News

06 Mar

Covenant Reformed News - February 2024

Published in Covenant PRC Ballymena, Northern Ireland

Covenant Reformed News
February 2024 • Volume XIX, Issue 22

The Truth Is According to Godliness (1)

Believer, there are many ways in which the devil attacks your adherence to the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps he seeks to fill you with anger or covetousness or worry, for example, or he tries to suck you into one of the world’s moral (or immoral) crusades.

Another, more subtle, satanic ploy is the notion that all that matters is how you live, and that knowing and believing the truth of God’s Word makes little or no difference to the quality of one’s spiritual life, either your own or anyone else’s.

It is easy to understand how this appeals to our sinful flesh. According to this seductive lie, a catechumen or Sunday school student may conclude, “I do not need to study or memorize biblical material for the next class. It doesn’t do me much good.”

Others think like this: “I’m always tired. Why should I spend time and energy on reading good Reformed books and praying? It seems to make no difference to my life.”

So how is the truth of God’s Word related to practical godliness? Do the doctrines of Scripture oppose or hinder obedience to the Lord? Is biblical teaching utterly irrelevant as regards a holy life, so that there is no correlation between them? Perhaps the faith of the Reformation is of minimal help or limited worth with respect to genuine spirituality? Maybe Scripture’s teaching is merely fairly useful in promoting piety?

But what does the Word of God itself proclaim? Biblical “doctrine … is according to godliness” (I Tim. 6:3) and “the truth … is after godliness” (Titus 1:1)!

What is this saying? Scriptural doctrine accords with, is in keeping with, fits with and corresponds to godliness. Biblical teaching is conducive towards and leads to piety, for this is its natural tendency in God’s believing people by the power of the Spirit.

Not only do all the doctrines of God’s Word fit together harmoniously and reinforce each other. It is also the case that scriptural doctrine fits with and leads to practical piety, for the truth is according to godliness.

Here we need to make an important distinction between God’s truth and those who profess to believe it. Some might object, But what about Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5? They lied about the amount they had gotten for the sale of their land because they sought glory of man. So how was the truth according to godliness for them? The answer is that they were hypocrites and not genuine believers!

What then, some might say, about Peter? He was a true believer, yet he denied Christ three times with oaths and cursings. Yes, but this was a temporary lapse. Later, he repented with bitter tears (Matt. 26:75) and was used by the Lord to “strengthen” the other disciples (Luke 22:32). Thus the truth is still after godliness!

What about times of church divisions? Here the blame lies with false doctrines (not the truth) and sinful behaviour by some people. The lesson to be drawn is not that the truth does not help God’s saints, but that He sovereignly uses heresies to make manifest those who are approved by Him and those who are not (I Cor. 11:19). Thus, no matter how professing Christians or professing churches may behave at certain times, the Holy Spirit declares that “the truth … is after godliness” (Titus 1:1)! Rev. Angus Stewart

Total Depravity and Manichaeism

Our question for this issue of the News is very interesting: “Folk who oppose the Reformed faith often claim that total depravity is nothing but a resurrection of the old heresy of Manichaeism. (Interestingly, this was also the charge of the Remonstrants against the doctrines laid out in the Canons of Dordt—see the ‘Conclusion.’) Augustine (354-430) was a Manichaean in his early years, and they claim that his views of the ‘total depravity of man’ are just remnants of Manichaeism that remained in his theology and these eventually became incorporated into the Reformed churches. What exactly is Manichaeism? And what are the clear differences between the Reformed view and that of the former?”

What was Manichaeism? Manichaeism was an ancient heresy, named after its founder, the Persian false prophet, Mani. It flourished from the third to the seventh centuries in the Roman Empire and Augustine was a Manichaean for nine years. Manichaeism was an attempt to combine the world’s religions into one system, incorporating elements of an old Persian religion called Zoroastrianism with Christianity, Gnosticism and Buddhism, with Mani being the great self-proclaimed prophet of this new religion.

Manichaeism was dualistic and fatalistic. It viewed spiritual things as good and material things as evil, but saw the outcome of the struggle between them as uncertain. This was its dualism, good and evil, the material and the spiritual, two independent and equal powers. Its fatalism lay in the teaching that ordinarily the soul of man, which is spiritual and good, is dominated by the body, which is material and evil, leaving a person helpless in the struggle against evil. It was this latter aspect of Manichaeism that attracted the early pre-Christian Augustine, since it meant that he was not responsible for the sins in which he was living.

