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PRC Weekly Congregational, Denominational, and Sister-Church News - October 8, 2017 *(Updated)

Psalms 55 22On this October 8, 2017 Lord's Day we note the following news and information from PRC congregations, classes, and mission fields.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • On Oct.1 Cand. Brian Feenstra ACCEPTED the call from Immanuel PRC in Lacombe, AB (Received Sept.3). We rejoice with this servant of the Lord and his family in God's confirmation of the pastoral call and of His provision of a place to begin his ministry.
  • Last Sunday, Oct.1, the congregation of Byron Center PRC voted to call Rev. A. Lanning, corrently pastor of the Covenant ERC in Singapore. He plans to answer on Oct.22.
  • The Council of Lynden PRC has formed a trio of Rev. B.Huizinga (Hope PRC, Redlands), J.Mahtani (Cornerstone PRC, Dyer, IN) and Cand. S.Regnerus. They plan to call TODAY. *UPDATE: Cand. S. Regnerus has received this call.
  • Cand. S. Regnerus continues to consider the call from the congregation of Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI - received Sept.10). He has up to six weeks to consider this call.
  • Following Rev. R. Smit's acceptance of the call to serve as missionary to the Philippines last Sunday, the Council of First PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) announces these arrangements found in First's bulletin this week:
    • The consistory approved that Rev. Smit preach his farewell sermon on October 22 in the evening service. Because Rev. Smit will be in Singapore and the Philippines on pre-scheduled work for the Contact Committee from October 25 to November 13, Rev. Smit’s installation in the Doon PRC (Doon, Iowa) as foreign missionary to the Philippines has been approved and scheduled for Sunday, November 26, in the Doon PRC in the a.m. service. May our heavenly Father abundantly bless and provide for the Smit family during their time of transition.
  • On August 27 Candidate Justin Smidstra ACCEPTED the call from First PRC of Holland MI, declining the call from Southwest PRC. He will be examined, D.V., at a special meeting of Classis East in Georgetown PRC on October 18.
  • On August 13 Candidate Joe Holstege ACCEPTED the call to Zion PRC. He will be examined, D.V., at a special meeting of Classis East in Georgetown PRC on October 18. The Council of Zion has also made arrangements for his ordination/installation: "The Lord willing, a worship service will be held in Faith PR Church on Friday, October 20, at 7:00 p.m. for the ordination and installation of Minister-elect Joseph Holstege into the ministry of the word and sacraments in Zion PR Church. The worship service will be live-streamed over Faith’s website.
  • Ordained and installed on Sept.29, Rev. Matt DeBoer has now begun his ministry in Edgerton (MN) PRC.
  • Candidates Jon Langerak  and David Noorman are both assisting pastors and congregations in the Grand Rapids area (Georgetown PRC and Hudsonville PRC, respectively) while they wait for calls.

DENOMINATIONAL and SISTER CHURCH NEWS:

  • CLASSIS EAST will meet in special session on Wednesday, Oct.18, at Georgetown PRC for the purpose of examining Pastors-elect J. Holstege (Zion PRC, Hudsonville, MI) and J. Smidstra (First PRC, Holland, MI).

  • Our sister church in Singapore, Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church, recently celebrated her 30th anniversary as a congregation. Mrs. Stephanie Lanning did a special post about this on her blog, "Stories from Singapore." Below are a few pictures from this significant milestone in our sister's history. We congratulate her and pray that she may continue to be a true shining light of Reformed gospel in the Far East.

CERCS 30thanniv 2017 group
The congregation of CERC on her 30th anniversary.

CERCS 30thanniv 2017 session
The session of the CERC on the occasion of her 30th anniversary.

SPECIAL NOTICES:

  • If you wish to see pictures of the recent Seniors' Retreat held at Gull Lake in Michigan, sponsored by Grandville and First PRCs (Holland), visit the bulletin page for this link: 2017 Seniors' Retreat Pictures - Gull Lake, MI (registered users only).
  • Reformed Book Outlet: Check out the special Reformation resources this month! Many titles to choose from - for adults and children!

RWH logo 1

  • Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday! Todays' message by radio pastor Rev. W. Bruinsma is titled "Followers of the Lord", based on 1 Thess.1:6-8.
    • NEW RWH Station - The Cornerstone PRC Word and Deed committee has partnered with the Reformed Witness Hour to air their messages on the radio in the Chicago area. Beginning today, September 10, the broadcast can be heard every Sunday at 4:00PM on WYLL 1160AM or on the internet at www.1160hope.com. Please tune in and encourage others to do so as opportunity arises in your personal witnessing.

 MISSION NEWS:

  • On Sept.17 Rev. A. Spriensma was installed as home missionary, having been called by Byron Center PRC.
  • On Oct.1 Rev. R. Smit (First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI) ACCEPTED the call of Doon PRC to serve as a third missionary to the Philippines. According to First's bulletin this week, "Rev. Smit’s installation in the Doon PRC (Doon, Iowa) as foreign missionary to the Philippines has been approved and scheduled for Sunday, November 26, in the Doon PRC in the a.m. service."We give thanks to the Lord of the harvest for providing this next foreign missionary for this abundant field of labor.

 PastorLTrinidadFam
Rev. L. Trinidad and family, pastor of the Maranatha PRC

  • From the bulletin of Provident Christian Church in Marikina, the Philippines we find the following notes concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:
    • Rev. Holstege will lead both of our worship services today and next Sunday, Lord willing. He will also teach Church Order at 10:15. Rev. Kleyn will be at Maranatha PRC today.

    • Rev. Richard Smit accepted the call to be the third missionary of the PRCA in the Philippines! We rejoice greatly that the Lord has provided another missionary, and even one who is very well acquainted with the Philippines. Rev. Smit labored here from 2009-2015, when his work initially focused on the Berean PRC. Now his work will focus, Lord willing, on the establishment of a seminary. Let us pray that the Lord will be near unto them as they again go through a big change in their life.

