Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this fortieth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, October 9.
Because our Lord Jesus Christ is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He has also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. ~ Psalm 73:25-28
If you are new to this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.
CONGREGATIONAL NEWS
- The PRCs in Canada will celebrate their national day of thanksgiving tomorrow, Oct.10. May the Lord bless their worship as they praise and thank Him for the blessings He has freely bestowed. O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Psalm 105:1,2
- Last Sunday Doon PRC extended a call to Rev. J. Maatman (Southeast-GR PRC).
- Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) has extended a call to Rev. A. Stewart (Covenant PRC in Ballymena, N. Ireland). He plans to answer by Oct.16.
- Rev. J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland) is considering the call to Randolph (WI) PRC (received Sept.25). He plans to answer by Oct.16.
- Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) is considering the call to Georgetown PRC (received Sept.11). He plans to answer by Oct.16.
- *UPDATE: Today Hull PRC marked Rev. J. Laning's 25 years in the ministry with a special program after the evening service. "With joy and thanksgiving to God, the Council invites the congregation to recognize Rev. Laning for his 25 years of service in the ministry. There will be a program and refreshments following our evening worship service tonight. As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15b" We too give thanks for his faithful ministry in the PRC and pray that God may continue to use him for good in our churches.
- Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Elders lead in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. M. DeVries in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. M. Kortus (2nd Sunday) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. G. Eriks in Hudsonville PRC; Sem. A. Haveman in Randolph PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations.
- Special Evangelism/mission notices:
- Faith PRC-Jenison, MI: "The Reformed Doctrines Class meets this Wednesday, October 12, at Faith Church, 7:30 p.m.. The subject will be the seven days of the week of creation, including the issue of the historical reality of the days as genuine days, not periods. All are welcome to attend."
- First PRC-Holland, MI: "The Outreach Bible Study will meet this week Wednesday [Oct.12] at 7 p.m., at the Howard Miller Public Library. Rev. Smidstra will lead on the topic of "Jesus: the Light of the World.”
- Immanuel PRC - Lacombe, Alberta: "The Evangelism Committee of Immanuel PRC invites you to a lecture on Friday, October 14th. The lecture will be held at Immanuel PRC at 7:00 PM and Rev. Holstege will be speaking on “Echoing the Word: The Power of God in Preaching and Evangelism”. There will be time for fellowship and refreshments afterward. We look forward to seeing you there!
- Southwest PRC - Wyoming, MI: "Reformation Lecture: Ecclesiastes 1:9 tells us “there is no new thing under the sun.” Is that true with respect to sexual abuse? Did this horrific sin manifest itself in the life of the Reformation churches? If so, is there anything we can learn from the Reformers and the consistories about how to handle this travesty found in the church yet today? Plan to attend a timely lecture by Prof. Cory Griess on the topic of "Sexual Abuse in Calvin’s Geneva" at Southwest PRC, October 27 at 7:30 PM. A live-stream will be also be available at southwestprc.org."
- Hull PRC (IA): "The Fall Lecture sponsored by the Reformed Witness Committee will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022, at the Hull Protestant Reformed Church. Prof. Brian Huizinga, Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament Studies, will be the speaker. The speech is entitled "Synod 2018 and Holy Scripture: Enjoying Covenant Fellowship in the Way of Obedience.” Make plans to attend and invite others to join you!"
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
Recent rainbow seen over the seminary (Sept.26)
PRC Seminary Notices:
- The seminary has now completed six weeks of the first semester of the new school year, and things go well, for which we thank the Lord. Mid-term exams will be given soon and the annual Reading Recess is scheduled for Oct.27-28.
- The first practice preaching session was held this past Monday. Sems. A. Haveman and A. Van Dyke presented sermons. The next session is set for early November.
- This month marks our commemoration of the great Reformation of the sixteenth century, when God worked through the Reformers to lead His church back to pure doctrine and pure worship, as well as the pure form of living the Christian life. Our professors will be speaking at various Reformation events at the end of October and the beginning of November.
- Sem. M. Koerner (4th year) continues with his six-month internship in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids under Rev. J. Mahtani (July-Dec.). He is staying busy with all aspects of the work of the ministry.
- The print edition of the spring 2022 issue of the PRT Journal was mailed at the end of July. The digital editions are on the seminary's website (use the link provided here). This issue features the speeches from the seminary's fall 2021 conference on preaching, plus numerous book reviews. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Work is currently being done on the Fall 2022 issue.
- The seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
- For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
A new issue of Salt Shakers magazine for young people is out (see note belong under Covenant ERC-Singapore)
SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:
- Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
- Pastor J. Tan is faithfully serving the CERC each week as her pastor. Today he has a wonderful note about Cand. M. Wee accepting the call to become her second pastor.
