PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for August 28, 2022 *(Updated)
- Published in News
Below 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.
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.
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!"
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
- 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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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)
Covenant Reformed News - August 2022
- Published in Covenant PRC Ballymena, Northern Ireland
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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for August 21, 2022 *(Updated)
- Published in News
Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this thirty-third Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, August 21.
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 a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. ~ Psalm 66:1-4
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
- Today Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC-Jenison, MI) declined the call from Randolph (WI) PRC.
- Last Sunday Rev. R. Smit (missionary to the Philippines) declined the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB). The Consistory has formed a new trio of Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC), C. Spronk (Faith PRC), and A. Stewart (Covenant PRC – Northern Ireland). The congregational meeting is scheduled for next Sunday, August 28, after the PM service.
- Last Sunday Doon (IA) PRC voted to extend a call to Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC, Hudsonville, MI).
- Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC - Hull, IA) is considering the call from Zion PRC to serve as domestic missionary (received Aug.7). He plans to answer by August 28. May the Lord give him wisdom to discern His will with regard to this special call.
- Hudsonville PRC’s Council has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA), Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC-Wyoming, MI). The congregation will call on Monday, August 22. *UPDATE: Rev. D. Noorman has received this call.
- 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: Elders lead with video sermons in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. R. Barnhill (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. W. Langerak in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Laning (2nd week) 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:
- TONIGHT! 7:30 PM - Trinity PRC! - Rev. Daniel Kleyn will be giving a presentation on the work being done in the Philippines. This presentation will be at Trinity PRC TONIGHT - Sunday, August 21, at 7:30 PM. It will be streamed on Trinity’s Sermonaudio page as well for those interested, but unable to attend in person.
- First PRC-Holland, MI: "The next meeting of the outreach Bible Study will be this coming Wednesday, August 24, at 7 p.m. at the Howard Miller public library, in the west meeting room on the lower floor. Rev. Smidstra will be leading this meeting, continuing on the subject "Who Is Jesus?" Come out join us!"
- First PRC-Grand Rapids: “This past Friday a delegation of Rev. John and Amy Marcus, Prof. Ron and Rhonda Cammenga, Rev. Rodney Kleyn, and seminarian Arend Haveman traveled to Mexico City. They will spend eight days preaching, participating in a three-day conference, and following up with contacts that we have in the area. Remember them in your prayers and pray that God will use the visit for the encouragement of our contacts and the strengthening of our ties to Reformed believers and churches in this part of the world.”
- Georgetown PRC re work in Vellore, India: "The English Church’s regular week Bible study is going on very well and is a great blessing. PRCV holds cottage prayer every Tuesdays in church member’s house. Mid-week personal gathering gives a real time of joy fellowshipping with each other. There were two government inspections at GFH this past two weeks. ...The children of the GFH are doing well and send their special love to you. Pastor and Kasthuri Raj thank everyone for extending your love and hospitality and support to their son Jason." (update in today's bulletin)
- Lynden (WA) PRC: "Mark your calendars! The evangelism committee is excited to announce that they are planning a two-day conference for Friday night and Saturday morning, Sept. 2 and 3. Prof. Cory Griess and Rev. Ron Hanko have agreed to speak on the theme: "What Am I without My Body? The Blessedness of Membership in the Body of Christ." Make plans to attend and please spread the word!"
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
- Seminary PRC History Class: Prof. D. Kuiper’s final summer PRCA history class will meet this week Wednesday, August 24, 7:30 p.m. at SW PRC (Wyoming, MI). The topic will be Classis East and Classis West. Recordings of past classes are available on the seminary’s YouTube channel. A pdf of handouts is available from Prof. Kuiper by request.
Missions:
- Home missions: On August 7 Zion PRC (Jenison, MI) extended a call to Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC) to serve as home missionary. He plans to answer by the end of this month.
- Philippines mission:
- Rev. D. Kleyn and Sharon are currently in the U.S. for a six-week furlough. They plan to return tomorrow, August 22, the Lord willing. May the Lord bless their furlough and grant them rest and refreshment as well.