  • And from the Oct.8 bulletin of the Maranatha PRC in Valanzuela City we learn about these special events:
    • Today, our Missionary, Rev. D. Kleyn will lead our first and second services. He will also continue the Lesson #68-70 of the Church Order.
    • 7M is scheduled for this Tuesday, October 10, in Provident Village,in Marikina City.
    • Rev. Richard Smit announced, last Sunday, his acceptance of the call to serve as a missionary in the Philippines. We rejoice that the Lord has provided another missionary, especially for the sake of establishing a seminary here one day, the Lord willing. We now look forward to the arrival of Rev. & Tricia and their family in the near future, the Lord willing. Let us remember them in prayer as they prepare for this significant move and for their life and work here.
    • A delegation of the Contact Committee of the PRCA plans to visit the PRCP in the Philippines (and also the CERC in Singapore) this October and November. The delegation consists of Rev. R. Smit and Elder David Kregel. The visit is part of the sister-church relationship that is being established between the PRCP and the PRCA. The delegation hopes to be in the Philippines from October 26 through November 6, the Lord willing.
    • A Reformation Day Conference is being planned for Tuesday, October 31. The theme is “Reformation 500: The Anniversary.” The speakers will be Rev. Holstege, Rev. Kleyn, and Rev. Smit. The conference will be held in Provident Village in Marikina, starting at 8:00 a.m. Registration is Php 50 per person.  All are welcome. Please plan to attend, and please invite others to attend, too.  A sign-up sheet will be available soon. [cf. flyer below]

    Maranatha PRF Bulletin Page 1

  • Let's remember these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines in our prayers daily. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace for all their labors.
    Sa

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Myanmar Report of Rev. Titus - September 2017

 Titus pastor familyMYANMAR COMMITTEE REPORT (Hope PRC)

August 16, 2017

Dear brethren,

Greetings in our gracious covenant Lord's name. Your summer days are gone, but still you are, for His mercy, well with His covenant blessings. Here, raining and hot all the time, but we believe that the Lord is merciful to us His remnant too little flock here.

For His mercy, H1N1 flu virus subsided very much, we give thanks to Him, and to you as well for your prayers.

But new crisis come up here, that is the Muslim extremists attacked Rakhine state and many policemen are killed with civilians, many non-Muslim people fled from that area to inland Burmese country, and many Muslim people fled to Bangladesh neighboring country. In the world those Muslim people called themselves "Rohinga", but we called them "Bengali". Now, the Muslim-extremists-Bengali people joined with Pakistan Isis groups and wanted their Caliphate-area in Rakhine state; so now they formed a terrorist group called "Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army"(ARSA) and fighting local Rakhine tribes. As you know in our last seminar, many from Rakhine state came and studied with us precious Reformed truth; we are quite concern about them and pray for them.

It is very interesting to see [that] our government is dealing with that group of terrorist people because in the world, many news agencies crying loud as genocide, but that is not we know very well as local people. More interesting thing is, many political opportunists try very hard to use it for their advantage, and call for army rule again. Because they know the people like this present government very much, they have no hope to hold power again, so the only thing they can be in power again is army come back and rule as before then with army they can have power back again. So they like to have religious clashes in the whole country, and they try to have one, for example, on 10-9-2017, [an] unknown group appear at night in one of our cities called "Taun Dwin Kyi" and beating local Muslim people and trying to burn a Mosque there. But the real local people do not want to participate with them and call police; then many policemen came up and stop them, and local people said that they never saw those people before. So every city is in alert not to happen that kind of force clashes, and government also announces that if that kind of thing come up, be calm and report to police instead of doing by oneself anything.

For us as churches, we earnestly pray to the Lord that that kind of religious crisis will not happen in our main land, day and night. Because if that kind of thing happens, then army will come back to power and marshal-law will be practiced and all will be back to army-dictatorship. I wonder at the evil heart that unbeliever can have, they do not care [for] the people but they want just the power. I hope and pray that the church of our Lord Jesus Christ will not be troubled by that kind of power-loving people.

 

During the H1N1 crisis, we stopped for three weeks Thursday classes, but for His mercy we can start again our Thursday Bible class. Rev. J. Laning participated through Facetime; he took one hour for Reformed eschatology and another hour we continue discussion on Reformed Essentials. I pray that from this class one day we can have our own Bible school to train local pastor in our own language.

 

I am still busy, editing my KJV Burmese translation. I am now editing the book of First Peter and I preached every week from out of that editing. Evening services [are on] the Heidelberg Catechism, [and] now I reach LD 44.

 

For "Sunday Digest", now I started translating, the book of Joshua, reach chapter 18. I reached translating Come, Ye Children by Gertrude Hoeksema, "David Hears News of the Battle." Many readers [give me] feedback that those stories not only children love to read but adult also love to read them very much and ask me after I did that whole book to produce as a book, especially the remarks that made by Gertrude under the sub-heading "Remember." I am [also] translating, Unfolding Covenant History, by Homer C. Hoeksema, I am translating the topic "God's Creation of Man: Created in God's Image." This book is loved by educated adult and college students very much, but normal Christians and ladies, they said some time, some of modern science's theories they do not understand. But I believe the standard of our PR knowledge must be in Burmese, so that, unbelievers and so-called evangelists scholars will know we are serious students of the Bible.

 

Catechism classes, younger one, Heidelberg Catechism, by Rev. Wilbur Bruinsma, this week we reach lesson 42. Older youth, I am teaching them our Belgic Catechism itself now, reach Article (3).

