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Covenant Reformed News - April 2024

Covenant Reformed News
April 2024  •  Volume XIX, Issue 24


 

The Truth Is According to Godliness (3)

One way of underscoring the fact that “the truth ... is after godliness” (Titus 1:1) is to show that false teaching is according to ungodliness. According to the unbelieving theory of evolutionism, what is abortion or the murder of unborn babies? Simply the killing of the helpless by stronger, smarter adults—an instance of “the survival of the fittest”! If humans have evolved from lower life forms, then why are there not superior races and inferior races, as the Nazis evilly claimed? If we are merely animals, as per evolutionism, what is wrong with euthanasia, the deliberate ending of someone’s life in order to relieve him or her of suffering? After all, we do this with dogs and horses.

Denying that the living God made only two genders, male and female (Gen. 1:27; 5:2; Mark 10:6), some people suffer from the inner confusion, expensive surgeries, terrible pain and unavoidable conflicts of transgenderism.

Many hold that marriage is only a man-made institution of convenience, and not a lifelong union between one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:3-12; I Cor. 7). This has led to divorce for practically any reason (Matt. 5:32), remarriage while one’s spouse is living (Luke 16:18), “homosexual marriage” (Rom. 1:26-27), etc.

The body is unimportant and only the mind counts, according to various forms of Greek philosophy and other ideologies. Therefore, fornication is harmless, as some carnally thought in the first century (I Cor. 6:9-20) and as many reckon in our own day.

According to the secular mind, civil government is not ordained by God (Rom. 13:1-7; I Pet. 2:13-17; Titus 3:1-2) but only a human construct. So, if you do not like the state, why not rebel against it?

Psalm 10 describes the wicked behaviour of a murderer: “He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net” (9). What is such a man’s view of God? He denies Jehovah’s omniscience and justice: “He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it ... Thou wilt not require it” (11, 13).

“My lord delayeth his coming,” thinks the “evil servant” (Matt. 24:48). So what does he do? He starts “to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken” (49). His loose eschatological ideas lead to his vicious behaviour and eternal destruction, for “The lord of that servant ... shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (50-51).

I recall a professing Christian who foolishly believed the weak arguments against the Bible made by an unbelieving university lecturer. What effect did it have on that young man? Soon he was partying and getting drunk like most of the other students.

The apostle to the Gentiles argues that, if there is no future bodily resurrection, there is little point in enduring persecution for Jesus Christ: “If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not?” (I Cor. 15:32). Why not be a hedonist: “let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die” (32)? Paul warns against fellowship with unbelievers and following their corrupt notions, for false teaching is according to ungodliness: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (33).

One can cite many examples demonstrating, on the other hand, that orthodox doctrine is according to godliness. Jesus’ resurrection on the first day of the week leads us to rest from our physical labours and enjoy the public worship of Almighty God in a faithful congregation on the Lord’s day. Since Scripture teaches that the church is the bride of Christ chosen before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4) and destined for the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9), we must seek her welfare.

Regarding the final assize, II Corinthians 5 states, “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (10). Belief of this truth issues in faithful witnessing: “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (11).

Just think of our Saviour: His lowliness, unsearchable wisdom, amazing teaching, perfect obedience and substitutionary sufferings. What a payment He made to the justice of God for our sins! What wonders He achieves, including our redemption, justification, sanctification and glorification! This evokes thankfulness, good works and prayer, as the Heidelberg Catechism explains. True doctrine is according to godliness!

It is a mark of the false gospel and false churches that they accuse the biblical gospel of the grace of God, preached by the true church, of leading to ungodliness. Roman Catholicism attacks the truth of justification (and assurance of salvation) by faith alone in Christ alone as engendering loose living and decadence. In ungodly Rome’s anti-Christian reasoning, man must work to earn his own righteousness before God and the certainty of salvation is not possible (apart from direct, divine revelation) or desirable.

Like Romanism, Arminianism slanders total depravity, unconditional election and reprobation, particular atonement, irresistible grace and the perseverance of the saints, as if they were an “opiate” to put people asleep or render men “carnally secure,” to quote the “Conclusion” of the Canons of Dordt. Arminianism claims that only the (false) doctrine of man’s free will can deliver him from spiritual sloth! Yet the apostle Paul exclaimed, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (I Cor. 15:10)! Rev. Stewart
 

David, Amasa and Joab

One of our readers writes, “It seems strange that David should make Amasa, recently head of the rebel army of Absalom, his commander in chief (II Sam. 19-20).”

David, Amasa, Joab and Absalom were all related. Amasa, Joab and Absalom, David’s son, were cousins; Amasa and Joab were sons of David’s sisters (II Sam. 17:25; I Chron. 2:16-17). Amasa and Joab, therefore, were both nephews of King David. Amasa had supported Absalom and was the commander of his forces in his rebellion against David (II Sam. 17:25). Joab was one of David’s commanders in the battle against Absalom and the one who saw to it that Absalom was killed (18:1-17). David, who had told Joab to spare Absalom, was angry with him for having Absalom killed. So he fired Joab, making Amasa commander in his place (19:13).

David’s appointment of Amasa does seem strange. Some believe that David was attempting to reunite the people by appointing Amasa, the commander of the rebel army, but, because this happened immediately after the battle in which Absalom was killed, it is more likely that Amasa was appointed to spite Joab (19:13). Joab, always jealous for his own prestige and position, soon murdered Amasa, using as his excuse Amasa’s sluggishness in mustering the army against another rebel, Sheba the son of Bichri (20:1-13).

Of Amasa we know little. David seems to have appointed him not only to spite Joab but also because he was his nephew (17:25). Though captain, first under Absalom and then under David, he does not seem to have been very competent as a military leader. Not only did he lose the battle as Absalom’s commander, but he was tardy in mustering the men of Judah against Sheba (20:4-5) and naively did not take heed to the murderous sword of crafty Joab (8-10). At that point, David had, in effect, reappointed Joab and Joab’s brother, Abishai, but Joab murdered Amasa anyway (6-10).

