Missions of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America

In Memoriam: Remembering PRC Saints Who Entered Glory in 2024 (Updated)

Romans8 39Standing by faith and hope in our Lord Jesus on this last day of the year, December 31, 2024, we once again remember those PRC members who died and were received into glory by their Savior, including little ones not numbered here but known to their Lord. 

We are also aware that many of our members lost other family members who were believers in our Lord Jesus and who have entered into their everlasting reward through Him - grandparents, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, and friends. These all have now joined the church triumphant in our Father's house of many mansions, where there is no more sin, suffering, or sorrow.

Today, while the remembrance of these departed ones causes us sorrow and reminds us of our loss, we rejoice to know that our faithful Father, our merciful Shepherd, and our abiding Comforter were present with us and ministering to us--through His Word and through pastors, fellow saints, and friends. In God's abounding grace He remained with us and with our loved ones, also in and through their dying moments. In His irresistible power He broke through all the darkness of death with the light of the gospel and comforted our loved ones and us. And by His merciful hand He delivered them out of this vale of tears and into His presence of boundless and endless joy! All praise be to our great and good God! May we humble ourselves before Him as we remember His work in the life and death of these precious saints of His, and may we prepare ourselves to die in the Lord with gospel peace.

Here, then, is the list of those PRC members who passed from this life into the life hereafter in this past year. I have counted 31 members who departed the church militant for the church triumphant in 2024. I have not knowingly or intentionally left anyone out. If you see someone that was missed, please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

In Memoriam: PRC members who died in the Lord in 2024 

(and two left off in 2023's list - by month and date, with ages and church affiliation)

December 2023

  • 24 - Seymour Soodsma, 74 - Randolph PRC
  • 26 - Robert E. DeJonge, 93 – Grace PRC (funeral held on Jan. 3, 2024)

January

  • 10 – Dena Schut, 100 –Hudsonville PRC

February

  • 15 – Delores Kuiper, 87- Grace PRC
  • 18 – Marvin Vandentop, 60- Calvary PRC
  • 21 – Dorothy Noorman, 88 - Faith PRC

March

  • 1 – Theodore (Ted) Hoekstra, 99 – Hull PRC
  • 2 – David F. Gunnink, 63 – Unity PRC
  • 5 – Tim Kooima, 91 - Hull PRC

April

  • 2 – Herman Hanko, 93 – Hope PRC-Walker, MI
  • 3 – Herman Molenkamp, 83 - Immanuel PRC-Lacombe, AB
  • 22- Robert Oosterheert, 80 – Byron Center PRC

May

  • 11 – Barbara Vink (Huizinga), 53 – Hope PRC-Walker, MI
  • 22 – Donna Moelker, 81 – Faith PRC

June

  • 29 – Nicholas A. Kamps, 37 – Grandville PRC

July

  • 2 – Cornelius Yonker, 99 – Grandville PRC
  • 9 – Cornie L. Brummel, 76 – Byron Center PRC

August

  • 13 – Gysbert Van Baren, 71 – Crete PRC

September

  • 1 – Braden Van Putten, 20 – First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI
  • 16 - Ronald Huizinga, 84 – Randolph PRC
  • 19 – Jackie Windemuller, 91 - Georgetown PRC
  • 21 – Betty Haveman, 79 – Hudsonville PRC
  • 25 - Florence Key, 89 – Hudsonville PRC
  • 25 – Truda Yonker, 98 – Grandville PRC
  • 26 – Dennis Burgers, 64 - Hull PRC

October

  • 23 – Lawrence C. Dykema, 87 – First PRC-Holland, MI

November

  • 4 – Robert Koontz, 75 – Peace PRC
  • 7 - Jensen Gabriel Heystek, 9 days – Lynden PRC/Doon PRC
  • 17 - Judith Booth, 88 – First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI
  • 21 – William Hoffman, 92 – First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI
  • 22 – Genevieve Lubbers, 81 – Hudsonville PRC
  • 27 - Warren (Bruce) Doezema, 94 - First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI
  • 29 – Thressa Hoffman, 88 – First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI

December

  • 25 – Rose Iwema, 73 - Faith PRC

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I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:8-11)

 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints (Psalm 116:15)

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world (John 11:25-27).