 

Thank you very much for supporting my ministry; without your help I cannot do all the things that I do for His people. Please continue to pray for us, so that the name of the Lord will be glorified here in this land. In my congregational prayer as well as in personal prayers always pray for you. The Lord's blessings to you all.

Your brother,

Rev. Titus

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PRC Weekly Congregational and Denominational News - October 1, 2017 **(Updated)

Jer3 15 pastorsOn this October 1, 2017 Lord's Day we note the following news and information from PRC congregations, classes, and mission fields.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • *UPDATE: The Council of Lynden PRC has formed a trio of Rev. B.Huizinga (Hope PRC, Redlands), J.Mahtani (Cornerstone PRC, Dyer, IN) and Cand. S.Regnerus.
  • Pastor-elect Matt DeBoer was examined at the meeting of Classis West this past week, approved for ordination, and ordained and installed in Edgerton PRC this past Friday night, Sept.29. We praise God for His provision of another pastor to serve in the PRC. May the Spirit of Christ make this servant's ministry faithful and fruitful. For more on this, visit this special news item.
  • The Council of Byron Center PRC has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs G. Eriks (Hudsonville PRC), C. Griess (Calvary PRC, Hull IA) and A. Lanning (CERC, Singapore). A congregational meeting will be held TODAY after the evening service to call one of these men. *UPDATE: Rev. A. Lanning has received this call.
  • On Sept.10 Cand. S. Regnerus received the call from the congregation of Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI). He has up to six weeks to consider this call.
  • Cand. Brian Feenstra is considering the call from Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) (Received Sept.3). He also has up to six weeks to consider this call. *UPDATE: Cand. Feenstra has ACCEPTED this call.
  • On August 27 Candidate Justin Smidstra ACCEPTED the call from First PRC of Holland MI, declining the call from Southwest PRC. He will be examined, D.V., at a special meeting of Classis East in Georgetown PRC on October 18.
  • On August 13 Candidate Joe Holstege ACCEPTED the call to Zion PRC. He will be examined, D.V., at a special meeting of Classis East in Georgetown PRC on October 18.
  • Candidates Jon Langerak  and David Noorman are both assisting pastors and congregations in the Grand Rapids area (Georgetown PRC and Hudsonville PRC, respectively) while they wait for calls.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

  • CLASSIS WEST met this past Wednesday, September 27, in Hull (IA) PRC, with the highlight being the examination of Pastor-elect Matthew De Boer. For more on this, visit this special news item. A special conference on The Five Solas and How They Matter for the Ministry was held the day before. If you wish to listen to the five speeches that were given, visit this link.

  • CLASSIS EAST will meet in special session on Wednesday, Oct.18, at Georgetown PRC for the purpose of examining Pastors-elect J. Holstege (Zion PRC, Hudsonville, MI) and J. Smidstra (First PRC, Holland, MI).

SPECIAL NOTICES:

  • Reformed Book Outlet: Check out the special Reformation resources this month! Many titles to choose from - for adults and children!

RWH logo 1

  • Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday! Todays' message by radio pastor Rev. W. Bruinsma is titled "Thanks for the Church," based on 1 Thess.1:1-4.
    • NEW RWH Station - The Cornerstone PRC Word and Deed committee has partnered with the Reformed Witness Hour to air their messages on the radio in the Chicago area. Beginning today, September 10, the broadcast can be heard every Sunday at 4:00PM on WYLL 1160AM or on the internet at www.1160hope.com. Please tune in and encourage others to do so as opportunity arises in your personal witnessing.

 MISSION NEWS:

  • On Sept.17 Rev. A. Spriensma was installed as home missionary, having been called by Byron Center PRC.
  • On Sept.17 The congregation of Doon PRC voted to call Rev. R. Smit (pastor, First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI) to serve as a third missionary to the Philippines. *UPDATE: Rev. R. Smit has ACCEPTED this call.

Flores Leyte March 2017
Rev. J. Flores preaching for the PR Fellowship in Leyte this Spring.

  • From the bulletin of Provident Christian Church in Marikina, the Philippines we find the following notes concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:
    • We welcome Rev. Vernon Ibe too who will lead our first worship service today. Rev. Holstege will preach for the Berean PRC in the first service. Then he will teach the Church Order here at PCC and preach in our second service. Rev. Kleyn will be at the PRC in Bulacan today.

    • This Wed, at 7:30 pm, Rev. Holstege will finish teaching the Canons of Dordt. We will consider the Rejection of Errors of Head 5. After this week, the Wed night class will recess until after the Christmas season, Lord willing.

    • This Saturday at 9:00 am, Rev. Kleyn will teach the catechism class for the children. The children should prepare lesson 16 in the OT History for Juniors.

  • And from the bulletin of the Maranatha PRC in Valanzuela City we learn about these special events:
    • A delegation of the Contact Committee of the PRCA plans to visit the PRCP in the Philippines (and also the CERC in Singapore) this October and November. The delegation consists of Rev. R. Smit and Elder David Kregel. The visit is part of the sister-church relationship that is being established between the PRCP and the PRCA. The delegation hopes to be in the Philippines from October 26 through November 6, the Lord willing.
    • A Reformation Day Conference is being planned for Tuesday, October 31. The theme is “Reformation 500: The Anniversary.” The speakers will be Rev. Holstege, Rev. Kleyn, and Rev. Smit. The conference will be held in Provident Village in Marikina, starting at 8:00 a.m. Registration is Php 50 per person.  All are welcome. Please plan to attend, and please invite others to attend, too.  A sign-up sheet will be available soon. [cf. flyer below]

    Maranatha PRF Bulletin Page 1

  • Let's remember these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines in our prayers daily. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace for all their labors.
    Sa

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Reformed News Asia - September 2017 (Issue 43)

Issue 43 - September 2017
Pamphlets
We print pamphlets written by our members and those from other Reformed churches of like-minded faith. They include a wide range of topics from doctrines to church history and practical Christian living. These pamphlets serve to promote knowledge of the true God as expressed in the Reformed faith.
NEW Pamphlet!
THREE CUPS
By Rev Carl Haak (Reformed Witness Hour)

"Of all the truths of the sufferings of Jesus Christ there are none so dear as the truth that He suffered voluntarily. He was not dragged to the cross against His will. He did not endure His suffering as a passive victim, reluctantly, with cold resignation. But He went to the cross and endured His suffering willingly, zealously, and voluntarily...
  