- "Rev. Daniel Kleyn will be giving a presentation on the work being done in the Philippines. This presentation will be at Trinity PRC TONIGHT - Sunday, August 21, at 7:30 PM. It will be streamed on Trinity’s sermon audio page as well for those interested, but unable to attend in person."
Prof. D. Kuiper's PRC History class met this past week at SW PRC in Wyoming, MI. The final class will meet this Wednesday, August 24 (see note below)
PRC Seminary Notices:
- The seminary is in the final weeks of its summer break. Continue to pray for the faculty, students, and staff as they stay busy with other labors and activities while also preparing for the new school season. The first semester of the 2022-23 school year will begin, D.V. on Tuesday, August 30.
- Prof. D. Kuiper is currently teaching a class on the history of the PRCA from 1924-1949. The final class will meet this week Wednesday, August 24 at SW PRC (Wyoming, MI) at 7:30 p.m. The topic will be Classis East and Classis West (and the harbingers of the schism of 1953). Recordings of past classes are available on the seminary’s YouTube channel. A pdf of handouts is available from Prof. Kuiper by request.
- Fall 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.
- Seminary Convocation is planned for Wednesday evening, Sept.7, at Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI). Prof. D. Kuiper will be speaking. Plan to attend and support the seminary as it begins a new school season.
- This past Friday a delegation of Rev. John and Amy Marcus, Prof. Ron and Rhonda Cammenga, Rev. Rodney Kleyn and seminarian Arend Haveman traveled to Mexico City. They will spend eight days preaching, participating in a three-day conference and following up with contacts that we have in the area. Remember them in your prayers and pray that God will use the visit for the encouragement of our contacts and the strengthening of our ties to Reformed believers and churches in this part of the world.
- Last month Sem. M. Koerner began his internship in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids under Rev. J. Mahtani. Sem. A. Haveman has plenty of preaching assignments this summer (after being licensed at the semester), in addition to another mission trip, this time to Mexico (August 19-26).
- 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.
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 last week was this significant note: "For quite some time now session has been studying, deliberating, and praying over the matter of having a second minster in CERC. That study was concluded in the last Session meeting, when the Session voted to adopt a proposal to call Candidate Marcus Wee as the second resident minister of CERC. The Session would like to present the proposal to the entire congregation on 21 August 2022. Following which, we will call an extra congregational meeting on 18 September 2022, the Lord willing, to vote on the proposal."
- 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 July 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 are currently taking their six-week furlough in the U.S. They plan to return tomorrow August 22, the Lord willing.
- 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!"
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
- 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 8:31-32 and titled "God Did Not Spare His Own Son."
- 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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What is the nature of God's kingdom and what is the calling of its citizens? To make this world a better place? To Christianize the world's culture? This is a valuable resource resource to help answer these questions biblically and in faithfulness to the Reformed confessions.
- 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
"...lastly, the supreme thing [in marriage] always is to consider our Lord Jesus Christ. If a husband and wife are together considering Him, you need have no worry about their relationship to each other. Our human relationships and affections and loves are cemented by our common love to Him. If both are living to Him and His glory and His praise, if both have got uppermost in their minds the analogy of Christ and the church, and what He has done for the church that she might be redeemed, and that they, as individuals, might become the children of God — if they are overwhelmed by that thought and governed by it, there will be no danger of their personal relationship meeting with disaster. The headship of the husband will be the same kind of headship as the Headship of Christ over the church.... That is the secret — that we are ever to be looking unto Him and realizing that marriage is but a pale reflection of the relationship between Christ and His church. So the principle of success in marriage is this: ‘Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.’ ‘Husbands, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself, and the wife see that she reverence her husband.’
~D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in the Spirit, p. 233,234.
