tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33099342012-01-28T14:17:57.750-05:00vanpopta.caAn eclectica of words, thoughts and reflections on various topicsGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.comBlogger9561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-42112725401473815122012-01-26T16:36:00.004-05:002012-01-28T14:17:57.758-05:00David’s Prayer before the CongregationFor the tune, ELLERS, please click here:The song is based on this passage:
David’s Prayer before the CongregationDavid praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly
1. Praise be to you, O LORD, our God and King,for you created all and everything.You are the God of father Israel.Forevermore will we your praises tell.
2. To you, O LORD, belongs the victory,the might and glory, and theGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-4462898743142275492012-01-23T20:21:00.000-05:002012-01-23T20:21:57.246-05:00Love Ottawa!As posted to the Jubilee eMail list:
Dear Jubilee,
We had a very good, though cold, evening on the streets last week Sunday. We spoke to and prayed with at least four men. None of them were high on anything and listened carefully to the gospel. Several guys were happy with the gift of a Bible. Many people are a paycheque or two from living on the streets. One guy we spoke with was a believing George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-11000475486221307062012-01-23T16:48:00.000-05:002012-01-23T16:48:27.730-05:00YokesA good article about yokes and marriage.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-33871901914123895632012-01-21T00:07:00.004-05:002012-01-23T01:22:27.459-05:00The Wastrel SonThe Wastrel son in Distant Land
(It can be sung to ALL SAINTS NEW)
1. The wastrel son in distant landdid squander all his wealthon wine and women, song and dance,and damaged his good health.Gone was the money he'd receivedfrom Father's rich estate.The women left, the dancing stopped,and empty was his plate.
2. When famine came upon the landthe boy felt his great need.A farmer hired him for his George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-2311999592792346432012-01-10T12:48:00.000-05:002012-01-10T12:48:52.344-05:00Sir John A. DayTomorrow is Sir John A. Macdonald day in Canada. All good Canadians will know that he was Canada's first prime minister and one of the chief architects of confederation. He bound the country together by way of a railway and fended off the "Manifest Destiny" idea of our friends to the south.
I wonder what Canada would be like today had Robert Redford, Elizabeth May, Al Gore and David Suzuki, the George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-45445312534952546452011-11-30T22:27:00.006-05:002011-11-30T22:31:25.999-05:00Wretch?It is not only Roman Catholics (see previous post) whom the word "wretch" makes squeamish. Others, too, become uneasy. Here is another revision I found of stanza 1 of Amazing Grace:
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That came and set me freeI once was lost but now am foundWas blind, but now I see
Found here:George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-86283155591054097602011-11-30T12:31:00.004-05:002011-11-30T12:52:56.216-05:00RCC and "Amazing Grace"One of my sons, who is in the funeral service, told me that when "Amazing Grace" is sung at RC funerals, the first line is sung thus: "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved and strengthened me."
I was doing a bit of Internet research on the song when I came across this RC teacher's YouTube clip. He does not like the hymn.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-43878657760464556242011-11-28T13:39:00.004-05:002011-12-01T20:38:03.648-05:00Amazing GraceOne of the problems with a certain stream of hymnody is that it ends with the believer`s death and him in heaven, and does not tell the rest of the story, namely, the resurrection of the dead. The beautiful and rightly much-loved hymn, Amazing Grace, is an example of this phenomenon. Below, I have deleted one stanza (see footnote) and added two (st. 5 & 6), to try complete the story.
George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-65514190023771119782011-11-25T10:00:00.005-05:002011-11-25T10:09:12.920-05:00NPI think it is unfortunate that though the NP published my letter to the editor today, two grammatical errors were introduced.