Joab, though fiercely loyal to David and unafraid of telling him when he was wrong (e.g., 19:1-8), seems to have been an evil man. He not only murdered Amasa but had previously murdered Abner, who had commanded the armies of the other tribes against David, before David became king of all Israel. Abner, Saul’s cousin (I Sam. 14:50), had been Saul’s general and, when Saul died, he had supported Saul’s son, Ishbosheth (II Sam. 2). Abner abandoned Ishbosheth after a dispute about one of Saul’s concubines and came over to David, but Joab, to avenge his brother, Asahel, who had been killed in a fair fight by Abner, and perhaps out distrust, murdered Abner (II Sam. 3).

David seemed unable to handle Joab but, before he died, he gave instructions to Solomon to deal with Joab (I Kings 2:5-6). Benaiah, under Solomon’s orders, dispatched Joab (28-34), after he supported Solomon’s rival and half-brother, Adonijah.

However, it is not Amasa or Joab but David who is the main character in this history. David, born around 1040 BC, would have been in his 60s at the time of Absalom’s rebellion and Amasa’s murder, with only a few years left before his death at 70 years of age.

The disorder of David’s latter reign included not only Absalom’s rebellion and death, and the rebellion under Sheba the son of Bichri, but near civil war between Judah and the rest of Israel (II Sam. 19:40-43). Just before David died, another son, Adonijah, tried to take the throne, and was supported by Joab and Abiathar the priest (I Kings 1). This was partly David’s own fault for not making it sufficiently clear that Solomon was his heir. It was obvious at this time that David was failing. He was nearly killed in a battle with the Philistines (II Sam. 21:15-17) and needed a concubine to keep him warm (I Kings 1:1-4). It may also have been during this time that David took a census of the people, angering God who then slew 70,000 men with a plague (II Sam. 24).

This disorder was not only the result of David’s age and weakness, but was God’s judgment on him and his house for his sin with Bathsheba, whose husband he had murdered (II Sam. 11). God had forgiven David (II Sam. 12:13; Ps. 32; 51), but David and his family suffered the consequences of his sin. God said to David through Nathan the prophet, “I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I ... gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house” (II Sam. 12:7-11).

David, the greatest of Israel’s kings, was a man after God’s heart (I Sam. 13:14) and a picture of Christ as the Captain of our salvation who delivers us from our enemies. The two are so closely identified in the Psalms that it is often difficult to say, “This is David” or “This is Christ.” Psalm 45 is an example of the intimate relationship between David and Christ as warrior kings. David the shepherd speaks of Christ the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23. In Psalms 41:9 and 55:12-14, David complains of Ahithophel’s betrayal (II Sam. 15-17), but one can hear Christ speaking through David of Judas and his betrayal.

Nevertheless, David was only a shadow of Christ and, though in some ways he pictured the might and victories of Christ as king, his failures pointed to the need for a better king than himself. The disorder in which his reign ended showed that no mere man could bring the deliverance Jesus brings by His great victory over sin, that is, everlasting righteousness and peace. Psalm 72 and Isaiah 11 speak of Christ as that greatest of all kings, who alone has the victory over our greatest enemies, and who establishes a kingdom that will endure when sun and moon have ceased to shine.

Unlike David, Jesus needed no Joab or Amasa to fight His battles. He needed no swords or spears, like the weapon with which Joab killed Amasa. He fought His battle alone, and fought it by surrendering Himself to His enemies and letting them do their worst, until they destroyed themselves in crucifying Him. He brought life out of death and eternal blessedness out of the misery of sin. That is the gospel of David’s failures as king, a message that David himself acknowledged, when he wrote, “The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand” (Ps. 110:1). 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  
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. • www.youtube.com/cprcni • www.facebook.com/CovenantPRC
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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for April 21, 2024 *(Updated)

Psa 133 1Today, April 21, is the sixteenth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024. 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.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. ~ Psalm 133

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.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

  • Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI) is considering the call to Pittsburgh PRC (received April 7). He plans to answer by May 5.

  • Last Sunday Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC) declined the call from Lynden (WA) PRC.

  • Hope PRC-Redlands, CA: "The Council presents the following trio to the congregation from which to call our next pastor: Revs. M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC), G. Eriks (Unity PRC) and A. Brummel (Calvary PRC). A congregational meeting will be held next Sunday, April 28, after the morning worship service."

  • Hudsonville PRC's Council announces a new trio from which to call a pastor: Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC-Hudsonville, MI), Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC-Wyoming, MI), and Rev. J. Smidstra (1st PRC-Holland, MI). The congregation will vote April 28 after the evening service.

  • UPDATE: Georgetown PRC's Council met Sunday night and formed a trio of Revs. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC, Hull, IA), M. De Boer (Edgerton, MN), and D. Noorman (SW PRC). A congregational meeting to vote for one of these men will be May 5 after the morning service.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Rev. A. Spriensma in Georgetown PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma (2nd week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Prof. J. Slopsema in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Laning in Loveland PRC; Rev. C. Haak (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. M. McGeown in Pittsburgh 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!

2024 fellowship addition back view
Georgetown PRC fellowship addition (back view, right side) - see note below

Special Congregational/Evangelism Notices:

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

  • Hope PRC re Myanmar (in today's bulletin): "The Myanmar committee [of Hope's Council] reported that it held a video conference with Rev. Titus. He reported that the church is still able to worship twice each Sunday even though unrest continues in the country. The threat of conscription law still exists with some reports indicating that the law will take effect at the end of April and others suggesting it will be delayed for six months. Rev. Kap Mang’s health continues to decline and he is unresponsive most of the time. Continue to pray that God gives peace of mind, safety, and guidance to these saints as they face many uncertainties on a daily basis."