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3)

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. (Romans 14:7-9)

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:19-21).

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec (Hebrews 6:18-20).

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them (Revelation 14:13).

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:1-4)

Read more...

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for December 29, 2024

Ps90 12Today, December 29, is the fifty-second--and final-- Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024, and another rest stop on our pilgrim journey through this world. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

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.

Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. ...Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. ...O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

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 you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

New Year's Day Worship Service in the PRCs

This Wednesday morning, January 1, 2025, the PRCs will mark the beginning of the year of our Lord 2025 with a worship service of humble and hopeful praise to the God in whom we trust for all the unknowns of a new year. We warmly welcome you to join us, whether you have a church home or not. Most services begin at 9:30 a.m., but check the website of the PR congregation near you for details. "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." - Psalm 46:10,11

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

  • This evening Rev. E. Guichelaar preaches his farewell in Grace PRC. A farewell reception for him and his family is planned for after the morning service. The Guichelaars plan to move into Zion PRC's parsonage this week, with pastor's installation planned for January 19. May the Lord bless him and his family as they make this transition.
  • Today Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC) declined the call from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA.

  • Last Sunday Grace PRC voted to call Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete PRC-IL) to become her next pastor. He plans to answer by January 12.

  • This past Monday, December 23, Lynden (WA) PRC voted to call Rev. J. Engelsma. He plans to answer by January 12.

  • On December 11, Hudsonville PRC voted to call Rev. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC-Sioux Falls, SD). He plans to answer next Sunday, January 5.

  • On December 12, Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI) voted to call Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete-IL PRC). He plans to answer by January 12.

  • Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN) has formed a new trio of Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC), G. Eriks (Unity PRC), and D. Holstege (Wingham PRC). They plan to call from this trio next Sunday.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. A. Spriensma in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. D. Kuiper and Prof. B. Huizinga in Grandville PRC; Rev. R. Smit (2nd week) and Rev. A. Spriensma, New Years (and next 2 weeks) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. M. DeVries (Rev. W. Bruinsma, New Years) in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. C. Haak (through January 2025) in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Prof. D. Kuiper (Prof. Huizinga, New Years) in Southwest PRC; Rev. J. Slopsema and Rev. K. Koole (Prof. D. Kuiper, New Years) in Zion PRC. It is a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who travel and supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to petition the Lord for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special congregational/evangelism activities:

  • Zion PRC (Jenison, MI): "Jail Ministry: Howard and Dan Pastoor are representing our Evangelism Committee this afternoon at the Kent County Jail. Pray for Howard and Dan as they do this and that the Lord will use them to bring them comfort and hope to the inmates that they visit."

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PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

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The view at seminary in January 2024; currently the snow is gone and the green grass is showing.

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • Having completed its first semester on December 20, the PR Theological Seminary is enjoying its two-week holiday break. We give thanks to God for His goodness and blessing through this first term. Pray for faulty, students, and staff that they will be refreshed during the holidays. The seminary will be open during this time except for Christmas and New Year's day. 
  • Prof. R. Cammenga will be teaching the January 2025 Interim course (Jan.6-15) on the life and theology of John Calvin. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend. Please call the seminary at 616-531-1490 or email Bethany Engelsma at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sign up.
  • The second semester of the 2024-25 school year will begin on Thursday, January 16. Look for notices about auditing classes soon!
  • Today Sem. Aaron Van Dyke (senior) is finishing his summer/fall internship in the Wingham, Ontario PRC. This past week he led her Christmas service. This week he and his family will return to West Michigan and he will soon take up his final interim course and his semester after the new year. A farewell fellowship is planned today after the afternoon service.
  • The Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is now available. The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies have been mailed out last month to those on the mailing list. This issue contains, among other things, the second part of Dr. J. Bolt's treatment of the CRC Synod of 1924 ("Unfinished Business on Common Grace"), Prof Griess' lecture on "Sexual Abuse in Calvin's Geneva," Dr. N. Willborn's lectures on "Old Princeton," a sermon warning of drunkenness (and other addictions) from Prov.23:29-35 by Prof. Kuiper, and ten book reviews. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or stop by the seminary. 
  • Sem. Bruce Feenstra (junior) has been licensed to to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of Mr. Feenstra must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • Have you watched or listened to the videos of the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the histroric (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed? The speeches are now all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget to check on the blog!

