Jon Lubbers
He can be contacted at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Jon Lubbers
He can be contacted at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Professors in back (l-r): R. Cammenga, B. Huizinga, D. Kuiper, C. Griess, B. Gritters
Students in front (l-r): Isaac Van Baren, Bruce Feenstra, Aaron Van Dyke, Joe Ophoff (missing - Arend Haveman, on internship in Pittsburgh)
The annual Convocation of the PRTS will be hosted by Hope PRC (Walker, MI) on Wednesday, September 6, at 7 p.m. - TONIGHT!
We hope to see you there!
But if you are unable to attend, the event will be livestreamed through Hope PRC's website.
UPDATE: The video of the convocation program is now available on the PRTS' YouTube channel.
UPDATE: (a few pictures from the wonderful evening - a full sanctuary at Hope PRC!)
Rev. G. Eriks, pastor of Unity PRC and President of the Theological School Committee, with welcome and devotions
The Protestant Reformed Student Orchestra led by Eric Phelps played two numbers
Prof. Brian Huizinga gave a stirring message on "The Protestant Reformed Minister Today"
Prof. R. Cammenga, the seminary's rector, introduced the students - here, Bruce Feenstra from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA
Today, September 3, is the thirty-sixth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. 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 listen online.
Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised. The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! ~ Psalm 113:1-6
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. S. Regnerus in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. J. Maatman in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. C. Spronk in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. R. Smit (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Elder led in Lynden PRC; Rev. S. Key (1st week) in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. D. Noorman in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
Special Upcoming Congregational Activities: The Deacons at Hudsonville PRC are planning a conference for Saturday morning, September 16 at 8:30 AM. Rev. Mahtani will begin with a short speech followed by breakout sessions. The topic of the conference is “Ministry of Mercy in Christ’s Church”. Potential, current, and former deacons are welcome! Please register for this event at bit.ly/Deacon2023.
Classis East: Classis East will meet for its next regular session Wednesday, September 13, 8 a.m. at Trinity PRC. A small part of the agenda has been posted on this page, under the Classis East section. Look for the Sept.13 download item (registered users only).
PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!
Prof. R. Cammenga leading the opening chapel for the PRC Seminary this past Tuesday, the first day of first semester classes.
PRC Seminary Notices:
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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"Christian education is education that is completely and consistently Christian. It is education that is Christ-centred and Bible based. It is education that is controlled not by civil government but by Christian parents. That is not to say that a Christian school is merely a glorified Sabbath School. It is and ought to be a school which teaches the same subjects that are taught in the state schools, but all form a biblical perspective and with a Christian emphasis.
"A Christian school is a school in which history is taught as HIS-story, the story of God’s dealings with the nations. It is a school which teaches science in light of the fundamental truth that the universe in which we live is created and ruled by God. It teaches mathematics never forgetting that mathematics “works” because God is a God of order and harmony. It teaches reading so that the students can read the Bible as well as other books, and judge all they read in the light of Scripture.
"A Christian school is a school in which the teachers are all men and women of sound minds, filled with the Spirit of God, who can be examples of godliness and holiness to the students, and who will not teach the filth and false philosophies of the world in which we live. In such a school not only the instruction but also the discipline are controlled by the teachings of God’s word. In it the students are brought up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 4:4).
"Put very simply, a truly Christian school is a school in which Jesus Christ is King and Lord of all that is done."
~ Rev. R. Hanko in the article "Christian Education," one of trhe featured resources this month
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Today, August 27, is the thirty-fifth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. 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 listen online.
Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. ~ Psalm 112:1-4
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Brummel and Prof. R. Smit in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. J. Maatman in Georgetown PRC; Rev. H. Bleyenberg in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. B. Langerak in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Laning in Loveland PRC; Rev. C. Haak (3rd of 3 weeks) in Lynden PRC; Rev. K. Koole in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. M. DeVries in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
Special Upcoming Congregational Activities: The Deacons at Hudsonville PRC are planning a conference for Saturday morning, September 16 at 8:30 AM. Rev. Mahtani will begin with a short speech followed by breakout sessions. The topic of the conference is “Ministry of Mercy in Christ’s Church”. Potential, current, and former deacons are welcome! Please register for this event at bit.ly/Deacon2023.