  • Psalter Revision: "You are invited to attend a presentation/singspiration tonight at 7:45 PM at Hull PRC. Come join us to see the results of the revision and to sing Psalms, old and new. To see the complete revised Psalter, visit thepsalter.net (web version) and “Download Psalms 1-150” at the bottom of the page."

  • Denominational Website Logo Design Contest: The denominational website is currently being redesigned to improve our evangelism efforts and to make it more user friendly for all who visit the website. As part of this effort, we would like to create a new PRCA.org logo and we would like to have a contest so that anyone within the denomination can try their hand at designing our new logo. You may send your designs to the website committee (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) before June 30, 2024. The winner will receive a gift.
  • AD-HOC COMMITTEE of Synod 2023 reports it will deactivate the Guidepost hotline (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) effective April 5. The reasoning is that after this date Guidepost will be unable to investigate and report on information collected through the hotline in time to meet the deadline for the synodical report. Instead of using funds for the hotline, the committee has directed Guidepost to focus on compiling and distributing reports to consistories. The hotline may be reactivated in the future depending on the decisions of Synod 2024.
  • PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration: All the members of the PRCA, our sister churches, and close contacts are encouraged to come together at Calvin University from June 2-6, 2025 (note the new dates) to participate in this commemorative week. Visit prca100.org for basic event information and to sign up for email updates.

Arend H devotions final time April
Senior Arend Haveman leading devotions last week for his final time.

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The PR Theological Seminary enters the thirteenth week of the semester tomorrow. A regular week of classes is planned. Pray for faculty, students, and staff as we complete the final third of the semester. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~ 2 Tim.2:15
  • The second round of Practice Preaching for this semester will be held the Mondays of April 15 and 22, with Sems. B. Feenstra, A. Van Dyke, and A. Haveman (his final one!) delivering new sermons.
  • Bruce Feenstra leads in devotions this week; due to practice preaching tomorrow there is no chapel scheduled on Wednesday.
  • The Spring 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is at the printer and should be ready for mailing in about two weeks. In the meantime, if you haven't read the Fall 2023 issue, visit the link here to do so. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Valerie Kleyn, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 
  • Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2024 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available.Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essaysmust be submitted by May 17.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget the blog!

CPRC News Header

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 preached. Today's "pastoral note" by pastor Tan treats biblical lessons for elders based on the OT kings. At the end, he has these words for the congregation: "CERC family, let us continue to grow in obeying and submitting to our elders, giving thanks to God for their labour of love. Please keep your elders in prayer, they are men just like you and me. Keep those who are nominated as elders in prayer. Keep the young men of our church in prayer, that God will raise up among them the next generation of godly and bold elders who would rule and rule well."
    • A new issue of Salt Shakers is now out - #71, the first of 2024!  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 minister the Word faithfully in the CPRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland. 
    • 2024 BRF Family Conference: Join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2024 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Cloverley Hall Conference Centre in Shropshire, England, from Saturday, August 3, to Saturday, August 10. Our speakers, Prof. Brian Huizinga and Rev. Ron Hanko, will lecture on “Then Comes the End: The Reformed Doctrine of Eschatology.” For information and booking forms, see the website ( www.brfconference.weebly.com ) or contact Briana Prins (616-214-2779; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
    • The March 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available! Read the articles by Rev. Stewart on "The Truth Is According to Godliness" (2) and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about the four rules for Gentiles in the early NT church. Look for the April issue here!
    • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today, via livestream at our official Facebook account. We pray for God’s blessings and spiritual sustenance upon them as they hear the Word of God." Also, "On April 22-23, 2024, Elder Espiritu, and Rev. Ibe are scheduled to visit the saints and pastors in Bacolod and Sipalay area to conduct a day of the conference on Reformed Dogmatics [Soteriology] and the Church Order of Dordt 1618-19, respectively. We pray for God’s blessings upon this trip and the saints there."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Jun Armas led both worship services today through PRCA’s recorded video sermons.

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

RWH Logo 2019
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

W Bruinsma RWH

  • This month (April 2024) the RWH is broadcasting two gospel messages by Prof. D. Kuiper on the Ten Commandments (completing this series) and two by Rev. W. Bruinsma that begins a series on women in the Bible. Today's message is the first of Rev. Bruinsma's and titled "The Woman Eve" based on Genesis 2:23,24.
  • 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.).

preparing for dating marriage griess 2020

Need help preparing to date with a view to marriage in the Lord? Let this book from the RFPA be a tool! 

  • RBO Aug 2023 2The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is now 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 help 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

 "This kingdom [of God] consists of two parts; the first is when God by the agency of his Spirit corrects all the depraved lusts of the flesh, which in bands war against Him; and the second, when he brings all our thoughts into obedience to his authority….

"This prayer, therefore, ought to withdraw us from the corruptions of the world which separate us from God and prevent his kingdom from flourishing within us; secondly, it ought to inflame us with an ardent desire for the mortification of the flesh; and, lastly, it ought to train us to the endurance of the cross, since this is the way in which God would have his kingdom to be advanced.

"It ought not to grieve us that the outward man decays provided the inner man is renewed. For such is the nature of the kingdom of God, that while we submit to his righteousness he makes us partakers of his glory.”

~ John Calvin on the first petition of the Lord's Prayer, "Hallowed be Thy name."

Read more...

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for April 14, 2024

Psalm 132 13Today, April 14, is the fifteenth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024. 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.

We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool. Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. ~ Psalm 132:7-9; 13-14

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.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

  • Today Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC) declined the call from Lynden (WA) PRC.

  • Hudsonville PRC's Council announces a new trio from which to call a pastor: Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC-Hudsonville, MI), Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC-Wyoming, MI), and Rev. J. Smidstra (1st PRC-Holland, MI). The congregation will vote April 28 after the evening service.

