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Covenant Reformed News - April 2024
- Published in Covenant PRC Ballymena, Northern Ireland
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Today, 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.
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!
Georgetown PRC fellowship addition (back view, right side) - see note below
Special Congregational/Evangelism Notices:
Senior Arend Haveman leading devotions last week for his final time.
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
Need help preparing to date with a view to marriage in the Lord? Let this book from the RFPA be a tool!
"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."
Today, 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.
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 Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
On sale this month from the RFPA at 50% off!
"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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Today, 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.
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 Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
On sale this month from the RFPA at 50% off!
"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)
News from the Reformed Witness Hour
April 2024
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.
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.
The 9th Commandment: The Right Use of Our Tongues
John 8:12-47
Prof. Douglas Kuiper
The 10th Commandment: The Righteousness that God Requires
Matthew 5:20
Prof. Douglas Kuiper
The Woman Eve
Genesis 2:23-24
Rev. Wilbur Bruinsma
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..
Listen on Your Favorite Platform
www.ReformedWitnessHour.org www.sermonaudio.com/rwh
Subscribe to RWH on one of these podcast apps:
iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, Player FM, TuneIn, iHeartRadio,
the Podcast App, and Himalaya.
Today, March 31, RESURRECTION SUNDAY, is the thirteenth 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.
Today we celebrate the glorious resurrection from the dead of our Savior Jesus Christ. The Lamb of God who was slain for His sheep on Good Friday is risen from the dead on the third day, that first Easter Sunday morning. That Jesus is risen means that His perfect sacrifice for the sins of His own fully paid for their sins, that He is victorious over all sin's effects - death, hell, and the grave, and that He who now lives forevermore with new heavenly life imparts that to all who believe on Him, so that they too will rise from the dead and enjoy perfect life in heaven with Jesus. Hallelujah, what a Savior!
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. ...So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; 54-57
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.
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. C. Griess and Rev. J. Slopsema in Georgetown PRC; Rev. C. Haak in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Prof. D. Kuiper in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. D. Kleyn (2nd week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. A. Brummel (2nd week) 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:
Register by TODAY (final day) for the 2024 Young People's Convention hosted by Cornerstone and Peace PRC! We are looking forward to a great week at camp Cedarmore in Kentucky from August 5 - 9, 2024. Registration is fully online this year, so get started at http://prcconvention.com/registration/. Note that the registration process includes waivers, so parents should register for their young people who are minors. If you have any questions, reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Rev. J. Maatman (SE PRC (Wyoming, MI) led the Wednesday chapel at the PRC Seminary this past week.
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
What did God do in sending His Son Jesus into the world? And how may I know that I am loved by God and saved through this Savior? Read this pamphlet to find out!
"I know that my Redeemer liveth.”
"He lives!
"He is the Almighty, unchangeable Jehovah, who keeps covenant with His people forever. He sovereignly rules over all things, so that not a hair can fall from our heads except by His will. He has the storms in His hands, the lightning that took Job’s sheep, the wind that destroyed his children. Even the wrath of men shall praise Him, for devils, and Sabeans, and Chaldeans, and all wicked men are but instruments in His hand to carry out His counsel. His grace abideth ever. He will not always chide, neither will He keep His anger forever. His anger lasts a moment, His favor all the day. For He has not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.
"He lives! Jehovah, the God of our salvation lives.
"How much richer these words are for us now, since the cross and the resurrection have become a historical reality. The Son of God came into our flesh, suffered, died and was buried. For a moment even the disciples despaired, so that they hid themselves in bitter sorrow.
"Their master had been taken from them. The one whom they professed to be the Christ, the Son of the living God, had perished in the hands of wicked men, and His body was laid away in the grave. They failed to understand the cross, and therefore all looked so utterly dark and hopeless. Yet that one flame of faith and hope within their souls never entirely faded out. On the contrary, it suddenly flared up to shine forth in glorious brilliancy.
"Jesus arose as victor over death. He had paid the ransom for sin. He had satisfied God’s justice. And God raised Him up to exalt Him to power and glory in the highest heavens. We now see Jesus with an eye of faith, crowned with glory and honor, living and reigning with God forever! “He arose, a victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign.”
"He lives! Yes, we know He lives, for He has come to dwell with us in the Spirit. He lives even now within our hearts."
~ Taken from the article "My Redemeer Liveth" by C. Hanko
Today, March 24, is the twelfth 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 you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.
And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. ...After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. ~ John 19:17-18; 28-30
Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. C. Griess and Rev. N. Decker; Prof. Griess on Good Friday in Georgetown PRC; Rev. J. Marcus (2nd week) and Rev. C. Haak for Good Friday in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. W. Langerak; Rev. M. DeVries for Good Friday in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. D. Kleyn (1st week) and Good Friday in Loveland PRC; Rev. A. Brummel (and Good Friday) lead in Lynden PRC; Rev. C. Spronk (Rev. W. Bruinsma Good Friday) 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:
Register now for the 2024 Young People's Convention hosted by Cornerstone and Peace PRC! Registration closes on March 31, so this is the last week to sign up! We are looking forward to a great week at camp Cedarmore in Kentucky from August 5 - 9, 2024. Registration is fully online this year, so get started at http://prcconvention.com/registration/. Note that the registration process includes waivers, so parents should register for their young people who are minors. If you have any questions, reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This past Thursday the church history students from Heritage Christian High School in Dyer, IN visited the seminary; Prof. D. Kuiper gave them a quick introduction and tour before they sat in on his church history class (more details below).
PRC Seminary Notices:
Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!
Looking to feed your soul with meditations on Christ crucified in this time of year? Try this classic title from the RFPA!
“In order to lay claim to the honors of royalty, he enters Jerusalem, riding on an ass. A magnificent display, truly! more especially when the ass was borrowed from some person, and when the want of a saddle and of accoutrements compelled the disciples to throw their garments on it, which was a mark of mean and disgraceful poverty. He is attended, I admit, by a large retinue; but of what sort of people? Of those who had hastily assembled from the neighboring villages. Sounds of loud and joyful welcome are heard; but from whom? From the very poorest, and from those who belong to the despised multitude. One might think, therefore, that he intentionally exposed himself to the ridicule of all. But as he had two things to do at the same time,—as he had to exhibit some proof of his kingdom, and to show that it does not resemble earthly kingdoms, and does not consist of the fading riches of this world, it was altogether necessary for him to take this method” (John Calvin, commentary on the triumphal entry). [Taken from Southeast PRC's bulletin]
Classis East
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Classis West
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