Those who claim that the doctrine of total depravity is a carry-over from Manichaeism point to that doctrine’s view that man is evil by nature. They say that it is the same as Manichaeism’s view that the body is evil. Such critics also see the doctrine of total depravity as fatalistic, claiming that it destroys all responsibility for sin, just as did the Manichaean view of the evil body as dominant over the good soul in the personal struggle between good and evil. Total depravity leaves a person unable to do good and, therefore, they claim, without responsibility for sin.

Our questioner is right in claiming that the Remonstrants (Arminians) charged the Reformed churches with Manichaeism at the time of the Synod of Dordt. This charge is addressed in the conclusion to the Canons. The Remonstrants said, “That the doctrine of the Reformed churches concerning predestination, and the points annexed to it, by its own genius and necessary tendency, leads off the minds of men from all piety and religion; that it is an opiate administered by the flesh and the devil, and the stronghold of Satan, where he lies in wait for all, and from which he wounds multitudes and mortally strikes through many with the darts both of despair and security; that it makes God the author of sin, unjust, tyrannical, hypocritical; that it is nothing more than interpolated Stoicism, Manicheism, Libertinism, Turcism; that it renders men carnally secure, since they are persuaded by it that nothing can hinder the salvation of the elect, let them live as they please; and, therefore, that they may safely perpetrate every species of the most atrocious crimes; and that, if the reprobate should even perform truly all the works of the saints, their obedience would not in the least contribute to their salvation …”

“Stoicism, Manicheism, Libertinism, Turcism” are all different forms of fatalism, the wicked notion that our actions are predetermined either by some imaginary deity or by our evil nature, so that it makes no difference how we live or act and that we cannot be held responsible for what we do. “Interpolated … Manicheism” is Manichaeism reintroduced in a new guise, the charge levelled by the Arminians against the five points of Calvinism as taught in the Canons of Dordt.

Our focus is on the doctrine of total depravity and the charge that it destroys human responsibility, encourages carnal security and lets men live as they please. These charges are false and the doctrine of total depravity is not interpolated Manichaeism. We, with other Calvinists, hold the doctrine of total depravity because it is biblical, not as some hold-over from Manichaeism.

The scriptural doctrine of total depravity is found in such passages as Genesis 6:5, Psalm 14:2-3, Jeremiah 13:23, John 3:5-6, Romans 3:9-19 and Ephesians 2:1-3. It teaches that “all men are conceived in sin, and by nature children of wrath, incapable of saving good, prone to evil, dead in sin, and in bondage thereto, and without the regenerating grace of the Holy Spirit they are neither able nor willing to return to God, to reform the depravity of their nature, nor to dispose themselves to reformation” (Canons III/IV:3). This spiritual death and depravity came on all men “for that all have sinned” (Rom. 5:12). The passages show that there is a world of difference between Manichaean dualism and fatalism, and the biblical doctrine of total depravity.

The differences are especially these five.

(1) Manichaeism is dualistic, teaching that evil exists independently and is equally powerful with good, so that the struggle against evil is always uncertain or hopeless. The Bible teaches that, though God is not the author of sin, sin and evil are decreed by Him, as are all things, and are entirely under His sovereign direction and control (Eph. 1:11). In the struggle against evil, therefore, God and His grace will certainly triumph, for He rules it and uses it for His own holy purposes.

(2) Manichaeism has nothing akin to the Bible’s doctrine of man’s fall through disobedience to a divine command (Gen. 3; Rom. 5:12-21). Scripture teaches that man’s depravity, though a matter of his nature, is not part of his original creation, for God created man good and after His own image (Gen. 1:26-27; Ecc. 7:29), with man’s depravity being divine punishment for his disobedience, the death threatened in Genesis 2:16-17 (cf. Eph. 2:1). Man’s depravity, too, is under God’s control.

(3) Manichaeism denies man’s responsibility. God’s Word is clear: Man’s depravity is the result of his own disobedience and for it he is responsible, as he is for his actual sins. His spiritual inability is his own fault. In Psalm 51:1-5, David confesses not only his actual sin, but the fact that he was shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin. Our depravity, then, is not an excuse for sin or an encouragement to live as we please, as the Manichaeans suggested, but something for which we are accountable, and something from which we must be delivered, and can be delivered, only by the grace of God.