  • Last Sunday Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA) declined the call to Loveland PRC.

  • Last Sunday Pittsburgh PRC extended a call to Rev. J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker, MI).

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. C. Griess and Rev. G. Eriks in Georgetown PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma (1st week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Prof. R. Dykstra in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. S. Key in Loveland PRC; Rev. C. Haak (1st week) led in Lynden PRC; Rev. ? in Pittsburgh PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special Congregational/Evangelism Notices:

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

  • Psalter Revision: The Psalter Revision Review Committee appointed by Synod, invites you to attend a presentation/singspiration TONIGHT, at 7:00 pm at Crete PRC. Come join us to see the results of the revision and to sing Psalms, old and new. To see the complete revised Psalter, visit thepsalter.net (web version) and “Download Psalms 1-150” at the bottom of the page. [One was held in Randolph PRC last night.]

  • Denominational Website Logo Design Contest: The denominational website is currently being redesigned to improve our evangelism efforts and to make it more user friendly for all who visit the website. As part of this effort, we would like to create a new PRCA.org logo and we would like to have a contest so that anyone within the denomination can try their hand at designing our new logo. You may send your designs to the website committee (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) before June 30, 2024. The winner will receive a gift.
  • AD-HOC COMMITTEE of Synod 2023 reports it will deactivate the Guidepost hotline (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) effective April 5. The reasoning is that after this date Guidepost will be unable to investigate and report on information collected through the hotline in time to meet the deadline for the synodical report. Instead of using funds for the hotline, the committee has directed Guidepost to focus on compiling and distributing reports to consistories. The hotline may be reactivated in the future depending on the decisions of Synod 2024.
  • PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration: All the members of the PRCA, our sister churches, and close contacts are encouraged to come together at Calvin University from June 2-6, 2025 (note the new dates) to participate in this commemorative week. Visit prca100.org for basic event information and to sign up for email updates.

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PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The PR Theological Seminary enters the twelfth week of the semester tomorrow. Pray for faculty, students, and staff as we enter the final third of the semester. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~ 2 Tim.2:15
  • Arend Haveman leads in devotions this week; due to practice preaching tomorrow there is no chapel scheduled on Wednesday.
  • The second round of Practice Preaching for this semester will be held the Mondays of April 15 and 22, with Sems. B. Feenstra, A. Van Dyke, and A. Haveman (his final one!) delivering new sermons.
  • The seminary wives will meet at 10 a.m. Friday morning at the home of Mrs. Lori Gritters.  Karen Langerak will join us to share her experiences as a minister's wife.
  • The Spring 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal was submitted to the printer this week and should be ready for mailing in about three weeks. In the meantime, if you haven't read the Fall 2023 issue, visit the link here to do so. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Valerie Kleyn, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 
  • Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2024 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available.Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essaysmust be submitted by May 17.
  • For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget the blog!

CPRC News Header

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 preached. Today's "pastoral note" by pastor Tan contains four principles about our giving as members of the church, the first of which is this: "First, all that we give, we have first received from God. As David prayed to God in 1 Chronicles 29:14: “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” God has first given to us all things that we have, and in our giving, we merely return to Him, a little."
    • A new issue of Salt Shakers is now out - #71, the first of 2024!  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 minister the Word faithfully in the CPRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland. 
    • 2024 BRF Family Conference: Join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2024 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Cloverley Hall Conference Centre in Shropshire, England, from Saturday, August 3, to Saturday, August 10. Our speakers, Prof. Brian Huizinga and Rev. Ron Hanko, will lecture on “Then Comes the End: The Reformed Doctrine of Eschatology.” For information and booking forms, see the website ( www.brfconference.weebly.com ) or contact Briana Prins (616-214-2779; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
    • The March 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available! Read the articles by Rev. Stewart on "The Truth Is According to Godliness" (2) and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about the four rules for Gentiles in the early NT church. Look for the April issue soon!
    • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.

10th anniversary group pic banner

  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. And, "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija will join us in our worship services today, God willing. We pray for God’s blessings and spiritual sustenance upon them as they hear the Word of God." Also, "On April 22-23, 2024, Elder Espiritu, and Rev. Ibe are scheduled to visit the saints and pastors in Bacolod and Sipalay area to conduct a day of the conference on Reformed Dogmatics [Soteriology] and the Church Order of Dordt 1618-19, respectively. We pray for God’s blessings upon this trip and the saints there."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Mitch Suarez led both worship services today through PRCA’s recorded video sermons.
    • This past Tuesday (April 9), the PRCP commemorated God’s goodness and faithfulness in her 10th year of existence as a Federation of churches (see photo above). We join in thanking our faithful covenant God for blessing and preserving them in the truth of His gospel.

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

RWH Logo 2019
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

Seminary Kuiper 2023

  • This month (April 2024) the RWH is broadcasting two gospel messages by Prof. D. Kuiper on the Ten Commandments (completing this series) and two by Rev. W. Bruinsma that begins a series on women in the Bible. Today's message is titled "The Tenth Commandment: The Righteousness That God Requires" based on Matthew 5:20.
  • 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.).

Particular grace AKuyper RFPA
On sale this month from the RFPA at 50% off!

 

  • RBO Aug 2023 2The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is now 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 help 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

 "So let us consider from this passage and the eighth commandment the right use of our possessions.

        "First we must see that we are called to obtain them lawfully. The eighth commandment forbids stealing. By implication, all other unlawful means of obtaining possessions is declared to be off limits. And by implication, the positive keeping of the eighth commandment is that we come by our possessions in a lawful way.

