News

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for September 18, 2022 *(Updated)

Psalm 70 4Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this thirty-seventh Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, September 18.

Because our Lord Jesus Christ is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He has also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.

Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD. ...Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying. ~ Psalm 70:1, 4,5

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.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

  • Today Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC) declined the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB).

  • Last Sunday Georgetown PRC extended a call to Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA).

  • Last Sunday Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC, Hudsonville, MI) declined the call from Doon (IA) PRC.

  • Last Sunday Rev. D. Noorman (Southwest PRC-Wyoming, MI) declined the call from Hudsonville PRC.

  • The Council of Randolph PRC (WI) has announced the following trio for the congregation's consideration: Rev. M. DeBoer, (Edgerton), Rev. J. Holstege, (Zion), and Rev. J. Smidstra, (Holland). The congregational meeting is scheduled for September 25 after the morning service.

  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. M. DeBoer in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Prof. R. Cammenga in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Rev. G. Eriks and Rev. N. Decker in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. K. Koole in Randolph PRC May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations.

  • Special Evangelism/mission notices:
    • Georgetown PRC (Hudsonville, MI) re India Outreach work (Vellore): "India Update: New families from neighboring villages have been added to the Tamil Church (14 adults, 5 youth, and 8 children). The Sola Gratia Academy and Bible Study program has been an effective tool in bringing people to the church. All the kids of the GHF are doing well and continue their schooling, vocational training and college studies. Pastor Raj is busy with mid-week Bible studies, Sola Gratia Academy, Bible study programs, regular house visits, and other activities. God has added 7 new children to GFH, all brought by Gov’t officials." (from today's bulletin)
    • Kalamazoo PRC (MI): "Amazing Grace: The Life of John Newton." When: Friday, September 23, 2022, at 7 p.m. Where: Kalamazoo Protestant Reformed Church, 4515 Green Acres Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Who: Speaker: Rev. Steven Key, Loveland (CO) Protestant Reformed Church
    • Loveland PRC (CO): "CSU [Colorado State University] Bible Study: As we have begun another Bible study season, the Evangelism Committee would like to encourage our CSU or other college-aged students to attend a Bible study on alternate Thursdays. Our next meeting falls on September 22 from 6- 7:30 p.m. in room 308 of CSU’s Lory Student Center. We plan on continuing the current events theme. This study will address key issues such as the absolute sovereignty of God in our lives. Refreshments included!"
    • Loveland PRC (CO): "Fall Lecture: Mark your calendar for an Evangelism Committee sponsored fall lecture by Rev. Ron Hanko entitled “Conditions or Means,” a theme that touches the recent controversy affecting the churches. The lecture is scheduled for 7 pm Friday, Sept. 23. Invite a friend and anyone you think may have interest."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Classis East: Classis East met this past week Wednesday and Thursday, September 14-15, 2022 at Byron Center PRC. . Besides routine matters, Classis did the following: 1. Advised a consistory to proceed with further discipline of an impenitent member. 2. Considered but did not sustain a protest regarding a past decision of Classis. 3. Received a report from its special committee to investigate the abuse of a former pastor and mandated the committee to further labors. 4. Received a report from its special committee to recommend changes to the rules for publishing the agenda, approved their recommendations with a few changes, and disbanded the committee. 5. Approved an overture from Zion PRC to ask Synod to appoint a study committee to set forth the biblical basis for dealing with abuse. The full stated clerk's report will be forthcoming.

Classis West: Classis West meets Wednesday, September 28, in Doon PRC, Iowa.

General Notes:

  • PRC Synod 2022: The 2022 Acts of Synod & Yearbook have arrived and are being distributed in the churches. If you are in need after this distribution, please contact the stated clerk, Doug Mingerink, Sr.

GVink presentation Sept 2022
Mr. Gord Vink of First PRC-Grand Rapids gave a presentation at seminary Friday after lunch on his childhood recollections of church and school life during the schism of 1953.

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The seminary has now completed three weeks of the first semester of the 2022-23 school year, and things go well. The video of Seminary Convocation held Sept.7 at Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI) is now posted on the seminary's YouTube channel. Prof. Kuiper spoke on “Defending Christ’s Church by Knowing Her History: Jephthah’s Example” and Prof. R. Cammenga (rector) introduced the students.
  • In July Sem. M. Koerner (4th year) began his internship in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids under Rev. J. Mahtani. May the Lord use this to further his preparation for the ministry of the Word.
  • This summer Prof. D. Kuiper taught a class on the history of the PRCA from 1924-1949.  If you wish to watch the six classes, the videos are available on the seminary’s YouTube channel. A pdf of the class handouts is available from Prof. Kuiper by request.
  • The print edition of the spring 2022 issue of the PRT Journal was mailed at the end of Jul). The digital editions are on the seminary's website (use the link provided here). This issue features the speeches from the seminary's fall 2021 conference on preaching, plus numerous book reviews. 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 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Work is currently being done on the Fall 2022 issue.
  • The seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

fellowship dinner SNegros Oct 2019
Fellowship dinner in Southern Negros Occidental, the Philippines (see news below)

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastor J. Tan is faithfully serving the CERC each week as her pastor. Yesterday the CERC celebrated her 35th church anniversary under theme: "Not I, but Christ" (Gal 2:20)." We rejoice with them in God's great goodness and faithfulness in preserving them as a true Reformed church in SE Asia.
    • And today was the special congregational meeting to vote on calling Candidate Marcus Wee to be CERC’s second minister. *UPDATE (Monday morning): Cand. M. Wee received this call and has 6 weeks in which to answer it.
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
    • The latest CPRC newsletter has released! The August 2022 issue contains reports on the BRF Conference held in July and much more.
    • For recordings of the recent British Reformed Conference held in July, visit this BRF webpage.
    • The August 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" has now been published. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.

