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Covenant Reformed News - August 2023
- Published in Covenant PRC Ballymena, Northern Ireland
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Today, August 27, is the thirty-fifth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.
If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.
Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. ~ Psalm 112:1-4
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Brummel and Prof. R. Smit in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. J. Maatman in Georgetown PRC; Rev. H. Bleyenberg in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. B. Langerak in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Laning in Loveland PRC; Rev. C. Haak (3rd of 3 weeks) in Lynden PRC; Rev. K. Koole in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. M. DeVries in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
Special Upcoming Congregational Activities: The Deacons at Hudsonville PRC are planning a conference for Saturday morning, September 16 at 8:30 AM. Rev. Mahtani will begin with a short speech followed by breakout sessions. The topic of the conference is “Ministry of Mercy in Christ’s Church”. Potential, current, and former deacons are welcome! Please register for this event at bit.ly/Deacon2023.
Hope PRC (Walker, MI) re labors in Myanmar (from her bulletin today): "The Myanmar Committee reported that it held a video conference with Rev. Titus, Elder Naw Taung, and Deacon Joseph. Although the fighting is getting closer to Yangon, the saints in Myanmar are still able to worship regularly and they testify of God’s faithfulness to them...."
PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
What is the grace of God as revealed in Scripture? Is there a grace of God for all humans - a 'common' grace that improves people and society? Or is grace only saving and always particular, that is, only for those chosen to believe by God? Read this resource for answers to these and other questions.
Three quotes from Martin Luther regarding the Word of God:
"I'll trust in God's unchanging Word, till soul and body sever. For though all things pass away, His Word shall stand forever."
"We must make a great difference between God's Word and the word of man. A man's word is a little sound, that flies into the air, and soon vanishes; but the Word of God is greater than heaven and earth, yea, greater than death and hell, for it forms part of the power of God, and endures everlastingly."
"The Bible is a remarkable fountain: the more one draws and drinks of it, the more it stimulates thirst."
(found in Byron Center PRC's bulletin today)
Today, August 20, is the thirty-fourth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.
If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.
Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. ...He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. ~ Psalm 111:1-4, 9
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Brummel and Prof. R. Dykstra in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. D. Lee in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. B. Huizinga in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key in Loveland PRC; Rev. C. Haak (2nd of 3 weeks) in Lynden PRC; Rev. J. Engelsma in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. G. Eriks in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
Special Upcoming Congregational Activities: The Deacons at Hudsonville PRC are planning a conference for Saturday morning, September 16 at 8:30 AM. Rev. Mahtani will begin with a short speech followed by breakout sessions. The topic of the conference is “Ministry of Mercy in Christ’s Church”. Potential, current, and former deacons are welcome! Please register for this event at bit.ly/Deacon2023.
Special note: Due to wild fires in the Spokane WA area, Rev. R. Hanko and his wife had to evacuate their home this weekend (in Medical Lake), along with their son Neal who stays in a special facility in that area. Neal has since been allowed to return to his place but the Hankos are staying in the apartment that belongs to Covenant of Grace PRC. We thank the Lord for their safety and pray that their home may be spared so that they can return to it soon. *UPDATE (from Rev. Hanko Sunday morning): "What follows is a brief update as of Sunday morning. Saturday the fire began to move south along Interstate 90 and into our area. Saturday morning the fire was less than a quarter mile from our home on the north and on the east. I went in the evening to try to get a few more things from the house and found the firemen battling the fire just behind our back fence. The homes in our neighborhood were all standing as far as I could tell, but the fire had burned into lawns, empty lots and much of the area was still filled with hot spots and smoking debris. I was also able to visit Neal briefly and see how his facility had been
miraculously and providentially saved from the fire at a time when there were few resources on the scene. The fire burned right up to the facility on the south, west and north but the facility itself was untouched, and that at a time when the fire was still moving very quickly as a result of the winds." And another update Monday morning: "Our home has been spared and we are back home. Power went back on last night, but gas is still off. It is very smoky in our area, but we came home worried about hot spots and looters and are now watching the homes of our neighbors as well. There are still many hot spots in our area being monitored by fire-fighting crews, I90 is still closed and the fire is still burning south of us. The fire-fighters are our heroes, having saved almost all the homes in our area by their superhuman efforts. We are especially thankful to God for miraculously sparing us and Neal who is back at his facility which was untouched by the fire, though it burned up to the facility on three sides."
PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
What is the grace of God? Is there a grace of God for all humans - a 'common' grace, or is grace only saving and always particular? Read this resource for answers to these and other questions.
Is the Christian Faith Easy?
We are tempted to say, Yes!
Everyone wants an easy religion, a religion that tells him he is basically good; a religion that tells him God loves everyone and therefore overlooks anything an individual does wrong. Everyone wants a religion that gives ways for man to better himself and his society to make life easier and more pleasurable.