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SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today both pastors led services. In this week's "pastor's voice" Rev. Wee has some good thoughts about the end of another year: "It is with that knowledge that we have such salvation from sin in Jesus Christ, the assurance of life eternal, and the knowledge that all things work together for our good, that we can look back on the year past and confess that God is good, whether our year has been a relatively smooth-sailing one, or fraught with many difficulties. God has been good and faithful, through all of the ups and downs. God has never once left us or forsaken us, but has gone with us every step of the way. Even when our way has led us to the sea, incomprehensible to us, His way has been in and through the sea, and He has been with us. Isaiah 43:2: “'When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.'”
    • A new issue of Salt Shakers is available - August2024, #73, the third of this year!  Once again you will find a variety of articles on timely subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults!
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC and her website to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways. 

      Special note: The church visitors (Prof. D. Kuiper and Dave Kregel) from the PRC Contact Committee will arrive this Friday, staying until Monday, Jan.13. "Prof. Kuiper will be giving a lecture on “The Proper Method of Bible Interpretation: Grammatical-Historical-Spiritual” on Wednesday, 8 January, at 7:30 PM. Extra flyers are on the back table for you to pass on to friends and family."

    • The December 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" has been published. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "The Call to the Apostolic Office" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about whether the 4th commandment is still in effect.
    • The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content may be found here.
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today, with new officebearers installed in the second service. And, the saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija joined them in worship via livestreaming on her Facebook page.
    • Mission Outreach: "Rev. Ibe and Deacon Longalong are set to visit with the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City on Dec. 30 and 31, 2025, God willing. Rev. Ibe will take up the Church Order of Dort Articles 12 - 13 and Reformed Dogmatics [Soteriology] on the Ordo Salutis [On Regeneration]. We pray for God’s continued spiritual strength and growth for the churches in these areas as they learn and receive the Reformed truth of God’s sovereign particular grace in Christ Jesus and for His sake only. Soli Deo Gloria!"
    • Provident PRC bulletin: An officebearer led both worship services today through PRCA’s recorded video sermons.

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

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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 - December 2024 - the RWH is broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak, considering the treasure and the wonder of the birth of Jesus Christ in his series, The Blessings of Emmanuel’s Reign. There will also be a special Christmas message from Luke 2 on December 22. Today's message is a special Christmas one titled "A Highway Through the Desert" based on Isaiah 35:8-10.

  • 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.).

journey thru psalms RFPA 2024

Looking for a good devotional for the new year? Visit the RFPA's website for this one and other new devotionals for young and old.

  • rfpa 04The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1. 
  • In need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people? Check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for assistance with any of these materials (616-531-1490).

  • 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.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 “And this time [the time to die—Eccl. 3:1, 2] is in the hands of the Lord, as Job saith, man hath his appointed time, The number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass (Job 14:5); which Paul also saith, that God hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation (Acts 17:26). And David saith, Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and my age is as nothing before thee (Ps. 39:5). How vain are all men who live so unconcerned! For our days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle (Job 7:6), and swifter than a post (Job 9:25). Moreover, we are here only pilgrims and strangers for a short time (Heb. 11:13). For the days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away (Ps. 90:10). And when we live long, we live a hundred years. As drops of water are to the sea, so are our years to eternity. And Peter saith, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (2 Pet. 3:8); even so are our years to eternity” (Form of Consolation). ~ found in Southeast PRC's bulletin this week

Read more...

