17 May

Covenant Reformed News - May 2023

Published in Covenant PRC Ballymena, Northern Ireland

Covenant Reformed News

May 2023 • Volume XIX, Issue 13

The Days of Noah (1)

We have a number of different though related questions from the same reader and, since they all concern Noah and the building of the ark, we will treat them together in this article and the next, DV. The brother first quotes from Genesis 7: “And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark … For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth … And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth” (1, 4, 10). He then summarizes three arguments used by advocates of various forms of universal grace:

1. The “Seven More Days” Argument. God tells Noah to go into the ark but does He then immediately bring the flood? No. He waits seven more days. Why is that? Isn’t this a gracious act of kindness and benevolence on God’s part? For He was, essentially, delaying His judgment upon the earth, even if only for seven more days. From the perspective of election, all the elect were in the ark. It seems that the door of the ark was only shut and sealed by God after those seven days. Do we not see here God giving one more chance for anyone outside the ark to be saved? What else does this seven-day delay mean?

2. The “Size of the Ark” Argument. The sheer size of the ark that God instructed Noah to build was immense and testifies to the availableness of salvation. Although the ark wasn’t big enough to accommodate the entire world, nevertheless, the very fact that it could have held many more people than just Noah’s family testifies that the well-meant offer of salvation is real—that there is room for more to be saved than just the elect; that Christ and His atonement, which are pictured by the ark, are sufficient to save anyone—whosoever—if only they desire to go in. If, as it is claimed, there is no such benevolence, offer or desire of God for anyone other than the elect to be saved, surely God would have had an ark built that would have only enough room for Noah’s family and no one else—indisputably implying that there would be no de facto allowance for other persons to come into the ark, even if they desired to, and that the atonement would not be sufficient for such individuals.

3. The “120 Years of Preaching” Argument. If you want to kill another bird with the same stone, I have an additional point that’s related to the two Noah questions I have presented above. It’s the notion that the 120 years of Noah’s preaching to the world (Gen. 6:3; II Pet. 2:5) is another example or proof for the well-meant offer. For example, why would God postpone the judgment for 120 years unless He was giving the world a chance to repent? Was Noah preaching a well-meant offer gospel to all men? Wasn’t God gracious to all men in allowing them 120 years more? Aren’t these 120 years a sort of divine patience toward all of the predeluvian world? Especially as, in those days, only Noah and his family were of the elect. Was the Spirit’s “striving” an attempt of God to save all?

In answer to the first question (#1) about the seven days between God’s command and the coming of the flood, my understanding is that the divine command to Noah came seven days before Noah finished the business of getting all the animals, as well as his family, into the ark (Gen. 7:7-9), at which time the ark was closed up by the hand of God and the rain began to fall. The main reason for the “delay,” therefore, was the work that Noah still had to do.

Some commentators erroneously view the seven days as a period of longsuffering or grace shown by God toward the unbelieving and reprobate world. The same view is held of the 120 years it took to build the ark (cf. #3 above). Lutheran theologians, C. F. Keil and F. Delitzsch, in their commentary on the Pentateuch, call the 120 years “the period of grace,” though even they admit that it had passed when God told Noah to enter the ark.

That the seven days (#1) or the 120 years (#3) are God’s grace to the unbelieving and wicked world is very difficult to see, to put it mildly. Scripture tells us that the Lord beheld their great wickedness (Gen. 6:5), repented of His creation of man (6), and announced His intention to destroy humanity, the animals and the birds (7). How then is any “delay,” whether 7 days or 120 years, gracious when God does not grant repentance to any of those who remained unbelieving when Noah and his family entered the ark? How is it mercy, when the “delay” only serves their continuing in unbelief and wickedness? Does grace serve that purpose? With the passage of time, men increase in wickedness and folly, and fill up the cup of their iniquity (Gen. 15:16; I Thess. 2:16), but that is not because God is loving and gracious to them.

The answer of many would be that God was giving them a chance to repent and believe, but repentance and faith are never a mere chance. Repentance and faith are certain, a sovereignly bestowed gift of God to those whom He has eternally chosen in Christ: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:8-10; cf. Acts 11:18). Grace, because it is the grace of God, is powerful and saving. It never fails and is never wasted or in vain.

