ISSN 0362—0816


THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN VOL. 45 NO. 4


Susan L. Tanner, Editor arpeditor@arpsynod.org


Shay O’Sheal, Assistant Editor sosheal@arpsynod.org


Kevin Owens, Graphic Designer


Advertising rates on request. Advertising competitive with any agency or institution of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church is not accepted. Publication of advertisements does not necessarily con- stitute an endorsement by this magazine.


The Associate Reformed Presbyterian (Publication No. USPS 414770) is published bimonthly by the Board of The Associate Reformed Presbyterian, 918 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville, SC 29607. Telephone 864-232-8441. Subscription rates: $20 one year, $38 two years, $54 three years. For churches in the Church Club Plan: $16.50 a year (90% participation). Periodicals Postage paid at Greenville, SC 29607, and additional mailing offices.


POSTMASTER: Send address correction notices to The Associate Reformed Presbyterian, 918 S. Pleas- antburg Dr., Greenville, SC 29607.


ARP News Update (www.ARPnews.org) 9


10 11 12


Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permis- sion. All rights reserved.


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Contents FEATURES


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Retiring Moderator’s Address Never settle for spiritual mediocrity!—Leslie Holmes


Moderator’s Challenge - Preparing the Church for the


Return of Christ Jesus We need to engage our faith and explore the extended meanings of our confession as we prepare for the return of Christ.—Rob Roy McGregor, III, Moderator


Synod Emphasis - The Urgency of Preparing the


Church for the Return of Christ Jesus The undeniable and primary effort of the Church in the world must be to prepare herself for the return of Christ Jesus by growing in righteousness.—Rob Roy McGregor, Jr.


22 Feature - What is God Doing in Us During This Strange Season Let us pray earnestly that the harvest time is coming for many people.—Dean Turbeville


27 The Coming Pastoral Crash The impact of the world response to Covid-19 will be felt for many years to come.—John Dobbs


30 Devotion - Rest in the Truth Will you delight in what is certain or be enslaved by fear?—Rob Patrick


AGENCIES Bonclarken


Christian Education Ministries Erskine


Erskine Seminary


13 ARP Foundation 14 Outreach North America 15 World Witness 19 Women’s Ministries


held August 17-20 at Bonclarken Conference Center.


Given the concerns many people have expressed about COVID-19, extra safety precautions will be taken. More details will be provided as we get closer to the meeting.


Please continue to register so that you will re- ceive a packet of documents ahead of the meeting for review and consideration. www.arpsynod.org


2 The Associate Reformed Presbyterian General Synod 2020 will be


EVERY MONTH 16


Family Pages 17 Prayer Calendar


21 ARPinterest 24 News In Brief 29


July/August 2020


All in Our Family 30 Classified Ads


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