would include, of course, the angels, with whom some of the Colossians were apparently confusing Christ.
Read More
Related Posts:

For the election of a new moderator the following were nominated: Rev. Bruce Prentice (Mandon, ND), Elder Bruce Stahl (Wentzville, MO) and Rev. John Shaw (general secretary of OPC Home Missions). After a vote Mr. Shaw was declared elected. Rev. Danny Olinger (general secretary of OPC Christian Education), who had nominated Mr. Shaw, led in prayer for the newly elected moderator.

The 89th General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) is meeting from June 7–13, 2023, at Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, Illinois. This running daily report was written by Robert Van Kooten and edited by Linda Foh. Questions or comments may be addressed to Hank Belfield, stated clerk. Go to Thursday.
Wednesday June 7, 2023
Trinity Christian College is located in Palos Heights, Illinois, near Chicago. This is where the 89th General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church is meeting to conduct the business of our Church.
As is the usual custom, the Assembly began with a worship service, which was held at Ozinga Chapel. The Session of First OPC, South Holland, IL, had oversight of this service. The moderator of last year’s Assembly, Elder David P. Nakhla (Glenside, PA), convened this year’s Assembly and exhorted from Matthew 25:31–46. Mr. Nakhla reminded the commissioners from the passage that only sheep can show the mercy of Christ. He then showed from the passage how it’s a fact that the mercy of Christ flows from the Shepherd through the sheep to others, how it’s a challenge for the sheep to show Christ’s mercy, and how when the sheep show Christ’s mercy it’s a blessing to both the sheep who show it and to the ones receiving it. Rev. Daniel Svendsen (South Holland, IL) and the First OPC Session administered the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. The offering collected was designated for the Committee on Ministerial Care.
Following a brief recess, the Assembly reconvened at the gymnasium, which will be the primary meeting place as we conduct the business of the Church. Mr. Nakhla opened in prayer. The president of Trinity Christian College, Dr. Aaron Keiker, welcomed the Assembly to the Trinity Campus. The roll call was taken by the stated clerk, Rev. Hank Belfield (Providence OPC, Chilhowie, VA). Members of the Assembly’s committees who are not commissioners were seated as corresponding members. Corresponding members were granted the privilege of the floor, which means they can speak on matters, but they are not allowed to make motions or vote.
Elder David Mahaffy (Oak Harbor, WA) gave a preliminary report for the Committee on Arrangements, noting key information regarding the campus of Trinity Christian College. At this point the Assembly tested the voting devices with three statistical questions. The first one was “Is this your first General Assembly?” There are 33 first timers and 109 seasoned veterans. The second one was “Did you grow up in the OPC?” 18 commissioners were born in the OPC, and the third one asked for the decade of ordination: 18 in the 2020s; 41 in the 2010s; 34 in the 2000s; 25 in the 1990s; 13 in the 1980s; 6 in the 1970s; and 2 in the 1960s, who were asked to stand.
On behalf of the Committee on Ecumenicity and Interchurch Relations, Mr. Mark Bube (Glenside, PA) introduced the fraternal delegates, and these delegates were also seated as corresponding members.
The stated clerk presented the minutes of the 88th General Assembly. He noted that the hard copies of the minutes were mailed to ministers and presbyteries of the OPC, as well as a list of select denominations and seminaries, on September 19, 2022.
The next item of business for the evening was to elect a new moderator for this year’s Assembly. Rev. Bruce Prentice (Mandon, ND), Elder Bruce Stahl (Wentzville, MO) and Rev. John Shaw (general secretary of OPC Home Missions) were nominated. After a vote Mr. Shaw was declared elected. Rev. Danny Olinger (general secretary of OPC Christian Education), who had nominated Mr. Shaw, led in prayer for the newly elected moderator.
The docket was adopted, and subsequently the clerk proposed the assignment of the matters of business to the various advisory and temporary committees, which were adopted by the Assembly. Mr. Winslow closed the Wednesday evening session with prayer.
Thursday June 8, 2023
The first full day of the Assembly’s work began following breakfast. However, rather than begin the day as a whole, the commissioners meet in their respective advisory committees at various locations on campus.