(4) According to Manichaeism, its good god took no part in the creation of matter, and so the world and the human body are possessed of evil/darkness. Contra Manichaeism, it is not just man’s physical body that is evil but the whole of man’s nature: soul, spirit, mind, will and body. Nor is the body evil because it is material. Man’s body was created good by God, and in body and soul he is redeemed and delivered when God saves him. The problem is not that man has a body which is inherently bad, but that man, with body and soul, has fallen into sin and needs to be saved. This is the reason why the Son of God assumed our complete human nature, including a body (Heb. 10:5; 2:16-17), that He might deliver us, body and soul, from the dominion of sin.

(5) Given Manichaeism’s dualism, and its false views of man’s creation, body, fall and responsibility, it is not surprising that its doctrine of human deliverance and salvation is totally different from, and opposed to, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Manichaeism teaches that man needs to be delivered from his body and only in that way will he be saved from evil. That has no relation to the teaching of Scripture, but is a pagan and heathen notion. Death is all that is needed for salvation from evil in Manichaeism and there is no need of God or His grace. The Bible teaches that God delivers us from evil through the cross and exaltation of Jesus, and that by grace we experience and receive a complete transformation of our nature, both body and soul, a spiritual rebirth and transformation that is a miraculous work of God known only by faith. We are new creatures in Christ (II Cor. 5:17) and even our lowly bodies will be changed into the likeness of His glorious body (Phil. 3:21).

My depravity is not, therefore, something to which I may appeal as an excuse for my sins, but something which must be confessed as the source of all my evil-doing and my own fault, and against which I must struggle all my life long. Nor is the struggle against evil, as I experience it, hopeless but, turning to the Lord Jesus in faith, I go on unto perfection (Heb. 6:1), trusting that the good work God has begun in me will be finished in the day of Christ (Phil. 1:6). 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

03 Mar

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for March 3, 2024

Published in News

Today, March 3, is the ninth Lord's Day of this new 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.

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.

Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. ...Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel. ~ Psalm 128:1, 3-5

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

Today Rev. C. Spronk declined the call from Pittsburgh PRC.
Last Sunday Hope PRC-Redlands, CA issued a call Rev. N. Decker (Grandville PRC). He plans to answer by March 24.
Loveland PRC's Conistory announces a new trio: Rev. Allen Brummel (Calvary PRC, IA), Rev. Nate Decker (Grandville, PRC, MI), and Rev. Jon Mahtani (Hope PRC, Walker MI). They plan to call next Sunday evening, March 10.
The Consistory of Lynden PRC announces a new trio: Revs. R. Barnhill (Heritage PRC), M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC), and N. Decker (Grandville PRC). A congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 17.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. C. Griess and Rev. M. Kortus in Georgetown PRC; Rev. S. Key (1st week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. G. Eriks in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. J. Engelsma (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. M. DeBoer (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Rev. J. Mahtani 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:

Byron Center PRC (MI): "The Community Bible Study meets this Thursday, March 7, at 7:30 PM at church to continue our study of the book of Philippians. Discussion will begin at chapter 1 verse 22. We hope you can bring a friend and join us!"
First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI: "Our Community Bible Study meets this Wed., March 6 at 7:00 PM. We'll discuss Jesus' Cross Words, part 1."
Unity PRC (Byron Center, MI): "There is another opportunity to come visit the Community Bible Study this Tuesday, March 5 at 7 pm. The topic will be 'Finding Peace in a Restless World'. We meet from 7-8 pm in the Byron Rec Center at 2120 76th St. in Byron Center. We would love to see you there. All are invited. Bring a friend, co-worker, or neighbor."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

