PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for August 29, 2021

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, August 29, the thirty-fifth Lord's Day of this year 2021.

Today on this new Lord's Day, as God's redeemed and renewed people, we gather publicly in worship to bring our praise and thanks to our triune God for all His gifts, especially the gift of salvation full and free through His Son. By the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts and minds may we give our glorious God the honor due His name. May these words of the psalmist be ours:

The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. ...We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.  ~ Psalm 20:1-3,5

• 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.
   
• Last Sunday (Aug.22) Rev. R. Kleyn accepted the call to First PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) and declined the call to Hudsonville PRC. In First PRC's bulletin today we find this update: The consistory informs the congregation that Rev. Kleyn and his family plan to arrive around September 23.  We have scheduled his installation for October 3.
  
  
• Rev. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC, Dyer, IN) is considering the call from Doon PRC (received Aug.15).
  
  
• Rev. M.DeBoer (Edgerton MN PRC) is considering the call from Kalamazoo (MI) PRC (received Aug.1). He plans to answer by Sept.5.
  
  
• Having recently arrived from the U.K., Rev. M.McGeown and his wife Larisa are settling into Providence PRC's parsonage and west Michigan life, and are thankful to be in their new church home. Plans are for him to be installed next Sunday, Sept.5, with Prof. B. Gritters leading the service. Rev. McGeown is leading her morning service today.

• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R.Hanko in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D.Kuiper and Rev. M.DeVries in First PRC-GR; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev. K.Koole in Grace PRC; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. C.Haak in Hudsonville PRC;  Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. J.Maatman in Kalamazoo PRC; Rev. M.McGeown and Rev. N.Decker in Providence PRC.  We thank the Lord for this blessing of our church federation and the privilege to be able to help one another in this need.
  
  
• For those who may still be limited to house worship, whether completely or partially, we invite you to visit the PR churches page and follow the links to the websites where the churches' livestream may be found. Or you may visit the selected audio sermon page and listen to one of your choice there.
  
  
• Did you know that...
  • Prof. D. Engelsma will again be interviewed on the national radio program Iron Sharpens Iron? This Tuesday, August 31, from 4-6 p.m. (EST), program host Chris Arntzen will interview Prof. Engelsma on and let callers ask him about his commentary on the Belgic Confession (Part 4!). If you have never tuned in to listen, this would be a great oportunity! Another interview on this program is scheduled for that same time slot Sept.10 on the subject of Hyper-Calvinism. Mark your calendars for that one too!

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

• Although the furlough of Rev. D. Holstege and his family came to an end on June 30, they are not able to enter the Philippines right now due to an immigration problem related to COVID restrictions. The council of Doon PRC and the FMC have approved a plan which has the Holsteges staying in the States for a few more months and seeking to return to the mission field, if the Lord wills, no later than December 10. “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:6).
• PRC Synod 2021: The delegates and advisors met from June 9-17. The printed PRC Acts of Synod 2021 and Yearbook were delivered to the seminary last week. Orders to the congregations are being filled and you should have your copy soon. If not, contact the seminary.
• Synod 2021 instructed the Stated Clerk to include in his letter to the churches a notice of the urgent need for seminary students (Art. 73). The urgency arises from the number of vacant churches, the need for our denomination to fulfill the calling of home missions, the age of some of our older ministers, and the next potential graduate from our seminary is two years away. Let us remember this need for men to proclaim the good news of forgiveness in Jesus Christ in our public and private prayers. Also, consistories should always be ready to encourage any young man in your congregation who has some of the gifts for the ministry.
• Revs. D. Lee and J. Marcus (both now living in West Michigan) are eligible for calls in the PRC and her sister churches. Let us remember them in prayer as they await new charges.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• This past week the seminary began its first semester of the new school year (2021-22). It was a good beginning and we thank the Lord for His blessing.The semester schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website.
• Prof. R. Cammenga led a special chapel this past Wednesday (see photo above), emphasizing the need for ministers of the Word to be bold in their proclamation of the gospel. On the other days, Sem. M.Koerner (junior year) led in devotions. The faculty, students (including pre-sem), and staff enjoyed their annual fall picnic at Hagar Park in Jenison on Friday night. A wonderful evening of food, games, and fellowship was enjoyed.
• Profs. D. Kuiper and B. Huizinga will be teaching new courses as they gradually take over the work of the men they are replacing (Prof. R. Dykstra and Prof. R. Cammenga, respectively). Prof. R. Dykstra will be teaching his final courses this year, while also serving as Byron Center PRC's new pastor. Rev. C.Griess (to be installed as professor in a few weeks) has already started taking his Th.M. classes through Puritan Reformed Seminary in Grand Rapids. Continue to pray for the seminary in all her needs, especially as we begin this new term.
• The seminary faculty invite interested persons to audit three classes this semester (it's not too late to sign up!): Christology (Prof. Cammenga; Tuesday and Thursday, 11:10 AM), New Testament History (Prof. Cammenga; Wednesday and Friday, 7:50 AM); and Reformation era church history (Prof. Kuiper; Wednesday and Friday, 11:10 AM). Classes begin on August 24 and 25. A limited number of auditors are welcome, so long as stricter COVID restrictions are not imposed. Call Sharon at 531-1490 to indicate your interest.
• Don't forget that the seminary library and bookstore are open daily (M-F, 8-5) for any of your book and Bible needs. The staff is available to assist with any needs you may have.
• On Wednesday, September 15, a special worship service for the installation of Rev. C. Griess as professor of theology in the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary will be held in Southwest PRC at 7 p.m. Prof. B. Gritters will lead the service. Seminary convocation will also be included with a time of fellowship afterwards. The link to the live-streaming of the service can be found at southwestprc.org. In addition, the seminary with its most recent addition (new archives room) and renovations (library and professor offices) will be open for viewing. Refreshments will be served at the church and at the seminary. Come up the hill and see the changes!
• Coming this Fall! Seminary Conference:  What is preaching?  What does it mean to preach the gospel?  How does one preach the commands of Scripture?  What is application in preaching?  Make plans now to hear four speeches by the seminary professors, under the conference theme "The Lord Gave the Word: Preaching the Gospel."  The conference will be hosted by Trinity PRC, on the late afternoon and evening of October 28 and 29.  More details will follow.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