  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF) will join us in our worship services this morning through live stream via Facebook live, God willing."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: "Elder Jun Armas will lead for us in our worship services today. Rev. D. Kleyn and Rev. R. Smit are in Southern Negros Occidental to visit contacts and to preach and teach there."

    • PRCP Seminary: The classes for 2022-2023 began August 30, 2022. "We are grateful to the Lord for His sustaining grace upon the labors of our instructors, [Rev. Smit and Rev. Kleyn] and to Seminarian Ace Flores. We pray that God will bless their faithful labors and that they may be encouraged even more as we look to God for another fruitful year of dedication and devotion to this cause of God’s Kingdom. God be praised!"

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!

CHaak GT PRC

  • This month Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown PRC - Hudsonville, MI) is continuing to speak for the RWH program. He will be delivering some messages from Romans. Today's message is based on Romans 1:16 and titled "The Need for the Recovery of the Biblical Gospel (1)."
  • 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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 coming jesus rfpa dje 2022

Now available - Volume Two of The Reformed Doctrine of the End: The Coming of Christ by Prof. David Engelsma

  • 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.

  • 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 (downtown Hudsonville, MI) has now opened its new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The website has also been redone to make it easier for customers, especially those who aren’t local, to browse our inventory, see descriptions of most of the items, and choose between shipping or local pickup at our store during business hours. Be sure to check it out!

  • 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

JOHN CALVIN TO THE PROTECTOR SOMERSET IN ENGLAND [GENEVA, 22nd October 1548]

"Believe me, Monseigneur, the Church of God will never preserve itself without a Catechism, for it is like the seed to keep the good grain from dying out, and causing it to multiply from age to age. And therefore, if you desire to build an edifice which shall be of long duration, and which shall not soon fall into decay, make provision for the children being instructed in a good Catechism, which may shew them briefly, and in language level to their tender age, wherein true Christianity consists. This Catechism will serve two purposes, to wit, as an introduction to the whole people, so that every one may profit from what shall be preached, and also to enable them to discern when any presumptuous person puts forward strange doctrine." (found in Byron Center PRC's bulletin of Sept.11

Read more...

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for September 11, 2022

Psalm 69 13Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this thirty-sixth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, September 11.

Because our Lord Jesus Christ is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He has also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.

Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel. Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face. I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me. ...But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. ~ Psalm 69:6-9,13

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.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

  • This morning Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC, Hudsonville, MI) announced his decline of the call from Doon (IA) PRC.

  • Today Rev. D. Noorman (Southwest PRC-Wyoming, MI) announced his decline of the call from Hudsonville PRC.

  • Georgetown PRC held a congregational meeting this morning to call a new pastor (with Rev. C. Haak becoming emeritus Sept.1.). From the trio of Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA), M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), D. Noorman (SW PRC-Wyoming, MI), Rev. Kortus received the call.

  • The Council of Randolph PRC (WI) has announced the following trio for the congregation's consideration: Rev. M. DeBoer, (Edgerton), Rev. J. Holstege, (Zion), and Rev. J. Smidstra, (Holland). The congregational meeting is scheduled for September 25 after the morning service.

  • Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC) is considering the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) voted to call  He plans to answer the call on September 18, Lord willing.

  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Brummel in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. J. Maatman in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. K. Koole in Randolph PRC May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations.

  • Special Evangelism/mission notices:
    • First PRC-Holland, MI: "The next Outreach Bible Study is this week Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Howard Miller Library [Zeeland]. Rev. Smidstra will lead on the topic of 'Jesus: the Light of the World.'”
    • Kalamazoo PRC (MI): "Amazing Grace: The Life of John Newton." When: Friday, September 23, 2022, at 7 p.m. Where: Kalamazoo Protestant Reformed Church
      4515 Green Acres Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Who: Speaker: Rev. Steven Key, Loveland (CO) Protestant Reformed Church
    • Loveland PRC (CO): "Fall Lecture: Mark your calendar for an Evangelism Committee sponsored fall lecture by Rev. Ron Hanko entitled “Conditions or Means,” a theme that touches the recent controversy affecting the churches. The lecture is scheduled for 7 pm Friday, Sept. 23. Invite a friend and anyone you think may have interest."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

byroncentrePRC

Classis East: Classis East will meet in regular session this week Wednesday, September 14, 2022, beginning at 8:00 AM at Byron Center PRC. May God give wisdom and grace to all the delegates as they go about His work.

General Notes:

  • PRC Synod 2022: The 2022 Acts of Synod & Yearbook have arrived and are being distributed in the churches. If you are in need after this distribution, please contact the stated clerk, Doug Mingerink, Sr.