PRC Delegation to the PRC-Philippines: Rev. D. Holstege, and Harvey, and Cindy Kikkert are in the Philippines as the annual delegation from the PRCA to the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines (PRCP). Rev. Holstege and Harv will conduct church visitation with the consistories of the two churches, Berean and Provident, and bring official greetings to the PRCP at their February 25 Classis meeting. Rev. Holstege will preach for the Berean congregation on the first Sunday (Feb. 25) and for Provident on the second (Mar. 3), D.V. He will also lead the mid-week Bible study at Provident on Feb. 28. May the Lord use this visit to nurture and strengthen the bond between our two denominations for the coming of His kingdom and His glory. (Wingham PRC bulletin) They plan to return to Canada tomorrow.
PRC Psalter Revision Singspiration: You are invited to attend a presentation/singspiration at 7:30 on March 3 at Zion PRC, or at 7:30 on March 10 at Trinity 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.
Classis West will meet in Randolph (WI) PRC this Wednesday, March 6.
Classis East reconvened on Feb.8, at Hope PRC in Walker, MI, to treat the report and advice of its special committee on various protests against decisions of Classis last September. The decisions of this continued and concluded meeting are posted on this webpage. The agenda and minutes are available to registered users on the bulletin page under Classis East. And there is a public report on this page of the website of the Jan.10 meeting.

Guidepost Solutions has reported to the Ad Hoc Committee that there was an excellent response rate to the survey and hotline. There were almost 1,300 survey participants, of which 26% have agreed to follow-up interviews. Through the hotline, Guidepost has received reports from 29 individuals, of which 72% have agreed to follow-up interviews. Anyone who still desires to report on sexual abuse may use the hotline (mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). This will be open throughout the duration of the investigation. Guidepost is presently busy with the interviewing process and prioritization of the cases.

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.

Registration is now open from March 1 through March 31 for the 2024 Young People's Convention hosted by Cornerstone and Peace PRC. We have a great week planned at Camp Cedarmore in Kentucky from August 5-9, 2024. Registration is fully online, so get started at https://prcconvention.com/registration/. Note that the registration process includes waivers, so parents should register for their young people who are minors. We can't wait to see you at the convention, Lord Willing!
2024 PRYP's Convention: "The Program Committee from Cornerstone and Peace PRC is seeking volunteers for special instrumental or vocal numbers at the 2024 YP Convention. We'd love to highlight our talented young people! Solos, duets,or group numbers are all welcome. We look forward to how these numbers will be a blessing to all convention attendees and bringglory to God's name! If you are interested in participating, please contact Brenda Dykstra with a call or text at (708) 638-2602 ore-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.."

Last Tuesday was a 73F day and some of the faculty and students ate outside once again. The next day was cold and snowy! That's winter in west Michigan this season.

PRC Seminary Notices:

The PR Theological Seminary enters its seventh full week of the second semester this week. Pray for the faculty, students, and staff as we continue in the tasks assigned us by our faithful and gracious Master. "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." (2 Tim.2:1,2)
The second round of practice preaching will be held tomorrow morning, March 4, at Southwest PRC. Sem. A. Haveman will deliver his new sermon.
Arend Haveman will lead in devotions this week, and due to practice preaching this week there will be no chapel on Wednesday.
The Seminary faculty informs the churches that seminarian Aaron Van Dyke will intern in our Wingham, Ontario congregation, under the supervision of Wingham’s Consistory and the mentoring of Rev. Daniel Holstege. The internship begins July 1 and extends through December 31. Continue to pray for the seminary and for Mr. Van Dyke and his family during his internship.
Have you read the latest blog post on the Fall 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal? Check it out and then visit the journal page linked here to browse the digital editions or pick up a print copy at the seminary. This latest issue features three articles related to the Reformed controversy with the Remonstrants (Arminians) and a reprint of a special Reformation feature from an early issue of the PRTJ. Plus, there is a good number of book reviews again, on a variety of subjects. 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.). Soon work will begin on the spring 2024 issue.
Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2024 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available.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!