Covenant PRC-NI Newsletter - August 2022
- Published in Covenant PRC Ballymena, Northern Ireland
Covenant Protestant Reformed Church Ballymena, NI
4 August, 2022
Dear saints in the Protestant Reformed Churches,
British Reformed Fellowship (BRF) Conference
After being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid, the 16th BRF family conference on “Union With Christ” finally took place at Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland (9-16 July). However, as one attendee put it, “This BRF conference was so good that it made up for not having had one two years ago!”
There were 105 people who stayed at the castle for all or part of the week and another 26 who joined us as visitors once or twice or three times. Saints came from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Northern Ireland, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Singapore, the United States, and Wales. Apart from a lingering uncertainty regarding the reintroduction of Covid regulations, especially those concerning international travel, more would have joined us. As it was, we were delighted with such an excellent attendance and the wonderful people who contributed to a blessed week.
I delivered the Saturday night opening presentation at the conference on “The Psalm of Union” (Psalm 56). Despite the fact that many delegates only arrived in Northern Ireland that day, and some had travelled a considerable distance and/or gotten little sleep the night before, the saints were remarkably attentive.
Prof. Brian Huizinga’s two excellent Sunday sermons set forth the glory of the Saviour to whom we are united: “Our Changeless Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:8) and “The Lamb of God Come” (John 1:29). In the afternoon, I led a Bible study on “The Bond of Faith,” a topic intimately related to the mystical union.
From Monday to Friday, Professors Engelsma and Huizinga ably developed our beautiful theme of “Union With Christ” with six speeches that explained the nature of this mystical union and related it to the covenant, election, Jesus’ death, the forgiveness of sins, sanctification, our death, Christ’s resurrection, regeneration, marriage, the antithesis, abuse, etc. “‘Christ Is Made Ours:’ Calvin on Union” was my lovely subject for the BRF conference’s historical lecture on Wednesday night.
Look for the audios of all the ten speeches and sermons on the BRF website (www.british reformed.org). Lord willing, these will be reworked and published in the eighth BRF book, dealing with our union with Jesus Christ.
Among other things enjoyed by those at the Castlewellan conference were the two day-trips, ice cream in the cellars, shared meals, informal Psalm singing sessions, the arboretum, the hedgerow maze, walking around the lake, kayaking, several football matches, hiking up Northern Ireland’s highest mountain, etc. Friendships were renewed or established for the first time during a relaxing week with lovely weather and beautiful scenery in the Mourne Mountains and by the Irish Sea.
I cannot do justice to the riches of God’s truth that was taught to us or the many wonderful aspects of the conference. I simply add here that reports by others will be carried in the Standard Bearer and the Beacon Lights, as well as in the next issue of the British Reformed Journal (BRJ) which will soon be sent to the printers. It has never been easier to subscribe to the BRJ. It can now be done online and costs just £10 for 4 issues (www.cprc.co.uk/ product/british-reformed-journal-subscription).
According to the decisions of the BRF’s Biennial General Meeting, the next conference is scheduled for the summer of 2024 in mainland Britain and its subject will be eschatology. After speaking at all of our previous conferences, Prof. Engelsma indicated that his age would rule him out in the future, sadly. Prof. Huizinga and Rev. Ron Hanko were chosen as the two main speakers for 2024.
Rev. Hanko is well-known in the BRF and the British Isles. He laboured in the United Kingdom for 7 or 8 years, speaking in various places in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. He attended several BRF conferences, wrote many articles in the BRJ (which are also on the BRF website) and was a member of the BRF Council. He has authored a good number of books and pamphlets (distributed by the CPRC Bookstore), and is writing in the monthly Covenant Reformed News again. The CPRC website contains many translations of his various works in several languages. His daughter, Jennifer, is a member of the CPRC, and Rev. Hanko has visited Northern Ireland several times in the last few years.