Convocation Sept 2022 1 3
Group picture taken of faculty and students this past week at PRC Seminary Convocation (Trinity PRC, Hudsonville, MI).
Back (l-r): Profs. Griess, Gritters, Kuiper, Cammenga; Front (l-r): Prof. Huizinga, Bruce Feenstra, Arend Haveman, Matt Koerner, Aaron Van Dyke

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The seminary has now completed two weeks of the first semester of the 2022-23 school year, and things go well. Seminary Convocation was held this past Wednesday evening at Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI). Prof. Kuiper spoke on “Defending Christ’s Church by Knowing Her History: Jephthah’s Example” and Prof. R. Cammenga (rector) introduced the students. (see photo above)
  • Fall 2022 classes open to auditors: Two of Prof. Cammenga’s classes are open for auditors: NT History and Dogmatics. NT History begins with the intertestamental period and extends up to the passion week. Dogmatics will treat Ecclesiology, the doctrine of the church. Prof. Kuiper’s classes of Ancient Church History (a study of the history of the church and the development of doctrine from AD 100-590) and Hermeneutics (a study of the principles of Bible interpretation) are open as well. If you are interested in attending, please contact the seminary secretary at 616-531-1490 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out the day and time the class you are interested in will meet.
  • In July Sem. M. Koerner (4th year) began his internship in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids under Rev. J. Mahtani. May the Lord use this to further his preparation for the ministry of the Word.
  • This summer Prof. D. Kuiper taught a class on the history of the PRCA from 1924-1949.  If you wish to watch the six classes, the videos are available on the seminary’s YouTube channel. A pdf of the class handouts is available from Prof. Kuiper by request.
  • The print edition of the spring 2022 issue of the PRT Journal was recently mailed (end of July). The digital editions are on the seminary's website (use the link provided here). This issue features the speeches from the seminary's fall 2021 conference on preaching, plus numerous book reviews. 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 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • The seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

john 17 22

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastor J. Tan is faithfully serving the CERC each week as her pastor. Today, Cand. M. Wee led the morning service and Rev. Tan the second service. In her bulletin today was this significant note: "Dear CERC, we're turning 35! CERC 35th Church Anniversary Date: 17 September 2022 (Saturday) Time: 9.45am- 1.30pm Theme: Not I, but Christ (Gal 2:20)."
    • There was also notice of a special congregational meeting: "God willing, Session will hold the 2nd ECM of 2022 on 18 Sep 2022, Sunday, 11.30 am in church. The purpose of the 2nd ECM is to vote... to extend a call to Candidate Marcus Wee to be CERC’s second minister."
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
    • The latest CPRC newsletter has released! The August 2022 issue contains reports on the BRF Conference held in July and much more.
    • For recordings of the recent British Reformed Conference held last month, visit this BRF webpage.
    • The August 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" has now been published. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.

  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF) will join us in our worship services this morning through live stream via Facebook live, God willing."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit led her worship services today. Also, "Rev. D. Kleyn and Sis Sharon are scheduled to visit the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto, Bulacan today, the Lord willing, in order to preach and teach there."

    • PRCP Seminary: The classes for 2022-2023 began August 30, 2022. "We are grateful to the Lord for His sustaining grace upon the labors of our instructors, [Rev. Smit and Rev. Kleyn] and to Seminarian Ace Flores. We pray that God will bless their faithful labors and that they may be encouraged even more as we look to God for another fruitful year of dedication and devotion to this cause of God’s Kingdom. God be praised!"

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!

CHaak GT PRC

  • This month Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown PRC - Hudsonville, MI) is continuing to speak for the RWH program. He will be delivering some messages from Romans. Today's message is based on Romans 8:38,39 and titled "Christ's Inseparable Love."
  • 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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 Sept 2022 sales

RFPA September Sales!

The Sixteenth-Century Reformation of the Church is written to remind the reader who is familiar with the Reformation of its glories and worth; and to ground the believing reader in the truth of the Reformation confessed, as well as to help him or her in the holy life the Reformation called for. Especially the young people will benefit from this book. 

Prosperous Wicked and Plagued Saints: An Exposition of Psalm 73 sets forth the truth of God’s goodness to his people in their trouble and of God’s curse of the wicked in their prosperity.

  • 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.

  • 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 (downtown Hudsonville, MI) has now opened its new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The website has also been redone to make it easier for customers, especially those who aren’t local, to browse our inventory, see descriptions of most of the items, and choose between shipping or local pickup at our store during business hours. Be sure to check it out!

  • 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

“Sometimes we are left speechless.  We simply cannot find words to express how we feel.  This can happen after a blow, or the weight of sorrow, has shattered our life and left us speechless.  David speaks of this in Psalm 39:9:  “I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.”  Whatever that horrible experience was for David, he had this comfort, that it was not by chance but by the gracious hand of a sovereign Father in heaven.

 But there are other times when we are left speechless before an undeserved and unimaginable kindness and love shown to us.  We simply do not know what to say.  Have you ever experienced that?

When the apostle Paul, in Romans 8:28-30, finished writing those verses, when the reality of what he had said in those verses fell upon his mind and heart, he said:  “What shall we then say to these things?”  What things?  Amazing, wondrous things!  Romans 8:28-30, the truth that God has foreknown His children in love and predestinated, predetermined from all eternity, that we should be conformed to the image of His Son (v. 29); that God went on to call us irresistibly, by the power of His grace, out of the darkness of death and sin, to the light of Christ; that He justified us freely in the blood of Jesus and is now glorifying us, and will give us bodies like Christ’s in eternal glory.  And, therefore, that God now is working all things together for our good, that by His sovereign hand everything in the life of the child of God serves God’s gracious purposes. This leaves Paul speechless!  “What shall we then say to these things?  How do we respond to them?”