What exactly is an advisory committee? All members of the assembly, except the moderator, clerks, and commissioners who give presentations in advisory committees, are assigned to an advisory committee. Advisory committees and temporary committees help the assembly with its work. They are tasked with meeting with representatives of the various program committees of the General Assembly (Committee on Christian Education, Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension, and Committee on Foreign Missions) to review those committees’ reports and recommendations. When an advisory committee reports that it is “silent” regarding the work of a committee under its review, this silence is understood to convey approval of the committee’s work and concurrence with its report and/or recommendations. However, an advisory committee may bring recommendations to the assembly that might differ from a committee’s report or recommendations under its review. But they may not do so without conferring with at least one member of that committee present at the assembly.
Each day the commissioners and corresponding members receive breakfast, lunch, and supper at the dining commons. There are two twenty-minute breaks with coffee and refreshments each day, at 10:00 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. The Assembly pauses its work each morning at 11:40 for a daily devotional with the exception of the Lord’s Day, when commissioners will have the opportunity to worship at nearby OPC congregations.
At 11:40, the commissioners reconvened at the gymnasium and sang from the Trinity Psalter Hymnal #73C, “In Sweet Communion, Lord, with Thee,” and Rev. Warren Bennett III (Covenant OPC, Natchitoches, LA) led a devotional on Psalm 73:25–26. He noted that the Psalmist looks at his life in the world and comes to realize that he needs God, and that he must want God and to be with God in Heaven more than anything else in the world. The Psalmist then comes to realize, as God’s people should, that the way to obtain that is through the faithful worship of the Lord. The Assembly recessed for lunch and afterward the commissioners returned to their advisory committees to finish their remaining work. Elder John Terpstra (Austin, TX) led in prayer.
Thursday Afternoon
The Assembly reconvened at 4:15 p.m. and sang from Trinity Psalter Hymnal #524, “Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah,” followed by prayer led by the moderator.
Mr. Belfield presented the report of the stated clerk. Mr. Belfield serves in this capacity on a part-time basis while also serving in full-time ministry. Mr. Belfield noted that fifteen of seventeen presbyteries had approved the amendment to Form of Government XV.3, which was proposed at the 88th General Assembly, and so the amendment was adopted. He also noted the amendment to the Directory of Public Worship III.B.2, which was proposed at the 88th General Assembly, failed to be adopted, as it was approved by eight presbyteries and denied by nine presbyteries. He expressed gratefulness for the help from the clerk’s staff: Mrs. Charlene Tipton, Mrs. Linda Foh, and Mrs. Judith Dinsmore. He also thanked Rev. John Mahaffy (Trinity OPC, Newberg, OR) for serving as the GA assistant clerk for 24 consecutive years along with Elder Mike Shields (Mt Airy, NC) for his work as clerk observer but who now serves more as an assistant. Rev. Donald Duff (retired minister from Beaver Falls, PA and a previous stated clerk) on behalf of the Advisory Committee prayed for Mr. Belfield and his work as stated clerk.
Rev. Stephen Phillips (retired minister, Quarryville, PA), on behalf of the OPC Board of Trustees, presented the report of the trustees. The trustees expressed thanks to Mr. Belfield for his work as stated clerk of the General Assembly. Two men were reelected to serve for another term on the Board of Trustees: Mr. Phillips and Elder Mr. Kelvin Monteith (Gastonia, NC). Mr. Duff prayed for work of the trustees.
Rev. Archibald A. Allison (Fort Collins, CO) presented the report of the statistician on behalf of the statistician, Mr. Luke Brown, who could not be present at the assembly. During 2022 the number of local churches grew by five to 301. The number of mission works declined by seven to 31.
Total membership increased by 3,686 persons to 32,720 members. Morning worship in-person attendance increased by 1,396 persons (6.78 percent) to 24,176 as measured in November 2022. Sunday school attendance increased by 1,396 persons (29.2 percent) to 10,976 in November as congregations continue to bounce back from the period of COVID-19 restrictions.
Total giving grew by 4.86 percent over the previous year to $78.8 million. In addition, there was a robust 3.79-percent increase in average giving per communicant member, which reached $3,273.