This is what I wrote: On the day JFK was assassinated, I was a five-year old boy playing in our backyard when the neighbour girl came over, crying, to tell me that “the President” had been shot. I went inside where I found my parents listening intently to the radio. George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-42233402802162291342011-11-15T15:44:00.000-05:002011-11-15T15:44:13.245-05:00Ribbon cutting Ribbon cutting by the administrator of Ambassadors Christian School. It's official!George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-73079632590057274442011-11-11T19:08:00.002-05:002011-11-11T19:08:58.738-05:00A book review of The Glorious VictoryA book review of The Glorious Victory, a book I wrote on Revelation.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-40180644132409503292011-10-28T23:51:00.000-04:002011-10-28T23:51:27.282-04:00Two lessons on BC Article 15, original sinGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-30014173501003994992011-10-28T19:39:00.001-04:002011-10-28T19:39:28.614-04:00Lesson on Article 14, Belgic ConfessionGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-27561314734878113282011-10-27T22:25:00.002-04:002011-10-27T22:27:15.808-04:00The Reformed faith, still relevant?In a word, yes. See here where among other things you can read this:
The Church's Treasury of Grace
The Catholic Church is able to grant indulgences because she draws on the infinite merits of Christ, Mary, and all the saints. Blessed Mary of Quito, a Spanish nun, saw in a vision a vast treasure, which, God explained to her, symbolized the graces and merits of Jesus (the treasure of the George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-37022820529568185292011-10-27T16:09:00.004-04:002011-10-27T16:12:05.245-04:00A seminar and a conference at CRTSPreaching seminar
Church planting and evangelism conferenceGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-51136167980235844712011-10-18T22:35:00.000-04:002011-10-18T22:35:03.169-04:00Three lessons on the Providence of God, Art. 13, Belgic ConfessionGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-91078926342541470632011-10-08T12:04:00.002-04:002011-10-08T12:04:56.014-04:00A Hymn for Thanksgiving DayGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-17568731841016092212011-10-07T20:38:00.000-04:002011-10-07T20:38:07.652-04:00Lessons on the creation of all thingsLessons 23-25 are on creation, the angels, and the devils.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-47057991541326195882011-10-05T10:03:00.000-04:002011-10-05T10:03:32.139-04:00PiratesHmmm... I just found a website with about 20 pirated versions of a book I wrote. At least more people like it than dislike it.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-75151771764092927892011-10-03T23:22:00.002-04:002011-10-03T23:22:10.093-04:00FilioqueHere's a lesson on "Filioque" from my continuing series on the Belgic Confession.
George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-40739041068878417742011-10-01T00:08:00.000-04:002011-10-01T00:08:08.310-04:00Belgic Confession lessonsI have posted some more lessons here.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-17071183637369815722011-09-29T13:36:00.001-04:002011-09-29T14:49:49.917-04:00Pastor Yousef NadarkhaniAs sent to the Iranian embassy in Ottawa (executive@iranembassy.ca). Please feel free to borrow:
Your Excellency, the Ambassador of Iran
Metcalfe Street
Ottawa
Dear Sir,
Please apply your offices to release Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani. It is my hope that the Iranian judiciary will cease to pursue its current course of action against Pastor Nadarkhani and will acquit him of all charges, in George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-5028001915417428382011-09-27T10:46:00.000-04:002011-09-27T10:46:30.235-04:00Lesson from the Belgic Confession on ScriptureI've completed the lessons on what the Belgic Confessions says about the holy scriptures. Click here.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-36165318647863238422011-09-23T01:05:00.000-04:002011-09-23T01:05:42.632-04:00Belgic Confession on YoutubeI have begun posting a series of lessons on the Belgic Confession on Youtube, viewable from here.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-53270146843070611742011-09-12T10:59:00.000-04:002011-09-12T10:59:10.667-04:00Ambassadors Christian SchoolToday is a day of which we have long dreamed and for which many prayers have ascended to the heavenly throne room of God: Opening day for Ambassadors Christian School in Ottawa. Enjoy the pictures!
George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-90191996388417316702011-09-05T21:42:00.000-04:002011-09-05T21:42:54.813-04:00The Bible and the Peace TowerThis is from Tim Bloedow at Christian Governance. Very interesting!
The Bible and the Peace Tower
... The Christian engravings on the Parliament Buildings and the Peace Tower, however, must be attributed to the chief architect, John A. Pearson. After the engravings on the outside of the Peace Tower were unveiled, there was some discussion in Parliament about removing them, but the providence George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-66964730234907484592011-08-11T22:09:00.002-04:002011-08-11T22:09:47.205-04:00Bookstore pageI tuned up my bookstore page: click here.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-48390566129286332832011-08-09T22:01:00.004-04:002011-08-09T22:57:37.003-04:00The Little FuneralThe little funeral
A baby was born to the Denker family. They have six children, who are all healthy, and so this was their seventh child. But it only lived for one day. I went there when it was to be buried. The Denkers’ home is very simple. The main floor has only two rooms where everything happens, and thus, no kitchen. The small casket was on display in the front room and the door between George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-25876299909843607602011-08-07T21:25:00.001-04:002011-08-07T21:30:03.104-04:00 How can you tell that Brockville is, historically, a Presbyterian town? Though my question is whether one may do these things between 6 am and 11 pm.