It left him almost speechless.  For the connection between Romans 8:30 and 31 is that the apostle Paul will summarize what appears to him so great, beyond the ability of words to express.  What can we say to the eternal, matchless, gracious love of God who elects, calls, justifies, and glorifies and who now works all things, everything, both good and evil for our good?  What shall we say to that?  Well, we will say this:  Romans 8:31, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

~ Rev. Carl Haak in his Reformed Witness Hour message, "God Did Not Spare His Own Son."

Read more...

Reformed Witness Hour Newsletter - September 2022

September 2022

 
 

 
For September, we will continue with Rev. Haak’s series on Romans. Rev. Haak is currently the emeritus pastor of Georgetown Protestant Reformed Church of Hudsonville, MI.

September 4
More Than Conquerors  
Romans 8:35-37
Rev. C. Haak


September 11 
Christ's Inseparable Love
Romans 8:38,39
Rev. C. Haak

September 18, 2022
The Need for the Recovery of the Biblical Gospel (1)
Romans 1:16
Rev. C. Haak

September 25
The Need for the Recovery of the Biblical Gospel (2)
Romans 1:16
Rev. C. Haak

 
Listen to the current message here
 

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

Read more...

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for September 4, 2022

Psalm 68 32 22Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this thirty-fifth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, September 4.

Because our Lord Jesus Christ is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He has also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.

Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death. ...Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel. ~ Psalm 68:18-20,26

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

  • Last Sunday Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC - Hull, IA) declined the call from Zion PRC to serve as domestic missionary.

  • Last Sunday evening  the congregation of Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) voted to call Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC). He plans to answer the call on September 18, Lord willing.

  • Rev. D. Noorman (Southwest PRC-Wyoming, MI) is considering the call from Hudsonville PRC (received Aug.22).

  • Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC, Hudsonville, MI) is considering the call to Doon (IA) PRC (received Aug.14).
  • In her bulletin today, the Council of Georgetown PRC gave a wonderful note of thanks to their pastor, Rev. C. Haak, whose emeritation was effective this past week, Sept.1: "The Council extends a heartfelt thank you and deep appreciation to Rev. Haak who officially retired on September 1 from his full-time work as pastor at Georgetown PRC.  We thank our heavenly Father for the past 18 years that Rev. Haak has faithfully preached, ministered to the sick and hurting and taught the young people and children of our congregation. “And how shall they preach, unless they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”.  We are also thankful that Rev. Haak has agreed to continue to help in our congregation in a part-time capacity by leading bible studies, teaching some catechism classes, ministering to the sick and preaching when needed." We join them in thanking God for this humble and faithful servant.

  • The Council of Georgetown PRC has formed its first trio of ministers for calling her next pastor (with Rev. C. Haak becoming emeritus Sept.1.): Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA), Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC-Wyoming, MI). The congregational meeting is planned for Sunday evening, Sept. 11, after the evening service.
  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. M. DeVries (2nd Sunday) in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. griess and Sem. A. Haveman in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. M. McGeown in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper in Randolph PRC May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations.

  • Special Evangelism/mission notices:
    • Loveland PRC (CO): "As we begin another Bible study season, the Evangelism Committee would like to encourage our CSU [Colorado State University] students to attend a Bible study we’ll begin on alternate Thursdays during the fall, starting September 8 at 6-7:30 p.m. in room 308 of CSU’s Lory Student Center. We plan on continuing the current events theme from last year. This study will address key issues such as the absolute sovereignty of God in our lives. Come and invite other fellow students. Refreshments included!"

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

General Notes:

  • PRC Synod 2022: The 2022 Acts of Synod & Yearbook have arrived and are being distributed in the churches. If you are in need after this distribution, please contact the stated clerk, Doug Mingerink, Sr.

opening chapel Aug 2022
Prof. R. Cammenga leading the opening chapel at the PRC Seminary this past week

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The seminary began its 98th year of instruction this past week as classes for the first semester of the 2022-23 school year began on Tuesday, August 30. There are four students this year, one in each of the four classes: Bruce Feenstra (freshman), Aaron Van Dyke (sophomore), Arend Haveman (junior), and Matt Koerner (senior). Prof. D. Kuiper has taken over all of Prof. R. Dykstra's courses now; Prof. B. Huizinga continues to take on more courses from Prof. R. Cammenga. And Prof. B. Gritters continues to teach all his courses while Prof. Griess finishes his ThM this year. May the Lord give strength and wisdom to faculty and students as they begin a new school year. Let us remember to pray for the seminary in all its work.
  • Fall 2022 classes open to auditors: Two of Prof. Cammenga’s classes are open for auditors: NT History and Dogmatics. NT History begins with the intertestamental period and extends up to the passion week. Dogmatics will treat Ecclesiology, the doctrine of the church. Prof. Kuiper’s classes of Ancient Church History (a study of the history of the church and the development of doctrine from AD 100-590) and Hermeneutics (a study of the principles of Bible interpretation) are open as well. If you are interested in attending, please contact the seminary secretary at 616-531-1490 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out the day and time the class you are interested in will meet.
  • This summer Prof. D. Kuiper taught a class on the history of the PRCA from 1924-1949.  If you wish to watch the six classes, the videos are available on the seminary’s YouTube channel. A pdf of the class handouts is available from Prof. Kuiper by request.
  • Seminary Convocation is planned for this Wednesday evening, Sept.7, at Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI). Prof. Kuiper will speak on “Defending Christ’s Church by Knowing Her History: Jephthah’s Example.” Plan to attend and support the seminary as it begins a new school season.
  • Last month Sem. M. Koerner began his internship in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids under Rev. J. Mahtani. May the Lord use this to further his preparation for the ministry of the Word.
  • The print edition of the spring 2022 issue of the PRT Journal was recently mailed (end of July). The digital editions are on the seminary's website (use the link provided here). This issue features the speeches from the seminary's fall 2021 conference on preaching, plus numerous book reviews. 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 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • The seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

