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News

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for April 20, 2025 - Easter Sunday *(Updated)

1 Corinthians 15 20On this sixteenth Lord's Day of 2025, RESURRECTION SUNDAY!, we are privileged and called to gather in the Lord's presence, by grace and through faith, for worship of and fellowship with our covenant God, our sovereign, saving Father and Friend. As we do so, we are equipped and encouraged by His Word and Spirit for our life and callings in this world.

Today is Easter Sunday, the day we remember and reflect on our Savior's resurrection from the dead on the first day of the week. Through His rising from the dead Jesus Christ is exalted for His perfect saving work, our salvation is sealed and secured, and we with Him are given life everlasting. Hallelujah! You are invited to join us in worship today and in humble thanksgiving give glory to the Lamb who is worthy to be praised, now and forever.

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of April 20. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you; or you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

  • Today Rev. D. Holstege (Wingham PRC, ON) declined the call from Southwest PRC.

  • Last Sunday Grace PRC extended a call to Prof. B. Gritters (PRC Seminary).

  • Tonight after her evening service Grandville PRC will vote from the Council's new trio of Revs. A. Brummel, J. Maatman, and Prof. B. Gritters. *Rev. Maatman has received this call.

  • Rev. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC) is considering the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA (received March 30).

  • The Consistory of Lynden PRC has formed a new trio from which to call a minister: Revs. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC), Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC), and J. Marcus (Peace PRC). A congregational meeting is scheduled for May 4 after the morning worship service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (April 20) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Spriensma in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. D. Noorman in Grace PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. E. Guichelaar in Grandville PRC; Rev. C. Haak (3rd of three weeks) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Prof. B. Gritters in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Marcus (1st of two weeks) in Lynden PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. J. Smidstra in Southwest 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 travel and supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to petition the Lord for men to hear and respond to the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special Congregational Notices:

  • Hope PRC-Walker, MI: "The Myanmar Committee reported that...conditions in Myanmar remain much the same as they have in recent months. The KJV Burmese Bible app is now available in both the Apple and Google Store and is titled Hope Bible. Rev. Titus has begun the visa application process for himself and his family to attend the PRCA’s 100th Anniversary. A mid-May interview at the U.S. Embassy will determine whether they are granted the visas."
  • Unity PRC-Byron Center, MI: "At the congregational meeting this past week the proposal to move ahead with design services to acquire architectural drawings to build a church building passed unanimously. May the Lord bless our endeavors as we work toward having a building of our own."
  • Wingham PRC (ON): "The Evangelism Committee is serving lunch at the Salvation Army again on April 23. On Tuesday, April 22, the Evangelism Committee would like to invite you to help prepare soup and buns at the church."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

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  • Home mission news: Zion’s Council and the DMC have sent our domestic missionary, Rev. J. Laning, to the Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW) area for six months, along with his wife, Margaret. They arrived there on October 19, 2024 and have settled into the labors there. For some time Rev. Laning has been conducting weekly Zoom Bible studies with people in Texas, and has made a number of trips there. The plan is to have Rev. Laning continue to labor among those whom they have already come to know, while also witnessing to others in that area. Seeing as the preaching of the gospel is the chief means the Spirit uses to gather His people, it will be good to spend some time there meeting for worship and having Bible studies, in order, Lord willing, to gather a group together. We thank the Lord for opening this door, and pray that He may guide us in this work to the glory of His name. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). If you happen to know of anyone in that area who may be interested, please contact our domestic missionary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Classis East will meet on Wednesday, May 14, at Grace PRC. The agenda is available on the PRCA website (go to "current," "bulletins," and “Classis East” to access it - registered users only).

  • PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration (June 2-6, 2025): Participate in this commemorative event by visiting prca100.org. A diverse set of sectionals is planned for each morning of the 100th Anniversary Celebration. Explore the topics and speakers at prca100.org/sectionals. Please note, registration is required to participate in the daily activities, including sectionals (which is now passed). Those lodging at Calvin University will enjoy a convenient and economical stay and all meals and activities. Local attendees and those arranging their own off-campus lodging must register for activities and meals if desired. To attend visit https://prca100.org/register for registration instructions and the web link.
    For more 100-year PRC history, videos and photos, visit this Facebook page.

    100th Anniversary Singspiration at DeVos Performance Hall: On June 5, the Thursday evening of the 100th Anniversary Celebration, thousands of brothers and sisters from around the world will join together at the DeVos Performance Hall to sing and rejoice in God's faithfulness. The night's singspiration will conclude with a grand symphonic orchestra and chorus, filling our souls with gratitude to God for His grace. Visit prca100.org/singspiration for details.
     
    100th Anniversary Sponsorship Opportunities: The planning committee has identified specific areas where financial support is needed including the event, travel subsidies, and the singspiration at DeVos Performance Hall. Businesses, congregations, societies, and individuals are asked to consider a sponsorship. Visit prca100.org/sponsor to learn more and complete a pledge form by May 1. To discuss a pledge, please contact the finance committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Psalter Revsd 2024

  • New Psalter: The committee to help familiarize the PRC with the revised Psalter announces that the synodically-approved revised Psalters have been printed and will be delivered to the churches in the coming weeks. As your Psalters arrive, there are two YouTube channels that will be helpful. 2024 Psalter (www.youtube.com/@2024Psalter) has vocal and instrumental recordings of the new songs and tunes. Another work-in-progress is found at Andrew Remillard (www.youtube.com/@AndrewRemillard/playlists). It includes piano recordings of the first Psalter numbers, and more songs will be added. You are encouraged to make use of these resources as you familiarize yourselves with the Psalter.
  • Psalter-sing! Advance notice: May 18: You are invited to come to Grace PRC at 7:45 p.m. for an area-wide presentation on the revised Psalter. The Psalters are expected to arrive in late April and will be distributed to every household. Grace will not have enough for everyone, so take your own along. The presentation will be different from previous ones, which introduced the revision; this will involve more singing from the revised Psalter.

  • Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2025 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 16th. 


Convention 2025 – LAST CHANCE!

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PR Theological Seminary News:

  • The PR Theological Seminary enters week thirteen of the second semester tomorrow. Faculty, students, and staff covet your prayers in these final weeks of the school year.
  • Prof. B. Gritters has received the call from Grace PRC (Standale, MI). Remember him in prayer as he considers this call.
  • Dr. D. Sinnema, retired Trinity Christian College (IL) professor and Synod of Dordt scholar, will be giving lectures on the Synod of Dordt Tuesday (April 15) and on the Church Order of Dordt next (April 22) at the seminary at 1:00 p.m.
  • Prof. D. Kuiper led chapel this past Wednesday and will do so again this week. Sem. B. Feenstra will lead the daily devotions.
  • Sem. B. Feenstra will be doing his senior internship in Doon (IA) PRC under Rev. D. Kleyn and his Consistory. That will run from July 1 to Dec.31.
  • Sems. Aaron Van Dyke and Bruce Feenstra are licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of these men must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • The Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal is back from the printer and will be mailed out this week. This new issue will contain the expanded speeches the professors gave at their Fall 2024 conference on the common grace/particular grace controversy in 1924 (*see note below). If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or stop by the seminary. 
  • If you missed the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the historic (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed, you may watch or listen to the speeches that are all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget to check on the blog!

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SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today both pastors led services. "We worship God this Resurrection Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. We do so, continuing our (annual) Resurrection Sunday series, considering Jesus’ merciful appearance to Peter."
    • A NEW issue of Salt Shakers is available - March2025, #75!  Once again you will find a variety of articles on timely subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults! This new issue contains articles on the mission work in Kolkata, testimonies of CERC member conversions, and the beginning of a series on the NT prophecy of Revelation.
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC and her website, to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways. 
    • The February 2025 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is the latest available. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "Are the Ungodly Really in God's Image? (2)" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about why David was not executed for his sins against God's law.
    • The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content may be found here.
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. And, "Our brothers and sisters in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, will join us in our worship services today via live stream on our Facebook page."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: "A warm welcome to Rev. Wilbur Bruinsma and Sis. Mary, who arrived safely from the U.S. yesterday April 19. Our congregation praises the LORD and is grateful for having Rev. Bruinsma back in the Philippines. Rev. Bruinsma will fill the pulpit of Provident PRC from April 20 to May 25, 2025, the Lord willing."
    • PRCP Mission labors: "Rev. Ibe and Deacon Ronald Marquez [Provident PRC] are scheduled to visit with the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City on April 24 - 25, 2025, D.V. Rev. Ibe will continue his lectures on the Church Order of Dort Articles 17 - 21 and Reformed Dogmatics [Soteriology] on the Ordo Salutis."
      Rev. Ibe is also scheduled to speak and present to the Association of pastors in Bacolod City on Thursday, April 24, at 9:30 AM on “The Distinctives of Reformed Theology”. We pray for God’s continued spiritual strength and growth for the churches in these areas as they learn and receive the Reformed truth of God’s sovereign particular grace in Christ Jesus and for His sake only. Soli Deo Gloria!