The church welcomed 23 new ministers last year. Eighteen were ordained as ministers, and five were received into the OPC from other churches. Fifteen ministers were removed from the rolls of presbyteries among them; two ministers were dismissed to other churches, seven by reason of death, two who demitted the ministry, two who were deposed, and two who were erased. This brings the total number of ministers to 584.
At a later time Mr. Brown was re-elected as statistician. Rev. Allison prayed for the statistician and gave thanks for his faithful service.
The Assembly recessed for dinner at 5:15 p.m., following prayer by the Rev. Jeremy A. Brandenburg (Redeemer OPC, Carlisle, PA).
Thursday Evening
The Assembly reconvened at 6:45 p.m. with the singing of hymn #492, “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds.” Rev. Johnathan E. Hutchinson (Reformation OPC, Morgantown, WV) led in prayer.
Elder Michael Cloy (Marion, NC), a member of the Committee on Chaplains and Military Personnel, presented the committee’s report. He introduced Rev. Richard M. Dickinson, committee secretary, and Mr. Donald Sampson, Associate Endorser, Military Chaplains, from the Presbyterian and Reformed Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel (PRCC). Mr. Cloy reported that the OPC currently has fifteen chaplains, six serving on active duty, seven serving in the Reserves or National Guard (two of whom also serve as civilian chaplains), two serving as civilian chaplains, and two serving as chaplain candidates. In addition, the OPC has thirteen retired military chaplains and one retired civilian chaplain. During the report the committee representatives showed pictures of our military chaplains faithfully serving on the field and described some of the sacrifices they and their families have made. We must remember to pray for these men.
Rev. John A. Carter (retired chaplain) and Rev. Patrick Morgan (professor, Heidelberg Seminary) were elected to the committee’s class of 2026, and Mr. Jeremy Brandenburg and Elder Jeffrey W. Dronenburg were elected to the class of 2025. Elder Mark Stumpff (Mifflinburg, PA) prayed for the committee.
Rev. Mark Sallade (Calvary OPC, Glenside, PA), vice president of the Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension, began the report of the committee. He introduced general secretary Rev. John Shaw and associate general secretary Rev. Al Tricarico.
Mr. Shaw reported that in 2002 eight new church plants rejoiced in the arrival of new organizing pastors and the start of denominational aid. During the report he introduced one of the church planters, Rev. Chris Drew (Faith OPC, Grand Forks, ND) who reported on his church planting efforts there. Mr. Tricarico then reported that as of the start of this assembly there are currently ten Regional Home Missionaries (RHMs) that are serving the presbyteries. He introduced one of the Regional Home Missionaries, Rev. David Chilton (Presbytery of the South), who spoke about new mission works in the Tampa Bay, FL and New Orleans, LA.
Mr. Shaw spoke to the commissioners about the Neilands Fund, which is now the Seed and Sowers Fund. The purpose of this fund is for church planting that follows a mother-daughter church planting model; there are six currently in the OPC.
He then introduced Rev. Steven McDaniel (Calvary OPC, Glenside, PA) who presented a brief report on a new church plant in King of Prussia, PA. This congregation was the daughter church of Calvary, Glenside, which guided them every step of the way and now church planter Rev. Nate Jeffries is on the field. He spoke of the blessing of the Seed and Sowers Fund, which gave the church plant a boost from the very beginning.
Mr. Shaw also noted that the committee has been working on a revitalization program to help struggling OPC congregations and has men available to give help and advice to congregations that need help with revitalization.
Mr. Sallade then announced that after serving ten years as General Secretary, Mr. Shaw has expressed a desire to return to pastoral ministry. The following resolution was read and will be included in the minutes of the assembly:
Resolution of Thanks. The Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church expresses its deep gratitude to you, John S. Shaw, for your ten years of faithful service as its general secretary.
You were raised in the OPC and participated from your earliest years in church planting efforts with your godly parents, Bill and Mary Shaw. The experiences and memories of your upbringing enriched your service to the Lord as a church planter, then as a member of CHMCE, and until now as the Committee’s general secretary.