        "In Ephesians 4:28 the apostle Paul teaches the two main ways in which God ordinarily provides for our needs: work, and gifts. Paul says, “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” So ordinarily a man obtains by working. Strong, able bodied men who work for other men gain income as an exchange for labor; or they find food by growing crops and cattle. But some are unable to work; the wife and children at home depend on the husband and father to provide, and others cannot work due to handicaps, sickness, or old age. Those who do work are to care for those who cannot, by giving gifts. These gifts might come from individuals, or from the church, which is taught to care for its own who have needs. Sometimes these gifts come in surprising or miraculous ways; think of the way in which God fed the Israelites in the wilderness by giving manna from heaven every day.

        "Regardless of the specific way in which we receive possessions, Jesus teaches us in Luke 12 that it is God who provides. Just as God clothes the lilies of the field and gives food to the birds of the air, so He gives us our possessions. He uses the means of work, and of other people, to do that—but in heaven, He controls and directs history so that our needs are supplied. This the rich fool forgot: he had obtained in his own strength and by his own wisdom, and forgot that another gave him, and that other could take his life away in an instant.

        "Several basic truths govern how we are to obtain our possessions. First, we are to remember that God created all things, and therefore owns them; they are not ultimately ours. Second, by the means we mentioned (work and gifts), He distributes His wealth to us, giving to each of us whatever portion He desires, just as an employer distributes to his employees. Third, the portion that God gives each of us is different from person to person, and yet is enough for each—enough, that is, for one to serve God in the place in which He puts us."

~ Taken from the radio message "The Eighth Comandment: The Right Use of Our Possessions" by Prof. D. Kuiper

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Covenant Reformed News - March 2024

Covenant Reformed News
March 2024  •  Volume XIX, Issue 23


 

The Truth Is According to Godliness (2)

Why is the truth—and why must the truth be—according to godliness? Because the Scriptures are the Word of the holy Triune God! Is not Jehovah the Father of truth and the Father who sanctifies us (Jude 1)? Is not the only begotten and incarnate Son “the truth” (John 14:6)? Is He not “the mystery of godliness” as “God ... manifest in the flesh” (I Tim. 3:16)? Is not the Third Person of the Godhead “the Spirit of truth” (John 16:13) and the Spirit of sanctification (II Thess. 2:13; I Pet. 1:2)?

What does the Bible say about itself in II Timothy 3:16-17? Here we have the inspiration of Holy Writ: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” Here we have the benefit of the Bible for us, since it is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Here we have the goal of Scripture in us: “that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” Clearly, “the truth ... is after godliness” (Titus 1:1)!

Is not the written Word of God the divinely appointed means of sanctification? “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). This was Jesus Christ’s prayer just hours before His atoning cross. The truth is according to godliness!

Does not the Word bring spiritual life to God’s people? Our Saviour declared, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). If our Lord’s words bring spiritual life to believers, then the truth must be according to godliness.

A similar argument is based on words found repeatedly in the pastoral epistles of I & II Timothy and Titus: “sound doctrine,” literally “health-giving doctrine” (I Tim. 1:10; II Tim. 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1). For divine teaching to give spiritual health to believers, the doctrine must be according to godliness. If the truth itself does not accord with, befit and so lead to godliness, what else can or does?

This “truth” (Titus 1:1) is also called “the common faith” (4), common to Paul and Titus, as well as the catholic or universal church that is predestinated by God the Father, redeemed by God the Son and regenerated by God the Spirit. The “truth” is also called “the faith of God’s elect” (1), that which all Jehovah’s chosen ones believe, which He uses to save and sanctify His people, for “the truth ... is after godliness” (1). God gives us His truth to read, to hear preached, to study, to pray over, to meditate upon and to embody. The more we feed upon the Word, the more we will believe and experience that it is according to godliness! Rev. Stewart

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Matthew Henry on Titus 1:1: “Divine faith rests not on fallible reasonings and probable opinions, but on the infallible word, the truth itself, which is after godliness, of a godly nature and tendency, pure, and purifying the heart of the believer ... All gospel truth is after godliness, teaching and nourishing reverence and fear of God, and obedience to him; it is truth not only to be known, but acknowledged; it must be held forth in word and practice (Phil. 2:15-16) ... To bring to this knowledge and faith, and to the acknowledging and professing of the truth which is after godliness, is the great end of the gospel ministry ...”
 

Four Rules for the Gentiles

We have another interesting and important question for this issue of the News. “Why did the leadership (James, etc.) of the church require the four ‘essentials’ that are listed in each of these three verses: Acts 15:20, 29 and 21:25?”

Acts 13-14 tells the story of Paul’s first missionary trip. He and Barnabas had been gone about a year preaching in different cities of Cyprus and in central Asia Minor or Turkey. Finished, they returned to Antioch in Syria, their home church, and “there they abode long time with the disciples” (14:28).

Some Judaizers from Judea headed north and began to teach in Antioch that circumcision was necessary for salvation (15:1). Paul and Barnabas opposed them and their teaching, and were sent to Jerusalem with others to report to the church there (2-4). The same dispute about circumcision also arose in Jerusalem about that time, and the matter was submitted to the judgment of a council of apostles and elders (5), as well as prophets, such as James, our Lord’s half-brother and the author of a canonical epistle, Judas and Silas (32), and Agabus (11:27-28).

After considerable debate, the counsel of Peter, Paul, Barnabas and James was followed, so it was decided that the Gentiles did not need to be circumcised. The debate over this issue did not end with the council. It continued to trouble the churches and is the subject of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, where he says, “Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith” (5:2-5). The debate about circumcision was not over non-essentials but over the gospel itself.

Having established at the council the truth that circumcision is not necessary and the gospel that justification is by faith alone without works, the council decided on four rules, and it commissioned Paul and Barnabas to report these decisions and rules to the Gentile churches (Acts 15:22-26). The rules they set are the four “essentials” to which our reader refers.