Hope PRC (Walker, MI) re labors in Myanmar (from her bulletin today): "The Myanmar Committee reported that it held a video conference with Rev. Titus, Elder Naw Taung, and Deacon Joseph. Although the fighting is getting closer to Yangon, the saints in Myanmar are still able to worship regularly and they testify of God’s faithfulness to them...."
PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
What is the grace of God as revealed in Scripture? Is there a grace of God for all humans - a 'common' grace that improves people and society? Or is grace only saving and always particular, that is, only for those chosen to believe by God? Read this resource for answers to these and other questions.
Three quotes from Martin Luther regarding the Word of God:
"I'll trust in God's unchanging Word, till soul and body sever. For though all things pass away, His Word shall stand forever."
"We must make a great difference between God's Word and the word of man. A man's word is a little sound, that flies into the air, and soon vanishes; but the Word of God is greater than heaven and earth, yea, greater than death and hell, for it forms part of the power of God, and endures everlastingly."
"The Bible is a remarkable fountain: the more one draws and drinks of it, the more it stimulates thirst."
(found in Byron Center PRC's bulletin today)
Today, August 20, is the thirty-fourth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. 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 listen online.
Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. ...He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. ~ Psalm 111:1-4, 9
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Brummel and Prof. R. Dykstra in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. D. Lee in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. B. Huizinga in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key in Loveland PRC; Rev. C. Haak (2nd of 3 weeks) in Lynden PRC; Rev. J. Engelsma in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. G. Eriks in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
Special Upcoming Congregational Activities: The Deacons at Hudsonville PRC are planning a conference for Saturday morning, September 16 at 8:30 AM. Rev. Mahtani will begin with a short speech followed by breakout sessions. The topic of the conference is “Ministry of Mercy in Christ’s Church”. Potential, current, and former deacons are welcome! Please register for this event at bit.ly/Deacon2023.
Special note: Due to wild fires in the Spokane WA area, Rev. R. Hanko and his wife had to evacuate their home this weekend (in Medical Lake), along with their son Neal who stays in a special facility in that area. Neal has since been allowed to return to his place but the Hankos are staying in the apartment that belongs to Covenant of Grace PRC. We thank the Lord for their safety and pray that their home may be spared so that they can return to it soon. *UPDATE (from Rev. Hanko Sunday morning): "What follows is a brief update as of Sunday morning. Saturday the fire began to move south along Interstate 90 and into our area. Saturday morning the fire was less than a quarter mile from our home on the north and on the east. I went in the evening to try to get a few more things from the house and found the firemen battling the fire just behind our back fence. The homes in our neighborhood were all standing as far as I could tell, but the fire had burned into lawns, empty lots and much of the area was still filled with hot spots and smoking debris. I was also able to visit Neal briefly and see how his facility had been
miraculously and providentially saved from the fire at a time when there were few resources on the scene. The fire burned right up to the facility on the south, west and north but the facility itself was untouched, and that at a time when the fire was still moving very quickly as a result of the winds." And another update Monday morning: "Our home has been spared and we are back home. Power went back on last night, but gas is still off. It is very smoky in our area, but we came home worried about hot spots and looters and are now watching the homes of our neighbors as well. There are still many hot spots in our area being monitored by fire-fighting crews, I90 is still closed and the fire is still burning south of us. The fire-fighters are our heroes, having saved almost all the homes in our area by their superhuman efforts. We are especially thankful to God for miraculously sparing us and Neal who is back at his facility which was untouched by the fire, though it burned up to the facility on three sides."
PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
What is the grace of God? Is there a grace of God for all humans - a 'common' grace, or is grace only saving and always particular? Read this resource for answers to these and other questions.
Is the Christian Faith Easy?