George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-38247086937788044152011-07-29T16:55:00.009-04:002011-08-09T22:02:28.982-04:00SelahMy friend Theo Lodder wrote some very valuable and interesting things about "Selah" here which reminded me of a great short story I had read many years ago in the Dutch book, Peper en Zout (Salt and Pepper) by Rev. M.E. Voila. I read it again this afternoon, laughed out loud, and did a quick translation of it thinking that others would enjoy it, too. Theo will forgive me for this light-hearted George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-84637183340025410672011-07-22T07:15:00.003-04:002011-07-22T08:11:59.098-04:00O God, O God, Come to my AidOriginally a Syriac Psalm, in which David appeals to the Lord for deliverance from the lion and the wolf which had already killed a sheep.
George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-56828857452564383652011-07-22T07:07:00.001-04:002011-07-22T07:07:00.444-04:00Praise God, All Nations, Glorify His NameOriginally a Syriac Psalm, in which David praises the Lord for having delivered him from the lion and the wolf.
George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-66714721327914732342011-07-20T22:33:00.000-04:002011-07-20T22:33:14.921-04:00TweakedIn the never ending tweakification of one's work, the two songs in the previous post underwent a nip and tuck.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-66664994972129473802011-07-20T10:23:00.010-04:002011-07-21T16:55:04.349-04:00Two Apocryphal Psalms of DavidTwo of the five apocryphal psalms of David. They form a pair, as the texts show. In the first, David cries for God's help in the face of a lion and wolf that have already killed a sheep and are now after him. In the second, he praises God for his deliverance from the wolf and the lion. I set the first one to the very mournful and plaintive Genevan 13. The second I set to the victorious tune, George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-45107599383990713262011-07-19T11:32:00.000-04:002011-07-19T11:32:52.409-04:00Psalm 151 (Septuagint) in Book of Praise formatGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-62272795922666595602011-07-19T09:43:00.000-04:002011-07-19T09:43:35.431-04:00Kindle Version of The Glorious VictoryThe Kindle Version of The Glorious Victory is now available here for a great price.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-8612647787093021152011-07-18T23:53:00.000-04:002011-07-18T23:53:24.941-04:00More on Ps. 151Today I learned that a version of Psalm 151, set to Genevan 19, is in the Dathenus Psalter, the first Dutch-Genevan Psalter, 1562, of which I have a facsimile. It is one of the 14 hymns and canticles appended to the 150 Psalms in this Psalter. It is called "En Eigen Geschrift van David" ("A Personal Writing of David"). As "they" say, very interesting. Here is the NRSV translation of it:
1 I George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-39164757735831461842011-07-16T12:16:00.002-04:002011-07-19T01:26:24.617-04:00Psalm 151 (Septuagint)Here is versification of Psalm 151, which is found in the Septuagint, the very old Greek translation of the OT. I set it to Genevan 78 esp. because the last verses of Psalm 78 (and the last stanza of the Genevan version) are similar to this song.1. I was the youngest one among my brothers,the smallest son belonging to my father.I tended sheep, both ewes and lambs I pasturedand bound their wounds George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-27052009629744277672011-06-30T14:44:00.000-04:002011-06-30T14:44:08.698-04:00Book of Praise Bulletin Board | News and Updates from the Standing Committee for the Book of PraiseBook of Praise Bulletin Board | News and Updates from the Standing Committee for the Book of PraisePlease subscribe to this new blog.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-27021025082552364562011-06-15T10:45:00.001-04:002011-06-15T10:45:43.762-04:00Rest in HimA song for Anne-Marie and Matt as they prepare to leave for a Summer internship on a mission field in Honduras.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-16775300955728261652011-06-07T07:00:00.001-04:002011-06-07T07:00:05.686-04:00Trends in AnglicanismEcumena
Trends in Canadian Anglicanism
By George van Popta