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

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Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

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  • This month - April 2025  - the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak, including special Lenten and Easter messages. This week's message is titled "The Power of Christ's Resurrection" based on 1 Corinthians 15:3,4
  • 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.).

 

April MONTHLY SALE is

...The Church Order Commentary!

This revised 3rd edition is the accepted standard for the interpretation and application of the Church Order of Dordrecht by Reformed and Presbyterian denominations. This weighty and time-tested commentary instructs us today on the need for a book of order for biblical consistency in church government.

Click the image or button below to learn more and order your own copy for $19.95, this month only!
  • rfpa 04The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1. 
    *Special note: RBO Storytime:
    Join us Thursdays for Spring Storytime at 10:15 on March 27, April 3 and 17 (not April 10). Let your little ones enjoy a few stories and a craft, while you browse our books or enjoy a cup of coffee!
  • If you are in need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people, check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for assistance with any of these materials (616-531-1490).

  • 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.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 "...Throughout the day the Savior appeared to His followers to confirm to them that He was risen from the dead. 

"That is a very wonderful thing, is it not? That is the thing that we must see on this day on which we remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. What we must remember is that it was the great concern of the risen Lord on His resurrection day that His church know that He is risen. He appeared to them, and through these appearances He brought them to see the wonder of the resurrection gospel. It came to something of a climax when He appeared to His disciples who were gathered on the resurrection night in the upper room. That is the passage that we find in Luke 24:36-46. 

"But remember the thought. The thought is this: that the Lord's great concern was for His church. His church must have no doubt, no uncertainty, no misconception concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the truth that you absolutely must know. And you must know what it means, that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. If you do not know that, your life is vain. If you do not know that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, you are yet in your sin. You are dead. If you do not know that Jesus Christ is risen, and if you do not know it in your heart, then in reality you are living your life only inches from the brink of hell. 

"This is the gospel: Christ is risen from the dead! And the call of the gospel is: Repent and believe. You as a teenager, you as a college student, you as an expectant mother, a husband or wife, a child—you need to know that Jesus Christ is risen. You must lay hold of that truth by faith."

Taken from the radio message of Rev. C. Haak, "The Risen Lord and the Gathered Church," of this month's featured resources

Read more...

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for April 13, 2025 *(Updated)

Matt 21 9On this fifteenth Lord's Day of 2025, we are privileged and called to gather in the Lord's presence, by grace and through faith, for worship of and fellowship with our covenant God, our sovereign, saving Father and Friend. As we do so, we are equipped and encouraged by His Word and Spirit for our life and callings in this world.

Today is Palm Sunday, the day we remember and reflect on our Savior's royal but lowly entry into Jerusalem. Jesus came riding on a lowly ass because He came to triumph over sin and death by dying on the cross for all those given Him by the Father and who place their trust in Him. This Friday we will gather to worship our crucified Lord on Good Friday, also in anticipation of His resurrection, which we will celebrate next Sunday, Easter. You are invited to join us in worship on these special days and remember in humble faith the Lamb who was slain and who is worthy to be praised, now and forever.

On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. ~ John 12:12-16

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of April 13. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you; or you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

  • Tonight Grace PRC is to vote from her Council's new trio of Revs. M. DeBoer, G. Eriks, and Prof. B. Gritters. *Prof. Gritters has received this call.

  • Rev. D. Holstege (Wingham PRC, ON) is considering the call from Southwest PRC (received March 30).

  • Rev. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC) is considering the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA (received March 30).

  • Grandville PRC's Council has formed a new trio of Revs. A. Brummel, J. Maatman, and Prof. B. Gritters. A congregational meeting has been scheduled for April 20 after the evening service.

  • *The Consistory of Lynden PRC has formed a new trio from which to call a minister: Revs. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC), Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC), and J. Marcus (Peace PRC). A congregational meeting is scheduled for May 4 after the morning worship service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (April 13) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Spriensma in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. W. Langerak; Rev. J. Slopsema, Good Friday in Grace PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. C. Spronk; Prof. Gritters, Good Friday in Grandville PRC; Rev. C. Haak (2nd of three weeks) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. M. McGeown; Prof. C. Griess, Good Friday in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key (2nd of two weeks) in Lynden PRC; Rev. N. Decker and Prof. B. Huizinga in Southwest 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 travel and supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to petition the Lord for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special Congregational Notices:

  • Good Friday and Easter services, April 18 and 20 in all the PRCs. Join us in worship of our crucified and risen Savior Jesus Christ this week! Check the website of the congregation near you for service times.
  • Byron Center PRC (MI): "Our Community Bible study plans to meet this Thursday at Byron Township Library to continue our discussion of Creation's seventh day from Genesis 2. This meeting starts at 6:30 PM on April 17. We hope you can join us and bring a friend!"
  • First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI: "Community Bible Study meets this Wednesday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m. [at the church]. We'll discuss The Fall of Jericho, from Hebrews 11:30 and Joshua 6:1-21."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

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  • Home mission news: Zion’s Council and the DMC have sent our domestic missionary, Rev. J. Laning, to the Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW) area for six months, along with his wife, Margaret. They arrived there on October 19, 2024 and have settled into the labors there. For some time Rev. Laning has been conducting weekly Zoom Bible studies with people in Texas, and has made a number of trips there. The plan is to have Rev. Laning continue to labor among those whom they have already come to know, while also witnessing to others in that area. Seeing as the preaching of the gospel is the chief means the Spirit uses to gather His people, it will be good to spend some time there meeting for worship and having Bible studies, in order, Lord willing, to gather a group together. We thank the Lord for opening this door, and pray that He may guide us in this work to the glory of His name. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). If you happen to know of anyone in that area who may be interested, please contact our domestic missionary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration (June 2-6, 2025): Participate in this commemorative event by visiting prca100.org. A diverse set of sectionals is planned for each morning of the 100th Anniversary Celebration. Explore the topics and speakers at prca100.org/sectionals. Please note, registration is required to participate in the daily activities, including sectionals (which is now passed). Those lodging at Calvin University will enjoy a convenient and economical stay and all meals and activities. Local attendees and those arranging their own off-campus lodging must register for activities and meals if desired. To attend visit https://prca100.org/register for registration instructions and the web link.
    For more 100-year PRC history, videos and photos, visit this Facebook page.

    100th Anniversary Singspiration at DeVos Performance Hall: On June 5, the Thursday evening of the 100th Anniversary Celebration, thousands of brothers and sisters from around the world will join together at the DeVos Performance Hall to sing and rejoice in God's faithfulness. The night's singspiration will conclude with a grand symphonic orchestra and chorus, filling our souls with gratitude to God for His grace. Visit prca100.org/singspiration for details.
     
    100th Anniversary Sponsorship Opportunities: The planning committee has identified specific areas where financial support is needed including the event, travel subsidies, and the singspiration at DeVos Performance Hall. Businesses, congregations, societies, and individuals are asked to consider a sponsorship. Visit prca100.org/sponsor to learn more and complete a pledge form by May 1. To discuss a pledge, please contact the finance committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Psalter-sing! Advance notice: May 18: You are invited to come to Grace PRC at 7:45 p.m. for an area-wide presentation on the revised Psalter. The Psalters are expected to arrive in late April and will be distributed to every household. Grace will not have enough for everyone, so take your own along. The presentation will be different from previous ones, which introduced the revision; this will involve more singing from the revised Psalter.
  • HAVEN of Mercy is grateful for your in-person and online attendance and support shown at HAVEN '25:  What's Next? The Way Forward After Disclosure.  The attendance is evidence of our community's desire to learn and grow in knowledge and understanding of abuse dynamics, protection of the flock, victim care, and perpetrator accountability.  The six speeches and the Q&A session from the conference have been recorded and are available at https://www.havenofmercypr.org/haven-2025-conference.  We have also recorded an additional, extended Q&A session with our speakers, Brad Hambrick and Darby Strickland, in which they answered many more questions that were submitted at the conference.  More information about this extended Q&A and a link to the new recording will be posted on our Facebook page and sent to our email subscribers.

  • Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2025 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 16th. 


Convention 2025 – LAST CHANCE!

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PR Theological Seminary News:

  • The PR Theological Seminary enoyed its Spring break this past week (April 7-11) and will begin week twelve of the second semester tomorrow. Faculty, studnets, and staff covet your prayers in these final weeks of the school year.
  • Prof. B. Gritters is on new trios at Grace PRC (Standale, MI) and Grandville PRC. Grace votes this evening and Grandville next Sunday, April 20.
  • Dr. D. Sinnema, retired Trinity Christian College professor and Synod of Dordt scholar, will be giving lectures on Dordt this Tuesday (April 15) and next (April 22) at the seminary at 1:00 p.m.
  • Sem. B. Feenstra will be doing his senior internship in Doon (IA) PRC under Rev. D. Kleyn and his Consistory. That will run from July 1 to Dec.31.
  • Sems. Aaron Van Dyke and Bruce Feenstra are licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of these men must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • Work is completed on the Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal, and is at the printer; it should be available by the end of this month. This new issue will contain the expanded speeches the professors gave at their Fall 2024 conference on the common grace/particular grace controversy in 1924 (*see note below). In the meantime, the Fall 2024 issue of the PRTJ is available (and all back issues). The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies are also available. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or stop by the seminary. 
  • If you missed the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the historic (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed, you may watch or listen to the speeches that are all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget to check on the blog!

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SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today both pastors led services. In the bulletin this week was notive of her special Good Friday gospel service, led by Pastor Wee and based on John 10:7,9, Jesus, the Door of the Sheep. "We pass through many doors from cradle to grave, in our never-ending pursuit of happiness. But there is one Door--and only one--through which there is true happiness, safety, and life. There is one Door--and only one--into the sheepfold of God. This Good Friday (18 April), come and learn of Jesus as The Door of the Sheep, through whom alone we may enter into everlasting life."
    • A NEW issue of Salt Shakers is available - March2025, #75!  Once again you will find a variety of articles on timely subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults! This new issue contains articles on the mission work in Kolkata, testimonies of CERC member conversions, and the beginning of a series on the NT prophecy of Revelation.
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC and her website, to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways. 
    • The February 2025 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is the latest available. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "Are the Ungodly Really in God's Image? (2)" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about why David was not executed for his sins against God's law.
    • The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content may be found here.

Berean PRYPs retreat 2025 notice

  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. And, "Our brothers and sisters in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, will join us in our worship services today. We continue to lift them in our prayers for God’s sustaining grace and spiritual growth as they hear the Word proclaimed, for God’s glory and Jesus’ sake."
    • The Young People’s Camp/Retreat is scheduled from April 16 – 19, 2025, at Doane Rest, Baguio City. This year’s retreat theme is: “Living the Life of Love” based on 1 John 4:9.
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Ronnie Marquez led her services today using PRC video sermons by Rev. R. Smit and Prof. R. Dykstra. 
    • PRCP MIssion labors: "Rev. Ibe and Deacon Ronald Marquez [Provident PRC] are scheduled to visit with the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City on April 24 - 25, 2025, D.V. Rev. Ibe will continue his lectures on the Church Order of Dort Articles 17 - 21 and Reformed Dogmatics [Soteriology] on the Ordo Salutis."

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

RWH Logo 2019
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

haak small

  • This month - April 2025  - the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak, including special Lenten and Easter messages. This week's message is titled "The Power of the Cross" based on Romans 8:1.
  • 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.).

when I survey HH 2025

From the RFPA: "This Lenten anthology is a collection of six books, originally radio messages delivered during Lent, which explore the various aspects of Christ’s suffering and death. Each of the six sections—The Amazing Cross, The Royal Sufferer, The Power of the Cross, Rejected of Men, Jesus in the Midst, and Man of Sorrows—is devoted to a specific aspect of the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Through these inspirational messages, readers will be brought to a deeper knowledge of their own worthlessness and of the absolute necessity of Christ’s cross for their salvation. May every reader, as did the author, welcome the opportunity which the season of Lent affords to “survey the wondrous cross” and to seek refuge in the shadow of that cross."

  • rfpa 04The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1. 
    *Special note: RBO Storytime:
    Join us Thursdays for Spring Storytime at 10:15 on March 27, April 3 and 17 (not April 10). Let your little ones enjoy a few stories and a craft, while you browse our books or enjoy a cup of coffee!
  • If you are in need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people, check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for assistance with any of these materials (616-531-1490).

  • 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.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 "Because He is worthy to open the book, the Lamb of God is praised with a new song. 

"This song is sung by the twenty-four elders and the four beasts (creatures) that are gathered around the throne of God. The twenty-four elders represent the church of the Old Testament and New Testament. The four creatures represent angels (cherubim). 

"They sing a new song. 

"Their song is a new song in that it is a new kind of song. It is a new kind of song in that it celebrates something new and different from anything that has ever happened before. One has now been found worthy to take the book of the counsel of God and open it so that He executes the decrees of God that will bring about the kingdom of God. And such a development calls for a new song. The old songs anticipate this, but do not adequately praise it. 

"This song is a song of praise that acknowledges the worthiness of the Lamb and ultimately glorifies the God who sent Him. This song is sung in heaven from the time that Jesus received the book and continues throughout all eternity. The whole realm of angels (10,000 times 10,000) joins in song to acknowledge the worthiness of the Lamb. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing. 

"And every creature that is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea also join in with song to acknowledge His worthiness. Blessing and honor and glory and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever. 

"And the four beasts (living creatures) said, Amen. And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him that liveth forever and ever. 

"As the redeemed, we too must acknowledge the worthiness of the Lamb. Being part of the redeemed we belong to the kingdom that Jesus Christ has established and that will soon be completed as He executes the counsel of God. 

We too must acknowledge the greatness and worthiness of the Lamb in prayer and song."

Taken from the article "The Lamb That Was Slain" (Rev. 5:9) by Rev. J. Slopsema, one of this month's featured resources

Read more...

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for April 6, 2025

Isaiah 19 25On this fourteenth Lord's Day of 2025, we are privileged and called to gather in the Lord's presence, by grace and through faith, for worship of and fellowship with our covenant God, our sovereign, saving Father and Friend. As we do so, we are equipped and encouraged by His Word and Spirit for our life and callings in this world.

In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD. And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them. And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the LORD, and perform it. And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them. In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance. ~ Isaiah 19:19-25

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of April 6. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you; or you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

  • Last Sunday Rev. D. Holstege (Wingham PRC, ON) received the call from Southwest PRC.

  • Last Sunday Rev. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC) received the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA.

  • Last Sunday Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC-IL) declined the call from Grandville PRC. 

  • Last Sunday Rev. J. Smidstra declined the call from Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN).

  • Last Sunday Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) declined the call from Byron Center PRC to serve as minister on loan to the PRC-Philippines (Provident PRC).

  • The Council of Grace PRC has formed a new trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. M. DeBoer, G. Eriks, and Prof. B. Gritters. The congregational meeting is planned for April 13 after the evening service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (April 6) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Holstege in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Livestream Hope PRC-GR and Prof. R. Dykstra in Grace PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. D. Lee in Grandville PRC; Rev. C. Haak (1st of three weeks) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. G. Eriks (@ 2:30 p.m.) in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key (1st of two weeks) in Lynden PRC; Sem. A. VanDyke and Rev. G. Eriks in Southwest 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 travel and supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to petition the Lord for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

DFW Bible study image 2025

  • Psalter-sing! Advance notice: May 18: You are invited to come to Grace PRC at 7:45 p.m. for an area-wide presentation on the revised Psalter. The Psalters are expected to arrive in late April and will be distributed to every household. Grace will not have enough for everyone, so take your own along. The presentation will be different from previous ones, which introduced the revision; this will involve more singing from the revised Psalter.
  • HAVEN of Mercy is grateful for your in-person and online attendance and support shown at HAVEN '25:  What's Next? The Way Forward After Disclosure.  The attendance is evidence of our community's desire to learn and grow in knowledge and understanding of abuse dynamics, protection of the flock, victim care, and perpetrator accountability.  The six speeches and the Q&A session from the conference have been recorded and are available at https://www.havenofmercypr.org/haven-2025-conference.  We have also recorded an additional, extended Q&A session with our speakers, Brad Hambrick and Darby Strickland, in which they answered many more questions that were submitted at the conference.  More information about this extended Q&A and a link to the new recording will be posted on our Facebook page and sent to our email subscribers.

  • Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2025 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 16th. 


Convention 2025 – LAST CHANCE!

HCS 4th visit fellowship April 2025
Faculty and students interact with fourth graders from Heritage CS (Hudsonville) this past Thursday.

PR Theological Seminary News:

  • The PR Theological Seminary is on Spring break this week (April 7-11). Seminary will still be open daily, 8-5. Call in advance if you have any special needs. 
  • Prof. B. Huizinga declined a recent call from Hudsonville PRC, and Prof. B. Gritters is on a new trio at Grace PRC in Stanadale, MI. That congregation will vote next Sunday, April 13.
  • Sem. B. Feenstra will be doing his senior internship in Doon (IA) PRC under Rev. D. Kleyn and his Consistory. That will run from July 1 to Dec.31.
  • Sems. Aaron Van Dyke and Bruce Feenstra are licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of these men must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • Work is completed on the Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal, and should be available by the end of this month. This new issue will contain the expanded speeches the professors gave at their Fall 2024 conference on the common grace/particular grace controversy in 1924 (*see note below). In the meantime, the Fall 2024 issue of the PRTJ is available (and all back issues). The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies are also available. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or stop by the seminary. 
  • If you missed the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the historic (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed, you may watch or listen to the speeches that are all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget to check on the blog!

Map India 1

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today both pastors led services. In the "pastoral voice" today was a special word for the saints in Kolkata: "Dear Beloved Saints in Kolkata, Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the one who “liveth, and was dead” and is “alive for evermore” (Rev. 1:18). 2. We rejoice this day with you at the occasion of confessions of faith and baptisms, that the Lord is adding to your number fellow saints and disciples of Jesus Christ. These brethren and sisters have counted the cost of following Jesus, and are gladly willing to bear it, to deny themselves and to take up their cross, suffering and even dying for the sake of Jesus Christ. We thank God for them, and for you." We join these fellow saints in glorying in our great God of grace for these blessings of salvation!
    • India mission news: "Elder Lee and Elder Tang will be visiting our Kolkata Fellowship from 4-7 Apr 2025 to supervise the Confession of Faith and Baptism of new members in Kolkata Fellowship. Bro Gim Theng, representing FMC will be accompanying the delegation to continue the work of FMC while he is there. Please keep the delegation and Kolkata Fellowship in your prayers."
    • A NEW issue of Salt Shakers is available - March2025, #75!  Once again you will find a variety of articles on timely subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults! This new issue contains articles on the mission work in Kolkata, testimonies of CERC member conversions, and the beginning of a series on the NT prophecy of Revelation.
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC and her website, to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways. 
    • The February 2025 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is the latest available. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "Are the Ungodly Really in God's Image? (2)" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about why David was not executed for his sins against God's law.
    • The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content may be found here.
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Elders Espiritu and Manlapaz led her worship services today.
    • PRCP Mission labors: "Rev. Ibe is scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija today. Ptr. Ibe will lead them in their worship service at 9 AM and Bible study at 11 AM. We continue to lift them in our prayers for God’s sustaining grace and spiritual growth as they hear the Word proclaim, for God’s glory and Jesus’ sake."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Lester Lee led her services today using PRC video sermons. Last Sunday it was announced that Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) declined the call from Byron Center PRC to serve as minister on loan to this sister congregation (this was BC PRC's first call).

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

RWH Logo 2019
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

haak small

  • This month - April 2025  - the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak, including special Lenten and Easter messages. This week's message is titled "The Suffering of the Cross"based on Isaiah 53.
  • The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet *see image below). 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.).

RWH booklet July 2022

  • rfpa 04The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1. 
    *Special note: RBO Storytime:
    Join us Thursdays for Spring Storytime at 10:15 on March 27, April 3 and 17 (not April 10). Let your little ones enjoy a few stories and a craft, while you browse our books or enjoy a cup of coffee!
  • If you are in need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people, check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for assistance with any of these materials (616-531-1490).

  • 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.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 "Jesus Christ is the Lamb that was slain. 

"There were many lambs that were slain in the Old Testament for the sins of the people. They were slain as sin offerings and trespass offerings. All the lambs that were sacrificed, however, were not sufficient to pay for and cover the sins of the people. They were merely types or pictures that looked ahead to the Lamb of God that would with one sacrifice completely atone for the sins of the people. 

"The great Lamb of God to which all the sacrificial lambs of the Old Testament pointed is Jesus Christ. John the Baptist identified Jesus as such at the Jordan River, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). 

"As the Lamb of God, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. He did this at the cross, where He shed His blood. This constituted the perfect sacrifice for sin because at the cross Jesus endured all the punishment of God for sin and did so in humble submission and obedience to God. 

"By His perfect sacrifice on the cross as the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ has redeemed us unto God by His blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation. 

"To redeem is to free one from slavery by the payment of a price. Scripture applies this to our spiritual slavery to the Devil and to sin. We are by nature enslaved to the Devil. On account of the fall he has a legal claim to us, so that we are bound to serve him in sin. This is a terrible slavery, which results in our destruction. But with the payment of a price (ransom), we can be freed from this bondage. The price necessary to redeem us is not silver and gold but the enduring of the punishment for sin. This price Jesus paid as the Lamb of God by the shedding of His blood. By paying the price of sin, Jesus has purchased us unto God, so that now we belong to the living God. 

"Who is this "us" that the Lamb has redeemed? 

"This "us" is not limited by nationality, language, or ethnic origin. For the Lamb of God has redeemed us out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation. 

"This "us" is limited, however, by the election of God. Some would place no limitation at all on the redemption of the Lamb of God. But God has chosen a people out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation. These the Lamb of God has redeemed."

Taken from the article "The Lamb That Was Slain" (Rev. 5:9) by Rev. J. Slopsema, one of this month's featured resources

Read more...

Reformed Witness Hour News - April 2025

RWH Logo 2019

News from the Reformed Witness Hour

April 2025

 

Help Us Get the Word Out!

Join us this month for four Christ-themed messages which tell of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

From The Power of Christ’s Resurrection:

The truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith and belief.  He or she who, by the grace of God, believes the resurrection of Jesus Christ believes the gospel.  And believing the gospel of Jesus Christ, he shall, without doubt, find eternal life therein.

We read in I Corinthians 15:3, 4, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”  By this faith, faith in the crucified and risen Savior, we are saved.  Believing in the glorious truth of the resurrection today, we are more than conquerors through Him who has died for us and is risen.

 

Be sure to tune in on Easter Sunday to hear this foundational message of the Christian faith!


CHaak GT PRC

April 6

The Suffering of the Cross

Isaiah 53

Rev. C. Haak

April 13

The Power of the Cross

Romans 8:1

Rev. C. Haak

April 20

The Power of Christ’s Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15: 3-4

Rev. C. Haak

April 27

The Resurrection of the Body

1 Corinthians 15:35-38

Rev. C. Haak


A New Radio Station

RWH launched its broadcast on a new radio station, WLTJ (Q 92.9), in March. Based in Pittsburgh, WLTJ is a contemporary commercial station that, while secular, features programs by motivational speakers on Sundays, often with faith-based perspectives. Our program will now air on WLTJ every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. We are also pleased to continue our broadcast on WORD 101.5 in the Pittsburgh area, airing Sundays at 10:00 a.m. However, we have concluded our partnership with WJAS station due to low listenership. Rev. Mahtani has already developed a good rapport with the new station, and we are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings for further evangelism and outreach.

Sponsor a Month of Reformed Witness Hour

When a church sponsors the Reformed Witness Hour, we air a promo before or after the week’s radio message that features the church. We can deliver a standard announcement, or a member of your church can write and record the clip. If your church or evangelism committee would like to learn more about sponsoring the RWH, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Who is listening to RWH?

RWH broadcasts on 17 radio stations across 15 locations in the U.S. and Canada but reaches a global audience through internet and podcast platforms. Here is a glimpse of our digital reach!

Countries With Most Downloads (Past 6 Months) - Top 5 Rankings Highlighted

 

  September

 October

  November

  December

  January

  February

United States

1,470 (1)

4,386 (1)

2814 (1)

889 (1)

778 (1)

920 (1)

Cambodia

192 (2)

166 (2)

325 (2)

172 (2)

121 (2)

861 (2)

United Kingdom

79 (3)

134 (3)

29 (3)

42 (3)

37 (4)

51 (3)

Australia

28 (5)

33

19 (5)

21

29 (5)

18 (5)

Germany

16

103 (4)

12

29 (4)

11

9

Canada

46 (4)

99 (5)

22 (4)

22 (5)

26

29 (4)

Singapore

       

73 (3)

3

States With Most Downloads (Past 6 Months) - Top 5 Rankings Highlighted

 

   September

  October

   November

   December

   January

   February

North Carolina

  136 (4)

36

2190 (1)

323 (1)

68 (3)

115 (2)

Virginia

  33                  

166 (3)      

30                

19               

31            

21              

Michigan

  201 (1)

149 (4)

96 (2)

91 (2)

73 (2)

92 (3)

Illinois

  95

76

50 (3)

42 (4)

24

34 (5)

Texas

  45

413 (2)

27

62 (3)

64 (4)

49 (4)

Washington

  37

2.723 (1)

48 (4)

26

17

18

South Carolina

  21

146 (5)

6

11

4

19

Ohio

  151 (2)

124

13

38

134 (1)

270 (1)

California

  141 (3)

37

28

29

33 (5)

28

Oregon

  117 (5)

9

9

7

8

9

Iowa

   

22

41 (5)

26

19

Florida

   

40 (5)

22

27

27

Read more...

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for March 30, 2025 *(Updated)

Isaiah 14 3On this thirteenth Lord's Day of 2025, we are privileged and called to gather in the Lord's presence, by grace and through faith, for worship of and fellowship with our covenant God, our sovereign, saving Father and Friend. As we do so, we are equipped and encouraged by His Word and Spirit for our life and callings in this world.

For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob. And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors. And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve.... ~ Isaiah 14:1-3

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of March 30. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you; or you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

  • Today Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC-IL) declined the call from Grandville PRC. 

  • Today Rev. J. Smidstra declined the call from Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN).

  • Today Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) declined the call from Byron Center PRC to serve as minister on loan to the PRC-Philippines (Provident PRC).

  • This morning Southwest PRC voted to call Rev. D. Holstege (Wingham PRC, ON).

  • The congregation of Hope PRC-Redlands, CA voted this evening from the Council's trio of Revs. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC), D. Holstege (Wingham PRC), and W. Langerak (Trinity PRC). *Rev. Barnhill has received this call.

  • The Council of Grace PRC has formed a new trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. M. DeBoer, G. Eriks, and Prof. B. Gritters. The congregational meeting is planned for April 13 after the evening service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (March 30) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Spriensma in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. K. Koole in Grace PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. J. Maatman in Grandville PRC; Rev. D. Kleyn (2nd of two weeks) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. E. Guichelaar in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. N. Decker in Southwest 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 travel and supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to petition the Lord for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special congregational notices:

  • Peace PRC-Dyer, IN: "The congregation is invited to a Psalm Sing immediately following tonight’s evening service. We plan to sing some new numbers from our denomination’s new Psalter revision from Psalms 23, 51, 78, 91, and 148. As a reminder, these are available on https://thepsalter.net. Printouts of each song will be available today."
  • Unity PRC (Byron Center, MI): "Informational Meeting: This morning after the worship service there will be a brief informational meeting about the proposal regarding a future building. The entire congregation is invited to attend and will be given the opportunity to ask questions. A congregational meeting will be held on April 16 to vote on the proposal."
  • Byron Center PRC (MI): "Our Community Bible study plans to meet this Thursday at Byron Township Library to continue our discussion of Genesis 1:31 and following. This meeting starts at 6:30 PM on April 3. We hope you can join us and bring a friend!"
  • First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI: "Community Bible Study meets this Wednesday, April 2, at 7:00 p.m. [at the church]. We'll discuss Israel's Crossing the Red Sea by Faith, from Hebrews 11:29 and Exodus 14."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

DFW Bible study image 2025

  • Psalter-sing! Advance notice: May 18: You are invited to come to Grace PRC at 7:45 p.m. for an area-wide presentation on the revised Psalter. The Psalters are expected to arrive in late April and will be distributed to every household. Grace will not have enough for everyone, so take your own along. The presentation will be different from previous ones, which introduced the revision; this will involve more singing from the revised Psalter.

  • Classis West met on Wednesday, March 5, in Calvary PRC in Hull, IA. A report of the meeting may be found on this webpage.

  • HAVEN of Mercy is grateful for your in-person and online attendance and support shown at HAVEN '25:  What's Next? The Way Forward After Disclosure.  The attendance is evidence of our community's desire to learn and grow in knowledge and understanding of abuse dynamics, protection of the flock, victim care, and perpetrator accountability.  The six speeches and the Q&A session from the conference have been recorded and are available at https://www.havenofmercypr.org/haven-2025-conference.  We have also recorded an additional, extended Q&A session with our speakers, Brad Hambrick and Darby Strickland, in which they answered many more questions that were submitted at the conference.  More information about this extended Q&A and a link to the new recording will be posted on our Facebook page and sent to our email subscribers.

  • Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2025 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 16th. 


Convention 2025 – Register & Chaperone Opportunities!

J Dick Heritage 4th devotions March 2025
Sem. J. Dick leads in devotions last Wednesday, with Mr. D. Hanko's fourth graders from Hope CS present.

PR Theological Seminary News:

  • The PR Theological Seminary enters its eleventh week of the 2nd semester this week. Faculty, students, and staff covet and appreciate your prayers as they carry out their various labors during this semester.
  • The second part of round two of Practice Preaching will take place tomorrow morning at Southwest PRC, with Sems. B. Feenstra, and I. Van Baren making and delivering new sermons. Be in prayer for them and for the faculty as they conduct this important aspect of the students' training.
  • Joe Ophoff (1st year) will lead in devotions this week; there is no chapel this Wednesday due to practice preaching on Monday.
  • This Thursday, April 3, the final 4th grade class of Heritage CS (Hudsonville) will visit the seminary. Prof. B. Gritters will introduce them to the seminary, give them a brief tour, and then they will join faculty and students for devotions and coffee break.
  • Prof. B. Huizinga declined a recent call from Hudsonville PRC, and Prof. B. Gritters is on a new trio at Grace PRC in Stanadale, MI.
  • Sem. B. Feenstra will be doing his senior internship in Doon (IA) PRC under Rev. D. Kleyn and his Consistory. That will run from July 1 to Dec.31.
  • Sems. Aaron Van Dyke and Bruce Feenstra are licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of these men must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • Work continues on the Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal, which will contain the expanded speeches the professors gave at their Fall 2024 conference on the common grace/particular grace controversy in 1924. In the meantime, the Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is available. The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies are also available. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or stop by the seminary. 
  • If you missed the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the histroric (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed, you may watch or listen to the speeches that are all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget to check on the blog!

SS logo

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today pastor Tan led the services
    • A NEW issue of Salt Shakers is available - March2025, #75!  Once again you will find a variety of articles on timely subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults! This new issue contains articles on the mission work in Kolkata, testimonies of CERC member conversions, and the beginning of a series on the NT prophecy of Revelation.
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC and her website, to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways. 
    • The February 2025 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "Are the Ungodly Really in God's Image? (2)" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about why David was not executed for his sins against God's law.
    • The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content may be found here.
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today.
    • PRCP Mission labors: "The saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live streaming on our Facebook page. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God." And, this past weekend: "Rev. Ibe and Elder Argel Chua’s visit with the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City on March 27-28, 2025, went very well, by the grace of God. Rev. Ibe led them in their study on the Church Order of Dort Articles 17 - 21 and Reformed Dogmatics [Soteriology] on the Ordo Salutis [Regeneration Part 3]. We pray for God’s continued spiritual strength and growth for the churches in these areas as they learn and receive the Reformed truth of God’s sovereign particular grace in Christ Jesus and for His sake only. Soli Deo Gloria!
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Mitch Suarez led her services today using PRC video sermons. Today is was announced that Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) declined the call from Byron Center PRC to serve as minister on loan to this sister congregation.

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

RWH Logo 2019
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

haak small

  • This month - March 2025 - the RWH is broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak. This week's message is titled "Freedom" based on Romans 8:2.
  • 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.).

Ursinus HC RFPA 2025

ComfortTo comfort God’s people with instruction in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This was the main reason the Heidelberg Catechism was written. And to that end, George W. Williard's English translation of The Commentary of Dr. Zacharias Ursinus on the Heidelberg Catechism has existed alongside the Catechism since 1851, assisting many generations of believers in plumbing the depths of the biblical truth of comfort expounded in the Catechism.

This 2025 edition of the Commentary is improved in readability and consistency compared to previous editions but still remains faithful to Williard’s original English translation. Bibliographical and explanatory footnotes have also been added to improve the reader’s study. Now in an enhanced format, the Commentary is a theological classic that would find a home in any Christian library. 

  • rfpa 04The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1. 
    *Special note: RBO Storytime:
    Join us Thursdays for Spring Storytime at 10:15 on March 27, April 3 and 17 (not April 10). Let your little ones enjoy a few stories and a craft, while you browse our books or enjoy a cup of coffee!
  • If you are in need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people, check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for assistance with any of these materials (616-531-1490).

  • 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.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 "Are YOU saved by grace through faith? The Word of God is not merely presenting some objective doctrine. It doesn't say salvation is by grace through faith; and it is the gift of God. Listen, by grace are YE saved.... Does God say that to you? Have you been chosen in Christ, reconciled to God by His death, united to Him by faith? Let me ask you this: "Are you a sinner?" Do you recognize yourself as an empty vessel, dead in trespasses and sins? That is the fruit of the Spirit of Christ in you.

"Do not despair, do not fear; rather, rejoice and be very glad! Flee to the cross of Jesus and see there the blood of Him Who died for you. Go to Joseph's empty tomb and see that He arose the victor over death. Look heavenward and expect your Savior -- He is coming quickly and his reward is with Him. You have comfort, peace, and hope. The comfort of salvation by grace, the peace of forgiveness by grace, and the hope of life everlasting by grace.

"Do you know that? Then you say with the same Apostle Paul, "God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of Jesus Christ" (Gal. 6:14). There is no room for boasting. Salvation is all by grace. But that also means that every ground for despair has been removed. The eternal, faithful God will never fail! Glory be to Him, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things!

"That is not my word, it is the blessed gospel of Jesus Christ."

Taken from the pamphlet "Saved by Grace" by Robert D. Decker, one of this month's featured resources

Read more...

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for March 23, 2025

Isaiah 12 2On this twelfth Lord's Day of 2025, we are privileged and called to gather in the Lord's presence, by grace and through faith, for worship of and fellowship with our covenant God, our sovereign, saving Father and Friend. As we do so, we are equipped and encouraged by His Word and Spirit for our life and callings in this world.

And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. ~ Isaiah 12:1-3

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of March 23. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you; or you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

  • On March 2 Grandville PRC extended a call to Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC, IL). He plans to answer next week.

  • On March 9 Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN) called Rev. J. Smidstra 1st PRC-Holland-MI). He plans to answer by March 30.

  • On March 12 Byron Center PRC called Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) to serve as minister on loan to the PRC-Philippines (Provident PRC). He plans to answer by March 30.

  • Last Sunday (March 16) Rev. J. Maatman declined the call from Grace PRC.

  • Last Sunday (March 16) Prof. B. Huizinga declined Hudsonville PRC.

  • The Council of Hope PRC-Redlands, CA presents the following trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC), D. Holstege (Wingham PRC), and W. Langerak (Trinity PRC). The congregational meeting is planned for after the evening service on March 30.

  • Southwest PRC's Council has formed a new trio consisting of Revs. R. Barnhill, G. Eriks, and D. Holstege. The congregational meeting has been moved to next Sunday morning, March 30, after her morning service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (March 23) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Spriensma in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Smidstra in Grace PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. C. Spronk in Grandville PRC; Rev. D. Kleyn (1st of two weeks) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. R. Dykstra and Rev. N. Decker in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus in Lynden PRC; Sem. B. Feenstra and Rev. D. Lee in Southwest 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 travel and supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to petition the Lord for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special congregational notices:

  • Georgetown PRC: "GVSU Witnessing Tuesday, March 25 & April 8 – We will start the night outside Au Sable Hall @ 6:30PM. After prayer, we will pair up and witness outdoors. Late arrivals are welcome! Call/text Brad at 616-293-5560 to let us know when to expect you and we can pair you up with someone." "In connection with Georgetown PRC's Evangelism Committee, we have begun a weekly Bible Study at GVSU and are looking to invite Protestant Reformed students to participate. It is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Christians and also to witness to other students. If you are at all interested, please contact Bruce Feenstra at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (909) 809-2789."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

DFW PRC Fellowship 2024 Logo

  • Classis West met on Wednesday, March 5, in Calvary PRC in Hull, IA. A report of the meeting may be found on this webpage.

  • HAVEN of Mercy is grateful for your in-person and online attendance and support shown at HAVEN '25:  What's Next? The Way Forward After Disclosure.  The attendance is evidence of our community's desire to learn and grow in knowledge and understanding of abuse dynamics, protection of the flock, victim care, and perpetrator accountability.  The six speeches and the Q&A session from the conference have been recorded and are available at https://www.havenofmercypr.org/haven-2025-conference.  We have also recorded an additional, extended Q&A session with our speakers, Brad Hambrick and Darby Strickland, in which they answered many more questions that were submitted at the conference.  More information about this extended Q&A and a link to the new recording will be posted on our Facebook page and sent to our email subscribers.

  • Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2025 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 16th. 


Convention 2025 – Register & Chaperone Opportunities!

patio lunch March 20 2025
PRTS enjoyed a patio lunch this past Wednesday March 20, the last day of winter!

PR Theological Seminary News:

  • The PR Theological Seminary enters its tenth week of the 2nd semester this week. Faculty, students, and staff covet and appreciate your prayers as they carry out their various labors during this semester.
  • The second round of Practice Preaching will take place the next two Mondays, March 24 and 31, with Sems. A. Van Dyke, B. Feenstra, and I. Van Baren making and delivering new sermons. Be in prayer for them and for the faculty as they conduct this important aspect of the students' training.
  • Joseph Dick (1st year) will lead in devotions this week; there is no chapel this Wednesday due to practice preaching on Monday.
  • This Thursday, March 27, the 4th grade class of Hope PRCS (Walker) and Mr. Dan Hanko plan to visit the seminary. Prof. B. Gritters will introduce them to the seminary, give them a brief tour, and then they will join faculty and students for devotions and coffee break.
  • Sem. B. Feenstra will be doing his senior internship in Doon (IA) PRC under Rev. D. Kleyn and his Consistory. That will run from July 1 to Dec.31.
  • Sems. Aaron Van Dyke and Bruce Feenstra are licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of these men must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • Work continues on the Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal, which will contain the expanded speeches the professors gave at their Fall 2024 conference on the common grace/particular grace controversy in 1924. In the meantime, the Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is available. The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies are also available. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or stop by the seminary. 
  • If you missed the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the histroric (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed, you may watch or listen to the speeches that are all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget to check on the blog!

great commission map 3

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today pastor Tan led the services. In this week's "pastoral voice" Pastor Wee writes about the mission work in Kolkata: "Yesterday, the CK/CKS youth had a presentation on the mission work in Kolkata by a Foreign Mission Committee (FMC) member, brother Gim Theng. I trust it was a profitable time learning of our fellow saints there, putting some faces to names, and learning more of some of the needs and the challenges faced there. ...Pray for our missionary pastor Rev Singh as he labours there in what is often a lonely work, even as the Reformed faith is despised by heathens and nominal Christianity alike. Pray for the saints that they might be steadfast amidst persecution and hardship, that they will have spiritual eyes to see the true riches of salvation in Christ, and to desire to join themselves to a true church there, even if that church is despised in the eyes of the world, for being small, and for not having a church building. Pray also for the FMC and our Council (pastors, elders, and deacons) as we make various decisions to support the mission work there, seeking to institute a church which has the three "selfs": self-governing, self-propagating, and self supporting. Pray for the upcoming delegation visit of Elders Lee and Tang, and brother Gim Theng, as they assess the readiness of the fellowship group to be established as a church, and seek to assist in that goal."
    • A last issue of Salt Shakers is available - August 2024, #73.  Once again you will find a variety of articles on timely subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults!
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC and her website, to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways. 
    • The February 2025 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "Are the Ungodly Really in God's Image? (2)" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about why David was not executed for his sins against God's law.
    • The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content may be found here.
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today.
    • PRCP Mission labors: "The saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live streaming on our Facebook page. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God." And, this weekend: "Rev. Ibe and Elder Argel Chua are scheduled to visit with the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City on March 27-28, 2025. God willing, Rev. Ibe will continue the lecture on the Church Order of Dort Articles 17 - 21 and Reformed Dogmatics [Soteriology] on the Ordo Salutis (Regeneration Part 3). We pray for God’s continued spiritual strength and growth for the churches in these areas as they learn and receive the Reformed truth of God’s sovereign particular grace in Christ Jesus and for His sake only. Soli Deo Gloria!"
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Jun Armas led her services today using PRC video sermons. Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) has received the call from Byron Center PRC to serve as minister on loan to this sister congregation.
    • PRCP Classis meeting: "The Provident PRC consistory will attend a special Classis meeting to be held today at Berean PRC church at 2 p.m."

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

RWH Logo 2019
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

haak small

  • This month - March 2025 - the RWH is broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak. This week's message is titled “Grace for Today” based on Matthew 6:34.
  • 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.).

Ursinus HC RFPA 2025

ComfortTo comfort God’s people with instruction in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This was the main reason the Heidelberg Catechism was written. And to that end, George W. Williard's English translation of The Commentary of Dr. Zacharias Ursinus on the Heidelberg Catechism has existed alongside the Catechism since 1851, assisting many generations of believers in plumbing the depths of the biblical truth of comfort expounded in the Catechism.

This 2025 edition of the Commentary is improved in readability and consistency compared to previous editions but still remains faithful to Williard’s original English translation. Bibliographical and explanatory footnotes have also been added to improve the reader’s study. Now in an enhanced format, the Commentary is a theological classic that would find a home in any Christian library. 

  • rfpa 04The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1. 
    *Special note: RBO Storytime:
    Join us Thursdays for Spring Storytime at 10:15 on March 27, April 3 and 17 (not April 10). Let your little ones enjoy a few stories and a craft, while you browse our books or enjoy a cup of coffee!
  • If you are in need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people, check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for assistance with any of these materials (616-531-1490).

  • 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.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 "Now, you ask; but how does this salvation merited on the cross by Christ become mine? Many preachers will tell you, you must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. That of course is true in itself. Certainly the Bible makes plain that there can be no salvation apart from faith in Jesus Christ. But what many mean when they say you must believe is you must accept the sincere offer of the gospel. God loves all men, they say. By grace He provided salvation for all men through His Son on the cross. Now that salvation is all wrapped up in a pretty package and God says all you have to do is accept My gift and you will be saved. Salvation then is no more entirely by grace, it is partly by grace and partly by the work of men who must accept it. And so many preachers will beg and cajole (And I use that term deliberately! - it means deceive!) their listeners in highly emotional "altar calls" to accept Christ and the offer of salvation. If this be your answer to the question "how do I receive salvation" then I pity you! I pity you because you have lost all the comfort of the gospel. If I must accept the offer, if I must do anything at all towards my salvation I am forever lost. I know that from my own experience. My experience tells me every day, I am a damworthy sinner, dead in trespasses and sins.

"Thank God for the comforting, peace giving, hope encouraging message of the gospel which answers, "through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God"!

Salvation is received by the sinner, no, we should say given to the sinner through faith. THROUGH FAITH, you understand! Faith is the means by which God gives us salvation. It is not a condition to salvation which we must fulfill. It is not an act which we must perform upon the basis of which God will save us. Faith is the living bond between God's people and Christ. It is the connection between us and Christ through which God causes all of the blessings of salvation which are in Christ to flow into us. By faith we are united to Christ and live out of Him just as the branches live out of the vine (cf. John 15)."

Taken from the pamphlet "Saved by Grace" by Robert D. Decker, one of this month's featured resources

Read more...

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for March 16, 2025

Isaiah 11 10On this eleventh Lord's Day of 2025, we are privileged and called to gather in the Lord's presence, by grace and through faith, for worship of and fellowship with our covenant God, our sovereign, saving Father and Friend. As we do so, we are equipped and encouraged by His Word and Spirit for our life and callings in this world.

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; ...And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. ...And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. ~ Isaiah 11:1, 2, 5, 10

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of March 16. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you; or you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

  • This past Wednesday (March 12) Byron Center PRC called Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) to serve as minister on loan to the PRC-Philippines (Provident PRC). He plans to answer by March 30.

  • Today Rev. J. Maatman declined the call from Grace PRC.

  • Today Prof. B. Huizinga declined Hudsonville PRC.

  • The Council of Hope PRC-Redlands, CA presents the following trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC), D. Holstege (Wingham PRC), and W. Langerak (Trinity PRC). The congregational meeting is planned for after the evening service on March 30.

  • Southwest PRC's Council has formed a new trio consisting of Revs. R. Barnhill, G. Eriks, and D. Holstege. A special congregational meeting is planned for after the evening service on March 23.

  • Last Sunday Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN) called Rev. J. Smidstra 1st PRC-Holland-MI). He plans to answer by March 30.

  • Last Sunday Rev. G. Eriks declined the call from Lynden (WA) PRC.
  • Last Sunday Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC) declined the call from Southwest PRC.

  • On March 2 Grandville PRC extended a call to Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC, IL).

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (March 16) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Maatman in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. G. Eriks in Grace PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Prof. C. Griess in Grandville PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma (3rd of 3 weeks) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. A. Spriensma in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. H. Bleyenberg (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. D. Noorman in Southwest 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 travel and supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to petition the Lord for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special congregational notices:

  • Byron Center PRC, MI: "Our Community Bible Study is to meet this Thursday (3/20 at 6:30 p.m.) at the Byron Township Library. We plan to continue our study of Creation at Genesis 1:26. Please invite friends and neighbors and join us for a time of fellowship in God's Word!"
  •  First PRC-Grand Rapids: "Community Bible Study meets this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. [at the church] We'll discuss Moses' Choice of Faith, from Hebrews 11:24-26 and Exodus 2:1-15."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

prca100.org
Newest notices re PRCA 100th

Last chance to register to participate in the PRCA 100th Anniversary Celebration! Registration is required for daily activities and to stay on campus. Visit prca100.org and register by this Friday. Registration will not be extended or available after March 21 at 11:59 PM EST. 

A diverse set of sectionals is planned for each morning of the 100th Anniversary Celebration. Explore the topics and speakers at prca100.org/sectionals. Please note, registration is required to participate in the daily activities, including sectionals.

  • PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration (June 2-6, 2025): Participate in this commemorative event by registering at prca100.org by March 21 (note the extension!). A diverse set of sectionals is planned for each morning of the 100th Anniversary Celebration. Explore the topics and speakers at prca100.org/sectionals. Please note, registration is required to participate in the daily activities, including sectionals. Be sure to register by March 21. Those lodging at Calvin University will enjoy a convenient and economical stay and all meals and activities. Local attendees and those arranging their own off-campus lodging must register for activities and meals if desired. To attend visit https://prca100.org/register for registration instructions and the web link.
  • For more 100-year PRC history, videos and photos, visit this Facebook page.

Classis West met on Wednesday, March 5, in Calvary PRC in Hull, IA. A report of the meeting may be found on this webpage.

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D Kuiper chapel March 2025
Prof. D. Kuiper led the PRTS chapel this past Wednesday March 12. 

PR Theological Seminary News:

  • The PR Theological Seminary enters its ninth week of the 2nd semester this week. Faculty, students, and staff covet and appreciate your prayers as they carry out their various labors during this semester.
  • Isaac Van Baren (2nd year) will lead in devotions this week; Wednesday chapel will be led by Rev. D. Noorman.
  • This coming Thursday, March 20, one of the 4th grade classes of Heritage CS (Hudsonville) plans to visit the seminary. Prof. B. Gritters will introduce them to the seminary, give them a brief tour, and then they will join faculty and students for devotions and coffee break.
  • The Theological School Committtee will meet this Thursday afternoon, March 20, at 3:30 at the seminary.
  • The second round of Practice Preaching will take place the next two Mondays, March 24 and 31, with Sems. A. Van Dyke, B. Feenstra, and I. Van Baren making and delivering new sermons.
  • Sem. B. Feenstra will be doing his senior internship in Doon (IA) PRC under Rev. D. Kleyn and his Consistory. That will run from July 1 to Dec.31.
  • Work continues on the Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal, which will contain the expanded speeches the professors gave at their Fall 2024 conference on the common grace/particular grace controversy in 1924. In the meantime, the Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is available. The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies are also available. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or stop by the seminary. 
  • Sems. Aaron Van Dyke and Bruce Feenstra are licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of these men must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • If you missed the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the histroric (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed, you may watch or listen to the speeches that are all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget to check on the blog!

greatcommission1

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today both pastors led a service. In this week's "pastoral voice" Pastor Wee writes about the important role their Christian school society has among their families and the church: "We thank God for the Annual General Meeting of the Covenant Christian Education Society that concluded yesterday. The society elected 2 board members.... We thank God for their willingness to serve on the board, in addition to the many other callings that these men have. May God bless their service, as well as the rest of the board members, for the cause of Christian education, in support of the covenant parents of the church. We thank God for the various initiatives that we can maintain as a society – the pre-school program (thrice a week) and the Bible Knowledge (BK) classes (alternate Saturdays). We thank God especially for the gift of teachers.... They have sacrificed much for the sake of our covenant children. This is something that we tend to overlook or take for granted, as parents or as members of the church, but which is most precious in God’s sight, and which He will use for the good of His covenant lambs and His church. May God continue to sustain these teachers in their labours, and also to give to us a heart for our covenant children, including those whom we are not related to by blood." 
    • A last issue of Salt Shakers is available - August 2024, #73.  Once again you will find a variety of articles on timely subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults!
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC and her website, to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways. 
    • The February 2025 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "Are the Ungodly Really in God's Image? (2)" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about why David was not executed for his sins against God's law.
    • The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content may be found here.
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today.
    • PRCP Mission labors: "The saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live streaming on our Facebook page. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Ronaldo Marquez led her services today using PRC video sermons. Rev. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC) has received the call from Byron Center PRC to serve as minister on loan to this sister congregation.

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

RWH Logo 2019
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

haak small

  • This month - March 2025 - the RWH is broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak. Today's message is titled "Spiritual Lethargy" based on Song of Solomon 5:1-8.
  • 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.).

RFPA Less than least sale

Less Than the Least is the memoirs of Rev. Cornelius Hanko’s long, fruitful life of nearly a century (1907–2005). With history, heart, and humility, Hanko details his experiences and his ministry while living through two world wars, the Great Depression, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the rise and fall of communism, the advent of the space age, and more.

  • rfpa 04The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1. 
    *Special note: RBO Storytime:
    Join us Thursdays for Spring Storytime at 10:15 on March 27, April 3 and 17 (not April 10). Let your little ones enjoy a few stories and a craft, while you browse our books or enjoy a cup of coffee!
  • If you are in need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people, check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for assistance with any of these materials (616-531-1490).

  • 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.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 "Salvation is by grace. What is salvation? A currently popular idea of salvation is that it is social and moral improvement. Jesus is not a Savior in the sense that He suffered and died on the cross and thus made atonement and brought reconciliation for the sins of God's children. Jesus, it is said, is our example. He showed us in his life how to live in peace with all men, how to realize the brotherhood of mankind under the fatherhood of God. If men would but follow the simple example of Jesus there would be peace on earth, all of our troubles would be removed, the Kingdom of God would be ushered in, and all men everywhere could enjoy the good life. You recognize this as nothing but the old social gospel which is just as prevalent today as it ever was. The church is urged to get out into the world and do something about race relations, pollution, overcrowding, population control, war and many other things. The church must not preach a "pie in the sky" salvation based on the blood of the Lamb that taketh away the sin of the world. This is NOT salvation. And the preaching of this kind of salvation is not the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the infallible Scriptures. Neither will this kind of preaching yield the precious fruits of comfort, peace, and hope for God's people.

"Salvation in the Biblical sense is a very rich concept. The term used in our text literally means: to heal, to make well. It is sometimes used in reference to the healing of various persons which Jesus performed. In the spiritual sense the idea is that we are healed of the deadly disease of sin and restored to spiritual health. It also has the meaning of: to rescue from danger or destruction. And in this sense the emphasis is on the fact that God rescues us from the destruction of hell where His fierce and holy wrath burns eternally.

"Salvation then contains two essential elements: 1) it is deliverance from deepest woe, and, 2) it is a raising to highest glory."

Taken from the pamphlet "Saved by Grace" by Robert D. Decker, one of this month's featured resources

Read more...

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for March 9, 2025 *(Updated)

Isaiah 10 22On this tenth Lord's Day of 2025, we gather in the Lord's presence, by grace and through faith, for worship of and fellowship with our covenant God, our faithful Father and sovereign, saving Friend. As we do so, we are equipped and encouraged by His Word and Spirit for our life and callings in this world.

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God. For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land. ~ Isaiah 10:20-23

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of March 9. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you; or you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

  • The PRC congregations (except for seven in the west Michigan area who held theirs in February) will hold their annual Prayer Day service this week Wednesday evening, March 12. You are cordially invited to join them in worshiping the God of creation and providence, who holds all creatures in His hand and who provides daily bread for all, and to whom we must look in daily prayer for our provision and for His blessing. Check the website of the church near you for time of the service.

  • This morning, from a trio of Revs. G. Eriks, J. Smidstra, and C. Spronk Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN) called Rev. Smidstra.

  • Today Rev. G. Eriks declined the call from Lynden (WA) PRC.

  • Today Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC) declined the call from Southwest PRC.

  • Last Sunday (March 2) Grandville PRC extended a call to Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC, IL).

  • On February 23 Hudsonville PRC extended a call to Prof. B. Huizinga (PRC Seminary). He plans to answer by March 16.

  • Rev. J. Maatman is considering the call from Grace PRC (received Feb.16) and plans to answer by March 16.
  • *Byron Center PRC's Council (calling church for a minister on loan to the PRC-Philippines) has formed a trio from a list of eligible ministers to serve in the PRC-Philippines: Revs. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC), A. Brummel (Calvary PRC), and M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC). A congregational meeting is scheduled for March 12 after the Prayer Day service. *Rev. D. Lee has received this call.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (Feb.23) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Mahtani in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. C. Spronk in Grace PRC; Sem. A. Van Dyke and Prof. R. Dykstra (Prof. R. Cammenga, Prayer Day) in Grandville PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma (2nd of 3 weeks) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Sem. B. Feenstra and Rev. A. Spriensma in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. H. Bleyenberg (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. E. Guichelaar in Southwest 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 travel and supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to petition the Lord for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special congregational notices:

  • Byron Center PRC, MI: "This morning, about 15 minutes after the service, Prof. Dykstra and Elder Mike Elzinga will give a presentation on the Philippines and especially the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines."
  • Georgetown PRC: "Texas Mission Trip - Thank you for your prayers and support! Our team returned this week after a busy several days of witnessing at a mall, downtown, and in parks in Fort Worth. Several families from Zion and Grace joined us. The gospel was shared with many people, many tracts were passed out, and Bibles were given to those who needed them. We were also able to fellowship with and encourage Pastor Laning and Margaret and learn more about the field there. It was a great time of spiritual growth for us all and a great first step into evangelism-focused mission trips that we hope to continue with in the future." 

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Calvary PRC new
Calvary PRC in Hull, IA, host of last week's meeting of Classis West

  • Classis West met this past Wednesday, March 5, in Calvary PRC in Hull, IA. A report of the meeting may be found on this webpage.

  • From the PRC Contact Committee: Rev. M. McGeown and Michael Bosveld and their wives returned home safely this past Wednesday from their visit to the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines. The work of the official PRC delegates included doing church visitation in both the Berean and Provident churches, attending the PRCP Classis meeting, and promoting a good relationship with our sister in the Philippines in any way possible. May the Lord use this visit for the mutual strengthening and encouragement of these churches.

  • PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration (June 2-6, 2025): Participate in this commemorative event by registering at prca100.org by March 21 (note the extension!). A diverse set of sectionals is planned for each morning of the 100th Anniversary Celebration. Explore the topics and speakers at prca100.org/sectionals. Please note, registration is required to participate in the daily activities, including sectionals. Be sure to register by March 21. Those lodging at Calvin University will enjoy a convenient and economical stay and all meals and activities. Local attendees and those arranging their own off-campus lodging must register for activities and meals if desired. To attend visit https://prca100.org/register for registration instructions and the web link.
    For more 100-year PRC history, videos and photos, visit this Facebook page.

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Rev Noorman chapel March 2025
Rev. D. Noorman leads the PRTS chapel on March 5. 

PR Theological Seminary News:

  • The PR Theological Seminary enters its eighth week of the 2nd semester this week. The students are taking mid-term exams in some of their classes. PRTS covets your prayers as they carry out their callings during this semester of instruction.
  • Bruce Feenstra will lead in devotions this week; Wednesday chapel will be led by Prof. D. Kuiper.
  • This coming Tuesday, March 11, one of the 4th grade classes of Heritage CS (Hudsonville) plans to visit the seminary. Prof. B. Gritters will introduce them to the seminary, give them a brief tour, and then they will join faculty and students for devotions and coffee break.
  • Sem. B. Feenstra will be doing his senior internship in Doon (IA) PRC under Rev. D. Kleyn and his Consistory. That will run from July 1 to Dec.31.
  • Work has begun on the Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal, which will contain the expanded speeches the professors gave at their Fall 2024 conference on the common grace/particular grace controversy in 1924. In the meantime, the Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is available. The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies are also available. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or stop by the seminary. 
  • Sems. Aaron Van Dyke and Bruce Feenstra are licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of these men must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • If you missed the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the histroric (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed, you may watch or listen to the speeches that are all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget to check on the blog!

John 17 11

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today both pastors led a service. In this week's "pastoral voice" Pastor Wee writes about a special series he is preaching, with application for all of us: "This AM, we continue on in our Lamp and Light sermon series, which parallels our Bible Reading Program, seeking to give us an overview of each book of the Bible. I would like to take the time to encourage us to continue reading the Bible daily for our devotions, and setting aside time to pray as well. It is important to do so consistently: just as we need to eat daily, and even multiple times a day, no less do we need spiritual nourishment, daily! It is also important to read the Bible systematically: just as we need to eat a balanced diet, and not a snack here and there, it is good to read the Bible, not a verse and there (though that too has its place!), but to read the whole counsel of God that is contained within."
    • A last issue of Salt Shakers is available - August 2024, #73.  Once again you will find a variety of articles on timely subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults!
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC and her website, to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways. 
    • The February 2025 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published this past week. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "Are the Ungodly Really in God's Image? (2)" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about why David was not executed for his sins against God's law.
    • The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content may be found here.
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Elders Chua and Espiritu led her worship services today. Special note: "Rev. Ibe and family will be visiting with the saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija today. Our pastor will lead them in their worship service at 9 AM and Bible study at 10:45 AM. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Lester Lee led her services today using PRC video sermons. Special note: "Rev. Martyn McGeown and his wife Sis. Larisa together with Elder Michael Bosveld and his wife Sis. Shari safely arrived in the US last Wednesday (March 5). We thank the Lord for the privilege of them visiting us and to hear God’s Word through Rev. McGeown’s preaching and Bible study. We will continue to pray that God’s blessing rest upon their families. And may the Lord bless Rev. McGeown in all his faithful labors for the Gospel ministry."

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

RWH Logo 2019
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

haak small

  • This month - March 2025 - the RWH is broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak. Today's message is titled "The True Christian Life" based on 2 Timothy 4:7,8.
  • 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.).

RFPA Less than least sale

Less Than the Least is the memoirs of Rev. Cornelius Hanko’s long, fruitful life of nearly a century (1907–2005). With history, heart, and humility, Hanko details his experiences and his ministry while living through two world wars, the Great Depression, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the rise and fall of communism, the advent of the space age, and more.

  • rfpa 04The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1. 
  • If you are in need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people, check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for assistance with any of these materials (616-531-1490).

  • 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.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 "Are you saved? That is the crucial question in life. What is your answer? That we live in frightening times is an understatement. We live in a day such as the world has never seen. It is a time when the very foundations are being shaken. A time of abounding lawlessness that reveals itself in fearful rebellion and bloodshed. Our cities are unsafe. There is no regard for law and order. The entire structure of our modern, enlightened civilization is on the verge of total collapse.

"And everywhere men are desperately searching for answers. The trouble is that men search in the wrong way and from the wrong source. Men refuse to reckon with the fact that the root of the terrible problem of the world is sin. Sin against the living God of heaven and earth who will not excuse or ignore sin, but Who executes vengeance and holy wrath against the workers of iniquity. Refusing to reckon with God man searches in himself for comfort, peace, and hope in the troubled world. He will never find it. His end will be the utter despair of hell.

"The Bible has the answer. And that answer is Salvation from sin and death in Jesus Christ by the grace of God! Those who are saved by grace through faith as the gift of God are not disturbed by the terrible events of the day. They see these things and they rejoice. They rejoice because they know that through all these events Jesus is swiftly coming again to realize the salvation He has purchased for them in the glory of the new heavens and earth. And these have comfort, peace, and hope!"

Taken from the pamphlet "Saved by Grace" by Robert D. Decker, one of this month's featured resources

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