Our reader’s third question has to do with the 120 years (Gen. 6:3) it took to build the ark. These 120 years are alleged to reflect God’s supposed common grace, universal mercy and general lovingkindness towards all those who perished. But the only mention of grace in this passage of Scripture is towards Noah: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (8)! He alone, and he in contrast to the rest of the world, was shown grace. Nor is “delay” grace, unless one believes that salvation is a mere chance, available to all, and that God was giving men the chance to be saved by the right exercise of their alleged free will. In that case, however, why did God wait only 120 years? Why not longer? Is His supposed common grace or mercy really so limited?

One reason for this “delay” is simply that Noah had work to do, the work of building the ark. It was a huge project and would be even today. Another reason for the 120 years is that in the purpose of God only Noah and his family were to be saved in the ark (Gen. 6:18), but others in the line of the covenant were still living. Methuselah died during the year of the flood and Noah’s father, Lamech, departed only a year or two before.

God had His purpose in letting them live so long. The writing of the Bible had not yet begun so the truth had to be transmitted orally. The long lives of the prediluvian patriarchs served that purpose. Methuselah and Lamech would both have heard the story of creation and the fall from Adam himself, and they would have been able to pass it on to Noah. Not only was there merely one link between Adam and Noah, but Noah would have been able to pass it on first-hand to Abraham! But only Noah and his immediate family were to be saved in the ark, and so the others died during the 120 years.

As to Noah’s preaching during the 120 years (II Pet. 2:5), the Word of God does not say that he preached a failing divine love for all without exception or a common grace of God or that he “offered” salvation to those who witnessed the building of the ark. Scripture instructs us that he preached “righteousness,” that is, the righteousness of God which is the condemnation of the world, but which the Messiah merited and revealed, and is given through faith alone in Him. No doubt Noah preached the necessity of repentance towards God and faith in the coming seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15), but that is not common grace. It is simply the call of the blessed gospel.

Hebrews 11:7 bears this out: “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” The building of the ark was the condemnation of the world and only Noah was heir of the righteousness which he preached. I Peter 3:20 says that “the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing,” but the question is, for what was it waiting? Was it waiting for the possible salvation of everyone to whom Noah preached? Romans 9:22-23 is a loud “No” to that idea for the longsuffering of God only endures or puts up with “the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction,” while it waits to “make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory.” At that time, Noah and those of his family were those “vessels of mercy.”

There are a number of matters that we have not covered in this article, particularly the “size of the ark” argument (#2) and the Spirit’s “striving” (Gen. 6:3), an aspect of argument #3. Thus we will continue our discussion of Noah, the ark and an alleged common or general grace in the next issue, DV. Rev. Ron Hanko

Vessels of Wrath Fitted to Destruction

“What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction …?” (Rom. 9:22). A reader asks, “Are ‘the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction’ by themselves (as many advocates of a divine desire to save the reprobate claim) or by God?”

Of course, it is true that humans who perish eternally do fit themselves for their destruction by their unbelief and other sins. They themselves are morally responsible for their damnation; God is not to blame. Belgic Confession 13 declares, in the context of God’s almighty providential government even over evil, that He is not “the author of … sins.” But this ethical responsibility of lost sinners is not the teaching of Romans 9:22.

The text clearly teaches that Almighty God fits the vessels of wrath to destruction. First, the verb form is passive: they are fitted. Romans 9:22 does not state that the vessels fit themselves, actively, for destruction but that they are fitted by Another. As the first part of verse 22 indicates, this Other is “God,” who is “willing” (i.e., desiring) to show His wrath upon the vessels of wrath and to make His power known upon them.

Second, the thought of all of Romans 9 is the sovereignty of God in damnation, as well as in salvation. God hardens whom He wills or wishes or wants or desires (18). God is the omnipotent Potter who (actively) makes vessels “unto dishonour” (21). The thought of verse 22, in its close relation with verse 23, is that just as God prepares some humans unto glory so He fits others unto destruction.

How does God fit some to destruction? The fitting of verse 22 is not the eternal decree of reprobation itself, but an activity of God upon and within some humans that carries out the decree of reprobation. God has sovereignly reprobated some in the same predestinating decree in which He has elected others unto eternal life. This damnation is in the way of God’s fitting the reprobate for their destruction. This fitting consists of their condemnation and total depravity in the fall of Adam, God’s hardening of them by the preaching of the gospel and His giving them over to all their other sins.

Some who claim that Romans 9:22 teaches that the vessels of wrath fit themselves for destruction and who oppose the doctrine that God fits them profess to be Calvinists. I confront them, therefore, with Calvin’s own explanation of “the vessels of wrath” in Romans 9:22: “That they were ‘fitted to destruction’ by their own wickedness is an idea so silly that it needs no notice. It is indeed true that the reprobate procure to themselves the wrath of God and that they daily hasten the falling of its weight upon their own heads, but it must be confessed by all that the apostle is here treating of that difference made between the elect and the reprobate that proceeds from the secret will and purpose of God alone” (Calvin’s Calvinism [Jenison, MI: RFPA, 2009], p. 66).