For 2,000 years, the church has taught that baptism precedes communion. We take this seriously. Before a person is allowed to make a public profession of faith, and so be admitted to communion, we ensure that he has been baptized, even requiring, if he comes from another church background, a copy of his baptismal certificate or other George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-19789759394569401812011-05-25T00:14:00.000-04:002011-05-25T00:14:57.687-04:00A new grandson - James van PoptaGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-13182979033479036582011-05-23T17:00:00.000-04:002011-05-23T17:00:20.109-04:00Preacher who predicted End of World plans to speak - CTV NewsPreacher who predicted End of World plans to speak - CTV NewsI "predict" that he will say that due to his preaching, the judgment has been delayed. I think he will make allusions to Jonah and Nineveh.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-17012430787599768552011-05-17T17:37:00.002-04:002011-05-17T17:37:52.308-04:00Amazing Grace for Ambassadors Christian School in OttawaGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-33233373821654570162011-05-16T23:09:00.001-04:002011-05-17T03:17:40.296-04:00Worthy Is Our God
"Worthy Is our God", music composed by Arcangelo Corelli and arranged by Andre Schutten with words by George van Popta. This opening part of the song was recorded at the afternoon rehearsal of the 350 voice mass choir in Hamilton, Ontario. Elizabeth Smith is directing.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-49722080570555824712011-05-16T22:59:00.000-04:002011-05-17T03:10:13.097-04:00"I Will Praise You" at the May 14th concert in Hamilton
Stanza 1 of "I Will Praise You," a versification of Isaiah 12 by George van Popta set to Jesu, Meines Lebens Leben, performed by Rob Bonefaas, Ewout de Gelder, Henk Huijgen and Mike Boeringa at the Ambassadors Christian School benefit concert, May 14, 2011.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-56805685591160647172011-05-08T17:07:00.000-04:002011-05-08T17:07:44.326-04:00New Book of Praise (14)Hymn 60–The Spirit Came, as Promised
James Seddon based this Pentecost hymn, first published in 1973, entirely on references to the Holy Spirit in the Letter to the Ephesians. As the Apostle Paul did in Ephesians, the hymn speaks about many of the works the Holy Spirit does in us and for us: He seals us; dwells in us; gives us faith; binds us together in unity and peace; brings us power from God;George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-78752098523185657492011-05-07T21:31:00.004-04:002011-05-09T13:13:41.103-04:00It's Midnight in the Garden to the tune of old Hymn 37In the 1984 Book of Praise, the Pentecost Hymn "Come Praise the Holy Spirit" had been set to the Lent tune "Ick wil mij gaen vertroosten" (I will seek my comfort [in the passion of Jesus] as Hymn 37. A beautiful hymn set to a beautiful tune, but quite mismatched. The tune is very mournful and elicits a sad feeling. The lowest note is a D and the highest a C, so it does not span even an octave. George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-20025479807834564792011-05-07T17:07:00.002-04:002011-05-09T11:42:40.348-04:00Review of Great Hymns of Faith
CD ReviewBy George van Popta
Great Hymns of Faith and Other Favourites
The Covenant Christian School Community, under the direction of Joanne Hordyk and Tracy Jelsma, has produced an outstanding CD of eighteen ancient, traditional, and new songs.
The ancient is “O Sacred Head Now Wounded,” a translation of a Latin poem, written either by Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153) or the Medieval poet George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-44720667050587557612011-05-04T10:11:00.004-04:002011-05-04T13:08:27.949-04:00The Glorious VictoryThe Glorious Victory, a non-technical commentary on Revelation, is now available from your favourite online bookseller, e.g., Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, AbeBooks.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Lulu.com, etc. Search "George van Popta."George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-63106299434797016452011-05-02T13:11:00.000-04:002011-05-02T13:11:41.707-04:00Our two grandsonsGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-80054037382220273892011-05-02T09:43:00.000-04:002011-05-02T09:43:52.774-04:00New Book of Praise (13)The New Book of Praise (13)Hymn 46– Christ Shall Have Dominion
This mini-series is introducing the hymns that have been added to the new Book of Praise.
“Christ Shall Have Dominion,” found in the 1912 Psalter to another tune (St. Gertrude = “Onward Christian Soldiers”), is a New Testament paraphrase of Psalm 72:8-19 that brings out the Christology of the Psalm.