We are tempted to say, Yes!
Everyone wants an easy religion, a religion that tells him he is basically good; a religion that tells him God loves everyone and therefore overlooks anything an individual does wrong. Everyone wants a religion that gives ways for man to better himself and his society to make life easier and more pleasurable.
Almost anyone would go along with that kind of religion.
But that is not Christianity.
It is not easy to be a Christian. To make it sound easy, or to change it so that it is easy, is deception. Christianity gives proper recognition to God's greatness and man's sinfulness. There is no easy way to bring harmony between the Holy God and the sinner. However the things that are impossible with men, are possible with God (Luke 18:27).
4. A Christian desires to obey God's will, as revealed by God in His Word.
A Christian struggles against personal sin.
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness..." (Colossians 3:5).
A Christian finds his freedom in obeying God.
"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life" (Romans 6:22).
A Christian confesses his hope of salvation to be in Jesus Christ alone.
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt he saved" (Romans 10:9).
A Christian worships God and enjoys the fellowship with His people.
"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another" (Hebrews 10:24, 25)
If so, we rejoice that God has given you to confess the Christian faith.
Perhaps you believe you are a Christian, but feel confused with Christian teaching and life and want a deeper understanding of the truth or more direction in your life.
Maybe you are not a Christian, but are interested in learning more about the Christian faith and the need that we all have of salvation in Jesus Christ.
~ Rev. S. Key in one of this month's featured pamphlets, Is the Christian Faith Easy?
Today, August 13, is the thirty-third Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. 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 listen online.
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. ~ Psalm 110:1-4
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. R. Dykstra in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. M. McGeown in Georgetown PRC; Rev. R. Barnhill (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Prof. C. Griess in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. C. Haak (1st of 3 weeks) in Lynden PRC; Elders led in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. A. Stewart in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
Special Upcoming Congregational Activities: The Deacons at Hudsonville PRC are planning a conference for Saturday morning, September 16 at 8:30 AM. Rev. Mahtani will begin with a short speech followed by breakout sessions. The topic of the conference is “Ministry of Mercy in Christ’s Church”. Potential, current, and former deacons are welcome! Please register for this event at bit.ly/Deacon2023.
Congregational Evangelism Activities:
2023 Young Peoples Convention: We rejoice in and are thankful for the wonderful week for the 2023 Young Peoples Convention at Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville, IL hosted by Grandville PRC. May the Lord be pleased to use all the experiences for the continued spiritual growth of the young people and for the good of the churches.
PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!
Prof. B. Gritters teaching his church discipline class Wednesday nights (July 12 - August 9) in Hudsonville PRC (see notes below for more information on the videos and outlines from this class)
PRC Seminary Notices:
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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Is the Christian Faith Easy?
We are tempted to say, Yes!
Everyone wants an easy religion, a religion that tells him he is basically good; a religion that tells him God loves everyone and therefore overlooks anything an individual does wrong. Everyone wants a religion that gives ways for man to better himself and his society to make life easier and more pleasurable.
Almost anyone would go along with that kind of religion.
But that is not Christianity.
It is not easy to be a Christian. To make it sound easy, or to change it so that it is easy, is deception. Christianity gives proper recognition to God's greatness and man's sinfulness. There is no easy way to bring harmony between the Holy God and the sinner. However the things that are impossible with men, are possible with God (Luke 18:27).
2. A Christian sees himself or herself as a sinner.
Sin is the result of man's disobedience against God.
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Romans 5:12).
God's law for us is that we love Him.
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Matthew 22:37).
God judges us in the light of His holy law.
"Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one" (Psalm 53:3).
3. A Christian is one who stands before God in Christ.
Self justification is not the way of salvation.
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away" (Isaiah 64:6).
Christ died on the cross to pay for the sins of His people.
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
Christ alone guarantees the Christian's acceptance with God.
"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" (Philippians 3:9).
~ Rev. S. Key in one of this month's featured pamphlets, Is the Christian Faith Easy?
Classis East
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Classis West
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