Ps133 1 2

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastor J. Tan is faithfully serving the CERC each week as her pastor. In her bulletin today were these significant notes: "Dear CERC, we're turning 35! CERC 35th Church Anniversary Date: 17 September 2022 (Saturday) Time: 9.45am- 1.30pm Theme: Not I, but Christ (Gal 2:20)."
    • There was also notice of a special congregational meeting: "God willing, Session will hold the 2nd ECM of 2022 on 18 Sep 2022, Sunday, 11.30 am in church. The purpose of the 2nd ECM is to vote... to extend a call to Candidate Marcus Wee to be CERC’s Second Minister."
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
    • The latest CPRC newsletter has released! The August 2022 issue contains reports on the BRF Conference held in July and much more.
    • For recordings of the recent British Reformed Conference held last month, visit this BRF webpage.
    • The August 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" has now been published. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.

  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit led her services today. "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF) will join us in our worship services this morning through live stream via Facebook live, God willing."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Kleyn will lead and preach for us in our worship services today.

    • PRCP Seminary: "The classes for 2022-2023 in our Seminary start on August 30, 2022, D.V. We are grateful to the Lord for His sustaining grace upon the labors of our instructors, [Rev. Smit and Rev. Kleyn] and to Seminarian Ace Flores. We pray that God will bless their faithful labors and that they may be encouraged even more as we look to God for another fruitful year of dedication and devotion to this cause of God’s Kingdom. God be praised!"

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!

CHaak GT PRC

  • This month Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown PRC - Hudsonville, MI) is continuing to speak for the RWH program. He will be delivering some messages from Romans. Today's message is based on Romans 8:35-37 and titled "More Than Conquerors."
  • 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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 good news afflicted
Are you going through a trial of some kind at this time? Would you seek comfort and hope from God's Word? This resource may be of great help to you.

  • 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.

  • 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 (downtown Hudsonville, MI) has now opened their new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The website has also been redone to make it easier for customers, especially those who aren’t local, to browse our inventory, see descriptions of most of the items, and choose between shipping or local pickup at our store during business hours. Be sure to check it out!

  • 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

“What a frightening yet wonderful thing it is to know that we live in the last days. We stand always, as it were, within sight both of the final judgment and of the coming of our Savior. Ministers preach knowing the terror of the Lord. We all live as pilgrims and strangers, knowing that our journey must soon be finished and that soon we shall have our first sight of the eternal city. We acknowledge that we live in perilous times. We know the end is upon us, yet we are not afraid, for we see our redemption drawing nigh.”

~ Rev. Ronald Hanko, Doctrine According to Godliness, p. 28

Read more...

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for August 28, 2022 *(Updated)

Psalm 67 3Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this thirty-fourth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, August 28.

Because our Lord Jesus Christ is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He has also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.

God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. ~ Psalm 67:1-4

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 Monday Rev. D. Noorman (Southwest PRC-Wyoming, MI) received the call from Hudsonville PRC.

  • Today Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC - Hull, IA) declined the call from Zion PRC to serve as domestic missionary.

  • Last Sunday Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC-Jenison, MI) declined the call from Randolph (WI) PRC.

  • Tonight the congregation of Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) was to vote from their new trio of Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC), C. Spronk (Faith PRC), and A. Stewart (Covenant PRC – Northern Ireland). *UPDATE: Rev. Brummel has received this call.

  • Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC, Hudsonville, MI) is considering the call to Doon (IA) PRC (received Aug.14).
  • The Council of Georgetown PRC has formed its first trio of ministers for calling her next pastor (with Rev. C. Haak becoming emeritus Sept.1.): Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA), Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC-Wyoming, MI). The congregational meeting is planned for Sunday evening, Sept. 11, after the evening service.
  • Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. M. DeVries (1st Sunday) in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. K. Koole in Hudsonville PRC; Elders lead in Randolph PRC May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations.

  • Special Evangelism/mission notices:
    • Byron Center PRC (MI): "The community Bible study meets again this Thursday at church. We plan to discuss more of Jesus' high-priestly prayer starting at John 17:9. Please feel free to join us at 7:30 PM and bring friends or neighbors."
    • First PRC-Grand Rapids (MI): The special delegation of Rev. John and Amy Marcus, Prof. Ron and Rhonda Cammenga, Rev. Rodney Kleyn, and seminarian Arend Haveman returned back to the States this past Friday from their trip to Mexico City. Initial reports indicate it was another profitable trip.
    • Lynden PRC (WA): "The evangelism conference is this weekend [Sept.2,3]! We look forward to hearing two speeches under the theme: "What am I without My Body? The Blessedness of Membership in the Body of Christ." Rev. R. Hanko will speak on Friday evening at 7:30 about the glorious possibility of membership in the church, and on Saturday morning at 10:00 Prof. C. Griess will speak on the necessity of active church membership. Refreshments will be served after the speeches. Make plans to attend and please help spread the word!"

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Missions:

  • Home missions: Today Zion PRC (Jenison, MI) received the news that Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC) declined her call to serve as home missionary. 

  • Philippines mission:
    • Rev. D. Kleyn and Sharon returned to the Philippines this past Tuesday after a six-week furlough in the U.S. May the Lord uphold them and the Smits as they press on in their work in that part of the world.