In stanza 1 (=Ps. 72:8-11) the George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-16239494972190250032011-04-26T22:00:00.000-04:002011-04-26T22:00:56.582-04:00Poll projects 100 seats for NDP - Need to know - Macleans.caPoll projects 100 seats for NDP - Need to know - Macleans.caPlease, say it ain't so! Jack will jack up taxes, corporate and otherwise. Jacking up corporate taxes is pure folly since it drives employers out of the country to places like the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland, places with very low corporate taxes. Jack says, "Let the corporations pay and give the man in the street a break." This George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-70427602040438345892011-04-26T18:25:00.001-04:002011-04-26T18:25:45.854-04:00May 1st @ JubileeIf you are visiting Ottawa this weekend, please note that the May 1st morning worship service at Jubilee Church will commence at 8:30. (May 8th, back to 9 am.)George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-68069479497822206862011-04-26T17:58:00.000-04:002011-04-26T17:58:10.501-04:00NorwexNorwex Dora's new web page. Check it out!George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-85129141811980208112011-04-24T11:52:00.001-04:002011-04-24T11:52:26.240-04:00An Easter Hymn The Risen Servant
1. Though He died He now is risen,
Jesus lives to die no more.
Suffering Servant, our guilt offering,
He’s the One whom we adore.
He will see His offspring flourish,
and will live forevermore.
2. Then will blossom God’s good purpose,
in the risen Servant’s hand.
After suffering, into glory,
He will do what God had planned.
He will see what He accomplished –
how our George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-64678070596743981602011-04-24T09:00:00.001-04:002011-04-24T09:00:06.350-04:00The New Book of Praise (12)Hymn 45–Jesus Shall Reign
This ascension song is based on Psalm 72. Isaac Watts, the "father of English hymnody" composed more than 600 hymns. In addition, he recast all 150 Psalms giving them a very clear and obvious Christological interpretation. The Psalms speak prophetically of Christ and Watts's Psalms are composed in light of their fulfillment in Christ. (Our present Hymn 80 is a similar George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-27416855614460435672011-04-21T18:03:00.002-04:002011-04-22T00:46:23.957-04:00The Canadian Press: Conservatives scramble to head off brewing controversy over abortionThe Canadian Press: Conservatives scramble to head off brewing controversy over abortion
It's a sad state of affairs when coming out in favour of babies brings out the damage controllers.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-59170913496673635982011-04-19T21:58:00.001-04:002011-04-19T21:58:51.524-04:00Genevan Psalm Melody PlayerSpring Creek Church has a useful device on their website here for hearing the Genevan melodies.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-73667353213372984162011-04-18T18:06:00.000-04:002011-04-18T18:06:24.869-04:00The New Book of Praise (11)Hymn 38–Since Our Great High Priest, Christ Jesus
In this little series of articles about the new Book of Praise, I am introducing the hymns that are new to it.
As you see below the title of the hymn, this song is based on a number of passages from the Letter to the Hebrews. This book has several themes relating to the eternal supremacy and the temporal humiliation of our Lord Jesus Christ. George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-38719525445724898772011-04-13T21:26:00.005-04:002011-04-13T21:39:10.522-04:00Panel Discussion at Augustine CollegeRecently, I was invited to participate in a panel discussion at Augustine College on the topic of the Protestant tradition in the 20th and 21st centuries. Two other presenters were Anglican and evangelical, respectively. I was asked to address four questions.
1. What distinguishes the way in which Reformed Christians live out their faith in the 21st century?
(What follows are my notes.)
When IGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-21684247773130113112011-04-09T23:47:00.003-04:002011-04-09T23:50:06.940-04:00The New Book of Praise (10)Hymn 34–God Gave to Us this Day of Days
This hymn is an English version of some stanzas of a 1500 year old Latin hymn, Aurora lucis rutilat. It celebrates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. God has given the church something to sing about. Jesus lives! He died and was buried, but he arose. As he emerged from the dark grave, he freed us from the gloomy darkness of sin and death and broughtGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-33885617361059554842011-04-05T21:46:00.000-04:002011-04-05T21:46:18.180-04:00The New Book of Praise (9)The New Book of Praise (9)Hymn 33–The Strife Is o'er, the Battle Done
In this little series of articles about the new Book of Praise, I am introducing the hymns that are new to it.
