Missions of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for February 20, 2022

Ps42 5Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this eighth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, February 20. We thank the Lord for these weekly spiritual rest stops on our pilgrimage to our heavenly home. May our worship today rise up to our faithful God as a sweet-smelling sacrifice through Jesus Christ our Savior.

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? ...Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. ~ Psalm 42:1,2; 5-8

If you are new to this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

  • This past Wednesday, February 16, Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) received the call from Grace PRC.

  • Today Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) declined the call from Doon PRC.

  • On February 6 Rev. R. Barnhill accepted the call from Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD). As of now, his farewell at Peace PRC is planned for March 13. 

  • Rev. J. Langerak and his wife Sarah moved to Spokane this past week. He will be installed in Covenant of Grace PRC next Sunday, Feb.27, by Rev. R. Hanko, D.V. 
  • First PRC Edmonton's Consistory has formed a trio from which to call a pastor again: Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC , Hull, IA), E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC, WI), and S. Regnerus (Lynden PRC, WA). The congregation plans to vote on Feb.27 after the evening service.

  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R. Hanko in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA); Rev. J. Marcus in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in First PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Smidstra in Grace PRC; Rev. M. DeVries in Heritage PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. J. Holstege in Hudsonville PRC.  What 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.

  • For those whose in-person public worship may still be limited, we invite you to visit the PR churches page and follow the links to the websites where the churches' livestream may be found. Or you may visit the selected audio sermon page and listen to one of your choice there.

Grace NOP Feb 2022
Part of the crowd at Grace PRC's "Night of Praise" last evening - a wonderful night of God-glorifying music!

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

  • Classis West: Classis West will convene on Wednesday, March 2 in Hope PRC, Redlands, CA. There will be an officebearers' conference on the Tuesday before.

  • Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2022 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 31st.

JHolstege chapel Feb 2022
Rev. J. Holstege led the seminary's chapel this past Wednesday.

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The second semester of the 2021-22 school year is now five weeks in. Things are going well, for which we thank our faithful Father. The schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website and the PRC website. (see special calendars on the right side). 
  • The first round of practice preaching will be held on the Mondays of Feb.21 and 28. Pray for the students as they prepare their latest assigned sermons.
  • Rev. J. Holstege (PRTS Class of 2017, pastor of Zion PRC) led the chapel this past Wednesday. In his back-to-back chapels he spoke on Samson. Aaron Van Dyke led the daily devotions. This week Marcus Wee will lead them.
  • The seminary is open daily (8-5), including the library and bookstore, for our members and friends. The staff is available to assist with any other needs you may have as well. Feel free to call in advance for help with any questions.
  • The printed edition of the Fall 2021 issue of the PRT Journal was recently mailed out. The digital editions (pdf and ePub) are also available on the seminary's website. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

DHiggs visit Feb 2022
A special luncheon was held at the seminary this past Friday for local PRC pastors with Rev. D. Higgs of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastor J. Tan is busy serving the CERC faithfully each week.  His "pastoral note" to the congregation includes these good words: "...the truth that God is sovereign must be understood in light of the truth of God’s covenant or else there will be no comfort for God’s people. It is not enough to know that God is sovereign, but as my covenant God, He has given Himself to us His people and swore to us that He will ever be our God, and we will ever be His people. God is not just Sovereign. He is my Sovereign friend. Christ is not just Lord of the heaven and the earth, but he is also my Elder Brother that loves me and gave Himself for me. Now my Lord sits at God’s right hand, and sovereignly works all things for my highest good, for my salvation. This is the God that we worship today. This is the God that we love. This is the God that we confess in all of our lives."
    • The most recent issue of "Reformed News Asia" is available - December 2021 - #65. Be sure to check it out for the latest news from our sister!
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A.Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. 
    • Sign up for the 2022 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland from Saturday, July 9, to Saturday, July 16. The speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Prof. Brian Huizinga will lecture on "Union With Christ." For information see the website (http://brfconference.weebly.com).
    • The newest issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is out - check out the February 2022 edition here. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
    • The latest Philippines Newsletter is available - January 2022 (visit the foreign missions page and see the download at the top of the right-hand column).
    • Berean PRC bulletin: "Rev. V. Ibe led the worship services today. The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live streaming at our Facebook page, D.V."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: "Rev. D.Kleyn will preach and lead our worship services today. A livestream of our services will be provided at the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page."
    • Classis of the PRCP convenes on Friday (February 25, 2022) at 9 AM at Provident PRC in Provident Village, Marikina City.
    • The PRCP seminary has resumed in-person classes for the second semester at the Seminary Library in Beverly Hills, Antipolo. 