Scripture presents this truth to us in a figure of speech, in the figure of a cup which He willingly drank. All the sufferings necessary to make full payment for our sins were poured into a cup which the Father presented to His Son, the Son of God, who knew what was in that cup and who loved us, drank the cup, and then dashed the empty cup on the ground before the cross."

Read to find out more of our Lord's willing suffering for His people.

Click hereto view our catalogue of pamphlets.

Click here to make an order.

All pamphlets are free. CERC reserves some discretion regarding large orders and/or orders from those outside Singapore.
 
Featured Book
For local orders (S'pore), please contact Ms Daisy Lim at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For international orders, click here.
Knowing God in the Last Days
by Mark Hoeksema

From the RFPA website:

"Knowing God in the Last Days is an explanation of the general epistle of Peter to the early New Testament church. The primary theme of the letter is the knowledge of God, a concept that occurs many times and in various contexts throughout the book. This short epistle contains a wealth of instruction for the church today.

The secondary theme of 2 Peter is the application of the knowledge of God to the last days in which we live. Especially in his third chapter, Peter reveals to the church the knowledge of God as it relates to the end times.

Based on exegesis of the Greek text, this commentary gives clarity of explanation to God’s people regarding necessary and important aspects of today’s Christian life. May all who read be edified."
 
Audio Recordings
Click to listen to the latest sermons in the series on Galations:

Why Then The Law?

Heirs in Christ
 
 
Upcoming Events!
 
Mooncake Gospel Meeting

Invite your friends and loved ones to the upcoming mooncake gospel meeting on 7th Oct! Details in the poster below.
 
Reformation Day Conference 2017

Come commemorate the 500th year of the Reformation with us this RDC! Details in the poster below.
 
CKCKS Camp 2017

Our annual CKCKS Camp is back! Save the dates!

Theme: Examine Yourselves (2 Cor 13:5)
Dates: 19-22 Dec 2017
Location: Aloha Loyang Sea View Bungalow 1
Registration: 12 Nov to 3 Dec

For more information, visit http://ckckscamp.weebly.com/
 
Past Events...
 
CERC 30th Anniversary
On 23rd Sep, CERC celebrated her 30th anniversary. There was an exhortation based on our church theme, "Be Ye Holy", various song presentations as well as greetings from friends in sister churches, followed by cake-cutting and fellowship over dinner. We are thankful to the Lord for His preserving Hand over us all these years. May He keep CERC as a faithful church, shining for Him in this region of the world.

Ps 90:1-2

Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
The youths' presentation on "By the Gentle Waters". Click to listen!
 
CK/CKS Outing
In our recent CKCKS outing, the youths had a time of sports and games at Bishan Park, during which some of us were doubled over in laughter. We were joined by two visitors from Washington, Sarah Kleyn and Lisa Heystek.
For the first game, we had to try and a insert a small tube through the mouth of a bottle while it dangled from a string tied to our waists. 
The second game was an animal relay in which participants had to transport a ball to and fro while moving like a duck, kangaroo or crab.
 
Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church
We are a Reformed Church that holds to the doctrines of the Reformation as they are expressed in the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dordt.

Lord’s Day services on Sunday at 930 am & 2 pm • 11 Jalan Mesin, #04-00, Standard Industrial Building, Singapore 368813 • Pastor: Rev Andy Lanning  • www.cerc.org.sg 
 

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Reformed Witness Hour Messages for October 2017

WBruinsma 2First PRC of Grand Rapids, MI and the Reformed Witness Hour Committee announce the messages scheduled for October 2017 on the RWH radio program.

Rev. Bill Bruinsma, pastor of Pittsburgh PRC (Pennsylvania) begins his four-month service for the RWH program, as he starts a new series on Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians (cf. schedule of messages below).

October 1 - Thanks for the Church, I Thess.1:1-4

October 8 - Followers of the Lord, I Thess.1:6-8

October 15 - Entrusted with the Gospel, I Thess.2:3-4

October 22 - Receiving the Word of God, I Thess. 2:13

October 29 - God's Saints: The Crown of Rejoicing, I Thess.2:19-20

You are encouraged to listen to these important messages and to let others know about them too. Help spread the word about the Reformed Witness Hour, now in its 76th year of broadcasting the truths of God's sovereign, particular, efficacious grace!

Use the attached flyer (pdf) to spread the news of these important gospel messages!

PO Box 1230, Grand Rapids MI, 49501 | www.reformedwitnesshour.org | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

RWH Facebook image

RWH Flyer October 2017 Page 1

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Meeting of Classis West - September 27, 2017 *(Updated)

HullPRC2012Classis West met on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, in Hull, IA PRC.

Rev. Nathan Langerak (Crete PRC) served as chair, and Rev. John Marcus (First, Edmonton PRC) as clerk.

The newly appointed Stated Clerk of Classis West, Rev. Josh Engelsma, has now completed his first official public report, which now follows, along with some pictures sent in from various observers.

 
Report of Classis West

While Classis West did not officially convene until Wednesday, September 27, two noteworthy events took place the day before.

