By HNRC, on June 7th, 2013
“Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this” (Jer. 9:9)? These are the sobering words of the weeping prophet, Jeremiah, to the sinful nation of Israel. But they are also a sobering message to the Church and our own nation.
These words reveal our sad, sad condition. They reveal the true condition of every human heart, which has been effected by Adam’s sin. It reveals the condition of the Church, drifting away from its moorings and heritage. It reveals the state …Read More
By Pastor Kuivenhoven, on January 30th, 2013
On Mt. Carmel, we find Elijah praying as he leads the children of Israel in the worship of the one, true, and eternal LORD. In the midst of the battle for supremacy between God and Baal, Elijah pleads with God to manifest His glory. In 1 Kings 18:36-37 we read the words of his prayer, “LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people …Read More
By Pastor Kuivenhoven, on November 16th, 2012
In a recent physical trial dealing with a herniated disc in my back, I was reminded of this phrase from the Heidelberg Catechism – “that we may be patient in adversity [and] thankful in prosperity” (Lord’s Day 10, Q&A 28). It is rather easy to be thankful in prosperity, but what about being thankful in the midst of trials? That’s where patience comes in – patience means enduring trials and learning from them. It is a challenge for sinful human beings to be thankful in the best of times, let alone in times of affliction. However, if …Read More
By Pastor Kuivenhoven, on August 7th, 2012
In His infinite wisdom God has withheld rain and much of our country has suffered through drought conditions. Often the question arises, “Why?” Why is there drought? While there may be a scientific explanation such as two recurring La Niña weather patterns that have sent drier than normal conditions, we know that God is ultimately in control. And if God is in control of all the weather patterns, we need to be asking ourselves what is God saying to us? As we look around us we see a drought of biblical proportions — half of all counties in …Read More
By Pastor Kuivenhoven, on July 18th, 2012
Elijah has been plunged into despair at the events that have happened in Israel with Ahab and Jezebel hardening themselves even after God’s merciful rain upon drought-stricken Israel. Not even that would soften their hearts. Elijah is now alone, or at least he thinks he is alone. But God never leaves His people alone. He finds Elijah dejected and mourning and He grants marvelous comfort.
The LORD grants physical comfort. The LORD amazingly does not confront Elijah and reprove him for his behavior. The LORD is the wisest counselor; He is Wisdom. Notice how the LORD …Read More
By Pastor Kuivenhoven, on March 21st, 2012
Last year was a remarkable year for the so-called Arab Spring in the Middle East. Seemingly from out of nowhere, thousands upon thousands of people united to have their voices heard and to oust tyrannical leaders. A seemingly invisible force drew them out of their homes and into the streets decrying injustice and tyranny. And in some measure they succeeded in achieving their aims. Their voices were heard, though action was admittedly very limited.
But where is the Christian Spring? Today’s generation of Christians is generally marked by passivity, by a lack of fervor and zeal …Read More
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The Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation is served by three pastors:
Rev. Foppe VanderZwaag,
Dr. Joel Beeke, and
Rev. Maarten Kuivenhoven.
540 Crescent St., NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
USA
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