Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
Ballymena
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 4 January, 2004
“Because thy lovingkindness is better
than life, my lips shall praise thee.”
(Psalm 63:3)
Morning Service – 11:00 AM
Christian Marriage & Singleness (2)
The Danger of Singleness
I Corinthians 7:2, 6-9
I. The Meaning
II. The Calling
Psalms: 144:1-8; 90:1-7; 119:9-16; 4:3-8
Evening Service – 6:00 PM
Christian Marriage & Singleness (3)
The Duty of Sex in Marriage
I Corinthians 7:3-5
I. The Rule
II. The Exception
Psalms: 138:1-5; 90:8-12; 61:1-5; 45:9-12, 15
For CDs of the sermons and DVDs of the worship services, contact Stephen Murray
If you desire a pastoral visit, please contact Rev. Stewart or the elders
CPRC Website: www.cprc.co.uk • Live Webcast: https://cprc.co.uk/live-streaming/
CPRC YouTube: www.youtube.com/cprcni
CPRC Facebook: www.facebook.com/CovenantPRC
Quote to Consider:
Prof. Engelsma: “What does Christ say to [single] believers [who wish to marry]? First, ‘let them marry’ (v. 9). Do they pray about their need? Do they ask a husband or a wife from the Sovereign of the universe? Are they being too choosy about a mate, even unbiblically choosy? Is the main criterion for the man that the woman be beautiful rather than that she fear the Lord? Does the young woman turn down and turn away the young men of the church who are not handsome and dashing suitors according to the standards of the romance magazines of the world? Are both the young men and the young women waiting for the feeling of falling madly in love, when they have every right to proceed with marriage on the basis of their unity in Christ, their suitability for each other, and their warm affection for each other? It is the duty of the young men of the church to date and marry the daughters of the church, and it is the calling of the young women to accept the young men … Still, God makes marriage impossible for some. These Christians are to accept the single life submissively as the will of God for them. They should learn to view their single life not simply as a cross to bear but as the specific way of life in which they are to glorify God. Are they called being single? Let them not trouble themselves about these circumstances of their earthly life but serve God in these circumstances. Let them seize singleness as the opportunity to serve the Lord Christ more fully than would be possible if they were married. They may trust that God’s grace will be sufficient, particularly for sexual self-control. They are required to abstain from sexual relationships, that is, from fornication. This is possible. Jesus taught that some make themselves eunuchs for the kingdom’s sake (Matt. 19:12). Not only is there the gift of sexual self-control, but there is also the powerful grace of self-discipline and chastity” (Better to Marry, pp. 40-41).
Announcements:
The Standard Bearers are in.
We are preparing a new CPRF address/telephone list. A tentative copy is on the back table. Please check that the information is correct.
There is a sign-up sheet on the back table for the congregational dinner planned for Friday, 30 January, at the Ramble Inn at 7:30 PM.
Catechism will be held Monday at the Crossetts and Thursday at the Hamills.
Bible Study will be held on Wednesday at 8 PM at the manse. We will conclude our study of the end times in the Old Testament (DV).
5-a-side football is arranged for 8-9 PM on Friday at the Antrim Forum.
The Reformed Witness Hour next Lord’s Day, 11 January, (8:30-9:00 AM, on Gospel 846MW) is “The Marks of God’s Children, Part 1” (Matt. 7:21-23).
Last Week’s Offerings: £737.10. Donations: £10 (CR News), £10 (CR News).