Front July 2022

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The seminary begins its 98th year of instruction this week.  The first semester of the 2022-23 school year will begin, D.V. on Tuesday, August 30, with orientation on Monday. There are four students this year, one in each of the four classes: Bruce Feenstra (freshman), Aaron Van Dyke (sophomore), Arend Haveman (junior), and Matt Koerner (senior). Prof. D. Kuiper has taken over all of Prof. R. Dykstra's courses now; Prof. Huizinga continues to take on more courses from Prof. R. Cammenga. And Prof. B. Gritters continues to teach all his courses while Prof. Griess finishes his ThM this year. May the Lord give strength and wisdom to faculty and students as they begin a new school year. Let us remember to pray for the seminary in all its work.
  • Fall 2022 classes open to auditors: Seminary classes begin for the first semester on Tuesday, August 30. Two of Prof. Cammenga’s classes are open for auditors: NT History and Dogmatics. NT History begins with the intertestamental period and extends up to the passion week. Dogmatics will treat Ecclesiology, the doctrine of the church. Prof. Kuiper’s classes of Ancient Church History (a study of the history of the church and the development of doctrine from AD 100-590) and Hermeneutics (a study of the principles of Bible interpretation) are open as well. If you are interested in attending, please contact the seminary secretary at 616-531-1490 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out the day and time the class you are interested in will meet.
  • This summer Prof. D. Kuiper taught a class on the history of the PRCA from 1924-1949.  If you wish to watch the six classes, the videos are available on the seminary’s YouTube channel. A pdf of the class handouts is available from Prof. Kuiper by request.
  • Seminary Convocation is planned for Wednesday evening, Sept.7, at Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI). Prof. Kuiper will speak on “Defending Christ’s Church by Knowing Her History: Jephthah’s Example.” Plan to attend and support the seminary as it begins a new school season.
  • The special delegation of Rev. John and Amy Marcus, Prof. Ron and Rhonda Cammenga, Rev. Rodney Kleyn, and seminarian Arend Haveman returned back to the States this past Friday from their trip to Mexico City. Initial reports indicate it was another profitable trip.
  • Last month Sem. M. Koerner began his internship in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids under Rev. J. Mahtani. May the Lord use this to further his preparation for the ministry of the Word.
  • The print edition of the spring 2022 issue of the PRT Journal was recently mailed (end of July). The digital editions are on the seminary's website (use the link provided here). This issue features the speeches from the seminary's fall 2021 conference on preaching, plus numerous book reviews. 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 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • The seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

CPRC News Header

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastor J. Tan is faithfully serving the CERC each week as her pastor. In her bulletin today was some reflection on the calling of her members toward those who recently left the church. These words closed his "pastoral note": "Let us never forget that true unity is always founded on the Truth, Jesus Christ alone. All other unity is false unity. So we keep praying and supplicating for them. Let us together beseech our God 'Give thy blessing to our admonitions, that we may have reason thereby to rejoice again in him, for whom we must now mourn, and that thy holy name may be praised, through our Lord Jesus Christ.' Now let us bow and worship the God who has loved before the foundations of the world. The Lord receive our worship through the blood of the Lamb."
    • There was also notice of a special congregational meeting: "God willing, Session will hold the 2nd ECM of 2022 on 18 Sep 2022, Sunday, 11.30 am in church. The purpose of the 2nd ECM is to vote... to extend a call to Candidate Marcus Wee to be CERC’s Second Minister."
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
    • The latest CPRC newsletter has released! The August 2022 issue contains reports on the BRF Conference held in July and much more.
    • S. Wales Lecture: Rev. Stewart plans to give a lecture at the Margam Community Centre in Port Talbot, S. Wales on Thursday, 25 August at 7:15 PM.
    • For recordings of the recent British Reformed Conference held last month, visit this BRF webpage.
    • The August 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" has now been published. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.

  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
    • Rev. D. Kleyn and his wife have returned after taking their six-week furlough in the U.S.
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V.Ibe led her services today. "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF) will join us in our worship services this morning through live stream via Facebook live, God willing."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit will lead and preach for us in our worship services today.
    • PRCP Seminary: "The classes for 2022-2023 in our Seminary starts on August 30, 2022, D.V. We are grateful to the Lord for His sustaining grace upon the labors of our instructors, [Rev. Smit and Rev. Kleyn] and to Seminarian Ace Flores. We pray that God will bless their faithful labors and that they may be encouraged even more as we look to God for another fruitful year of dedication and devotion to this cause of God’s Kingdom. God be praised!"

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!

CHaak GT PRC

  • This month Rev. C. Haak (Georgetown PRC - Hudsonville, MI) is once again speaking for the RWH. He will complete the series on the book of Nehemiah and then give some messages from Romans 8. Today's message is based on Romans 8:33-34 and titled  "No Condemnation! It is Christ Who Died!"
  • 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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 WhyPsalter 1
Why does the PRC sing the Psalms in her public worship services? Why not hymns of the Christian faith? For an answer to this, read this profitable resource.

  • 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.

  • 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 (downtown Hudsonville, MI) has now opened their new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The website has also been redone to make it easier for customers, especially those who aren’t local, to browse our inventory, see descriptions of most of the items, and choose between shipping or local pickup at our store during business hours. Be sure to check it out!