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for December 22, 2024 *(Updated)

Isaiah 9 2Today, December 22, is the fifty-first Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024, and another rest stop on our pilgrim journey through this world. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

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.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. ...For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. ~ Isaiah 9:6,7

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 you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

Christmas Day Worship Service in the PRCs

This Wednesday morning, December 25, the PRCs will celebrate the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ with a worship service of thanks and praise to the God of our salvation for sending His Son into the world to save sinners. We warmly welcome you to join us, whether you have a church home or not. Most services begin at 9:30 a.m., but check the website of the PR congregation near you for details. "O, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

  • Last Sunday Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC-MN) declined the call from Grandville PRC.

  • On December 1 Rev. E. Guichelaar (Grace PRC) accepted the call to Zion PRC. From her bulletin last was this note: "Rev. Guichelaar plans to preach his farewell sermon at Grace [PRC] on December 29th. The Guichelaar’s plan to move into the parsonage during the week of the 30th and begin worshipping with us the first of the year. On January 12th, he has a classical appointment at Cornerstone PRC for both services. His installation will be on January 19th."

  • On December 2 Hope PRC-Redlands, CA extended a call to Rev. J. Maatman (Southeast PRC-Wyoming, MI). He plans to answer by December 29.

  • On December 11, Hudsonville PRC voted to call Rev. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC-Sioux Falls, SD). 

  • On December 12, Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI) voted to call Rev. J. Engelsma (Crete-IL PRC). 

  • Grace PRC's Council has formed a trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. J. Engelsma, Rev. W. Langerak, and Rev. J.Smidstra. A brief congregational meeting will be held after the evening service today. *Rev. J. Engelsma has received this call.

  • Lynden PRC's Consistory has formed a new trio of Rev. J. Engelsma, Rev. G. Eriks, and Rev. J. Marcus (Peace PRC). The congregation will call from this trio at her annual meeting tomorrow, December 23. *Rev. J. Engelsma has received this call.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. R. Dykstra in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. M. DeVries in Grandville PRC; Rev. R. Smit (1st week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. J. Slopsema (Prof. Cammenga, Christmas) in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. C. Haak (through January 2025) in Lynden PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Prof. C. Griess in Southwest PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Prof. B. Huizinga (Rev K. Koole, Christmas) 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 petition the Lord for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

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PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

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PRC Seminary Notices:

  • This past week (final exams) the PR Theological Seminary completed its 1st semester in the 2024-25 school year. We give thanks to God for His goodness and blessing throughout this term. For the next two weeks the PRTS will break for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Pray for faulty, students, and staff that they will be refreshed during the holidays. The seminary will be open during this time except for Christmas and New Year's day. 
  • Prof. R. Cammenga will be teaching the January 2025 Interim course (Jan.6-15) on the life and theology of John Calvin. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend. Please call the seminary at 616-531-1490 or email Bethany Engelsma at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sign up.
  • The second semester of the 2024-25 school year will begin on Thursday, January 16. Look for notices about auditing classes soon!
  • Sem. Aaron Van Dyke (senior) is finishing his summer/fall internship in the Wingham, Ontario PRC, under the supervision of Wingham’s Consistory and the mentoring of Rev. Daniel Holstege. The internship runs through December 31. Today he is leading the morning worship service. He and his family will return for the interim course and his final semester after the new year. Continue to pray for Mr. Van Dyke and his family during this time.
  • The Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is now available. The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies have been mailed out to those on the mailing list last month. This issue contains, among other things, the second part of Dr. J. Bolt's treatment of the CRC Synod of 1924 ("Unfinished Business on Common Grace"), Prof Griess' lecture on "Sexual Abuse in Calvin's Geneva," Dr. N. Willborn's lectures on "Old Princeton," a sermon warning of drunkenness (and other addictions) from Prov.23:29-35 by Prof. Kuiper, and ten book reviews. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or stop by the seminary. 
  • Sem. Bruce Feenstra (junior) has been licensed to to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of Mr. Feenstra must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  • Have you watched or listened to the videos of the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the histroric (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed? The speeches are now all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget to check on the blog!