- On Sept.18 the congregation voted to call Candidate Marcus Wee to be CERC’s second minister (2022 graduate from the PRC Seminary). Candidate Wee has accepted this call (Oct.2) and will be ordained into the ministry of the Word and sacraments next Sunday, Oct.16, D.V. We rejoice with CERC at this provision of a second pastor.
- A new issue of Salt Shakers is available - Issue 67, September 2022. Especially for young people, the magazine is edifying for ALL readers!
- The Reformation Day Committee is planning a Reformation Day Conference on Oct.28,29 in church as follows: Theme: "Sola Gratia, Sola Fide -The Heart of the Reformation Gospel." Pastor Tan and Cand. Wee will be speaking.
- Pastor J. Tan is faithfully serving the CERC each week as her pastor. Today he has a wonderful note about Cand. M. Wee accepting the call to become her second pastor.
- Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
- Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
- The September 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published this past week. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
- For recordings of the recent British Reformed Conference held in July, visit this BRF webpage.
- PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
- Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE. will join us in our worship services today via Facebook live stream, D.V."
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Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit led her services today. "Rev. D. Kleyn and Sis Sharon are scheduled to visit the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto, Bulacan today, the Lord willing, in order to preach and teach there."
- PRCP Seminary: The classes for 2022-2023 are continuing for the new semester. "We are grateful to the Lord for His sustaining grace upon the labors of our instructors, [Rev. Smit and Rev. Kleyn] and to Seminarian Ace Flores. We pray that God will bless their faithful labors and that they may be encouraged even more as we look to God for another fruitful year of dedication and devotion to this cause of God’s Kingdom. God be praised!"
- Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE. will join us in our worship services today via Facebook live stream, D.V."
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
- This month Rev. W. Bruinsma (Pittsburgh,PA PRC) takes over the RWH program for the next few months. He will be delivering messages on various Bible passages. Today's message is titled "Behold, Famine Is Come" based on Amos 8:11,12.
- The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet. These printed sermons are a great blessing to many and are distributed all over the world, including to many prisoners in the U.S. If you or your Evangelism Committee would like to receive these, let the RWHC know and they will add you to the mailing list (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
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- The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) has now opened its new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville.
Reformed Book Outlet will be having their Grand Opening week on October 11-15, with a special Grand Opening Celebration on Thursday, October 13 from 4-8 PM. Join us for a week-long 25% off sale on books, Bibles, Bible covers, and more, along with special deals on clearance items, and a chance to check out the store. On Thursday from 4-8 PM, we will have donuts & cider, activities for kids, a chance to win gift cards to the store, free books, Bibles, and other prizes, and more for all who come visit the store! Along with Thursday night, we will be open our regular hours all week, Tuesday - Friday from 10-5 and Saturday from 10-1. - Are you interested in learning more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
- For sound, distinctively Reformed literature on a variety of subjects and for all ages - including church history and Bible study materials - visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association website or stop in at their Jenison (Michigan) location.
- Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.
- The PR Sunday School Association also publishes complete OT and NT Bible Story Lessons for young children and older children. Visit this page to learn more.
This Week's Thought for Contemplation
Luther's Conversion
Luther entered the priesthood and said his first mass on May 2, 1507. But he continued his studies towards a doctorate in theology which, when completed, opened the door for him to become professor in the University of Wittenburg. In the winter of 1512 the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther began his teaching with lecturing on the Psalms, on Romans, on Galatians, on Hebrews, and again on the Psalms. He saw these studies as crucial and later said: "In the course of this teaching, the papacy slipped away from me."
The breakthrough in understanding came with new insights into the phrase, "The righteousness of God," as it appears in Romans 1:17: "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Luther had always thought of God's righteousness as God's essential perfection and His consequent hatred of sin. He looked at God's righteousness as God's burning wrath against any one who did not keep God's ways perfectly.
But in what later has become known as Luther's "tower experience" he suddenly came to understand that the phrase, "the righteousness of God," did not refer to God's hatred of sin rooted in His own perfection, but meant that God imputed righteousness to the sinner without works and only because of the merits of Christ. It was a righteousness freely given to undeserving sinners by faith. It seemed to him, Luther later said in describing this event, that the gates of heaven themselves were opened before him. Suddenly his awful sense of guilt and unworthiness fell away; his desperate attempts to achieve peace with God through his labors seemed stupid and useless; all his monkish rituals were exercises in futility. He was without any sin, not because he did not sin, but because Christ's righteousness was freely given. He was, as he described it, righteous and a sinner at the same time. This brought peace, even in the struggle with sin.
The full implications of this theological "breakthrough" did not dawn immediately on Luther. Once having seen this great light, he now had to re-read and re-study the Psalms and Paul, for, understanding that salvation through imputed righteousness lay at the heart of Scripture, he had to look again at it all from the viewpoint of this "heart."
Prof. Herman Hanko in "Martin Luther: German Reformer"