  • 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

"Because the children [born to covenant parents and baptized by the church] are God's, they must be "piously and religiously educated," to use the language of the historic Reformed "Form for the Administration of Baptism." God's children must be godly taught. This instruction is essential for it is the means of God to train up the children to godliness, to a mature man or woman of God. Such is the importance of this teaching that it is part of the vow at baptism: parents promise to give this teaching.

"This required instruction includes schooling to the extent that parents are able to provide it. First, the command of the Lord, in Deuteronomy 6:6ff. and Ephesians 6:4, is simply all-embracing and all-comprehensive: "...when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." To exclude from the command all the time spent at school, i.e., most of the child's life between the ages of five and eighteen - the most crucial period!, would be arbitrary in the extreme. Second, the claim of God on our children is total. If anything, God claims their mind primarily: "Love the Lord. . . with all thy soul," i.e., your mind. Third, the life of the child is one life - a unity; and the one, whole life is to be nurtured by the Word of Christ. Fourth, the Word of God must be the content and rule of all the instruction, and not only of the spiritual part at church. All knowledge, to be true knowledge, and not the Lie, must be based on Scripture. In other words, all education is religious education. Either it glorifies God, or it dishonors Him; either it confesses and bows to His sovereign authority, or it rebels; either it promotes a godly life, or it hinders it.

"Such instruction is the responsibility of parents. Friends of the covenant may and will support the work, as covenant-work; but the parents have the calling: "And, ye fathers.. ." (Eph. 6:4). The setup of a good Christian school honors this reality: it is an extension of the home; it is parental; the teachers stand in the place of the parents."

~ Prof. D. Engelsma in "The Necessity of Good Christian Schools" (a featured resource this month)

Read more...

Covenant Reformed News - August 2022

Covenant Reformed News


August 2022  •  Volume XIX, Issue 4



Introducing the Signs of an Apostle

The twelve apostles and the apostle Paul possessed the teaching authority of pastors, plus infallible teaching authority, including (for some of them) the authority to write inspired and canonical New Testament Scripture.

These apostles also possessed the ruling authority of elders. Like them, apostles had authority to discipline, hear and decide controversies, and ordain office-bearers. Unlike elders, the apostles had the authority to direct the first-century evangelists and will have the authority to judge the twelve tribes of Israel on the last day (Matt. 19:28).

Moreover, the apostles possessed the authority of showing mercy like deacons. The twelve did the work of deacons in the days of the early New Testament church up to Acts 6. The apostle Paul was the main figure in bringing financial assistance from the Greek churches to the poor believers in Jerusalem (I Cor. 16:1-4; II Cor. 8-9).

In short, the apostles united in themselves the offices of pastor, elder and deacon, and even possessed a greater authority than the combination of these three special and permanent offices. Furthermore, they held this authority universally, for all the churches were under the authority of the apostles. No wonder the apostle Paul could write, “For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed” (II Cor. 10:8).

This authority was derivative and ministerial. After all, the apostles were under the lordship of Jesus Christ, the sole king and head of the church, and they, like us, were subject to the truth of His Word.

In Paul’s battle with false apostles in II Corinthians 10-13, you could say that chapter 10 deals with apostolic authority, chapter 11 with apostolic sufferings, chapter 12 with apostolic revelations and chapter 13 with apostolic discipline. As well as apostolic visions, the supernaturalism of II Corinthians 12 includes apostolic miracles: “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” (12). Notice the connection here between apostles and miracles!

The true apostolic office is rightly linked with Spirit-wrought miracles in the apostolic age, as recorded in the New Testament. On the other hand, various false churches link their (spurious) miracles with their (counterfeit) apostles.

Consider, first, the Roman church. The Pope is supposedly the successor of the apostle Peter and the papal church claims to be a miracle-working church—in the past, in the present and in the future.

This correlation is evident, second, in Mormonism. Here are the sixth and seventh of “The Articles of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints” of Joseph Smith: “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.” “We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.” “Apostles” (6) and miracles of “healing” (7) are closely connected.

We turn, third, to the Catholic Apostolic Church which is associated with, and was inspired by, Edward Irving (1792-1834) in London. The miracles they claimed led them to reinstitute the office of apostle. Like the Mormons, the Catholic Apostolic Church also settled upon twelve as the number of their apostles, the last of whom died in 1901.

Fourth, many charismatic groups claim to possess both miracles and apostles, while other parties that claim to have the power to work miracles are open to the idea of apostles today.

II Corinthians 12:12, cited earlier, uses three significant words for true miracles: “signs,” “wonders” and “mighty deeds.” As “mighty deeds,” miracles are objective works produced by extraordinary divine power. As “wonders,” miracles are marvels that evoke awe, the subjective result in human beings. As “signs,” miracles are indicators pointing to the great spiritual reality: redemption in the blood of Jesus Christ and salvation in Him alone, as infallibly taught by His special divine emissaries.

These miracles or “signs,” “wonders” and “mighty deeds” are of various types. Four are listed in Christ’s commission to the twelve disciples in Matthew 10:8: “[1] Heal the sick, [2] cleanse the lepers, [3] raise the dead, [4] cast out devils.”

This is the promise of the risen Lord Jesus in Mark 16:17-18: “these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name [1] shall they cast out devils; [2] they shall speak with new tongues; [3] they shall take up serpents; and [4] if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; [5] they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

“Them that believe” (17) were the eleven disciples who, after the Lord’s ascension into heaven (19), “went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following” (20).