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SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

  • Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
    • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today both pastors led services. This week's "pastor's voice" included a follow-up note on the youth camp that was held last weekend on "Our Antithetical Fight Against Brain “Rot,” based on Psalm 101:3, and it is fitting for all of us: "Dear youth, continue to apply what you have learned during the camp! Hopefully you have resisted the temptation to engage in “revenge post-camp scrolling” (spending excessive time on our devices to make up for the lack of use during camp – an invented word), have prepared ourselves for worship (one of the godly habits that we were encouraged to cultivate in our fight against brain rot), and are resolved to devote this Sabbath day in both the public and private worship of God. And may that serve as a foundation upon which we go into the week, resolved to use our devices with conscious Christian intentionality. May we grow in our godly resolve to live the antithesis, by the power of Christ in us. Psalm 101:2: 'I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.'”
    • A new issue of Salt Shakers is available - August2024, #73, the third of this year!  Once again you will find a variety of articles on timely subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults!
  • Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
    • Rev. A. Stewart continues to serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC and her website to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways.
    • The December 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" has been published. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "The Call to the Apostolic Office" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about whether the 4th commandment is still in effect.
    • The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content may be found here.
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her worship services today. And, the saints of All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija joined them in worship via livestreaming on her Facebook page.
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Ruel dela Fuente led both worship services today through PRCA’s recorded video sermons.

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

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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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  • This month - December 2024 - the RWH is broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak, considering the treasure and the wonder of the birth of Jesus Christ in his series, The Blessings of Emmanuel’s Reign. There will also be a special Christmas message from Luke 2 on December 22. Today's message is a special Christmas one titled "Great Joy Brought to You" based on Luke 2:10,11.

  • 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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Looking for an edifying book gift for a family member or friend this holiday season? This RFPA title by Rev. R. Hanko, Doctrine According to Godliness, is a great one to give! Visit their website to find other great gift ideas as well, including new devotionals for young and old.

  • rfpa 04The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1. 
  • In need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people? Check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for assistance with any of these materials (616-531-1490).

  • 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.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 “Just at the moment when his [Joseph's] soul was heavy with these thoughts, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, exhorting him not to do this contemplated thing; saying unto him: “Fear not to take unto thee Mary to be thy wife; for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Ghost.” This should allay all his fear. And in our text besides being informed that she shall surely have a Son, he is commanded to call His Name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. 

"Jesus, Saviour! 

"No more fitting theme for meditation in this season in which we celebrate the Saviour’s birth! Theologically these words contain profound truths. Practically there lies hidden in them the faith and hope of many hearts. The Apostle Paul puts it this way: “It is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners! ” 

"That’s what Christmas is all about! Yet, in the midst of all the tinsel, bell-ringing, and frivolity, this is precisely what is forgotten in our modern manner of celebration. O, indeed, there is room for joy and thanksgiving on this occasion. For did not the angel say: “Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people”? But remember, that joy rests only on the fact that we rejoice in the fact that He Whose birth we celebrate is the Saviour from sin! 

"He shall save His people from their sins! 

Taken from a Standard Bearer article by Marinus Schipper (former PRC minister) "Jesus-Savior" based on Matthew 1:21

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Covenant Reformed News - December 2024

Covenant Reformed News
December 2024 • Volume XX, Issue 8


 

The Call to the Apostolic Office

After considering the nature of the apostolic office in the last issue of the Covenant Reformed News, we now turn to the call to the apostolic office. The call to the apostolate was a direct and wonderful call from Christ Himself. Early in the days of His public ministry, Jesus personally called the twelve apostles (cf. Matt. 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16). As for Paul, the risen Christ appeared to him in a bright light from heaven and commissioned him, as we read in Acts 9, 22 and 26.