On the Lord’s day during the conference (10 July)—John Calvin’s birthday—Rev. Allen Brummel preached at both services in the CPRC in Ballymena for those in our congregation unable to make it to Castlewellan. On Sunday 17 July, the day after the conference’s conclusion, and with most of the conferees in attendance, the worship in the CPRC was led by Prof. Huizinga (Romans 2:4-5) and Rev. Brummel, all of whose three sermons dealt with key texts in the book of Job ( www.youtube.com/ user/CPRCNI). After this fine preaching of the Word, fellowship was enjoyed after the evening service around tea and sandwiches provided by the ladies of the congregation.
The next day, the majority of those from outside Northern Ireland flew home with accompanying sad farewells. Mary’s brother, Dave Hanko, with Joan, his wife, and Will, their son, stayed with us at the manse for a few more days, so we got to show them more of our province in the sunshine.
On the evening of the next Lord’s day (24 July), Prof. Engelsma preached a powerful sermon on “The Saviour's Assertions of His Sovereignty in Salvation” (John 13:18-19). Since this may well be the last time that he and Mrs. Engelsma will be in the CPRC, afterwards I gave a brief presentation outlining the immense service the professor has provided to our church (in its various forms) over the last 38 years. The videos of both these addresses are on-line (www.youtube.com/playlist?list= PL2Y5Eq5r6y2Fv4JNGXq935PevpTcIv1gH).
Membership
The last three months have probably seen more members added to our church than any other similar period. On 15 May, Joe and Lisa McCaughern with their three children (Jack, Maisie, and Xander) were received into the congregation. Christ’s particular atonement was a key doctrine in Joe’s coming to the CPRC.
Billy and Anne Gould, and their two adult daughters, Grace and Kerryann, joined us on 5 June. Some years ago, Kerryann married a man from Egypt and became a Muslim. After she was converted to Jesus Christ, he threatened her and they separated. Kerryann found us on the Internet, when she was seeking a church that teaches God’s sovereignty in salvation. Grace left her second husband and former church in order to join us, when she was convinced of the Bible’s teaching on marriage and remarriage.
Kerryann’s oldest daughter, Aaysha, is in a wheelchair for she has serious health issues, making it very difficult for her family to attend the worship services. Aaysha was able to attend on Sunday 12 June, when she was baptized in the name of the Triune God with her little sister, Somaya, and their brother, Yossef.
The next Sunday, Ivan Ortu from the Italian island of Sardinia and Colm Ring from Limerick in the Republic of Ireland made confession of faith together. Ivan came across us through the large Italian section on our website (www.cprc.co.uk/ languages/italian). Colm attended the Limerick Reformed Fellowship for several years.
All these additions provide greater opportunities for fellowship in the congregation. We produced a new CPRC listing because of changes to various people’s membership status, addresses, telephone numbers, and email numberaddresses (20 June).
My presentation at the CPRC Annual General Meeting (29 June) included some reflections on the Lord’s growth of our church. After doctrinal divisions in the old CPRC resulted in its disbanding in 2002, it took as many as fourteen years before the number of our confessing and baptized members reached their pre-split levels! Since 2016, the membership has further grown by over 50% and the Lord is bringing in others too. There are now 4-5 times more people attending our services than 20 years ago.
The BRF conference at Castlewellan, as well as additional contact with like-minded believers from our sister churches in North America and Singapore before and/or after the conference, was a great encouragement to both new and old members of our church.
Others
In March, thanks to a suggestion by a brother in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, we started adding the words of the four Psalms that we sing to our live webcasting. Thus people watching the service online on our main website (www. cprc.co.uk/livestreaming) or on the other CPRC webpages (YouTube, Facebook or Sermon.net) can sing along with us.
Around the start of April, our four Monday night catechism classes ended for the season. In 2002, we had one catechumen (and she was 16 years old); now the Lord has given us 24.
On Easter Monday, we held a congregational picnic in Antrim Park near Lough Neagh (10 April). We had additional occasion for fellowship when we had tea after the Lord’s day evening service on 24 April, and Bob and Carolyn Prins (Trinity PRC), who were in Northern Ireland for a few weeks, were able to join us.