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

WBruinsma 2017

  • Currently, Rev. W.Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC, Pennsylvania) is the featured speaker, with focus on a series on Hebrews 11. Today's message is based on Hebrews 11:31 and titled "By Faith Rahab Received the Spies."
  • The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet. These printed sermons are a great blessing to many and are distributed all over the world, including to many prisoners in the U.S. If you or your Evangelism Committee would like to receive these, let the RWHC know and they will add you to the mailing list (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

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REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM

kjv of bible
Struggling to know which Bible version to use? Read this pamphlet for help answering this question.

  • The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is open four days a week and features Reformed publications, good Christian music, and other practical items (cards, etc.) Come visit the store Tuesday - Friday from 10am-5pm, or Saturday from 10 am - 1pm!

  • For sound, distinctively Reformed literature on a variety of subjects and for all ages - including church history and Bible study materials - visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association website or stop in at their Jenison (Michigan) location.

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

  • Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.

  • The PR Sunday School Association also publishes complete OT and NT Bible Story Lessons for young children and older children. Visit this page to learn more.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

"There is no essential difference between the faith of God’s people in the Old Testament and in the New Testament!

"Hebrews 11:13 says, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” The only difference between their faith and ours is that we, by faith, have seen the beginning of the fulfilment of these promises in the coming and work of Jesus Christ, though we too still see the completion of those promises “afar off” but that is not an essential difference.

"Jehovah’s people in the Old Testament believed, loved and embraced God and His promises, for they were all promises of Christ. For the sake of these promises, they were willing to live as strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Believing these same promises, we trust in the same God that they did, the God of Israel. Like them we, by faith, love these promises more than we love anything else and love the Christ of the promises. It is to those promises that we cling in the darkest times, as they did, and it is these promises that make us, with them, strangers and pilgrims on the earth (I Pet. 1:1; 2:11).

"The whole of Hebrews 11 shows that their faith is the same as ours. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (1). Faith is its own evidence and, therefore, also its own assurance of things that eye hath not seen or ear heard or that have entered into the heart of man to understand. Faith needs no more proof than itself and needs no “scientific” proof that “the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (3). It does not need such proof today and never did. As it was both evidence and assurance for the “elders” (the saints of the Old Testament), so it is for us (2).

"Faith for us is everything that it was for the Old Testament people of God. It offers “a more excellent sacrifice” to God (4), though no longer the animal sacrifices that pointed ahead to the sacrifice of Christ. Out of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice, faith offers “the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (13:15). Faith still translates us, as it did Enoch (11:5), so that “whosoever liveth and believeth in [Jesus] shall never die” (John 11:26), whether we go to heaven in the way Enoch did or in the ordinary way."

~ Rev. R. Hanko in the February issue of "Covenant Reformed News"

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Covenant Reformed News - February 2022

Covenant Reformed News


February 2022 • Volume XVIII, Issue 22


The Black and Pale Horses

After treating the white and red horses in the last issue, we now turn to the black and pale horses (Rev. 6:5-8). The black horse speaks of food and drink in terms of subsistence, famine and luxury. The “pair of balances” or scales is used to weigh food carefully (5). A “measure” (Greek: choinix) was a dry measure of about 2 pints, an adult male’s requirement of food for a day (6). A “penny” was a working man’s daily pay (6).