But what about Matthias, the apostle who replaced Judas Iscariot the traitor (Acts 1:15-20)? Like Joseph, Matthias fulfilled the basic qualification of having spent three years with the Saviour from His baptism by John the Baptist to His ascension into heaven (21-23). Of these two brethren, Matthias was chosen not by an election, whether by the church or by the eleven remaining apostles, but by the sovereign Lord by means of the lot in answer to their prayer (24-26).

The call to the apostolate was through a direct and wonderful call from Christ Himself, since an extraordinary office requires an extraordinary call! For a man to occupy the highest New Testament office that involves the authority and power to preach infallibly and to perform miracles, and includes all the other New Testament church offices and is universal in scope, he needs a direct and wonderful call from the Lord Jesus.

Various chapters of Paul’s second canonical letter to the Corinthians explain many features of his apostolic office that are in perfect accord with its extraordinary nature and call. There we read of Paul’s zealous apostolic piety (4, 6) and abundant apostolic suffering (1, 4, 6, 11) in the service of his Herculean apostolic labours (6, 11) and bearing authenticating apostolic fruit (3, 10).

Paul repeatedly refers to his apostolic office in his scriptural epistles, often in their very first verses. He is not ashamed of the gospel of righteousness by faith alone, even in Rome the imperial capital (1:15-17), and he writes to the church in that great city his most systematic theological epistle, as one who was “called to be an apostle” (1).

Paul curses the Judaizers in the Roman province of Galatia who pervert the good news by teaching justification by faith and works (1:7-9), as one who is “an apostle” and that “not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ” (1).

In II Timothy, even though he is in prison and about to be executed as if he were a vile criminal (4:6), Paul begins with a reference to his apostolic office (1:1), since he knows that his impending death is due to his preaching the apostolic gospel and is part of his apostolic sufferings.

This scriptural teaching regarding the extraordinary nature of apostles and their direct call from Christ exposes all the false apostles of the last 2,000 years. This includes those against whom Paul battled (cf. II Cor. 10-13), as well as the Popes of Rome (deceitful claimants to Peter’s apostolic office), the Mormon apostles, and the many thousands of Pentecostal, Charismatic and neo-Charismatic apostles. Once one understands what a real apostle is, the counterfeits are easy to identify. Rev. Angus Stewart
 

Is the Fourth Commandment Still in Effect?

We return in this article to this request from a reader in Wales: “Many people believe that the moral law of God (summarized in the Ten Commandments) was rendered obsolete along with the Mosaic civil and ceremonial laws. I know this is error. Please address this in the Covenant Reformed News.”

One of the arguments against the Ten Commandments as law for New Testament Christians is that the fourth commandment is never repeated in the New Testament, though all the other commandments are repeated. It is part of their argument that only the precepts of the New Testament, which they identify as the law of Christ, are obligatory on New Testament Christians, and even though many of those precepts are also to be found in the Ten Commandments, the moral law, they are not proof that the Ten Commandments are still in effect. We wish to deal with that argument in this article.

The fourth commandment declares, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Ex. 20:8-11).

As the commandment itself reminds us, the sabbath was not merely instituted with the decalogue at Mount Sinai; it is a creation ordinance. Like marriage, the family (Gen. 1:28) and human government, the sabbath began with creation and not with the Mosaic law. It is not just a temporary Jewish institution or just a precept of the moral law. It is permanent, enduring as long as the creation itself, and belongs to those institutions that will last until Christ returns.

We are to remember the sabbath, not simply because God gave a command about it from Mount Sinai but for this reason: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day.” At creation, “the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it,” and did so for all time. Jesus meant that when He said, “The sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27). Of all the commandments, therefore, the fourth needed repeating less than any other.

Another argument for the all-time validity of the sabbath command is Jesus’ word to the Pharisees when disputing with them about the sabbath: “Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath” (28). The sabbath, He states, belongs to Him as Lord and Creator of all, and not to Moses. This was the reason also why He was able to change the day, while preserving the institution. The sabbath is, most emphatically, “the Lord’s day” in Revelation 1:10. For this reason, Jesus was scrupulous about sabbath observance, through He had no time for the nonsense of the Pharisees. Indeed, God Himself kept the sabbath after creating all things.