Our Wednesday night Belgic Confession classes concluded for the season on 27 April. We finished with seven studies dealing with “Ezekiel 40-48 in Eschatology.” Both historic premillennialism and dispensationalism claim that these chapters predict a literal Jewish temple in Jerusalem in the future. But is this really true? And, if not, what do the last nine chapters in Ezekiel actually teach? The audios are free on-line (www.cprc.co.uk/belgic-confession-class) and the CD box set is available for just £8 (inc. P&P in the UK) (www.cprc.co.uk/product/ ezekiel-40-48-in-eschatology).
With both Monday night’s catechism and Wednesday night’s doctrine class over, Mary and I were able to spend a few days in Scotland (2-6 May) in order to check out Lendrick Muir as a possible BRF conference venue for 2024. We also considered places that would work for two day-trips and had dinner with friends in St Andrews. Next we engaged in family visitation, which involved 33 visits (10 May - 27 June). This year’s Scripture passage was Philippians 4.
Lidi Cecilio from Brazil visited from 17 May to 27 July, which dates included the BRF Conference (9- 16 July). She stayed with various families in the congregation and participated vibrantly in the fellowship of the church. Mary and I first met Lidi in 2012, when she and four friends were in Dublin studying English. Since then, she has visited us several times and become dear to the CPRC.
Sunday 29 May marked the end of 37 sermons on “Solomon: Israel’s Wisest King” (I Kings 1-11; II Chronicles 1-9), the longest series I have ever preached (www.cprc.co.uk/old-testament-sermon-series). Solomon is the last monarch of the united kingdom and he represents the high point in OT Israel. After him comes division, warfare, and temple desecration. Studying Solomon helps us understand Christ’s glorious kingship, (aspects of) the OT ceremonial law, and God’s one holy church, as well as Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, and (some of) the Psalms.
Mary and I were finally able to make it to South Wales for a lecture on “The Irresistible Grace of God” on 9 June. Because of Covid regulations and the press of other labours, it had been over 28 months since we were last there! We visited the homes of Brian and Sian Harris, and Richard and Judy Holt, and took the three Hutchings out for dinner beforehand. It was lovely to see all of them again and the other saints who attended the lecture.
Mary and I hosted the congregation at the manse for a barbecue (24 June). We had good fellowship and the younger ones enjoyed playing football.
Translations
In the 139 days since my last letter (18 April), we added another 79 translations in 8 different languages (www.cprc.co.uk/languages). Almost half of these new translations are Polish (39), most of which are by Marcin Kozera and Robert Jarosz, both of whom were at the BRF conference—the first time that we had met either of them! These Polish translations include two pamphlets by Herman Hoeksema (“The Antichrist” and “The Mark of the Beast”) and the first half of the BRF book, The Reformed Worldview, by Profs. Hanko and Engelsma.
This is the breakdown of the remaining 40 new translations: 14 Dutch (including 5 pamphlets by Herman Hoeksema and Henry Danhof, supplied by Rev. Steve Key in pdfs), 8 Hungarian, 8 Afrikaans, 4 Spanish, 3 Odia (all of the Three Forms of Unity), 2 Russian, and 1 Korean.
We now have articles from the Covenant Reformed News translated into 22 different languages spoken in various countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America: Afrikaans, Burmese, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hiligaynon, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Kirundi, Luo, Macedonian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slovenian, Spanish, Swahili, and Tagalog. Most articles of the News have been translated into at least one language and some up to as many as seven different tongues. Thus there are many more translations of the News on-line than there are pieces in English!
May the Lord continue to bless and keep you all by His Word and Spirit in these perilous times.
Rev. & Mary Stewart
Covenant Reformed News July 2022
- Published in Covenant PRC Ballymena, Northern Ireland
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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for August 14, 2022
- Published in News
Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this thirty-second Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, August 14.
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.
Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed. O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. ~ Psalm 65:1-4
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
- Last Sunday, Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC) received the call from Zion PRC to serve as domestic missionary. He plans to answer by August 28. May the Lord give him wisdom to discern His will with regard to this special call.