Of these five “signs,” speaking with “new tongues”—languages that were “new” to the speaker and were not learned by ordinary means—was not unique to the apostles or even the other extraordinary and temporary office-bearers: prophets and evangelists.

Two of the other “signs” are mentioned in both Matthew 10:18 and Mark 16:17-18. This leaves us with six types of miracles from these two New Testament passages: [1] healing the sick, [2] cleansing lepers, [3] raising the dead, [4] exorcising demons, [5] immunity from snake venom and [6] immunity from poison.

But more needs to be said about the nature and the workers of these signs!  Rev. Angus Stewart

 

 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Mother of God

A reader has asked, “Jesus has two natures ... We know that Mary is the mother of Jesus (being man) but is Mary also the mother of God (for Christ is divine)?”

The difficulty in answering this question revolves around the great biblical truth that Jesus, with His divine and human natures, is still one Person and that He is, personally, the Second Person of the Trinity, the eternal and only begotten Son of God.

The question is whether we may ascribe things that are true of Him as a man to the divine Person. The Bible does this in Acts 20:28: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood,” where Scripture, in effect, calls the blood of Christ the blood of God. We know that God has no blood, no “body, parts, or passions” (Westminster Confession 2:1), yet Christ’s human blood is ascribed to Him personally and is called the blood of God. This would seem to justify calling Mary the mother of God (Greek: theotokos or God-bearer).

Mary, we all understand, is not the mother of Jesus’ divine nature, the mother of God, in that sense. According to His divine nature, He is eternal, has no earthly father or mother and no beginning. But, in the same way that His blood is referred to as the blood of God, can Mary be called the mother of God as the one who gave birth to the Person who was God, united at conception with our human nature?

In Roman Catholicism and Greek Orthodoxy, the term, mother of God, is accepted. It was in early use in the ancient church, but there were differences of opinion about it and a controversy erupted as part of the church’s battle against Nestorianism.

Nestorianism arose in the fifth century. Nestorius, Archbishop of Constantinople, separated the divine and human natures of Christ to the point that he was guilty of teaching that Christ was two persons instead of one. At the heart of his teaching was a denial of the union of Christ’s two natures from the moment of His conception in the womb of Mary. His objections centred on the use of the term, mother of God, for he insisted that Mary could not be the mother of the divine nature and that God could not be a baby: “God is not a baby two or three months old!”

The Nestorians were guilty of serious error in teaching that the only begotten Son united Himself with an independent and completely human person, thus denying the reality of the incarnation. They insisted that the proper term for Mary was Christ-bearer (Greek: Christotokos). Mary was only the mother of the human person with whom the divine Son of God united Himself. There can be no doubt, therefore, that Nestorianism, a heresy that continues to plague the church, was wrong in its position regarding the union of Christ’s two natures.

Nestorianism was condemned at the Council of Ephesus in 431 and again at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. Both these councils affirmed the propriety of the term, mother of God. The Creed of Chalcedon not only rejected Nestorianism by insisting that the two natures of Christ were united “without separation” but also used the name, “mother of God,” for Mary: “born of the Virgin Mary, the mother of God, according to the manhood.” For this reason, however, the Creed of Chalcedon has not been recognized by many. Article 9 of the Belgic Confession (1561) mentions the Apostles’Nicene and Athanasian Creeds, but not the Creed of Chalcedon.

The view of this writer is that, following the example of the Word of God in Acts 20:28, the term can be properly used, but it is not a biblical term and is often used to promote Mariolatry, so it is probably better to avoid it. Nor is it necessary to use the term to defend the truth that Christ is God and man in one Person, fully God and fully man, but still only one Person, and that the two natures of Christ were inseparably united in one Person from the moment of His conception in the womb of Mary.

Actually the Greek term, theotokos, God-bearer, is better than its usual translation, mother of God. The former makes it clear that Mary is in no sense the mother of Christ according to His divine nature and in no sense Christ’s mother from eternity.

It is better, so it seems to this writer, to stick as much as possible to the language of Scripture when speaking of the union of Christ’s two natures and to avoid language that may give offence or lead to misunderstanding. The fact is that the union of Christ’s two natures is a mystery. It lies at the heart of everything we believe but is beyond our comprehension. Any attempt to reason out the union of the two natures, the kind of attempt of which Nestorius was guilty, is bound to end in error.

We must confess that Christ is fully God and fully man. He must be God because only God can “by power of His Godhead sustain in His human nature, the burden of God’s wrath; and ... obtain for, and restore to us, righteousness and life” (Heidelberg Catechism, A. 17). He must be man because only man can pay for man’s sin, and only one who is like us in all things, except sin, can redeem and deliver us, body and soul, from our sins. He must be only one divine Person, for the testimony of Scripture is that there are not two Christs but one only and that one the only begotten Son of God.

How that divine Person could speak of being forsaken by God, how He, personally the Son of God, could hunger and thirst, be weary, suffer, die and rise again from the dead is the great mystery of our faith, and we must not tie ourselves in theological knots attempting to understand and explain that mystery, but must bow in wondering awe at what God has done and confess that “God was manifest in the flesh” (I Tim. 3:16).

The old Athanasian Creed sums up beautifully what we by faith are able to say, without destroying the mystery and miracle of the incarnation or by curiously inquiring into those things that are too high for us: “Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe faithfully the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the right faith is that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and man. God, of the essence of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and man, of the substance of His mother, born in the world. Perfect God and perfect man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His manhood. Who, although He is God and man, yet He is not two, but one Christ.”  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  
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