john 17 22

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. "We come ready to partake of the Lord’s Supper, having examined ourselves in the week past, seeing the grossness of our sins and our hopelessness in ourselves, and believing in Christ alone for the full and free forgiveness of all our sins.We come ready to partake of the Lord’s Supper, having examined ourselves in the week past, seeing the grossness of our sins and our hopelessness in ourselves, and believing in Christ alone for the full and free forgiveness of all our sins.Let us be assured of that reality in the gospel, proclaimed in the preaching and signified in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, for the comfort of our souls." (today's bulletin)
- A new issue of Salt Shakers is coming out - #71, the first of 2024! The previous one was #70, "Time Is Running Out," and concerns the Christian's use of time; 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.
- 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 January issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is available! Read the articles by Rev. Stewart on Nehemiah's prayer and a CPRC elder on why the churches' use of God's sword is so important in our day.
- 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, "Our pastor and family are visiting the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija today. Rev. Ibe will lead them in their worship service at 9 AM. Bible study is scheduled for 10:45 AM. We pray for God’s blessings and spiritual sustenance upon them as they hear the Word of God."
- "Rev. Daniel Holstege and Elder Harvey Kikkert (Wingham PRC) with his wife Cindy are scheduled to fly out back to Canada tomorrow morning, God willing. God be praised for the time that they had been with us and for the blessings of God’s Word spoken and taught to us by Rev. Holstege. We pray now for God’s traveling mercies upon them as they travel back to Canada tomorrow. May God continue to strengthen our sister church relationship as we serve Him together for the causes of Christ’s gospel in our land and in theirs too, for God’s glory and for Jesus’ sake."
- Classis meeting of the PRCP is on recess and scheduled to reconvene on Saturday, March 8, at Berean PRC.
- Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. D. Holstege led her worship services today.

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!

Seminary Kuiper 2023

This month (March 2024) the RWH is broadcasting four gospel messages by Prof. D. Kuiper on the tend commandments and one by Rev. J. Laning for Easter. Today's message is titled "The Fifth Commandment: Honoring Father, Mother, and All in Authority" based on Mark 7:1-13.
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.).

Why did Jesus Christ suffer and die on the cross for sinners? Read this resource to learn the Bible's answer!

The 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

Who is Jesus? The Lamb of God

In the Old Testament, there were all the sacrifices that were made. In Genesis 4, the Lamb is pictured in the first of the flock that Abel offered as a God-pleasing sacrifice. When Abraham is called to sacrifice his son Isaac, Isaac asks, “but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” In response, Abraham said, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” With Abraham’s obedience, the Lord did provide a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. Abraham beheld the lamb and took it for a burnt offering instead of his son. In Exodus 12, Moses is told to tell Israel of the necessity of taking a lamb without any blemish. They were to kill it and put the blood over the doorposts of their houses and eat the flesh. God would see the blood and would pass over that house with the plague of death.

To whom do all these lambs point? Obviously, these animals themselves could not save. They point to Jesus, the suffering servant in Isaiah 53: 7. John in our text identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God. He is the Lamb that God himself provides for our salvation. And in Revelation 5 and 21, the Lamb is praised by the hosts of heaven and glorified upon the throne.

The sacrifice of the lamb could be for an individual, for a household, and also for the whole nation. The lamb must be “without blemish and without spot (I Pet. 1:19).” What a picture of Jesus. He had no sin of his own. He does not rebel, but “he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” What willing obedience to his Father in heaven, and willingness to be a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus is the Lamb of God!

~ Taken from the series Who is Jesus? by Rev. A. Spriensma

02 Mar

Reformed Witness Hour Newsletter - March 2024

Published in First PRC Grand Rapids, MI

News from the Reformed Witness Hour

March 2024

Seminary Kuiper 2023

In March we will continue with Prof. D. Kuiper’s series on the Ten Commandments. We will conclude the month on Easter Sunday with a message from Rev. James Laning.

March 3, 2024
The 5th Commandment: Honoring Father, Mother, and All in Authority
Mark 7:1-13

March 10, 2024
The 6th Commandment: Loving Our Neighbor
Matthew 5:21-26

March 17, 2024
The 7th Commandment: A Life of Sexual Purity and Self Control
Matthew 5:27-32

March 24, 2024 - Prof. D. Kuiper
The 8th Commandment: The Right Use of Our Possessions
Luke 12:13-23

March 31, 2024 (Easter Sunday) - Rev. J. Laning
The Risen Jesus Meeting the Women
Matthew 28:9

Sign Up for Our Email Newsletter!

Visit our website or go to eepurl.com/gikNsL to sign up for our monthly email. You’ll receive one email each month with RWH news, statistics, interviews, message excerpts, and other great content.

PO Box 1230, Grand Rapids MI, 49501 | reformedwitnesshour.org | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

25 Feb

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for February 25, 2024

Published in News

Today, February 25, is the eighth Lord's Day of this new 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.

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.

Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. ~ Psalm 127:1-3