 
First, an officebearers' conference was held in Hull PRC.  In connection with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the conference was entitled "The Five Solas and How They Matter for the Ministry."  Rev. C. Griess spoke on "Scripture Alone," Rev. A. Brummel on "Faith Alone," Rev. E. Guichelaar on "Grace Alone," Rev. R. Barnhill on "Christ Alone," and Rev. B. Huizinga on "God's Glory Alone."  The speeches were a great encouragement to all assembled.  If you weren't able to attend the conference but would like to hear the speeches, go to Covenant of Grace PRC's page on sermonaudio.com
 
Second, on Tuesday night the delegates of Classis assembled with the congregation of Hull PRC to hear the specimen sermon of Pastor-elect Matthew De Boer, who had accepted the call to serve as pastor of Edgerton PRC.  Mr. De Boer preached on Psalm 91:1-2 and gave evidence of his abilities to feed God's sheep.

The following morning Classis convened to hear the oral examination of Mr. De Boer.  He was examined in the six sections of Reformed doctrine, knowledge of Scripture, knowledge of the confessions, controversy, and practica. Classis West, with the concurrence of the synodical deputies from Classis East, unanimously approved his examination and advised Edgerton PRC to ordain him to the ministry. Edgerton intends to do this at a special worship service on September 29.
Classis also approved the request of Lynden PRC for the emeritation of her pastor, Rev. Ron Hanko.  His emeritation will be effective on October 15, and he and his wife plan to move to Spokane, WA to be closer to their son, Neal.  Classis expressed its deep appreciation to Rev. Hanko for his 38 years of faithful service in our churches and on the mission field.
 
In other matters, Classis advised a consistory to increase the censure on an impenitent member.  Increased subsidy for one of our churches was approved.  The following schedule of classical appointments for Immanuel (Lacombe) PRC was approved: Nov. 5 and 12 – Rev. Brummel; Nov. 19 and 26 – Rev. De Boer; Dec. 3 and 10 – Rev. Griess; Dec. 31, Jan. 1, and Jan. 7 – Rev. Engelsma; Jan. 21 and 28 – Rev. Langerak; Feb. 11 and 18 – Rev. Key; March 4 and 11 – Rev. Huizinga; March 18 and 25 – Rev. Guichelaar.
 
With his accepting of the call to serve as professor in our seminary, Rev. Doug Kuiper tendered his resignation as stated clerk of Classis West, a service he has performed for almost 10 years.  Rev. Joshua Engelsma was appointed to replace him.
 
The expenses of Classis totaled $8,433.31.  The next regular meeting of Classis is scheduled for March 7, 2018 in Loveland PRC.
 
Rev. Joshua Engelsma
Stated Clerk, Classis West  

 

 MattDB CLW exam 2017 3

The highlight of the day was the examination of Pastor-elect Matt DeBoer (Edgerton, MN PRC). After careful examination in all branches of theology and the main subjects of practical theology (cf. picture above). 

Classis West voted unanimously to approve the brother for ordination into the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC, and informed the Council of Edgerton PRC that she may proceed to his ordination and installation. That will take place Friday evening, Sept.29, at 7 pm (CT) in Edgerton PRC.

We rejoice with Pastor-elect DeBoer and his wife and their families and thank God for His sustaining grace evident during the examination.

MattDB exam CLW sept 2017 2
Pastor-elect Matt De Boer (with wife Kelsey) receiving his classical diploma from Rev. N. Langerak

 CLW Sept 2017 audience
Some of the (young) audience in attendance at Classis (local Christian school children).

On Tuesday, Sept.26 an Officebearers' Conference on the Five Solas of the Reformation was held, also in Hull PRC (cf. flyer below). If you would like to listen to the speeches on each of the solas, visit this special Sermonaudio link.

Solas CWofficebearers 2017 Page 1

PRC Weekly Congregational and Denominational News - September 24, 2017

Psalms 16 11On this final Lord's Day of September 2017 (Sept. 24) we note the following news and information from PRC congregations, denominational committees, and mission fields.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

  • The Council of Byron Center PRC has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs G. Eriks (Hudsonville PRC), C. Griess (Calvary PRC, Hull IA) and A. Lanning (CERC, Singapore). A congregational meeting will be held on October 1 after the evening service to call one of these men.
  • On Sept.10 Cand. S. Regnerus received the call from the congregation of Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI). He has up to six weeks to consider this call.
  • Cand. Brian Feenstra is considering the call from Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) (Received Sept.3).
  • On August 27 Candidate Justin Smidstra ACCEPTED the call from First PRC of Holland MI, declining the call from Southwest PRC. He will be examined, D.V., at a special meeting of Classis East in Georgetown PRC on October 18.
  • On August 27 Candidate Matt DeBoer ACCEPTED the call from Edgerton PRC. He will be examined at the meeting of Classis West in Hull, IA this week (cf. below).
  • On August 13 Candidate Joe Holstege ACCEPTED the call to Zion PRC. He will be examined, D.V., at a special meeting of Classis East in Georgetown PRC on October 18.
  • Candidates Jon Langerak  and David Noorman are both assisting pastors and congregations in the Grand Rapids area (Georgetown PRC and Hudsonville PRC, respectively) while they wait for calls.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

  • The installation of Rev. Doug Kuiper as professor of church history took place this past Wednesday, September 20, at Faith PRC in Jenison, MI. For more on this significant event, visit this page.

  • CLASSIS WEST: Classis West will meet this Wednesday, September 27, in Hull (IA) PRC, with the agenda involving the examination of Pastor-elect Matthew De Boer among other busniess.
    • Pastor-elect Matthew De Boer will be leading a worship service at Hull PRC Tuesday, September 26, at 7:00 p.m. as part of his Classical Examination. 
    • A Classis West Conference on The Five Solas and How They Matter for the Ministry will be held at Hull PRC on Tuesday, September 26 starting at 9:00 a.m.  Lunch will be served with a free-will offering.  All are invited to attend.  *[cf. attached pdf and flyer image below]

Solas CWofficebearers 2017 Page 1

  • Classis East met on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Grandville PRC. For the report, visit this page.