In other words, this speaks of the minimum food needed for survival. If a man can work, he can feed himself for a day with bread made from wheat (“A measure of wheat for a penny”) or for three days with bread made from barley, which is cheaper (“three measures of barley for a penny”).

But what about his buying other things? What about providing for his wife and children? What if he becomes sick or is injured? Economically, such a man ekes out his existence day by day and things are even harder if he has a family. The third horse is “black” for this is the colour of scarcity and famine (cf. Jer. 14:2; Lam. 4:8; 5:10).

The above describes the way it has been for most people over the last 2,000 years. Even in our day, there are many people who do not have enough to eat and so suffer hunger, ill-health or starvation, for example, in Haiti, N. Korea, Venezuela or parts of Africa. But in previous ages it was much worse!

But this is not all, for “a voice in the midst of the four beasts” cries out, “see thou hurt not the oil and the wine” (6). Wine and olive oil suggest that others possess plenty and even enjoy luxury. “Do not damage these things,” cries the voice; this would upset the wealthy!

There are huge economic disparities around the world and even within individual countries, such as South Africa and Suriname. There are the haves and the have-nots, the rich and the poor, and the First World and the Third World, though there are, of course, many degrees between these extremes.

Material poverty and economic disparity are also found in Christ’s blood-bought church, considered both globally and in individual congregations. Our Saviour Himself said, “For the poor always ye have with you” (John 12:8).

Christ Himself opens the third seal and sends forth the black horse! This teaches us that agriculture and trade, failed crops and inflation, empty bellies and famine relief agencies, etc., are included in God’s counsel and governed by the Lord Jesus seated at His right hand. “For promotion [or material prosperity] cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another” (Ps. 75:6-7).

Jehovah is sovereign over the distribution and inequality of foodstuffs and wealth, determining whether we own or rent property, live in a mansion or a hovel, are employed or unemployed, have empty or full larders, etc. Even man’s sinful responses—the snobbery and condescension of the prosperous, and the envy and resentment of the poor—are not outside of the eternal decree of our heavenly Father.

The fourth and final horse in Revelation 6 is pale, the colour of a corpse, and its rider is “Death,” who is closely followed by “Hell” (8). Four terrible means of death are listed in Revelation 6:8.

First, there is the “sword,” which includes slaughter by bullet or bomb, or even through an infected wound or exhaustion in battle. This reminds us of the second seal (3-4).

Second, we read of death by “hunger,” from the scarcity of food and in times of famine. These things are covered in the third seal, as in the first part of this article (5-6).

Third, “Death” kills “with death”! To what does this refer? Death by accident or old age? It speaks of death by disease or pestilence (cf. Eze. 14:21) in all its different forms, including smallpox, flu, tuberculosis, malaria, cholera, HIV/AIDS, cancer, measles, diphtheria, etc. Diseases may be caused by bacteria, viruses or genetic disorders, and occur through poor quality water or air pollution, poor sanitation or malnutrition, etc.

Fourth, the rider on the pale horse kills “with the beasts of the earth,” such as wolves, snakes, elephants, scorpions, etc. Mosquitoes are more dangerous than any of these as “carriers, or vectors, for some of humanity’s most deadly illnesses ... Mosquito-borne diseases cause millions of deaths worldwide every year with a disproportionate effect on children and the elderly in developing countries” (National Geographic).

Authority is given to the pale horse and its rider “over the fourth part of the earth” to kill human beings in these four ways: “with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” A quarter speaks of the steady rate, the usual frequency, of human mortality, though it fluctuates somewhat at certain times.

Jesus proclaims, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Rev. 1:18). Thus it is entirely fitting that the Triune God has appointed our risen Lord as the ruler over death, the One who sends forth the pale horse. From His throne in heaven, Christ has governed the deaths of billions of people all around the world for two millennia. He is absolutely sovereign over diseases, epidemics, medicine, health care, funeral services and mourning.

Our Saviour’s rule over death includes all future deaths, including our own. Through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, the death of each child of God is “a passage into eternal life” (Heidelberg Catechism, A. 42), for Christ prepares our place in His Father’s house and “will come again” to receive us unto Himself (John 14:2-3)!  Rev. Stewart

 

 
 

The Faith of Old Testament Believers

One reader of the News has sent this request: “I would appreciate if Rev. Hanko could write something concerning the faith of the Old Testament saints and how/where it differs from the faith of New Testament believers (Heb. 11:13; John 8:56).”

This is a very good inquiry (as are all the questions that we receive), but I believe that in referring to Hebrews 11:13 and John 8:56 the reader has already given us the basis for the answer to his own question. There is no essential difference between the faith of God’s people in the Old Testament and in the New Testament!

Hebrews 11:13 says, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” The only difference between their faith and ours is that we, by faith, have seen the beginning of the fulfilment of these promises in the coming and work of Jesus Christ, though we too still see the completion of those promises “afar off” but that is not an essential difference.

Jehovah’s people in the Old Testament believed, loved and embraced God and His promises, for they were all promises of Christ. For the sake of these promises, they were willing to live as strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Believing these same promises, we trust in the same God that they did, the God of Israel. Like them we, by faith, love these promises more than we love anything else and love the Christ of the promises. It is to those promises that we cling in the darkest times, as they did, and it is these promises that make us, with them, strangers and pilgrims on the earth (I Pet. 1:1; 2:11).

The whole of Hebrews 11 shows that their faith is the same as ours. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (1). Faith is its own evidence and, therefore, also its own assurance of things that eye hath not seen or ear heard or that have entered into the heart of man to understand. Faith needs no more proof than itself and needs no “scientific” proof that “the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (3). It does not need such proof today and never did. As it was both evidence and assurance for the “elders” (the saints of the Old Testament), so it is for us (2).

Faith for us is everything that it was for the Old Testament people of God. It offers “a more excellent sacrifice” to God (4), though no longer the animal sacrifices that pointed ahead to the sacrifice of Christ. Out of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice, faith offers “the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (13:15). Faith still translates us, as it did Enoch (11:5), so that “whosoever liveth and believeth in [Jesus] shall never die” (John 11:26), whether we go to heaven in the way Enoch did or in the ordinary way.

Faith always comes to God believing “that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). The testament makes no difference in that. Faith, “being warned of God of things not seen as yet,” always finds refuge in an ark, no longer an ark of wood but an ark that was prepared on a cross of wood (7). Faith always goes out with Abraham to a place which it after receives as an inheritance and he who has faith always goes not knowing “whither he went,” but looking “for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God,” for he is a stranger in this world as long as life lasts and is never again satisfied with any other city (8-16).

“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets [and of John Hus and John Wycliffe and Martin and another John, of old Polycarp and of the two Margarets, of Ridley and Cranmer, and so many others]: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens” (32-34). Their successors, though unremembered in history, are doing the same today, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, elders and church members, who live everywhere and always by the faith of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us (Gal. 2:20).

The rather minor difference between the faith of Old and New Testament believers is mentioned again in Hebrews 11:39-40: “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” Their faith waited for Christ to come. Now that He has come, our faith waits for Him to come again. That is a difference but not an essential difference. There is no true faith but faith in Christ and nothing for faith but Christ. By faith, whether in the Old or the New Testament it is:

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise
(Prayer of St. Patrick).

John 8:56, the other passage cited by our enquirer, teaches us that the faith of Abraham (and of his true children) was in Christ just as ours is: “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad,” and that is the most important thing about the faith of Old Testament saints. Their faith united them to Christ (it was in God and in Christ) and, uniting them to Christ, it was their righteousness before God, their justification (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:16-25). It was, as it always is, saving faith.

How utterly foolish to teach that the Old Testament saints were saved by law works and by obedience to the law: “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us [and in them], who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:3-4).