Who are the genuine Calvinists? Those who reject and twist the apostle’s confession of God’s sovereignty in Romans 9:22, and outrightly contradict Calvin’s explanation of the text and hold a view which he calls “so silly,” or all those who faithfully confess Jehovah’s sovereignty and stand with Calvin on Romans 9:22? Prof. David J. Engelsma

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
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. • www.youtube.com/cprcni • www.facebook.com/CovenantPRC

14 May

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for May 14, 2023 *(Updated)

Published in News

Psalm 98 3 Today, May 14, is the twentieth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.

O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. ~ Psalm 98:1-3

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

Ascension Day Service: This week Thursday, May 18, the PR congregations will observe Ascension Day by gathering in worship to remember and reflect on the glorious going up to heaven of our living and victorious Savior Jesus Christ forty days after he rose from the dead. You are cordially invited to join us in worshiping the Lamb who is worthy of all honor and glory and blessing. Most services begin at 7 p.m. but check the website of the church near you.

Today Rev. J. Mahtani declined the call to Doon PRC.
Today Rev. A. Brummel declined the call to Hudsonville PRC.
Last Sunday Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton, MN PRC) declined the call to Georgetown PRC.
Last Sunday Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC, Jenison-MI) declined the call to Loveland (CO) PRC.
Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA) is considering the call to Lynden (WA) PRC (received April 23).
The Consistory of Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) has formed a new trio of Revs. C. Spronk (Faith PRC), J. Mahtani (Hope PRC, GR), and M. Kortus (Hope PRC, Redlands). The congregational meeting is set for next Sunday after the PM service.
Randolph PRC's Council has a new trio from which the congregation will choose a pastor: Revs. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands, CA), J. Maatman (SE PRC-Grand Rapids, MI), and D. Noorman (SW PRC-Wyoming, MI). The congregational meeting is planned for May 21 following the morning worship service.
*New: Zion PRC's Council formed a trio to call a pastor: Revs A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA), M. DeBoer (Edgerton-MN PRC), and C. Spronk (Faith PRC-Jenison, MI). The date for the congregational meeting is set for Sunday, May 21 after the evening service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. R. Cammenga in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. C. Haak in Georgetown PRC; Rev. D. Noorman (2nd week) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. B. Huizinga and Prof. R. Dykstra in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Engelsma (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. J. Marcus (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. M. DeVries in Randolph PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. W. Langerak in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Congregational Evangelism/Mission News

Byron Center PRC: BC PRC is hosting a community service on Ascension Day [May 18]. The evangelism committee will be arranging to print flyers for distribution and to host refreshments afterward. Please consider which friends or neighbors you might invite to join us that evening."
From Hudsonville PRC Evangelism Committee: "In Psalm 127 verses 4 and 5, David taught his son Solomon: “As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.” As fletching helps an arrow fly straight and true to its target, so we hope this podcast will help to guide our young children and point them to Christ. Join us in bringing the Word of God into our homes and hearts, and subscribe now to our Reformed children’s podcast "Fletching". Look for the flyer in the next monthly newsletter with more information."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

missions conf May 2023

Evangelism and Missions Conference: If you missed the DMC's conference earlier ths month, you may hear the speeches here:

The Evangelistic Character of the Covenant - Rev. J. Mahtani - Part 1; Part 2
Echoing the Word: The Power of God in Preaching and Evangelism - Rev. D. Holstege

Classis East met this past week in Faith PRC (Jenison, MI). The public report of this meeting has been posted on this webpage.

PRC 100th Anniversary: With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI.

CCHS CH visit May 12
On the final day of class this past Friday, May 12, the church history students from Covenant CHS visited the seminary as part of their annual local PRC history tour (see note below).