SPECIAL NOTICES:

  • Reformed Book Outlet: Through the month of September, we are once again selling selected volumes of the Protestant Reformed Psalm Singing Choir (formerly called "Fitting Praises") for $3.00 each. This includes volumes 3,4,6,8, and 15, and each CD contains different Psalter numbers.  These CDs make great gifts, especially for shut-ins, and newly married couples.  Call 616-669-6730, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • A new PRC Psalter app (Android) has been developed by Hope PRC member Jonathan Vermeer. You will find it in the Google Play store at this link. The app includes lyrics and tunes to all of our Psalter #s and links to the Psalms themselves. Plus, it has a special "night mode" setting for use in the dark (as, for example, for campfire singing).

RWH logo 1

  • Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday! Todays' message by radio pastor Rev. C. Haak is "Who is Jesus?", based on Matthew 1:21.
    • NEW RWH Station - The Cornerstone PRC Word and Deed committee has partnered with the Reformed Witness Hour to air their messages on the radio in the Chicago area. Beginning today, September 10, the broadcast can be heard every Sunday at 4:00PM on WYLL 1160AM or on the internet at www.1160hope.com. Please tune in and encourage others to do so as opportunity arises in your personal witnessing.

 MISSION NEWS:

revaspriensma 1

  • On Sept.17 Rev. A. Spriensma was installed as home missionary, having been called by Byron Center PRC.
  • On Sept.17 The congregation of Doon PRC voted to call Rev. R. Smit (pastor, First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI) to serve as a third missionary to the Philippines.

Holstege 7M Oct 2016 
Missionary-pastor D. Holstege leading the 7M pastors' meeting (Dec. 2016) - cf. note below.

  • From the bulletin of Provident Christian Church in Marikina, the Philippines we find the following notes concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:
    • Rev. Holstege will preach both sermons today and teach the Church Order from 10:15-10:45. Rev. Kleyn will preach for Maranatha PRC today.

    • This Wed, at 7:30 pm, Rev. Holstege will teach the Canons of Dordt, Head 5, Art. 12-13. “This certainty of perseverance…is the real source of humility, filial reverence, true piety, patience in every tribulation, fervent prayers, constancy in suffering and in confessing the truth, and of solid rejoicing in God…”

    • This Saturday at 9:00 am, Rev. Kleyn will teach the catechism class for the children. The children should prepare lesson 15 in the OT History for Juniors.

  • And from the bulletin of the Maranatha PRC in Valanzuela City we learn about these special events:
    • The 7M pastors’ classes will be held on Tuesday (Sept. 26) at 9:30 a.m. in Provident Village, Marikina City, DV. Both of the standing committees of the Classis plan to hold meetings during the afternoon of this Tuesday, September 26, at Provident Christian Church — Committee #2 at 1:00 p.m., and Committee #1 at 3:30 p.m.
    • A delegation of the Contact Committee of the PRCA plans to visit the PRCP in the Philippines (and also the CERC in Singapore) this October and November. The delegation consists of Rev. R. Smit and Elder David Kregel. The visit is part of the sister-church relationship that is being established between the PRCP and the PRCA. The delegation hopes to be in the Philippines from October 26 through November 6, the Lord willing.
    • A Reformation Day Conference is being planned for Tuesday, October 31. The theme is “Reformation 500: The Anniversary.” The speakers will be Rev. Holstege, Rev. Kleyn, and Rev. Smit. The conference will be held in Provident Village in Marikina, starting at 8:00 a.m. Registration is Php 50 per person.  All are welcome. Please plan to attend, and please invite others to attend, too.  A sign-up sheet will be available soon. [cf. flyer below]

    Maranatha PRF Bulletin Page 1

  • Let's remember these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines in our prayers daily. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace for all their labors.
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Covenant Reformed News - September 2017

 

Covenant Reformed News

September 2017  •  Volume XVI, Issue 17


What Is a Protestant? (3)

As well as the truth that the Bible alone is the Word of God (sola Scriptura), Protestants believe in Christ alone (solus Christus).

The Lord Jesus is both fully God and fully man in one divine Person. He is the eternal and only begotten Son of God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, incarnate. As Christ, He is God’s anointed One as promised in the Old Testament. As Jesus, He is the only and complete Saviour. As Lord, He the sovereign governor of all.

We Protestants believe Christ’s virgin birth, sinless life, sacrificial death, victorious resurrection, glorious ascension and almighty rule at God’s right hand. 

On the cross, our Lord died for all the sins of all His elect people. All our iniquities were “laid on,” imputed or reckoned to Him (Isa. 53:6) and He bore the punishment for them that was due to us. As our only high priest, He continually prays for us, for “he ever liveth to make intercession for” us (Heb. 7:25).

In order for God to save sinners, Christ’s cross and intercession are absolutely necessary. It is entirely sufficient for all our salvation. We do not need the pope, earthly priests, Mary or the saints to bring us to God (John 14:6; Eph. 2:18; Heb. 10:19-22).

The battle of Protestantism with Rome (and others) is essentially the same as that in Acts 4 between the unbelieving Jewish religious leaders and the apostles, who declared concerning Christ, “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (11-12).

Scripture alone teaches salvation in Christ alone by faith alone (sola fide). Protestantism proclaims that our salvation and perfect righteousness in Jesus Christ is received solely by faith. The forgiveness of sins in Christ’s blood and the imputed righteousness of God (the lifelong and perfect obedience of Jesus) is ours by believing—only by believing! Our justification and legal standing before God, therefore, does not need any supplementation by the works of the the saints, the Lord’s earthly mother, the church or ourselves.