The Committee notes with gladness that you labored faithfully in St. Paul, Minnesota, as the church planter and pastor of Mission OPC in that city for seven years. During your time in St. Paul you were elected to CHMCE and served on the Committee for five years. In recognition of your value as a committee member, CHMCE called you to serve as its general secretary in 2013—a position you held for ten years.
During your tenure as general secretary you made many positive contributions to the cause of home missions. Your practice of patient leadership and open-hearted consideration of the contributions of committee members provided a context for unique fruitfulness for the Kingdom of God. Among the things you initiated and/or developed are these:

Thorough initial and ongoing evaluation of mission works
A robust program of support for church planters and their families
Conferences designed to deepen the quality of OPC engagement in home missions
Generous and creative funding programs that better position presbyteries to resource their home missions efforts
A new and growing mentoring program purposed to help congregations grow in spiritual health

The Committee also wants to recognize your wife, Anne, for the support she showed during the years you served as general secretary. Her willingness to sacrificially serve in your absence during times when you travelled—sometimes for extended periods—is evidence of her love for the Kingdom of Christ. As we thank you, we thank her.
John, CHMCE will miss your service and your regular company, but will continue to enjoy your friendship and partnership in the gospel. You leave this call to serve under another with CHMCE’s thankfulness for your fellowship and labors, along with its prayers that you will enjoy every spiritual blessing in Christ as you continue to serve the church for the glory of God.
Mr. Sallade then announced that Rev. Jeremiah W. Montgomery (Covenant OPC, Dayton-North, OH) has accepted the call to serve as the next General Secretary of Home Missions and had him stand and introduced him to the Assembly.
For the election to the Committee’s class of 2026, the Assembly needed to elect three ministers and two ruling elders. Rev. Christopher D. Hartshorn (RHM, Presbytery of Southern California), Mr. McDaniel and Mr. Sallade, and Elders Keith A. LeMahieu (Oosburg, WI) and Jeremy R. Geaslen (Vandalia, OH) were elected. And then to fill a vacancy to the class of 2024, Elder J. Kevin Baldwin (Grace Hanover, MD) was elected.
Rev. Mike McCabe (OPC Missionary to East Asia) prayed for Messrs. Shaw and Montgomery and the work of the committee.
Rev. Paul N. Browne, vice-president of the Committee on Foreign Missions, introduced the report of the committee and he introduced Rev. Douglas B. Clawson, the general secretary for the committee.
Rev. Clawson began his report noting that the OPC has currently a great need for multiple Foreign missionaries, but right now the committee has zero applicants. He then read from Isaiah 6:1–9 concerning the prophet Isaiah’s commission: “Here I am, send me!” and made a passionate plea to commissioners to consider whether the Lord may be calling them to the foreign mission field. He then provided updates on OPC missionary work being done in parts of Asia, and Uganda. The report will continue on Friday morning.
The Assembly recessed at 8:30 following prayer by Rev. W. Vernon Picknally (Bethel OPC, Fremont, MI).
This report was written by Robert Van Kooten, pastor, Sovereign Grace OPC, Oak Harbor, Washington.
Source
Related Posts:

There are, then, several benefits of meditating on death as we age. It brings composure to the mind. It keeps us in reverence of the Lord throughout the day. It helps maintain a clear conscience in our relationship with God and others. It fosters a sense of detachment from worldly pursuits.

Although it’s possible for young people to die early, it’s impossible for the elderly to live long. The visible signs of aging are a clear indication that our end is approaching. There’s no cure for old age. The graves are prepared for us. The natural process of decay will continue to wear down our bodies until they are completely consumed. Death has already begun to affect the senses of older individuals, and it won’t be long before they return to dust.
However, while death is an unwelcome event for those who live comfortable lives, it is a blessed transition for holy elderly men and women. They can look back and see a tempting and troublesome world, but looking forward, they anticipate a state of perfect holiness and happiness that awaits them. The end of their earthly struggles marks the beginning of their heavenly rewards. Just as an apprentice rejoices when their service is about to end, the elderly person can find solace in the approaching end of their earthly journey.
I understand that facing death is unsettling for everyone, but faith becomes especially important and valuable at this stage, and the just may be said to die, as well as to live by his faith.
Read More
Related Posts: