The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church News for this Sunday, September 6, 2020, the thirty-sixth Lord's Day of this year.

• Kalamazoo PRC's Consistory has announced a new trio: Rev. Rodney Kleyn, Covenant of Grace PRC, Spokane, Washington, Rev. James Laning, Hull PRC, and Rev. Stephan Regnerus, Lynden PRC. A special congregational meeting will be held following the evening worship service of September 6, Lord willing. UPDATE: Rev. R. Kleyn has received this call.
  
  
• Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC) has been considering the call from Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN - received August 9). Today he declined this call.
  
  
• The Council of Hudsonville PRC has presented a trio to the congregation from which to call a new pastor: Revs. J. Engelsma (Doon, IA), R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace, Spokane, WA), and C. Spronk (Faith, Jenison). A congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday evening, September 20 following the evening service.
  
  
• Rev. M. Vanderwal (Wingham ON PRC) has accepted the call to First PRC, Edmonton, AB (August 16). He plans to preach his farewell in Wingham PRC next Sunday, Sept.13.
  
  
• Let us remember in prayer the needs of Rev. J. Marcus, who awaits a call to the churches, of Rev. M. McGeown, who awaits permission to enter the States to be installed in Providence PRC, and of Covenant ERC, our sister church in Singapore, as she awaits both pulpit supply from the PRC and a call for minister-on-loan through Grandville PRC - both on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions.
   
• For those who may still be limited to house worship, whether completely or partially, we invite you to visit the PR churches page and follow the links to the websites where the churches' livestream may be found.
  
  
• Did you know that:
  • 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 Commitee 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.).
    
  • The Dordt University (Sioux Center, IA) Bible Study is scheduled to begin another season of study on Mondays beginning September 14 at 7 p.m.? The Bible study will meet in classroom #1316. All college-age students (NWC, NCC, etc) are welcome to attend. For those in attendance, face masks are required as well as six feet of social distancing.

Byron Center PRC, host of this week's Classis East meeting

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

• Classis East is scheduled to meet in Byron Center PRC this Wednesday, September 9, beginning at 8 am. The consistory of Byron Center has decided to host Classis as a "necessary meeting" subject to COVID restrictions imposed on such meetings by the State of Michigan that limits attendance to delegates, staff, and those with material on the agenda. We pray for a meeting marked by good order, biblical principles, and brotherly love, according to the Spirit of truth.
• The 2020 PRC Acts of Synod has arrived from the printer and is in process of being distributed to the congregations. If you have not yet received yours, seek out your congregational clerk, the stated clerk, or contact the seminary.
• 2020 edition of the Church Order: The 2020 edition of the ring-bound Church Order book is now available and may be ordered through the PRC Seminary (616-531-1490). As per synodical decision, these books are updated every five years to incorporate new synodical decisions affecting them. In addition to the Church Order, this book also contains such things as the Constitutions of all synodical committees, the Rules of Synodical Procedure, the Explanation of the Rules for Protests/Appeals/Overtures and the denomination's Articles of Incorporation and By-laws. All these are of most practical use to the office bearers. But, all of our families would do well to cultivate a knowledge of and interest in Protestant Reformed church polity. If you already have the six-ring green binder, you need only order the new inserts ($4.00). The inserts with the binder with the 2020 edition is $10.00. Payment can be made to the PRCA after you receive your materials
• Classis West is scheduled to meet in Edgerton (MN) PRC on Wednesday, September 23.

Special PRC Seminary Notices:

• Seminary has begun its first semester of the 2020-21 school year onsite and in person. Two weeks into the new term and all is well, for which we give thanks to God. Pray for the professors, students, and staff as they have taken up a new season of training for the ministry of the Word.
• Due to the current restrictions on indoor gatherings in the state of Michigan, the Theological School Committee has cancelled the 2020 seminary convocation (usually held in early September). The plan is to have a news report in the October 1 Standard Bearer, including an introduction to the students. Watch for that in the near future!
• For several years, the seminary faculty have permitted auditors to audit some classes. The presence and input of the auditors has been appreciated. With regret, because of COVID restrictions, the faculty is not inviting any auditors this semester. This decision will be reviewed at the end of the semester with a view to Interim 2021 and the second semester.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSIONS NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore: 
  • Do continue to pray that the coronavirus pandemic can be over sooner so that we could resume calling the MOL and request for pulpit supply from our sister churches. As you are aware, travel restrictions are still in place between many countries and that makes it impossible for any PRCA ministers to travel to Singapore in the coming months to assist us in the pulpit supply but we still need to make plans and provision.
  • A new issue of "Reformed News Asia" was published this past week (August 2020, #61). Read all about it here.
• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland: Be sure to read the latest issue of the "Covenant Reformed News" - August 2020!
• PRC in the Philippines: (Maranatha PRC bulletin)
  • The government put Metro Manila and nearby provinces under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) up to September 30, 2020 [extended once again]. The guidelines are reiterated: 1) Everyone should stay home under the GCQ, except frontliners and those who are buying essentials with their Quarantine Pass. 2) Small gatherings, including religious ones, are allowed to ten participants. 3) Island travel and domestic flights are permitted. 4) Classified transportation are allowed to ply with limited passengers only.
  • The latest PRCP newsletter was published this month - have you read the August 2020 report?
• Are we continuing to pray for our dear brothers and sisters throughout the world as they also face trials and tribulations? May we show the communion of saints in this way too.

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

• Currently Rev. A. Spriensma (PRC home missionary) is delivering the messages, and this month he concludes his messages on the truth of God's covenant of grace. Today's message is titled "The Horn of Salvation Raised Up" based on Luke 1:72. Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast, or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.

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REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM:

The Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI (across the parking lot from Gemmens Hardware)

• The Reformed Book Outlet will be running a 25% off sale on most items for the month or September! As a reminder, our hours are Tuesday 10-1, Wednesday 1-5, and Saturday 10-1, or send your order to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• Are you desirous to learn more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  

This Week's Thought for Contemplation:

In what way is David’s flight connected to the church? We have many enemies who taunt us and persecute us. When we are in need of rescue, we can only turn to our faithful covenant God, even when it appears as if He has abandoned us and we are surrounded by our foes. Pray this psalm when you feel as though the enemies of God surround you. Pray this psalm for the persecuted church today. Seek shelter in the knowledge that the Christ has lived, suffered, died, and undergone exile from the benevolent presence of God so that we will not know this judgment. Sing this psalm as a song of praise as we celebrate the mercy and love of Christ and His righteous judgment against the wicked. He will smite all our enemies upon the check bone and break the teeth of the ungodly. Do not lose heart. As David had confidence and peace in face of trials, may we also! Pray like David that God will comfort you through Christ and the presence of His Holy Spirit. No matter what storms might swirl around you, you will know peace and rest. Rejoice, for salvation belongs to the Lord and His anointed. Indeed, may His blessing be upon us, the people of God.

From this past week's special meditation by Rev. A. Spriensma, PRC home missionary - "Divine Confidence" (Psalm 3)

This special meditation has been prepared by PRC home missionary, Rev. Aud Spriensma.

Divine Confidence

Meditation on Psalm 3: 3-5

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. I laid me down and slept; I awakened; for the LORD sustained me.

What storms or trials are you going through? This is a Psalm of David when he was forced to flee from Jerusalem for his life. David’s son, Absalom, had raised an army to kill him. David complained of the multitude of his enemies. In II Samuel 15: 12, we read “The conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.” It was not only was his son in rebellion, but even Ahithophel , one of David’s faithful counsellors joined the rebellion along with generals and soldiers of his army.

But, it was not only men that opposed David. Satan was seeking to prevent the house of David to progress to its fulfilment in the throne of Christ. For we know that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Not only was David fleeing from his son, but he was also fleeing into exile from the presence of God. The Levites brought the ark of the covenant out to follow David into exile, but David told the high priest: “Carry the ark of God back into the city: if I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me back and show me both it and his dwelling habitation. But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him” (II Sam. 15:25,26).

In verse 2, David complained, “Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.” What an attack! These enemies declared that God has forsaken David! Shemei cursed him and swore at him to his face. David knew that his troubles were partly because of his sins with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. Trouble followed him in his family. Doubtless, all the storms, crosses, and trials of life would be even more bitter if there is no help from God!

How might we respond under similar circumstances? Would we abandon all hope? To whom would we turn? In verses 3-4 we find that David lost neither heart nor faith in his covenant God. David called the Lord his “shield”, the one who surrounded him. He also called God his “glory”, the one who lifted his head. In David’s desperation, he cried out to the Lord and He answered him “from his holy hill”. This is an amazing series of statements. In the OT, God’s people knew and experienced God’s presence by being in close proximity to the tabernacle. To draw near to the Lord meant to draw near the tabernacle. But David could not do this, He was in exile. Yet, while David was in exile from God’s presence in the tabernacle, God continued to make His presence known. He was with David and answered David’s pleas. David was able to lay down and sleep (vs. 5). He was not afraid of ten thousands of people (vs. 6). The Lord would arise and defeat his enemies. The Lord gave him the perfect peace that surpassed all understanding and comforted him with His presence. “Salvation belongeth unto the LORD; thy blessing is upon thy people” (vs. 8).

We must see in King David the type. It was Jesus Christ who was forced into exile. Unlike David, He was exiled not because of His own sin, but as He stood in the place of us and our sins. He left the glory of heaven to come down into our sinful world. Bearing our sins, He cried out on the cross, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me.” He was crucified outside the camp, exiled from the benevolent presence of His heavenly Father. His enemies taunted him, “He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God” (Matt. 27: 43). Even the thieves who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing. But our Lord Jesus had the confidence that His Father is a shield for him, his glory, and would lift Him out of hell on the third day.

In what way is David’s flight connected to the church? We have many enemies who taunt us and persecute us. When we are in need of rescue, we can only turn to our faithful covenant God, even when it appears as if He has abandoned us and we are surrounded by our foes. Pray this psalm when you feel as though the enemies of God surround you. Pray this psalm for the persecuted church today. Seek shelter in the knowledge that the Christ has lived, suffered, died, and undergone exile from the benevolent presence of God so that we will not know this judgment. Sing this psalm as a song of praise as we celebrate the mercy and love of Christ and His righteous judgment against the wicked. He will smite all our enemies upon the check bone and break the teeth of the ungodly. Do not lose heart. As David had confidence and peace in face of trials, may we also! Pray like David that God will comfort you through Christ and the presence of His Holy Spirit. No matter what storms might swirl around you, you will know peace and rest. Rejoice, for salvation belongs to the Lord and His anointed. Indeed, blessing be upon us, the people of God.

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church News for this Sunday, August 30, 2020, the thirty-fifth Lord's Day of this year.

• This morning Rev. G. Eriks (installed last week) preached his inaugural sermon in Unity PRC (Byron Center, MI). This evening the congregation is having a special welcome program outside for him and his family.
  
  
• Kalamazoo PRC's Consistory has announced a new trio according to her bulletin today: Rev. Rodney Kleyn, Covenant of Grace PRC, Spokane, Washington, Rev. James Laning, Hull PRC, and Rev. Stephan Regnerus, Lynden PRC. A special congregational meeting will be held following the evening worship service of September 6, Lord willing.
  
  
• Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC) is considering the call from Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN - received August 9). May the King of the church guide him in his consideration of this call.
  
  
• Rev. M. Vanderwal (Wingham ON PRC) has accepted the call to First PRC, Edmonton, AB (August 16). According to Wingham's bulletin, he plans to preach his farewell on Sunday, Sept.13.
  
  
• Let us remember in prayer the needs of Rev. J. Marcus, who awaits a call to the churches, of Rev. M. McGeown, who awaits permission to enter the States to be installed in Providence PRC, and of Covenant ERC, our sister church in Singapore, as she awaits both pulpit supply from the PRC and a call for minister-on-loan through Grandville PRC - both on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions.
   
• For those who may still be limited to house worship, whether completely or partially, we invite you to visit the PR churches page and follow the links to the websites where the churches' livestream may be found.
  
  
• Did you know that:
  • Rev. A. Stewart and Rev. M. McGeown exchanged pulpits today, with the former traveling to Limerick (Ireland) and the latter to Ballymena (N. Ireland)? We rejoice with them that these travels and exchanges have resumed after the UK lockdown earlier this year.
  • while our PRC Seminary is able to hold classes onsite and in person again this term, the seminary of the PRC in the Philippines must conduct their classes online for the time being? Revs. (professors too!) D.Holstege, D.Kleyn, and R.Smit are using live-streaming tools to carry on their instruction. Let us not forget to pray for them too.

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

• The 2020 PRC Acts of Synod has arrived from the printer and is in process of being distributed to the congregations. If you haven't received yours yet, be patient - it will arrive soon!
• 2020 edition of the Church Order: The 2020 edition of the ring-bound Church Order book is now available and may be ordered through the PRC Seminary (616-531-1490). As per synodical decision, these books are updated every five years to incorporate new synodical decisions affecting them. In addition to the Church Order, this book also contains such things as the Constitutions of all synodical committees, the Rules of Synodical Procedure, the Explanation of the Rules for Protests/Appeals/Overtures and the denomination's Articles of Incorporation and By-laws. All these are of most practical use to the office bearers. But, all of our families would do well to cultivate a knowledge of and interest in Protestant Reformed church polity. If you already have the six-ring green binder, you need only order the new inserts ($4.00). The inserts with the binder with the 2020 edition is $10.00. Payment can be made to the PRCA after you receive your materials
• Classis East is scheduled to meet in Byron Center PRC on Wednesday, September 9.
• Classis West is scheduled to meet in Edgerton (MN) PRC on Wednesday, September 23.

Special PRC Seminary Notices:

• Seminary began its first semester of the 2020-21 school year this past week and all went well. Pray for the professors, students, and staff as they have taken up a new season of training for the ministry of the Word.
• Due to the current restrictions on indoor gatherings in the state of Michigan, the Theological School Committee has cancelled the 2020 seminary convocation (usually held in early September). The plan is to place Prof. D. Kuiper's convocation speech in an upcoming Standard Bearer, as well as an introduction to the students. Watch for that in the near future!
• For several years,the seminary faculty have permitted auditors to audit some classes. The presence and input of the auditors has been appreciated. With regret, because of COVID restrictions, the faculty is not inviting any auditors this semester. This decision will be reviewed at the end of the semester with a view to Interim 2021 and the second semester.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSIONS NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore: 
  • Due to the pandemic restrictions decided to cancel her annual church camp (usually held in June) and reschedule for June 2021.
  • Do remember our fellow brethren in Kolkata in your personal and family prayers. Pray that God will uphold the saints in their fervent desire to gather for worship at Rev Singh’s home on the Lord’s Day. Pray that the saints in Kolkata rejoice in the great salvation that God has given them and may the joy of the Lord be their strength as they live in this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pray for Rev Singh that the Holy Spirit will use His faithful preaching of the Word to apply the Word into the hearts of the saints so as to bring comfort, courage and joy to them.
• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland: Be sure to read the latest issue of the "Covenant Reformed News" - August 2020!
• PRC in the Philippines: (Maranatha PRC bulletin)
  • The government put Metro Manila and nearby provinces under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) up to August 31, 2020. The guidelines are reiterated: 1) Everyone should stay home under the GCQ, except frontliners and those who are buying essentials with their Quarantine Pass. 2) Small gatherings, including religious ones, are allowed to ten participants. 3) Island travel and domestic flights are permitted. 4) Classified transportation are allowed to ply with limited passengers only.
  • The latest PRCP newsletter was published this month - have you read the August 2020 report?
• Are we continuing to pray for our dear brothers and sisters throughout the world? Their needs are many and manifold, and our Lord's mercy is all-sufficient.

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

• Currently Rev. A. Spriensma (PRC home missionary) is delivering the messages, and this month he continues to speak on the truth of God's covenant of grace. Today's message is titled "A New Covenant with Israel." based on Jeremiah 31:31. Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast, or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.

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REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM:

The Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI (across the parking lot from Gemmens)

• The Reformed Book Outlet will be running a 25% off sale on most items for the month or September! As a reminder, our hours are Tuesday 10-1, Wednesday 1-5, and Saturday 10-1, or send your order to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• Are you desirous to learn more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  

This Week's Thought for Contemplation:

When we find ourselves suffering for the sake of righteousness, we too must seek shelter in the hope of this psalm. Try as they might, the nations and the wicked will not overthrow the reign of the Lord and his Anointed. Christ reigns and will shelter all those who take refuge in Him. Oh, the heathen rage! Many take counsel together against the Lord and His Christ in rebellion. But Christ is already enthroned. Those who take refuge in Him shall also one day reign with Him. Whatever the opposition, no human power can ever nullify or undo God’s divine purpose.