“The Strife Is o'er, the Battle Done” is an Easter hymn based mostly on 1 Corinthians 15. It proclaims the death of Christ as the final battle with the powers of evil. He is the victor and his resurrection marks the George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-11216473586594223942011-04-05T12:11:00.000-04:002011-04-05T12:11:38.157-04:00Augustine CollegeOn Thursday, I get to participate in a panel discussion at Augustine College where I have been asked to speak to these questions:
1. What distinguishes the way in which Reformed Christians live out their faith in the 21st century?
2. What are the challenges facing the various Reformed denominations today? (Perhaps focus on one or two specific ones.)
3. How do Reformed Christians approach the George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-1161683447594046012011-03-30T10:43:00.001-04:002011-03-30T10:44:09.972-04:0020% offYou can get 20% off the items at my bookstore using the code SPLISH. Offer expires tomorrow (March 31, 2011). Click here.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-59156120053943549492011-03-28T07:07:00.002-04:002011-03-28T07:07:00.080-04:00New Book of Praise (8)The new Book of Praise (7)Hymn 32–“Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
“Christ the Lord is Risen Today” is one of the best known and most joyous Easter tunes. If you look at the top left of the first stanza, where the name of the tune is always printed, you will notice that the tune is called “Easter Hymn.”
Charles Wesley, the composer, recalled an Easter theme in each of the four stanzas:
stanza 1George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-30948874971650779232011-03-26T06:06:00.001-04:002011-03-26T06:10:02.169-04:00My commentary on Revelation, The Glorious Victory, is now available at Family Christian Bookstore in Burlington (order online here) and Salem Bookstore in Ottawa.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-83738007048722248942011-03-24T10:18:00.001-04:002011-03-24T10:20:04.223-04:00Innovation
How to keep going despite two soakers.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-33601410649771739142011-03-21T09:23:00.001-04:002011-03-21T09:24:05.449-04:00Free shipping until March 21Last day for free shipping on these two titles:Mostly CanticlesThe Glorious VictoryUse code GROUND for USA addresses, GROUNDCA305 for Canadian addresses.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-75792057906163536132011-03-20T19:33:00.003-04:002011-03-20T21:39:59.330-04:00"He's just a homeless bum"Something has been preying on my mind for a week. Last week, a contingent from Jubilee Church, under the leadership of the Love Ottawa! team, was on the streets of downtown Ottawa encouraging people we met with a cup of hot soup, a pair of warm socks, a listening ear, and the gospel of Christ. In front of one of the missions I met a fellow whom I will call Ted. He is about 40 years old and hails George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-65301596277143913792011-03-20T19:11:00.000-04:002011-03-20T19:11:47.451-04:00New Book of Praise (7)The new Book of Praise (7)Hy. 30–Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands
The new Book of Praise includes nineteen of the twenty-eight songs of the 2007 Augment. This little series of short articles consists of a brief introduction to each of these new hymns in the order in which they appear in our hymnary.
This hymn was written by Martin Luther and translated by Richard Massie. The text of the George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-15157522109264671052011-03-18T10:30:00.000-04:002011-03-18T10:30:34.398-04:00Free shipping until March 21Ground shipping for The Glorious Victory is free until March 21st. Please also click here.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-80572140490222144882011-03-17T17:17:00.001-04:002011-03-17T17:18:47.601-04:00Trip to DollaramaGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-74641406786226006402011-03-16T10:00:00.000-04:002011-03-16T10:00:29.254-04:00Stockwell and ChuckParliament will be diminished with the retirement of these two fine gentlemen.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-39952815295788474372011-03-15T12:42:00.001-04:002011-03-15T12:43:24.342-04:00The claww George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-73895205055665463112011-03-15T12:18:00.000-04:002011-03-15T12:18:55.571-04:00Any guesses? Do you know what this is?George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-49588726731053565952011-03-12T21:21:00.001-05:002011-03-12T21:22:32.304-05:00New Book of Praise (6)From the Jubilee bulletin, 3/13/11
The new Book of Praise (6)Hy. 10–Now Blessed Be the LORD our God
The new Book of Praise includes nineteen of the twenty-eight songs of the 2007 Augment. Last week I began with giving a brief introduction to each of these new hymns in the order in which they appear in our hymnary.