What a testimony to the power of faith that, even in the Old Testament, faith rejoiced in Christ, saw His day and was glad, found its righteousness in Christ, obtained the victory over Satan and sin and hell, and hoped for, and was translated to, heaven! In every age, faith is in Christ and the gift of God, “Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:9-10).  Rev. Ron Hanko
Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
83 Clarence Street, Ballymena, BT43 5DR • Lord’s Day services at 11 am & 6 pm
Website: https://cprc.co.uk/ • Live broadcast: cprc.co.uk/live-streaming/
Pastor: Angus Stewart, 7 Lislunnan Road, Kells, N. Ireland, BT42 3NR • (028) 25 891851  
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. • www.youtube.com/cprcni • www.facebook.com/CovenantPRC
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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for February 13, 2022 *(Updated)

Psalm 41 13Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this seventh Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, February 13. We thank the Lord for these weekly spiritual rest stops on our pilgrimage to our heavenly home. May our worship today rise up to our faithful God as a sweet-smelling sacrifice through Jesus Christ our Savior.

By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever. Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. ~ Psalm 41:11-13

If you are new to this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.

  • This Wednesday, Feb.16, Prayer Day services will be held in these congregations in the West Michigan area: Faith, Georgetown, Grace, Hudsonville, Trinity, Unity, and Zion. Most of the services begin at 7 p.m., but check the church's website for details. You are cordially invited to join us in confessing our dependence on the Lord and asking Him to provide for all our needs, especially His grace in Jesus Christ.

  • Last Sunday Rev. R. Barnhill  (Peace PRC-Dyer, IN) accepted the call from Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD), which also means he declined the call from Hudsonville PRC.

  • Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) is considering the call to Doon PRC (received Jan.16). He plans to answer by Feb.20.

  • Grace PRC's Consistory announces a trio (revised after Rev. Barnhill's acceptance) of Revs. J. Laning (Hull PRC), J. Marcus, and C. Spronk (Faith PRC). The congregational meeting is planned for this Wednesday, Feb.16. *UPDATE: Rev. C. Spronk received this call.

  • First PRC Edmonton's Consistory has formed a trio from which to call a pastor again: Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC , Hull, IA), E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC, WI), and S. Regnerus (Lynden PRC, WA). The congregation plans to vote on Feb.27 after the evening service.

  • Rev. J. Langerak preaches his farewell in Heritage PRC today and he and Sarah plan to move to Spokane this week. He will be installed in Covenant of Grace PRC on Feb.27 by Rev. R. Hanko, D.V. Heritage has planned a farewell for the Langeraks for this evening.

  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. E. Guichelaar (2nd week) in Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA); Rev. C.Haak (video) and Rev. J. Engelsma in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. M. Kortus (2nd week) in First PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. C. Spronk in Grace PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. D. Holstege in Hudsonville PRC.  What 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.

  • For those whose in-person public worship may still be limited, we invite you to visit the PR churches page and follow the links to the websites where the churches' livestream may be found. Or you may visit the selected audio sermon page and listen to one of your choice there.
  • Did you know that... Grace "Night of Music" will be held this coming Saturday, February 19, at 7:00 PM at Grace PRC? "Please come out to support the Grace Young People and enjoy a night of praise featuring Voices of Victory, One Accord, instrumental groups, and much more. We hope to see you there!" It's a wonderful to end the week!

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

MMcGeown chapel Feb 2022
Rev. M. McGeown (Providence PRC, Hudsonville; 2010 PRTS graduate) led the chapel again this past week at seminary.

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The second semester of the 2021-22 school year is now four weeks in. Things are going well, for which we thank our faithful Father. The schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website and the PRC website. (see special calendars on the right side). 
  • Sem. M. Wee is providing pulpit supply to Hope PRC-Redlands (CA) today, while Sem. M.Koerner is in Crete (IL) PRC. And the professors continue to preach locally (and sometimes beyond) on a weekly basis as well.
  • The seminary faculty and their wives also participated in the annual PRC ministers' retreat in Shipshewana, IN this past weekend.
  • Rev. M. McGeown (Providence PRC) led the chapel again this past Wednesday. In his back-to-back chapels he spoke on Samson. Arend Haveman led the daily devotions. This week Aaron Van Dyke will take his turn.
  • The first round of practice preaching will be held on the Mondays of Feb.21 and 28. Pray for the students as they prepare their latest assigned sermons.
  • The seminary is open daily (8-5), including the library and bookstore, for our members and friends. The staff is available to assist with any other needs you may have as well. Feel free to call in advance for help with any questions.
  • The printed edition of the Fall 2021 issue of the PRT Journal was mailed out this coming week. The digital editions (pdf and ePub) are also available on the seminary's website. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