Are you allowing pessimism to affect you, or are you hanging on to the hope that Christ’s kingdom will prevail in every nation? Do you serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling? Have you kissed the Son in submission and love? One day, maybe very soon, Christ will return as Judge.

From this past week's special meditation by Rev. A. Spriensma, PRC home missionary - "Divine Laughter" (Psalm 2)

 This special meditation has been prepared by PRC home missionary, Rev. Aud Spriensma.

Divine Laughter

Meditation on Psalm 2: 1-7

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

The Lord reigns! Just as Hurricane Laura came on our shores with howling wind and restless waves of the sea, so do the wicked rage. Psalm 2 describes the terrible opposition that David experienced once he was anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel. But the opposition against David is only a faint type of the reaction of the wicked against the Lord Jesus. Jesus, the righteous King is contrasted with the world which is filled with those who hate the instruction of the Lord. They are those who walk, stand, and sit in the counsel of the wicked (cf. Psalm 1). When Jesus’ righteousness reveals the wickedness of those in the world, they naturally respond in hatred. This is true not only for Christ, God’s anointed, but also for all those who follow Him. There is a conflict between those who seek shelter in the Christ and those who refuse Him. This is the conflict of the ages between the Lord’s Anointed and the nations.

Think back to the beginning of Christ’s ministry. Hearing of the birth of Jesus, Herod immediately began to plot against him. Later, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes plotted to kill Jesus. Jews and Gentiles (Pilate and the Romans) tried to extinguish the light of the world! In Acts 4: 24-28 the Apostles John and Peter report the evil treatment they received of the religious leaders. They pray to God using Psalm 2 to describe the opposition to Christ’s ministry. But clearly, they point out that the wicked doing this are only carrying out what God’s hand and counsel determined beforehand. The wicked put Jesus to death; the Lord raised and exalted Him.

What is the LORD’s reaction to this rebellion and hatred of his Son? The Psalmist writes, “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision.” Just as the raging sea could not hurt Jesus and His disciples when out on the Sea of Galilee, so also the plotting of the wicked cannot hold back the reign of Christ Jesus nor His kingdom. God has set His Son on His throne. He did this after Jesus’ victory over sin, Satan, and death in His death and resurrection. He ascended up into heaven, and His enemies are made his footstool. The Apostle Paul quotes this part of Psalm 2 in Acts. 13:30-33. Paul identified the resurrection of Jesus as His royal enthronement.

What comfort this was to the church in Paul’s day. They underwent persecution from the Jews and the Gentiles. The nations hatched their plots and schemes, yet the Lord “sitteth in the heavens” and laughs. Even though Christ has been installed on Mount Zion, the nations still conspire and rebel against His authority. Do we not still see this today? Think of all the persecution of the church in many nations. Think of the sinful and rebellious counsel of the wicked in our own land. The abortion of little children is seen as essential while the worship of the Lord in His house had been banned. What a rebellious and sinful world we live in. And it will only get worse!

For the rebellion of the wicked, Christ will come with a rod of iron and dash them to pieces. We see God’s judgment in the world today with the violence and upheaval in the streets of our cities. There are the natural disasters: fires, floods, and hurricanes. This is only the beginning. Kingdoms rise and fall. But Christ is coming again in glory, and will bring judgement. Not one of the wicked will escape. They will be broken like a piece of pottery.

The Psalm ends with a call to repentance. Instead of rebelling against the Lord’s Anointed, let people abandon their sinful ways and submit in faith to Christ. “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son…Blessed are all they that put their trust in him” (vs. 11,12).

When we find ourselves suffering for the sake of righteousness, we too must seek shelter in the hope of this psalm. Try as they might, the nations and the wicked will not overthrow the reign of the Lord and his Anointed. Christ reigns and will shelter all those who take refuge in Him. Oh, the heathen rage! Many take counsel together against the Lord and His Christ in rebellion. But Christ is already enthroned. Those who take refuge in Him shall also one day reign with Him. Whatever the opposition, no human power can ever nullify or undo God’s divine purpose.

Are you allowing pessimism to affect you, or are you hanging on to the hope that Christ’s kingdom will prevail in every nation? Do you serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling? Have you kissed the Son in submission and love? One day, maybe very soon, Christ will return as Judge.