That the sabbath command, rooted in the creation of the world itself, has not been made null and void, is also clear from Hebrews 4:8-9: “For if Jesus [i.e., Joshua] had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest [literally, a sabbath or sabbath-keeping] to the people of God.”

Another argument against the permanence of the fourth commandment is that every day ought to be special to the Christian and every day he ought to “labour ... to enter into that rest” (11). We do not deny the truth of this. The Heidelberg Catechism, in its explanation of the fourth commandment, requires, “that all the days of my life I cease from my evil works, and yield myself to the Lord, to work by His Holy Spirit in me; and thus begin in this life the eternal sabbath” (A. 103). That is not an argument against a sabbath commandment, however. God’s ordinance that we live by our work and by the sweat of our face (Gen. 3:19) is not done away by His appointing special days in which work is forbidden.

Nevertheless, the opponents of the Ten Commandments argue that, because the command and creation itself specified the seventh day, and the day of worship in the New Testament is the first day of the week (many do not believe there is any special day of worship in the New Testament), the two cannot be the same. Thus, they say, the very fact that Christians worship on a different day is proof against the abiding validity of the Ten Commandments.

We believe that the change of day is not a change in the institution itself nor a voiding of the institution. It is a change only in the circumstances or details, not the essence of the commandment. When speed limits were reduced across America in 1973 in response to a world-wide oil crisis, the change in maximum speeds was not a change to the principle that there ought to be limits on the speed at which motorists drive.

The “first day of the week” (Acts 20:7; I Cor. 16:2) is the day for preaching and breaking bread in the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7-12), and for taking collections for needy churches (I Cor. 16:1-2), a day known as “the Lord’s day” (Rev. 1:10), for it has a special connection to the Person and work of the Lord Himself. This is the day when the church assembles for worship (e.g., I Cor. 11:17, 20; 14:23-26; Heb. 10:25; James 2:2).

But how can we even be sure that the day was changed, since there is no explicit command telling us to worship on the first, rather than on the seventh, day of the week?

The resurrection of Christ (Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1), and His appearances to the women and His disciples when assembled together (Matt. 28:2-10; Mark 16:2-14; Luke 24:2-49; John 20:2-29), and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-41; cf. Lev. 23:15-16) on the first day of the week, amount to a command. In other words, Jesus commands the observance of the first day of the week not by word but by example. These great works of redemption—Christ’s resurrection (and post-resurrection appearances) and the Spirit’s outpouring—all on the same day, prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the first day of the week is special.

The Westminster Larger Catechism declares, “The fourth commandment requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his word, expressly one whole day in seven; which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, and the first day of the week ever since, and so to continue to the end of the world; which is the Christian sabbath [Deut. 5:12-14; Gen. 2:2-3; I Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 20:7; Matt. 5:17-18; Isa. 56:2, 4, 6-7], and in the New Testament called The Lord’s day [Rev. 1:10]” (A. 116).

Sabbath means “rest” and refers to the spiritual rest which Jesus promises in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” If that is what Jesus promises, then it is not surprising that Hebrews 4:9 tells us that there remains a rest for the people of God. It should also be obvious that the day of the week is not essential to that rest but subject to change, as it was changed by the great works of redemption that took place on the first day of the week.

We agree with those who say that the change of days reflects the difference between the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the promised rest lay still in the future and it was appropriate that the day of rest come at the end of the week, but now, in the New Testament, the Rest-giver Himself has come and by His saving work caused us to “enter into rest” (Heb. 4:3) through faith. It is appropriate, therefore, that the rest is at the beginning of the week and the remaining days be lived out of that accomplished rest.

All of this has been part of our argument for the permanence of the moral law, summed in the Ten Commandments. To the believing heart, the greatest argument for the permanence of the moral law is the blessedness promised in the Word of God to those who love and keep His commandments. They are those who say with the psalmist, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward” (19:7-11). They experience the truth of Psalm 119:1-2: “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.”  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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