- Today Rev. R. Smit (missionary to the Philippines) declined the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton).
- Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC-Jenison) is considering the call to Randolph (WI) PRC (received July 24). He plans to answer by August 21.
- The Council of Doon (IA) PRC has formed a new trio: Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton MN PRC), Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI), and Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC-Hudsonville, MI). The congregation will call this evening.
- Hudsonville PRC’s Council has formed a new trio from which to call a pastor: Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA), Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), Rev. D. Noorman (SW PRC-Wyoming, MI). The congregation will call on Monday, August 22.
- Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. M. Kortus (2nd week) in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. R. Barnhill (1st week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. R. Kleyn in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Laning (1st week) 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-Grand Rapids: "This week Friday pastor Kleyn will be leaving with the second Summer delegation to Mexico. He, Prof. Cammenga, Rev. Marcus and Sem. Arend Haveman will be speaking and preaching at Juan Calvino Seminary and several IPC congregations in the Mexico City area. They plan to return on August 26.s
- Georgetown PRC re work in Vellore, India: "Ten young people have graduated for the GHF and have found jobs in the area, or are continuing their education and attending the Tamil church. Construction on the new church building has resumed with a number of former GFH young men joining the construction team. The Sola Gratia Classes (Training area pastors in the Reformed Faith) continues weekly. The English Church continues to meet on the Eden Campus for their weekly Bible Study. The sacrament of infant baptism with its comfort and hope was recently observed in the English Church." (update in today's bulletin)
- Lynden (WA) PRC: "Mark your calendars! The evangelism committee is excited to announce that they are planning a two-day conference for Friday night and Saturday morning, Sept. 2 and 3. Prof. Cory Griess and Rev. Ron Hanko have agreed to speak on the theme: "What Am I without My Body? The Blessedness of Membership in the Body of Christ." Make plans to attend and please spread the word!"
PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
Seminary History Class: Prof. D. Kuiper’s PRCA history class will meet this week Wednesday, August 17, 7:30 p.m. at SW PRC (Wyoming, MI). The topic will be the PRCA in the war years (1940s). The class will meet for the final time this summer on the Wednesday, August 24 (7:30 p.m.), at Southwest PRC. Recordings of past classes are available on the seminary’s YouTube channel. A pdf of handouts is available from Prof. Kuiper by request.
Missions News:
- Home missions: This past Sunday Zion PRC (Jenison, MI) extended a call to Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC) to serve as home missionary. He plans to answer by the end of this month.
- Philippines mission:
- Rev. D. Kleyn and Sharon are currently in the U.S. for a six-week furlough. They plan to return on August 22, the Lord willing. May the Lord bless their furlough and grant them rest and refreshment as well.
- And this one in the Grand Rapids, MI area: "Rev. Daniel Kleyn will be giving a presentation on the work being done in the Philippines. This presentation will be at Trinity PRC on Sunday August 21 at 7:30 PM. It will be streamed on Trinity’s sermon audio page as well for those interested, but unable to attend in person."
PRC Seminary Notices:
- The seminary is in the final weeks of its summer break. Continue to pray for the faculty, students, and staff as they stay busy with other labors and activities while also preparing for the new school season. The first semester of the 2022-23 school year will begin, D.V. on Tuesday, August 30.
- This month Prof. R. Cammenga and Junior Arend Havemen will be part of a team sponsored by First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI going to Mexico City for a conference (August 19-26). Pray for safe travels and profitable meetings for all involved. And look for further reports on this trip next month.
- Prof. D. Kuiper is currently teaching a class on the history of the PRCA from 1924-1949. The class will meet this week Wednesday, August 17 at SW PRC (Wyoming, MI) at 7:30 p.m. The topic of the week is the PRCA in the war years (1940s). It plans to meet for the final time this summer on Wednesdays August 24. Recordings of past classes are available on the seminary’s YouTube channel. A pdf of handouts is available from Prof. Kuiper by request.