Hymn 10 is a doxology based on the last verses of Psalm 72. Each of the five booksGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-36934060694681596102011-03-06T11:45:00.001-05:002011-03-06T11:57:53.754-05:00New Book of Praise (5)From Jubilee bulletin of 3/6/2011
The new Book of Praise (5)Hymn 9, Glory Be to the Father
The new Book of Praise includes nineteen of the twenty-eight songs of the Augment. Over the next while, I will give a brief introduction to each of these new hymns in the order in which they appear in our hymnary.
Hymn 9, Glory Be to the Father, is an ancient liturgical text written, originally in Greek, George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-75280986933303259702011-02-27T22:04:00.001-05:002011-02-27T22:05:35.178-05:00The Citizens ArticleAs published in The Citizens of 2/27/2011
Gaining Knowledge
By Pastor George van Popta
In the previous issue of The Citizens, Chris van Popta wrote about our calling to live as prophets, confessing Christ in all the economies of life, which includes the gaining of knowledge. I would like to follow this up, addressing the topic of how Reformed education specifically facilitates the George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-1840093902203238882011-02-27T11:22:00.005-05:002011-02-27T11:39:11.246-05:00New Book of Praise (4)From the 2/27/2011 Jubilee Bulletin
The new Book of Praise (4)
Last week I mentioned that the music of some of the hymns was changed a bit. In some instances, it was changed significantly. Why change? Was not the old good enough? We are not comfortable with change. Why not leave well enough alone?
Well, what are the changes to the music of the hymns?
The breathing marks (commas) have been George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-56442558848156380542011-02-19T23:26:00.002-05:002011-02-19T23:30:32.638-05:00New Book of Praise (3)From the 2/20/11 Jubilee bulletin
The new Book of Praise (3)
When it comes to the hymns of the new Book of Praise, you will notice several changes. There has been a modest expansion to eighty-five hymns. When General Synod Neerlandia gave the committee the mandate to consider such an expansion, and when the committee then completed a survey of the then current hymnary, it was rather surprised toGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-30652515329955690952011-02-13T10:43:00.000-05:002011-02-13T10:43:57.040-05:00New Book of Praise (2)(From Jubilee Bulletin, Feb. 13, 2011)
You will notice that the convention of italicizing some of the words or syllables has been continued in the new Book of Praise (non-first stanza stanzas). This is to help the singer know whether the note is a half or a quarter: syllables set to quarter notes are italicized.
Pronouns referring to God follow the practice of the modern Bible translations we George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-53660011381363575592011-02-10T10:54:00.003-05:002011-02-10T10:55:21.298-05:00Endorsement of The Glorious VictoryAnyone who tackles a series on the Book of Revelation is a brave soul. Using the best of today's scholarship, Rev. George van Popta has valiantly attempted to interpret this difficult but delightful book and lay its meanings upon the hearts of God's people in a responsible way. Highly recommended! — GERHARD VISSCHER
Purchase here.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-1905381185889280052011-02-08T13:20:00.000-05:002011-02-08T13:20:27.372-05:00The Glorious Victory, download versionAn electronic version of The Glorious Victory is available for download at the great price of $7.50 Click here.
George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-9821062478039501162011-02-07T13:31:00.002-05:002011-02-07T13:31:43.900-05:00Love Ottawa!Feb. 6th evening was good as we spent awhile on the streets distributing soup, hats, gloves and scarves to the homeless. I had several good conversations about the Lord and his word. I met a guy again whom we had given a Bible to the previous time. He said he had not gotten too far, but was reading the Gospel acc. to John. Also listened to the story of a guy in a program to help him with his George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-36878589600376399962011-02-05T16:13:00.003-05:002011-02-05T23:43:01.933-05:00Rev. Rob Schouten's blogMy friend Rev. Rob Schouten, whom the Lord has assigned a significant burden to carry and from under which to bear witness to the unfailing goodness of God, has a very worthwhile blog here.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-19132778693577523252011-02-04T20:26:00.001-05:002011-02-04T20:27:19.204-05:00Endorsement of The Glorious VictoryRev. George van Popta’s homiletical commentary on Revelation is a solid and admirable product. The strength of this volume is that it is committed to the “principial-historical” exposition of Revelation, which allows the author to glean and present universal principles and patterns from the text that are immediately applicable to the church throughout its history. While he has done his academic George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-29705759981074549472011-02-02T09:38:00.000-05:002011-02-02T09:38:42.119-05:00Endorsement of The Glorious VictoryWhen a pastor writes a book, both he and the congregation hope to benefit from the exercise. Rev. Van Popta's commentary on Revelation is the product of diligent study, of faithful preaching, and of sustained reflection on this portion of Scripture. Readers will enjoy his straightforward, clear exposition of this challenging epistle, and will receive a reliable guide for putting its truths into George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-40570445962731343272011-02-01T12:53:00.002-05:002011-02-01T12:53:27.368-05:00The Glorious VictoryNow available for purchase:
George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-61513677100117514192011-02-01T00:18:00.000-05:002011-02-01T00:18:19.571-05:00Psalm 25An interesting interpretation of Genevan 25.