PRC Seminary Notices:

The PRT Seminary will enter its final week of the semester tomorrow, with the week of exams on the schedule. Continue to pray for faculty, students, and staff as we enter the final days of the semester. The second semester schedule and calendar are posted on the seminary's website.
With joy the faculty of the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary announces that it has licensed student Aaron Van Dyke to speak a word of edification in the churches. We are grateful for the brother’s progress to this point in his training. All scheduling of Mr. Van Dyke 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. R. Cammenga (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). The brother is scheduled to lead his first service in First PRC-Holland, MI next Sunday.
Senior Seminarian Matt Koerner is preparing for his synodical exam at the PRC Synod that begins on June 13 at Southwest PRC. His graduation is scheduled for June 15 in that church. Sem. Arend Haveman will be doing his senior-year internship this summer and fall (July-December) in Pittsburgh PRC under Rev. W. Bruinsma. Details for that continue to be worked out.
This past Friday, May 12, the PRTS hosted the church history students (juniors) and teachers from Covenant Christian High School as special guests (see photo above). They joined faculty, students, and staff for a pizza lunch and then participated in four presentations on various aspects of the seminary and PRC history/archives. Their annual visit is always a highlight for the seminary.
The TSC has hired Ms. Valerie Kleyn to take over the secretary duties of Mrs. Sharon (Kleyn) Koerner. Valerie began training last week; Sharon's final day is planned for Friday, May 26. We thank the Lord for providing another qualified person to fill this important position at the seminary.
The Spring 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal has been mailed out recently. Digital copies have been posted on the journal webpage (see link here). The Spring issue features articles on a distinctive feature of PRC teaching on the covenant of grace, on the image of God in man from a conference in Mexico, on R.L. Dabney's "proposals of mercy," and the first part of a history of Classis West of the PRC - and, of course, several significant 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 - and don't forget the blog!

ephesians 4 3 2

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
- Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. In her bulletin today is this special notice: "We gather together as the crown of God’s creation to praise our God this Lord’s Day. Psalm 148:1-2, 14: “Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. […] He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.” God created us for the purpose of praising Him, so let us do so this day, as those who have been created and redeemed by Him."
- There's a new issue of Salt Shakers out! Issue 69 is on the theme "GST: The Christian's Response." Especially for young people, the magazine contains a variety of articles and is edifying for ALL readers! Visit the link provided here to read and learn.

Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
- Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
- The last newsletter of the CPRC was published last month - March 2023 which you will find on this page (rh column at the top). Read about the exciting work going on in the CPRC!
- There's a new issue of Covenant Reformed News out! The April 2023 issue has been posted here. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart (the salvation of Hagar and Ishmael) and R. Hanko (the double procession of the Spirit).
- The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.
PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
- A March 2023 Newsletter has been published. Be sure to visit the linked page to learn about the latest news from the Philippines!
- Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. And, "Rev. Ibe and family are scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE., on May 6 & 7. Rev. Ibe will lead them in their worship service at 9 A.M., and study of the Church Order at 10:45 A.M., all the Lord willing."
- Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit led her services today. "Rev. D. Kleyn and Sis. Sharon are scheduled to visit the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto, Bulacan today with Elder Jun Armas, the Lord willing, in order to preach and teach there."

Reformed Resources for Education, Edification, and Evangelism

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 the RWH begins a marriage series by Rev. C. Haak. Today's message is titled "God's Design for Marriage" based on Genesis 2:24. For the May RWH Newsletter, visit this page.
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.).

In this week in which we commemorate the glorious ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, we encourage you to read this fine article by Rev. J. Kortering - "Christ Entered into Heaven Itself."

Would you like to learn more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.

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.

Reformed Book Outlet 2022 2

The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) ISnow operating in its new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. 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.
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.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

"...Why did God create and why did God give marriage? The answer is: His own glory! Marriage was given by God, as all things were made by God, for one purpose: God’s glory. He made all things for His own glory. “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever” (Rom. 11:36).

But how is marriage for God’s glory? The answer to that question is: marriage is for God’s glory because marriage is the bond that displays God’s beautiful covenant. In Genesis 2:24 God is speaking of a union: a man shall be joined unto his wife and they two shall be one flesh. A man shall cleave to his wife.

What kind of relationship is this? Is this a 50-50 relationship between a man and a woman? Why are they to hold to one another? Why can they not walk away from this? Why cannot they go from spouse to spouse to spouse? Why is adultery sin? And why may not marriage be rooted in romance? Why can you not fall in and out of love and fall in and out of marriage? Why is marriage a lifelong bond? Because marriage is given by God to point to something far deeper, something true about Himself. It points to something more permanent, far more glorious! It points to a sacred covenant that God makes with us His people in Jesus Christ. Our marriages are sacred covenants. They are commitments to weather the storms of life together because we are called in our marriage to reflect God and His commitment and covenant toward us.