Let's also remember our dear contacts and fellow saints in Australia and Tasmania at this time.

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  
  • The "pastoral voice" section of the bulletin was written today by her new pastor, Rev. J. Tan. Here is a small part of his reflections: It is the first week as your Pastor and I have the privilege to bring to you two sermons. To say that I am excited to bring to you God’s word is an understatement. I pray that today we will all hear the gospel of sovereign grace and even in the midst of great trials. Rejoice in the Lord!
    

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A.Stewart continues to bring the word faithfully to his flock in Ballymena.
  • Be sure to check out the last edition of "Covenant Reformed News" (June 2021). Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. R.Kleyn will lead us in the preaching of the Word today via live streaming, D.V. ...In line with the restriction (MECQ) imposed by the National government in NCR from Aug. 21 to 31, 2021, we are not still able to meet and worship God in our church building, today and thus, the preaching of God’s Word will be live-streamed on our Facebook page.
    Rev. Ibe and family are visiting the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija today. Rev. Ibe will give a Word of edification and will also lead them in their Bible study of Ephesians 3, D.V.
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Due to the ongoing COVID quarantines, we are unable to meet in person today. Rev. Smit will lead our worship through live streaming via
    Facebook.  ...May the Lord be pleased to comfort and edify our souls today by means of His Word and Spirit.
  • A new PRC missions newsletter is available - July 2021. Read it at the link provided!
  • PRCP Seminary Instruction: A new semester of seminary instruction began recently on August 10 for our seminary student, Bro. Ace Flores. However, because of ECQ in Metro Manila from August 21-30, and possibly longer, the original plan for this semester has been reorganized (no in-person instruction but online).

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

• For the months of July, August, and September Rev. C.Haak (Georgetown PRC in Hudsonville, MI) is the featured speaker, with focus on his series on the book of Nehemiah. Today's message is based on Nehemiah 8 and titled "The Power of the Pulpit."
  
• Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast (Google Music, Spotify, and iTunes), or visit the links provided here to listen to this program. Are you are regular listener? If not, why not start today!
• 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

Do you have your own copy of the confessions and church order of the PRC? It's a great resource to have in your home and library for Bible study and catechism! Order your copy from the PRC Seminary for only $9.00 or download it digitally here.

• Want to learn more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The Reformed Book Outlet is open and you are welcome to shop the store in downtown Hudsonville (MI). Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (10-5), and Saturday (10-1).

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

The Reformed faith often is associated with what are called the “five points of Calvinism.” Those “five points” by no means exhaust the Reformed faith. Nevertheless, these do mark a distinct difference between it and Arminianism which has infected most fundamentalist churches.

The five points are remembered by many through the use of the acrostic: TULIP. The “T” is for total depravity. This is the scriptural teaching that man is born dead in sins, unable and unwilling to any good whatsoever (Rom. 3:10). All are guilty of the first sin of Adam (Rom. 5:12). All only transgress the law of God by nature (Rom. 3:23). From this follows several conclusions. One can not “offer” to a dead sinner salvation in Christ. Nor can such a one be “invited” to accept Christ or admit Him into his heart. His state is such that spiritual activity is impossible on his part.

The “U” represents unconditional election. From before the foundation of the world, God has chosen unto Himself a people in Christ (Eph. 1:4). Together with this fact, God has also determined to cast others into hell in the way of their sins (Rom. 9:21-22). That this eternal election is “unconditional” means that God chose not because He foresaw that one would believe, but that one believes because God chose him (John 10:26; Rom. 8:29-30).

The “L” represents limited atonement. The atonement is the payment made by Christ for the sins of His people (Matt. 1:21). That it is “limited” is not to teach that Christ’s atonement lacks anything. Rather this presents the scriptural fact that atonement is limited to God’s elect or chosen ones (John 6:44).

The “I” speaks of irresistible grace. This emphasizes that when God draws His people unto Himself, they do and will come (John 6:37). They come not involuntarily, but willingly. Nevertheless, His grace is of such power that the will of His elect is made subservient to His will.

The “P” is preservation of saints. This means that one who is chosen, called, and drawn to Jesus Christ, will also remain in the faith and will surely be brought to glory. These saints can sin grievously and fall for a time into certain sins. But God brings them back to Himself. Those for whom Christ died will surely be saved (Phil. 1:6; Rom. 8:29-30).

Taken from Rev. R.Hanko's pamphlet "What Is the Reformed Faith?"