This biblical and Protestant truth is just as necessary today over against Rome as it was in the sixteenth century. Sadly, sola fide is also crucial against much of modern day evangelicalism. Some of those who speak of justification by faith alone actually mean justification by man’s free will alone! They teach that the sinner’s salvation is determined by the decision of his own supposed free will, contrary to the truth of God’s Word (Rom. 3:11; 7:18; 8:7) and the united testimony of the Reformation, including Martin Luther’s great Protestant manifesto, The Bondage of the Will (1525).

Sola fide is vital for the comfort and vitality of the Christian every day. Being justified by faith alone, we have “peace with God” (Rom. 5:1) and blessedness (4:6-9; Ps. 32:1-2)!

To go further, Scripture alone teaches salvation in Christ alone by faith alone through grace alone (sola gratia). Our salvation is a divine gift, an entirely gratuitous or gracious gift, according to the sovereign favour of our merciful God in Jesus Christ, for we were “chosen … in him before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4).

Grace alone, both in time (by the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ) and in eternity (in election)—this is Protestantism, because this is the teaching of God’s Word: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). “So then it is not of him that willeth [so much for man’s free will!], nor of him that runneth [i.e., the exertion of man’s works], but of God that sheweth mercy” (Rom. 9:16).

The fifth of the Five Solas is the glory of God alone (soli Deo gloria). The glory is not man’s (even in the tiniest part), whether by his supposed free will or his good works, for all that is truly good in the believer’s works is entirely by God’s grace (John 15:5; Eph. 2:10). The glory is not even partially the church’s, especially not the false church of Rome nor any other false or departing church. 

Salvation is wholly of the Father, through the Son and by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the glory is alone due to the Triune God: the electing Father, the atoning Son and the calling Spirit. Soli Deo gloria is the message of the Reformation, for “our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased” (Ps. 115:3)!

Philip Schaff, the church historian, sums it up well: “Romanism puts the Church first and Christ next; Protestantism reverses the order. Romanism says, Where the Church is (meaning thereby the papal organization), there is Christ; Protestantism says, Where Christ is, there is the Church. Romanism says, Where the Catholic tradition is, there is the Bible and the infallible rule of faith; Protestantism says, Where the Bible is, there is the true tradition and the infallible rule of faith. Romanism says, Where good works are, there are faith and justification; Protestantism says, Where faith is, there are justification and good works. Romanism throws Mary and the saints between Christ and the believer; Protestantism goes directly to the Saviour. Romanism proceeds from the visible Church (the papacy) to the invisible Church; Protestantism from the invisible Church (the true body of Christ) to the visible ... Protestantism is a protest against the tyranny of man on the basis of the authority of God. It proclaims the Bible to be the only infallible rule of Christian faith and practice, and teaches justification by grace alone, as apprehended by a living faith. It holds up Christ as all in all, whose word is all-sufficient to teach, whose grace is all-sufficient to save.”  Rev. Stewart
 

Saul’s Prophesying, Solomon’s Wives and Hell’s Torments


I am going to answer three unrelated questions in this issue of the News.

Question 1: “I Samuel 18:10 states that Saul prophesied when the ‘evil spirit’ came upon him (cf. I Sam. 10:9-13; 19:23-24; John 11:51). How do we explain this?”

In the old dispensation, those who were officebearers (especially prophets, priests and kings) were given the Holy Spirit to equip them for their work. Through the Spirit, they were enabled to prophesy, make sacrifices or rule God’s people. They were thus designated by God to be His appointed servants. 

Such men were not always true believers; some, though anointed, were evil men. Such was Caiaphas who prophesied that Jesus would “die for the people” (John 11:50). Caiaphas, interestingly, did not intend what the prophecy meant in God’s purpose (51-52), but we are told that he prophesied because he was high priest that year, that is, an office-bearer in Israel, though a wicked one (51).

There were downright wicked men who also prophesied, as, for example, the prophets who falsely assured Ahab that he would gain the victory over the Syrians (II Chron. 18:5). It is possible that men prophesy by means of Satan or some demon in their hearts. After all, Satan frequently imitates the work of God as best he can to claim that he has the same power as Jehovah. Verses 19-22 clearly show that a demon did make the prophets of Ahab prophesy. It is because of false prophets in the nation that God told Israel how to distinguish between true prophets and counterfeits (Deut. 13:1-11).

In the new dispensation, God pours out His Spirit on all flesh, that is, on all His people to form a universal church gathered from all nations, tribes and tongues. Sometimes men who hold offices in the church are evil men whose sin is all the greater because they sin as office-bearers. The Spirit is the Spirit of Christ who is the great Prophet of God. As God’s prophets in a wicked world, we must hold forth the truth of His written Word.

Question 2: “Solomon’s first wife, it seems, was a pagan (I Kings 3:1).Was he not transgressing in this thing (Gen. 28:1; Ex. 33:16; Deut. 7:2-3; I Cor. 7:39)? Yet shortly thereafter God appears to him in a dream to bless him (I Kings 3:5-15)?”

I see no proof in Scripture that the daughter of Pharaoh was Solomon’s first wife (I Kings 3:1). We read in I Kings 14:31 that the mother of Rehoboam (and, therefore, Solomon’s wife) was Naamah the Ammonitess. She may well have been Solomon’s first wife, because it was not uncommon for a king to anoint his firstborn son to be his successor. This practice fitted with the general rule in Israel that the firstborn received the birthright. Whether or not this Ammonitess was a godly woman we are not told. We may speculate that, if she was Solomon’s first wife, she may have been a believer. But we are building a house of cards, all based on guesses concerning things God has seen fit not to tell us. We are in danger of drawing a wrong conclusion, if we do that. 