Psa 133 1

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastor J. Tan is busy serving the CERC faithfully each week.  His "pastoral note" to the congregation today begins this way: "Beloved CERC family, today we come to the Lord’s house to worship the One True and Living God. The God who is Just, Merciful, Truth and love. Let us bow before this God in great reverence and humility. Let us offer up our sacrifice of thanksgiving together as a family. He is infinitely worthy to receive our praise and worship not just twice this Lord’s Day. He is Infinitely worthy. And after we have worshipped and praised God in heaven for 10 thousand years, we have only scratched the surface."
    • The most recent issue of "Reformed News Asia" is available - December 2021 - #65. Be sure to check it out for the latest news from our sister!
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A.Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. 
    • Sign up for the 2022 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland from Saturday, July 9, to Saturday, July 16. The speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Prof. Brian Huizinga will lecture on "Union With Christ." For information see the website (http://brfconference.weebly.com).
    • Be sure to check out the January 2022 edition of "Covenant Reformed News" - just published at the end of January! Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
    • The latest Philippines Newsletter is available - January 2022 (visit the foreign missions page and see the download at the top of the right-hand column).
    • Berean PRC bulletin: "Elders Sonny Umali and Alann Penaverde will lead us in our worship services this morning. Ptr. Ibe has a week off (Sunday off). The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today via live streaming at our Facebook page, D.V."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: "Rev. R. Smit will preach and lead our worship services today. A livestream of our services will be provided at the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page. Rev. D. Kleyn is scheduled to visit the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto, Bulacan today, the Lord willing, in order to preach and teach there."
    • The PRCP seminary has resumed in-person classes for the second semester at the Seminary Library in Beverly Hills, Antipolo. 

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

WBruinsma 2017

  • Currently, Rev. W.Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC, Pennsylvania) is the featured speaker, with focus on a series on Hebrews 11. Today's message is based on Hebrews 11:30 and titled "The Utter Destruction of Jericho."
  • The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet. These printed sermons are a great blessing to many and are distributed all over the world, including to many prisoners in the U.S. If you or your Evangelism Committee would like to receive these, let the RWHC know and they will add you to the mailing list (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

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REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM

Calvinism Truth RCH 2011 cover
Need a solid resource explaining the difference between Calvinism and Arminianism? Read this pamphlet available here.

 
  • The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is open four days a week and features Reformed publications, good Christian music, and other practical items (cards, etc.) Come visit the store Tuesday - Friday from 10am-5pm, or Saturday from 10am - 1pm!

  • For sound, distinctively Reformed literature on a variety of subjects and for all ages - including church history and Bible study materials - visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association website or stop in at their Jenison (Michigan) location.

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

  • Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.

  • The PR Sunday School Association also publishes complete OT and NT Bible Story Lessons for young children and older children. Visit this page to learn more.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

"Alas, in these degenerate times, few have any idea that saving faith is a miraculous thing. Instead, it is now almost universally supposed that saving faith is nothing more than an act of the human will, which any man is capable of performing: all that is needed is to bring before a sinner a few verses of Scripture which describe his lost condition, one or two which contain the word "believe," and then a little persuasion for him to ‘accept Christ,’ and the thing is done.

…O my reader, be not deceived on this vital matter: to mortify the lusts of the flesh, to be crucified unto the world, to overcome the Devil, to die daily unto sin, and live unto righteousness, to be meek and lowly in heart, trustful and obedient, pious and patient, faithful and uncompromising, loving and gentle; in a word, to be a Christian, to be Christ-like, is a task far, far beyond the poor resources of fallen human nature.”

~ Arthur W. Pink

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