This becomes very plain in the apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:31, 32. In verse 31, as Paul has been speaking about marriage and the calling of a husband and a wife, he, too, quotes from Genesis 2:24: “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” And then in verse 32 he adds: “This is a great mystery [what I have been talking about—this joining of a man and a woman]: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” Now that is the most staggering and profound thing that could ever be said about marriage. In other words, marriage is patterned after Christ’s commitment to His church. When God created man in the beginning as male and female and brought them into a union called marriage, He was patterning that after Christ and His bride, the church—not the other way around. God did not first make marriage and then say, “Well, hm-m-m, how illuminating it would be if I would pattern My relationship in Christ toward My people after this marriage. I’ll pattern Christ and the church after what I have done here in the beginning.” No! That is not the way it is! But God said, “It was first Christ and the church. It is first Me, in My love to My elect in Jesus Christ. That is first. And now I’ll make marriage to display that.”

It was first Christ (Rev. 13:8), who was slain from the foundation of the world. It was first God’s eternal grace flowing through Jesus Christ unto His elect, before there was an Adam, before there was an Eve. And, in His own heart, because this is who He is (He is faithful, He is a God of covenant faithfulness), He designed marriage after the very relationship that abides in His eternal breast and heart toward us in Christ.

So, your marriage exists for the glory of God. Do you know why God gave you a wife? Do you know why God gave you a husband? To display to the world the truth about the faithful love of God. That is why. God brings us together not first of all for ourselves. Of course we enjoy blessings from the hand of our God and Creator. But God brought us together, first of all, to display His Son’s grace and love to His church. God called us together in this bond of marriage in order that He might display Christ’s sacrificing for His bride, in order that He might display His own precious love, in order that He might show that Christ loves with a forgiving love and never forsakes His own bride. The highest purpose for marriage is to put the covenant relationship of Christ and the church on display before the world, so that others may see it in concrete terms and reality.

Taken from the radio message "God's Design for Marriage" by Rev. C. Haak

12 May

Report of Classis East Meeting - May 10-11, 2023

Faith PRC 2021

May 2023 Classis East Report

Classis East convened Wednesday May 10, 2023 at Faith PRC in Jenison, MI. Rev. McGeown served as chairman. Eight elders served at classis for the first time and signed the Formula of Subscription, a vow to uphold the teaching of Scripture summarized in the Reformed Confessions.

The routine matters treated by classis included approving the work of its Stated Clerk and Classical Committee (this committee does work on behalf of classis when classis is not in session). A schedule for classical appointments for Georgetown, Hudsonville, and Zion PRCs was adopted. The expenses for the meeting of $3,065 were approved.

Classis appointed two moderators for churches that currently do not have pastors, Rev. McGeown for Zion, and Prof. Dykstra for Georgetown.

One consistory requested the advice of classis regarding a discipline case. The elders representing the consistory summarized the work done with a member walking impenitently in sin. Classis advised the consistory to proceed in its work of discipline and announce the name of the impenitent member to the congregation (Article 77 of the Church Order). This matter was treated in closed session.

Classis treated one appeal of an individual against a consistory regarding a sensitive matter in closed session. Classis upheld the appeal and directed a previously appointed special committee of classis to continue to assist the consistory in working with the individual.

Classis treated seven protests against a decision taken in March not to approve of the overture of Providence PRC, which overture proposes that synod hire an independent third party to investigate the incidents of child sexual abuse in the PRCA. In January of 2023 classis appointed a committee to look further into certain matters and bring a recommendation to classis in March. The committee was divided and presented a majority and minority report. Classis adopted the majority report that recommended that classis not approve the overture. Two of the seven protests contended that classis should have rejected the majority report and declared that it did not fulfill the mandate given to it by classis in January. Classis did not sustain the protests on this point. Six of the protests argued that the four grounds of the majority report adopted by classis were erroneous. Classis sustained these protests. Classis then approved a recommendation to “inform synod that it erred in adopting the four grounds of the majority report and forward the…decision to Synod 2023.” Classis did not treat requests to approve the overture of Providence PRC since the overture has been submitted for the consideration of synod in June. A motion to acknowledge and apologize for any harm done to victims of abuse and their families caused by the March decision failed.

Trinity PRC will host the next meeting of Classis East on September 13, 2023.

Pastor Clayton Spronk

Stated Clerk, Classis East

For the full public Minutes and Supplements, visit this link:

Minutes and Supplements for Publication 2023.5.10.pdf

07 May

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for May 7, 2023

Published in News

Psalm 97 12 2 Today, May 7, is the nineteenth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.

The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. ...The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. ...Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD. ...Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. ~ Psalm 97:1,2,6,8,9,12