I Kings 11 seems to me to offer the clue we need (1). Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines (3). Kings in those days frequently married daughters of other kings to seal a treaty of peace between their two nations. Solomon probably followed the same practice. Kings of great power and wealth also made polygamy a practice because it displayed the king’s wealth. After all, to support 1,000 wives takes a lot of money.

While polygamy itself was not directly condemned by God in the old dispensation, marrying foreign woman surely was (2). The result of Solomon’s sin in marrying foreign wives was that he also fell into the terrible sin of idolatry (3-8). The Lord punished Solomon for this sin and took away 10 tribes from his son, Rehoboam (9-13).

While we do not read in the historical narratives that Solomon turned from his sin, his repentance is recorded in his book of Ecclesiastes. In light of the fact that this book is Solomon’s confession, there is a certain pathos in his concluding words. After showing the vanity of everything of this world, Solomon says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc. 12:13). Solomon must have written this with a sorrowful heart and a deep sigh of regret, looking back over the 40 years of his reign.

Question 3: “What are the different torments people in hell are going through? And what is the difference between hell now and after the final judgment?”

Just as God gives His people a reward and place in heaven that is commensurate with the good works they do by His grace, so He assigns a place in hell that is commensurate with the unbeliever’s sins (Luke 12:47-48). The actual heinousness of their iniquities is determined by God in connection with their position in life. For example, a man who murders thousands and millions (as Hitler and Stalin did) receives a greater punishment than the man who killed only one person. A man who confessed the truth, and then abandoned and blasphemed it, endures greater suffering than a man who never heard the gospel (47-48). Thus there are degrees in hell, just as there are degrees of blessedness in heaven (though every saint is fully and completely blessed).

The torments of hell include bearing God’s wrath. God’s wrath is a terrible thing, for it is to live apart from Him in total abandonment. It is to know one’s sins in the light of Jehovah’s holiness and thus to see one’s awful rebellion against Him. The torments of hell include existing with those whom the people in hell have sinned against. It includes mothers hearing the accusing cries of their unborn babies, whom they killed. It is to see every moment the anguish of one’s family whom one abused and abandoned. 

The torments of hell include great suffering that cannot be compared with any anguish in this life. It is to face such an existence forever: without end—forever and ever. No light at the end of the tunnel. No lessening of the pain—ever. No escape from the torturous cries of those whom one defrauded or cheated or slandered—forever!

The suffering of “the lake of fire” after the final judgment (Rev. 20:11-15) will be similar to the suffering of hell before the last day. The Bible gives us little information on this, except to remind us that it will be suffering of soul and body, and not of the soul alone, when the bodies of the wicked are also raised from the dead. Some “evangelicals” deny hell but their denial of it will only make its reality more terrible when they suffer it.
 
Thanks be to God who sovereignly, without any contribution of good on our part, saves us from the hell we deserve by His amazing grace in Christ crucified!  Prof. Hanko
 

Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
83 Clarence Street, Ballymena, BT43 5DR • Lord’s Day services at 11 am & 6 pm
Website: www.cprc.co.uk • Live broadcast: www.cprf.co.uk/live
Pastor: Angus Stewart, 7 Lislunnan Road, Kells, N. Ireland, BT42 3NR • (028) 25 891851  
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South Wales Lecture

Thursday, 28 September, 2017
 7:15 PM

Speaker: Rev. Angus Stewart
(pastor of the Covenant Protestant Reformed Church, N. Ireland)

Subject:
Martin Luther and God’s Saving Righteousness
 
NEW VENUE:
Margam Community Centre

Bertha Road, Margam, Port Talbot, SA13 2AP 

www.cprc.co.uk
www.cprf.co.uk/swales.htm
www.limerickreformed.com
 

Celebrating
500 Years
of the Reformation

----
Reformation
Conference


Saturday, 21 October, 2017
11 AM -  “Martin Luther: Theologian of the Glory of God”
1 PM - “Justification in Paul
and in James”
(lunch served between the two lectures)

Friday, 27 October, 2017, 7:30 PM 
“Martin Luther: Man of Conviction”

Friday, 3 November, 2017, 7:30 PM 
“Calvin’s Doctrine of the Covenant”

Speaker
 Prof. David J. Engelsma 

emeritus Professor of Dogmatics at the Protestant Reformed Seminary, USA

Venue
Covenant Protestant Reformed Church

83 Clarence St., Ballymena, N. Ireland BT43 5DR

Prof. Engelsma is also to preach at both CPRC services,
11 AM & 6 PM, on Lord’s Days 22 & 29 October and
5 November


Watch www.cprc.co.uk or contact us at (028) 25 891851 
for more details closer to the event 
by David J. Engelsma
(192 pp, hardback)

A devastating critique of Abraham Kuyper's cultural theory of a common grace of God and its grandiose mission of "Christianizing" (not converting) the ungodly world.

£9.90 (inc. P&P)

Order from the 
CPRC Bookstore
on-line, by post or telephone
7 Lislunnan Road, Kells, N. Ireland BT42 3NR
(028) 25891851
.
Make cheques payable to “Covenant Protestant Reformed Church.” Thank you!

Office-Bearers: Qualifications, 
Election, Ordination and Equality


6 classes on Belgic Confession 31 on CD in an attractive box set
 
These doctrine classes discuss the qualifications, election, ordination and equality of office-bearers. Some seek church office with motives and in ways that are sinful. Some who are not appointed are jealous of those who are and so grumble at them and their work! Scriptural and Reformed teaching on an important, oft-neglected and very practical subject!

£6/box set (inc. P&P)

LIsten free on-line
or order from the
CPRC Bookstore
by post or telephone
7 Lislunnan Road, Kells, N. Ireland BT42 3NR
(028) 25891851

Make cheques payable to “Covenant Protestant Reformed Church.”
Thank you!
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