Almost anyone would go along with that kind of religion.
But that is not Christianity.
It is not easy to be a Christian. To make it sound easy, or to change it so that it is easy, is deception. Christianity gives proper recognition to God's greatness and man's sinfulness. There is no easy way to bring harmony between the Holy God and the sinner. However the things that are impossible with men, are possible with God (Luke 18:27).
4. A Christian desires to obey God's will, as revealed by God in His Word.
A Christian struggles against personal sin.
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness..." (Colossians 3:5).
A Christian finds his freedom in obeying God.
"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life" (Romans 6:22).
A Christian confesses his hope of salvation to be in Jesus Christ alone.
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt he saved" (Romans 10:9).
A Christian worships God and enjoys the fellowship with His people.
"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another" (Hebrews 10:24, 25)
If so, we rejoice that God has given you to confess the Christian faith.
Perhaps you believe you are a Christian, but feel confused with Christian teaching and life and want a deeper understanding of the truth or more direction in your life.
Maybe you are not a Christian, but are interested in learning more about the Christian faith and the need that we all have of salvation in Jesus Christ.
~ Rev. S. Key in one of this month's featured pamphlets, Is the Christian Faith Easy?
Today, August 13, is the thirty-third Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.
If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. ~ Psalm 110:1-4
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. R. Dykstra in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. M. McGeown in Georgetown PRC; Rev. R. Barnhill (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Prof. C. Griess in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. C. Haak (1st of 3 weeks) in Lynden PRC; Elders led in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. A. Stewart in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
Special Upcoming Congregational Activities: The Deacons at Hudsonville PRC are planning a conference for Saturday morning, September 16 at 8:30 AM. Rev. Mahtani will begin with a short speech followed by breakout sessions. The topic of the conference is “Ministry of Mercy in Christ’s Church”. Potential, current, and former deacons are welcome! Please register for this event at bit.ly/Deacon2023.
Congregational Evangelism Activities:
2023 Young Peoples Convention: We rejoice in and are thankful for the wonderful week for the 2023 Young Peoples Convention at Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville, IL hosted by Grandville PRC. May the Lord be pleased to use all the experiences for the continued spiritual growth of the young people and for the good of the churches.
PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!
Prof. B. Gritters teaching his church discipline class Wednesday nights (July 12 - August 9) in Hudsonville PRC (see notes below for more information on the videos and outlines from this class)
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
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Is the Christian Faith Easy?
We are tempted to say, Yes!
Everyone wants an easy religion, a religion that tells him he is basically good; a religion that tells him God loves everyone and therefore overlooks anything an individual does wrong. Everyone wants a religion that gives ways for man to better himself and his society to make life easier and more pleasurable.
Almost anyone would go along with that kind of religion.
But that is not Christianity.
It is not easy to be a Christian. To make it sound easy, or to change it so that it is easy, is deception. Christianity gives proper recognition to God's greatness and man's sinfulness. There is no easy way to bring harmony between the Holy God and the sinner. However the things that are impossible with men, are possible with God (Luke 18:27).
2. A Christian sees himself or herself as a sinner.
Sin is the result of man's disobedience against God.
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Romans 5:12).
God's law for us is that we love Him.
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Matthew 22:37).
God judges us in the light of His holy law.
"Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one" (Psalm 53:3).
3. A Christian is one who stands before God in Christ.
Self justification is not the way of salvation.
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away" (Isaiah 64:6).
Christ died on the cross to pay for the sins of His people.
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
Christ alone guarantees the Christian's acceptance with God.
"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" (Philippians 3:9).
~ Rev. S. Key in one of this month's featured pamphlets, Is the Christian Faith Easy?
Today, August 6, is the thirty-second Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.
If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.
Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise; For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. ...But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. ...I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude. For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul. ~ Psalm 109:1-3 21-22, 30-31
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Laning in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. D. Noorman in Georgetown PRC; Rev. R. Barnhill (1st week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. M. McGeown in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Regnerus (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. A. Stewart (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. R. Smit in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Smidstra in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
Special Upcoming Congregational Activities: The Deacons at Hudsonville PRC are planning a conference for Saturday morning, September 16 at 8:30 AM. Rev. Matahni will begin with a short speech followed by breakout sessions. The topic of the conference is “Ministry of Mercy in Christ’s Church”. Potential, current, and former deacons are welcome! Please register for this event at bit.ly/Deacon2023.
2023 Young Peoples Convention: This week, Grandville PRC is excited to welcome the young people and chaperones to the 2023 Young Peoples Convention at Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville, IL! Busses will begin loading at CCHS at 5:30AM tomorrow morning. We are looking forward to a week of fun and fellowship! TONIGHT is the pre-convention Singspiration at 7:45PM at Fairhaven Church in Jenison, MI. Let's be in prayer for the conventioneers and chaperones this week, that they may have a blessed time of fellowship and growth in the gospel.
PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!
Prof. B. Gritters teaching his church discipline class Wednesday nights (July 12 - August 16) in Hudsonville PRC (see more information on that and this week's class below)
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
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Is the Christian Faith Easy?
We are tempted to say, Yes!
Everyone wants an easy religion, a religion that tells him he is basically good; a religion that tells him God loves everyone and therefore overlooks anything an individual does wrong. Everyone wants a religion that gives ways for man to better himself and his society to make life easier and more pleasurable.
Almost anyone would go along with that kind of religion.
But that is not Christianity.
It is not easy to be a Christian. To make it sound easy, or to change it so that it is easy, is deception. Christianity gives proper recognition to God's greatness and man's sinfulness. There is no easy way to bring harmony between the Holy God and the sinner. However the things that are impossible with men, are possible with God (Luke 18:27).
1. A Christian believes in God Who reveals Himself in the Bible.
The Bible is God's own Word and therefore authoritative for all of life.
"No prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (II Peter 1:20, 21).
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16).The Triune God is the Creator.
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him." (Colossians 1:16).
God is Holy and hates all sin.
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness" (Romans 1:18).
God sees and knows all things.
"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do" (Hebrews 4:13).
~ Rev. S. Key in one of this month's featured pamphlets, Is the Christian Faith Easy?
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Today, July 30, is the thirty-first Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.
If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.
O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. ~ Psalm 108:1-9
Georgetown PRC's Council has announced a new trio: Revs. Audred Spriensma (Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN), D. Noorman (SW PRC), and J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI). The congregational meeting will be held August 6 after the morning service.
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R. Smit in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. M. DeBoer in Georgetown PRC; Cand. M. Koerner (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. J. Mahtani in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. G. Eriks (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. A. Stewart (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. A. Brummel in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. W. Langerak in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
Special Upcoming Congregational Activities: The Deacons at Hudsonville PRC are planning a conference for Saturday morning, September 16 at 8:30 AM. Rev. Matahni will begin with a short speech followed by breakout sessions. The topic of the conference is “Ministry of Mercy in Christ’s Church”. Potential, current, and former deacons are welcome! Please register for this event at bit.ly/Deacon2023.
Special PRC delegation from Doon PRC and the FMC: A delegation on behalf of the Foreign Mission Committee and the Doon Council has been in the Philippines for a week and a half. Brian and Denise Gritters (FMC) and Jim and Brenda Regnerus (Doon) are visiting Rev. Daniel and Sharon Kleyn and extending a farewell to the Filipino saints as the work of the FMC in the Philippines draws to a close. They plan to return to the states tomorrow. May our almighty Father grant safety in travel and His blessings upon these labors.
PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. The various committees of the 100th anniversary steering commitee are busy preparing for this historic event, including a special commemorative book. Watch for further notices and updates!
Prof. B. Gritters teaching his church discipline class Wednesday nights (July 12 - August 16) in Hudsonville PRC (see more information on that and this week's class below)
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
What is the Christian's calling with regard to the prominent and prevalent sin of gambling? Check out this resource for biblical answers.
"Why, then, is gambling sin? Why must we know it to be sin? And how must Christians respond to this sin? To answer these questions is the burden of this pamphlet.
"The industry of gambling is morally wrong!
"This is true, first, because it is motivated by greed. The goal of the gambling institutions is to get lots of money quickly! And they accomplish their goal well; gambling is a lucrative business. Notice that the goal of the gambling industry is not merely to get money; any businessman has that goal, because he needs money to live. But the goal of the gambling industry is to get lots of money quickly, without providing a beneficial service or a sound product in return. It manifests covetousness, which God's law forbids ('Thou shalt not covet,' Exodus 20:17), and the love of money, against which God's Word also warns us: 'But they that will [the word 'will' here means 'desire to,' DJK] be rich fall into temptation and a snare, ... For the love of money is the root of all evil' (I Timothy 6:9-10).
"Second, gambling is an improper way for the church or state to raise its funds. A government has the right to tax its citizens, and members of a country are required to pay taxes. Jesus said, 'Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's' (Matthew 22:21). Paul, having emphasized the importance of civil government, and that government is the servant of God, commands under inspiration of the Spirit: 'For this cause pay ye tribute also: ... Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour' (Romans 13:6-7). We see, then, that Scripture tells us that a government should raise its money by taxation! This is the right way, because it treats all citizens equally; every member of the country contributes to the support of that country. Taxation should also impress upon every member of the country the benefit that government is to us, and it should encourage responsible citizenship."
~ Rev. D. Kuiper in "The Sin of Gambling"
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Classis East
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Classis West
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