- Last month Sem. M. Koerner began his internship in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids under Rev. J. Mahtani. Sem. A. Haveman has plenty of preaching assignments this summer (after being licensed at the semester), in addition to another mission trip, this time to Mexico (August 19-26).
- 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.
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 this significant note: "For quite some time now session has been studying, deliberating, and praying over the matter of having a second minster in CERC. That study was concluded in the last Session meeting, when the Session voted to adopt a proposal to call Candidate Marcus Wee as the second resident minister of CERC. The Session would like to present the proposal to the entire congregation on 21 August 2022. Following which, we will call an extra congregational meeting on 18 September 2022, the Lord willing, to vote on the proposal."
- Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
- Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
- 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 June 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" has been released. 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 are currently taking their six-week furlough in the U.S. They plan to return on August 22, the Lord willing.
- 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: (no bulletin received as of yet)
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
- 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 8:28 and titled "The Secret Providence of God."
- 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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Are you able to defend biblical Calvinism against Arminian errors? This is a great resource to help you discern.
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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. 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
"CALVINISM has for its first principle, "In the beginning God!" He is the center of the universe. "For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things: to whom be glory for ever! Amen" (Rom. 11:36).
In the realm of creation, nature, and providence, absolutely nothing occurs without God's appointment; but He works all things according to the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:11). Nothing happens by chance, but by the direction and ordination of our gracious heavenly Father. "My counsel shall stand and I will do all My pleasure:...yea, I have spoken, and I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it" (Is. 46:10-11). Also God does more than merely to permit evil: He gives the power to perpetrate it: "Thou couldest have no power against Me, except it were given thee from above" (Jn. 19:11), for "power belongeth unto God" (Ps. 62:11). Further, He sovereignly determines beforehand that the evil shall be done according to His eternal counsel: "for of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together for to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before ('foreordained,' ASV) to be done" (Acts 4:27ff). Though Joseph's brethren did wickedly sell him into Egypt, it is nevertheless true that it was not they but God Who sent him there; for it was God Who ordered their evil act (Gen. 45:8). The principle of Scripture is that evil rulers and their wicked actions come to pass by His ordination. "The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men" (Dan. 4:17). "The powers that be," though the most degraded, "are ordained of God" (Rom. 13:1). The evil of war also is God's work: "for it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that He might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favor, but that He might destroy them" (Josh. 11:20). In fact, man acts only when activated by God. "In Him we love and are moved" (Gr., passive), so that we cannot turn to what is right unless God turns us. "Turn Thou us unto Thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned" (Lam. 5:21). A man's heart indeed does devise his way, but never independently of God's control. For his very thoughts and words come by the sovereign operation of God upon his heart. "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue are from the Lord" (Prov. 16:1). "Man's goings are of the Lord, how can a man then understand his own way?" (Prov. 20:24), i.e., by his own would-be autonomous way? God's will alone is absolutely free; and man's will is always subject to His. "And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and who can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest Thou?" (Dan. 4:35).
God is equally as sovereign in the field of grace. Here His mercy is free, never suspended upon conditions required beforehand, as for example, that man should repent, or use the light of nature aright. No unregenerate man can or does live up to the light of nature (Rom. 1:20ff; 8:8); and repentance is a gift of free grace (II Tim. 2:25; Acts 11:18). Finally, the saving death of Christ was designed chiefly for the praise and glory of God, not merely as a means to rescue souls from hell. "To the praise of the glory of His grace," "that we should be to the praise of His glory," and, the whole of "redemption (is) unto the praise of His glory" (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14). "Unto you (God's elect people only) ...a Savior... (Why? Primarily for man's betterment? No!) Glory to God in the highest!" (Luke 2:11, 14). The highest truth of Scripture is that God in His eternal purpose seeks His own glory. God is God!
~ Robert C. Harback in Calvinism... the Truth (Arminianism... the Lie)