special edition of JK's "Angel Series" (audio/visual) pertaining to his final days (on earth)

 

 click here to view audio/visual 

or click here for YT

 below: artistic renderings of JK's final days                            based on actual photographs

JK taught a course on angels at the Crystal Cathedral (probably not in the actual cathedral itself but in the nearby arboretum which was the original church) over the course of several months unbeknownst to me at the time but I came across an old audio cassette recording of these presentations after his death. 

In one particular segment JK spoke specifically about angels at the time of death and his belief that they are there to comfort those who are dying and protect them from sheer agony and terror.

I was there with JK in his final days. He was still able to talk a little and even enjoyed a final wheelchair walk to the park with me pushing him. And at the park there is an exercise area that he always enjoyed (when healthy enough to use ) and I pushed him up to one of the exercise machines and was stunned that he was eager and able to do about 10 reps on each of the arm machines only a few days before he died.

I wonder now if the angels were already ministering to him and gave him this boost of energy at a time when it seemed naturally impossible for him to do on his own ?! 

 below: artistic renderings of JK's final days                            based on actual photographs

For He shall give His angels 

charge over thee,

to keep thee in all thy ways. 

(Psalm 91:11)

rest-in-peace beloved father,  

teacher, grandpa, uncle, Crystal Cathedral pastor, & most importantly BELIEVER in Jesus Christ as Savior !

care & kindness conference 2005, crystal cathedral & 2004 (promo videos)

 

below 2004

JK saved this from his first few years at the Crystal Cat: when Bud Ridder was still there

 

2006 Kindness Conference

 

found some new (old) Cry Cat Bulletins ! (July 2012, May 2014 now Shepherd's Grove)

 

Jim Kok's Care Capsules

 CLICK HERE 

re Baptism at the Crystal Cathedral

click to view in PDF format 

 

This collection of documents from Crystal Cathedral Ministries (Reformed Church in America) outlines the theological meaning, procedural policies, and liturgical practices surrounding the Sacrament of Baptism, with a particular focus on infant baptism.

Theological Meaning and Imagery

• The Royal Family Metaphor: Infant baptism is likened to being born into a "Royal Family" (God's family). Just as a royal child is immediately dressed in appropriate clothing and given special treatment without waiting for them to "choose" their family, baptism serves as the "royal vestment" for a child born to Christian parents.

• A Sign and Seal: Baptism is viewed as a sign and seal of God's eternal covenant of grace. It symbolizes the washing away of sins through Jesus Christ and marks the individual’s reception into the "visible membership of the Holy Catholic Church" worldwide.

• God’s Initiative: The documents emphasize that baptism symbolizes God's "ever present and constant love". While the child may later choose to "divest themselves" of this heritage, the baptismal identity remains an "irrevocable part of the royal family".

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Baptismal Policies (Position Paper)

The ministry establishes specific criteria for who may be baptized at the Crystal Cathedral:

• Candidacy: Both believers and their children are permitted to be baptized.

• Non-Members: Staff pastors are instructed not to deny baptism to those who are not members of the local church, as baptism signifies entry into the "Church Universal".

• Setting: Members and their children are encouraged to be baptized during congregational celebrations where the church can make supportive vows. Non-members may be baptized privately among their own support community of family and friends.

The Liturgy and Vows

A draft of the baptismal service outlines the commitments required during the ceremony:

• Parental Vows: Parents must acknowledge the child's sinful nature, promise to pray for and teach the child, and commit to creating a loving home environment that nurtures faith.

• Congregational Vows: The church members vow to provide a caring environment to help the child eventually "confess Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour".

• The Act: The baptism is administered "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit".

Preparation for Families

The ministry provides a preparatory letter to families, encouraging them to reflect on several scriptural questions:

• God's Promise: Understanding the covenant as described in Genesis and Acts.

• Belonging to God: Reflecting on the love of God through John 3:16.

• Willingness to Teach: Committing to bringing children to Jesus as modeled in Mark 10.

• Church Purpose: Recognizing the importance of fellowship and doctrine within a local church community.

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