The four essentials or rules are “that they [i.e., the Gentiles] abstain [1] from pollutions of idols, and [2] from fornication, and [3] from things strangled, and [4] from blood” (20) or, in a different order, “[1] from meats offered to idols, and [2] from blood, and [3] from things strangled, and [4] from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well” (29). These four things, as our reader notes, were mentioned again when Paul returned to Jerusalem from his third and last missionary trip (21:25).

Pollutions of idols in Acts 15:20 is the same as “meats offered to idols” in verse 29. Fornication refers to any sexual sin but probably refers here to the immorality that was part of the worship of idols. Things strangled would be meat of birds or animals that had been killed by strangling and in which the blood was still present. Blood refers to the eating of blood as in blood sausage and such like.

Fornication is always wrong, a violation of the seventh commandment, but the other things are not in themselves evil, though an argument can be made against the eating of blood, since that prohibition was given along with the death penalty to Noah after the flood. Certainly the eating of meats sacrificed to idols was not in itself wrong but forbidden only if it was an offense to others. Paul makes the point in I Corinthians 8 that, even if offered to idols, meat is only meat and has no power to save or damn anyone, an important principle of Christian liberty. Paul tells the Christians in Corinth to avoid offense but also tells them to ask no questions about the meat they purchased in the “shambles,” the meat markets of the day, much of which came from the pagan temples.

Though fornication is listed among the things the Gentiles were to avoid, the decision of the Jerusalem Council emphasized avoiding fornication and the other things because they were especially offensive to the Jews. The Jews regarded the eating of meat from beasts that had been strangled, meat with the blood, as a violation not only of the laws of Moses (Lev. 17:13) but of the precepts God had given Noah after the flood (Gen. 9:4). They also regarded the eating of blood as abhorrent, following the teaching of Leviticus 17:10-14. It was the life of the beast eaten or sacrificed and belonged to God as an atonement for sin. Idolatry and its associated practices were hated by them as well.

The history of the Maccabees, though not inspired or part of sacred history, is important background that illustrates the importance of these rules of the Jerusalem Council in the relationship between the Jewish and Gentile Christians. The four hundred years between Malachi and Christ include the subjugation of the Israelites by the Syrian Seleucid kings, with Antiochus Epiphanes IV being the worst of them. During their dominion, they defiled that which was to the Jews the holiest place of all.

The Seleucid army had set up an idol, probably a bust of Antiochus Epiphanes IV, in the temple, offered swine’s flesh on the altar of burnt offering, forcing the Jews to participate in these heathen rites and to eat the flesh of those idol sacrifices (168 BC). They had introduced temple prostitution into the courts of the temple as well and the temple became a place for drunken orgies dedicated to the worst of the Greek gods. It was no wonder that the things forbidden by the Jerusalem Council would have been particularly offensive to the Jews. The history of Antiochus Epiphanes IV was not long past.

During that same period, the apostasy of many Jews, under the influence of Greek culture and philosophy, would have been remembered by the Christian Jews of Paul’s day with detestation. History speaks of those apostate Jews sporting naked in the gymnasiums, and associating with the Greeks in the sacrifices and pagan worship that often accompanied the Hellenistic infatuation with sports and games. The two apocryphal books of I and II Maccabees, and Daniel 11:31-39 tell some of this history.

This is the best explanation of the rather unusual set of injunctions established by the Jerusalem elders and apostles. The main thing was avoiding giving offense to the Jewish community and that fits the context as well. Paul and Silas had just returned from establishing new churches of largely Gentiles converts. The controversy with the Judaizers over circumcision was raging. It had to be established that circumcision was not necessary for salvation, but it was also needful that the Jews be shown that the rumours about Paul and the Gentile churches were not true. Those rumours are mentioned in Acts 21:20-21: “Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.” The prohibitions of the Jerusalem Council are then mentioned in Acts 21:25.

All of this is a reminder to us of the important principle, that we must avoid offense, not only in matters of sin but even in things indifferent, things that are not in themselves right or wrong. This principle is established in I Corinthians 8 not only but also in Romans 14. Even in things indifferent, we can cause another to sin, and must be very careful not to do that out of love for a brother. As Paul puts it in I Corinthians 8:13, “Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”

Avoiding offense: that was the issue in Acts 15:20. That may seem like a small thing, but is part of manifesting the love of our heavenly Father to others and showing that we have that love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5). Offense cannot sometimes be avoided but it should then be what Paul calls the offense of the cross (Gal. 5:11), the offense that sinful hearts take at the Word of God. It should not be anything that can be avoided, anything personal. Rev. Ron Hanko

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John Calvin: “In sum, if love be the bond of perfection and end of the law; if God command that we study to preserve mutual unity among ourselves, and that every man serve his neighbour to edify, no man is so ignorant which doth not see that that is contained in the word of God which the apostles command in this place, only they apply a general rule to their time. Furthermore, let us remember that which I said before, that it was a politic law which could not ensnare the conscience, neither bring in any feigned worship of God; which two vices the Scripture condemneth everywhere in men’s traditions” (Comm. on Acts 15:29).
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
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PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for April 7, 2024 *(Updated)

Psalm 131 3Today, April 7, is the fourteenth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024. 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, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever. ~ Psalm 131:1-3

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.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

  • Today Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA) declined the call to Loveland PRC.

  • Pittsburgh PRC will vote tonight from the Council's new trio consisting of Revs. N. Decker (Grandville PRC), G. Eriks (Unity PRC), and J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Walker). UPDATE: Rev. Mahtani has received this call.

  • Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC) is considering the call from Lynden (WA) PRC (received March 17). He plans to answer next Sunday.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs:  Prof. C. Griess and Rev. J. Holstege in Georgetown PRC; Elder led in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. R. Hanko in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. DeBoer in Loveland PRC; Elder led in Lynden PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma in Pittsburgh PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special Congregational/Evangelism Notices:

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

  • hermanhankoIn Memoriam: "Our Lord graciously delivered Prof. Herman Hanko from this valley of tears on April 2. Prof. Hanko was a faithful preacher and teacher of the gospel of grace. His heart and soul were in the work God gave him to do. His love for the truth and the church was always on the forefront of his life. He was a gifted teacher in Seminary who inspired a generation of ministers to pour themselves out as a sacrifice to God in their ministries. “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” We express our sympathy to Rev. Ron and Nancy Hanko, Rev. Daniel and Sharon Kleyn, as well as the entire Hanko family." (Georgetown PRC's bulletin) Visitation for the family will held Tuesday April 8 at 11-12 at Southwest PRC, with the funeral to follow at noon.
  • Denominational Website Logo Design Contest: The denominational website is currently being redesigned to improve our evangelism efforts and to make it more user friendly for all who visit the website. As part of this effort, we would like to create a new PRCA.org logo and we would like to have a contest so that anyone within the denomination can try their hand at designing our new logo. You may send your designs to the website committee (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) before June 30, 2024. The winner will receive a gift.
  • AD-HOC COMMITTEE of Synod 2023 reports it will deactivate the Guidepost hotline (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) effective April 5. The reasoning is that after this date Guidepost will be unable to investigate and report on information collected through the hotline in time to meet the deadline for the synodical report. Instead of using funds for the hotline, the committee has directed Guidepost to focus on compiling and distributing reports to consistories. The hotline may be reactivated in the future depending on the decisions of Synod 2024.
  • PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration: All the members of the PRCA, our sister churches, and close contacts are encouraged to come together at Calvin University from June 2-6, 2025 (note the new dates) to participate in this commemorative week. Visit prca100.org for basic event information and to sign up for email updates.

front April 2021 3

PRC Seminary Notices:

  • The PR Theological Seminary enjoyed its Spring break last week. Classes resume Tuesday of this week, week 11 of 15. Pray for faculty, students, and staff as we enter the final thrid of the semester. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~ 2 Tim.2:15
  • Last Tuesday, April 2, emeritus professor Herman Hanko passed from this life into the glory of His Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 93 years. We thank the Lord for giving the PRC (ordained in 1955) and the Seminary (1965-2001) this faithful servant for so many years, and for now giving him the victory through our risen Lord. May the God of all comfort bless his family, including his grandson Isaac Van Baren (one of our first-year students), with the joy and hope of Jesus' triumph over sin, death, and the grave. "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
  • Aaron Van Dyke leads in devotions this week; no chapel is scheduled on Wednesday.
  • The second round of Practice Preaching for this semester will be held the Mondays of April 15 and 22, with Sems. B. Feenstra, A. Van Dyke, and A. Haveman (his final one!) delivering new sermons.
  • The Spring 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is being prepared and should go the printer this week. In the meantime, if you haven't read the Fall 2023 issue, visit the link here to do so. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Valerie Kleyn, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 
  • Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2024 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available.Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essaysmust be submitted by May 17.
  • 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. Today both pastors preached. Today's "pastoral note" by pastor Tan contains this note on the death of Prof. H. Hanko, dear to these saints: "In the week past, Our God has called home our dearest Prof. Herman Hanko (1930-2024). It is hard to put to words the loss we feel in our hearts. A man God used mightily in CERC, to instruct us in the truth of Sovereign and Particular grace. A towering Dutch man who always stooped down to the smallest children to greet them and talk with them. A busy and extremely gifted man who always found time to humbly listen and counsel the young people. God be praised for giving to us such a faithful man. God be praised for giving us such a spiritual grandfather to us here."
    • A new issue of Salt Shakers is now out - #71, the first of 2024!  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 minister the Word faithfully in the CPRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland. 
    • 2024 BRF Family Conference: Join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2024 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Cloverley Hall Conference Centre in Shropshire, England, from Saturday, August 3, to Saturday, August 10. Our speakers, Prof. Brian Huizinga and Rev. Ron Hanko, will lecture on “Then Comes the End: The Reformed Doctrine of Eschatology.” For information and booking forms, see the website ( www.brfconference.weebly.com ) or contact Briana Prins (616-214-2779; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
    • The Febuary 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is now available! Read the articles by Rev. Stewart on "The Truth Is According to Godliness" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about total depravity and Manichaeism. Look for the March issue soon!
    • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.
  • PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
    • Berean PRC bulletin: Elders Espiritu and Penaverde led her services today. And, "Rev. Ibe and family are visiting with the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija. Our pastor will lead them in their worship service at 9 AM and Bible study at 10:45 AM. All the Lord willing. We pray for God’s blessings and spiritual sustenance upon them as they hear the Word of God."
    • Provident PRC bulletin: Deacon Ruel dela Fuente led both worship services today through PRCA’s recorded video sermons.
    • "On Tuesday [April 9], we commemorate God’s goodness and faithfulness in our 10th year of existence as a Federation of Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines. Soli Deo Gloria!" We join in praising God for His goodness and faithfulenss to the PRCP, and pray that God continues to bless them and preserve them in the truth of His gospel.

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

RWH Logo 2019
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

Seminary Kuiper 2023

  • This month (April 2024) the RWH is broadcasting two gospel messages by Prof. D. Kuiper on the Ten Commandments (completing this series) and two by Rev. W. Bruinsma that begins a series on women in the Bible. Today's message is titled "The Ninth Commandment: The Right Use of Our Tongues" based on John 8:12-47.
  • 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.).

Particular grace AKuyper RFPA
On sale this month from the RFPA at 50% off!

 

  • RBO Aug 2023 2The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is now 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 help 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

 "A second benefit of Jesus’ resurrection is this: By Jesus’ power His people are raised to a new life, a life that never ends. As was mentioned, because of our sin we received death. Jesus obtains for and restores to His people righteousness and life.

        "Christ, the Head of His people, raises from the dead those who are the members of His body. Already in this life He raises them. He raises them from the dead spiritually.