George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-87731262708656625562011-02-01T00:14:00.002-05:002011-02-01T00:14:34.202-05:00Here is an interesting interpretation of Genevan Psalm 138.
George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-75490617001597321162011-01-30T07:56:00.001-05:002011-01-30T13:31:28.047-05:00The new Book of Praise (1)(From Jubilee bulletin of 1/30/11)
Today we will begin using the new Book of Praise in our worship services. I thought I would begin a series of short articles introducing the new book, about how it differs from the 1984, the current, version.
Before we consider the changes, we should note the similarities, for in every way it is still the songbook with which we are familiar. It contains the George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-89100230261077558462011-01-25T12:16:00.000-05:002011-01-25T12:16:47.429-05:00Book of Praise | Revised text of the Anglo-Genevan PsalmsBook of Praise | Revised text of the Anglo-Genevan PsalmsAccompanists will want to follow this page.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-3066463631694837772011-01-18T15:46:00.000-05:002011-01-18T15:46:30.881-05:00Living Waters from Ancient SpringsCanadian Reformed Theological SeminaryFrom here you can link to the audio files of the speeches delivered at the conference held in honour of Dr. Keith van Dam.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-56630830478118571052011-01-18T12:14:00.000-05:002011-01-18T12:14:29.889-05:00Book of Praise | Revised text of the Anglo-Genevan PsalmsBook of Praise | Revised text of the Anglo-Genevan Psalms: "Frank Ezinga, church organist at Langley Canadian Reformed Church and musical advisor to the Book of Praise committee, is preparing new arrangements for the 85 hymns of the 2010 Book of Praise. He plans to publish them in a book for accompanists. In the mean time, some of the arrangements will be posted here, available for download and George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-76089826473460301782011-01-09T11:32:00.000-05:002011-01-09T11:32:23.707-05:00NIV2011/NIV2010 changes compared to tNIV and NIV 1984NIV2011/NIV2010 changes compared to tNIV and NIV 1984This is an interesting and, probably, helpful site which tracks and compares all the textural changes between the NIV (1984), TNIV (2005) and NIV (2011). George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-15783539130236894212010-12-29T16:39:00.000-05:002010-12-29T16:39:49.175-05:00MORE CANTICLESFor more canticles, written after the publication of Mostly Canticles, please see here.George van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-45482472479205404102010-12-29T13:09:00.003-05:002010-12-29T13:14:35.783-05:00Reviving Personal Devotion through use of the Genevan PsalmsReviving Personal Devotion through use of the Genevan Psalms by Rev. Chuck Huckaby who is the pastor of St. Andrew's Church in Lawrenceburg, Tenn. He also serves as the Bishop of the Reformed Evangelical Synod of America.
h/t David KoyzisGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-32428483556208542062010-12-29T00:39:00.000-05:002010-12-29T00:39:41.834-05:00Give Thanks to God, Call on His NameGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309934.post-83311841627227066202010-12-17T10:02:00.004-05:002010-12-17T11:25:32.201-05:00Preventing Pastoral BurnoutHere's an article I recently published in Clarion.
Preventing Pastoral Burnout
In “Taking a Break from the Lord’s Work,” in the August 1, 2010, online New York Times, Paul Vitello mentioned some rather shocking statistics about the health of the typical American pastor. He writes:
Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans. InGeorge van Poptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03944560685495278021noreply@blogger.com2