"This spiritual resurrection is a real resurrection. Our spirit is real. We cannot see it, yet it is real. Man by nature is spiritually dead. His spiritual heart is dead. Jesus by His Spirit raises His people spiritually from the dead. He gives them a new spiritual heart. Then they are spiritually alive and they believe in Jesus Christ. They have communion with God, fellowship with Him that will never end.

        "That is a second benefit of Christ’s resurrection.

"And this is a third benefit: The resurrection of Jesus is a sure pledge of His people’s blessed, bodily resurrection. A believer who dies goes to be with Christ in heaven. Such a person is with Christ in glory in his or her soul. Yet in the body a believer who has died will be buried. For a time he or she will be in the grave. Then, on the last day, the day when Christ returns, Jesus will raise the dead. The souls of the dead will be reunited with their bodies in which they formerly lived.

        "Speaking now just of the resurrection of believers, their bodies will be raised incorruptible. Their bodies will be immortal, powerful, and glorious, like unto the glorious body of Jesus Christ.

        That is amazing! Yet it is really true. If Christ, the Head of His people, has been raised, it is certain that His people will also be raised.

"What a comfort it is for believers to know this! Though they die, the day will come in which their bodies will be raised. Then they will have an incorruptible body. They will sin no more, and they will reign with Christ forever when there is a new heaven and new earth.

......

"Now you who hear this message, are you one of those who believes in Jesus? Do you confess your sins to God, do you believe that Jesus offered the one perfect sacrifice for sin, and do you trust in Him for your salvation?

"God promises salvation to all those who confess from the heart the Lord Jesus, believing in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead. Scripture says: “if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10:9b).

 "All those who believe in Jesus shall be saved. They will be completely delivered from sin and death.

        "What a comfort we believers have in Him. What a joy we have in the midst of all the trials of this life.

"Believe what God says about the resurrection of Jesus. And tell others the wonderful news. Jesus Christ is risen. He lives, He will return, and His people will dwell with Him, they will reign with Him. Together with Jesus His people shall dwell forever, having a life that, truly, will never end.

~ Taken from the Easter message "The Risen Jesus Meeting the Women" by Rev. J. Laning (PRC home misisonary)

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Reformed Witness Hour - April 2024 Newsletter

 RWH Logo 2019

News from the Reformed Witness Hour

April 2024

 Seminary Kuiper 2023

Women of the Bible Series

This month we have four messages to share. We will complete Prof. Kuiper’s series on the Ten Commandments. If you missed the beginning of the series, aired earlier this year, be sure to listen to them on Sermon Audio or reformedwitnesshour.org; the first message is titled Overview of the Law.

W Bruinsma RWH

We will then hear the first two installments of Rev. Bruinsma’s series on Women of the Bible. In a brief interview in 2019, when this series first aired, Rev. Bruinsma had the following to say about the series:

Why did you decide to do a series on women in the Bible?

My goal in this series is to point out that faithful, God-fearing women are also a part of sacred history. Often attention is drawn in preaching to the men of faith in scripture. I can understand this emphasis…since the Bible calls our attention to these men. But with a little study we find that the women of the church, too, are strong in faith.

 Can you list some of the women you will be speaking on and what spiritual themes you will be examining in each woman’s life?

In [May] we will be examining the sin of Miriam in her rebellion against Moses in the wilderness. Yes, godly women have their weaknesses too. In [June] we will consider Abigail and the faith she revealed in serving David, when her wicked husband refused food to David and his men. In [July] we will consider Jedidah, the godly mother of good king Josiah.

Who is this series for?

I hope to reach a whole range of people. The series will speak to believers, however. This series should be heard by men but will be of special encouragement to believing women.

April 7

The 9th Commandment: The Right Use of Our Tongues 

John 8:12-47

Prof. Douglas Kuiper

April 14

The 10th Commandment: The Righteousness that God Requires

Matthew 5:20

Prof. Douglas Kuiper

April 21

The Woman Eve
Genesis 2:23-24

Rev. Wilbur Bruinsma

April 28

The Faith of Sarah
Hebrews 1:11-12

Rev. Wilbur Bruinsma

 

Christ’s Inseparable Love

If you missed it, take time to listen to Rev. Haak’s message, Christ’s Inseparable Love. This message was the most downloaded message so far this year and for good reason! It is a comforting message of Christ’s unbreakable love for His people.  

… This question is perhaps the most serious question that the apostle has asked... Can something cause God to stop loving us?  And the answer is…  No, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Could it be that, perhaps, there is something about me that nobody else knows about, and if it becomes public, this horrible thing about me, it can take me from the arms of Christ?  Or is there some event, some deep darkness, some death or trial, something so heavy and so dark that, while God may want to love me in this trial, His love will not be able to break through the darkness and the enemy will succeed in cutting me off from the love of God?  Can I be estranged from God’s love to me—so that either God decides to stop loving me, or there is shown to be a power, an event, a circumstance, a tragedy that will succeed in interrupting and blocking God from doing what He wants?  And the answer is:  No, that cannot happen! …

Listen to the full message at reformedwitnesshour.org. Search for Christ’s Inseparable Love.

 

We Want You!

Are you good with managing schedules and timely communication? The Reformed Witness Hour needs you!  We are seeking a new member to assist in coordinating our sponsorships. This includes tracking new sponsorship requests, ensuring the sponsor’s advertisement is scheduled for delivery during the sponsorship dates and following up with sponsors regarding billing. This work would require just a few hours each month but would have significant benefit for our committee. Male or female, young or not-so-young, we want you! Please contact Brian Key with any questions or to volunteer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Sponsor a Month of Reformed Witness Hour

When a church sponsors the Reformed Witness Hour, we air a promo before or after the week’s radio message that features the church. We can deliver a standard announcement, or a member of your church can write and voice the clip. If your church or evangelism committee would like to learn more about sponsoring the RWH, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

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