Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
Ballymena
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 3 July, 2011
“Those that be planted in the house of the Lord
shall flourish in the courts of our God” (Ps. 92:13)
Morning Service – 11:00 AM
Baptism
Jesus Christ, the Compassionate Shepherd
Scripture Reading: John 10:1-30; Isaiah 40:1-11
Text: Isaiah 40:11
I. Shepherding the Flock
II. Gathering the Lambs
III. Leading the Mothers
Psalms: 100:1-5; 104:22-29; 28:1-2, 6-9; 23:1-6
Evening Service – 6:00 PM
The Son’s Messianic Kingdom (4)
Scripture Reading: Psalm 22:22-31; 2:1-12
Text: Psalm 2:8-9
I. The Universal Inheritance—Christ’s Rule of Grace
II. The Rod of Iron—Christ’s Rule of Power
Psalms: 65:1-5; 104:30-35; 22:25-31; 2:4-11
Contact Stephen Murray for CDs of the sermons and DVDs of the worship services.
CPRC website: www.cprc.co.uk
CPRC YouTube: www.youtube.com/cprcni
CPRC Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Ballymena-United-Kingdom/Covenant-Protestant-Reformed-Church-N-Ireland/337347932331
Quotes to Consider:
John Calvin on Isaiah 40:11: “He will feed his flock. Now, although by the word “flock” he describes an elect people, whom he had undertaken to govern, yet we are reminded that God will be a shepherd to none but to those who, in modesty and gentleness, shall imitate the sheep and lambs. For this reason we ought to observe the character of the flock; for he does not choose to feed savage beasts, but lambs. We must therefore lay aside our fierceness, and permit ourselves to be tamed, if we wish to be gathered into the fold of which God promises that he will be the guardian. He will carry them in his bosom. These words describe God’s wonderful condescension; for not only is he actuated by a general feeling of regard to his whole flock, but, in proportion to the weakness of any one sheep, he shews his carefulness in watching, his gentleness in handling, and his patience in leading it.”
Matthew Henry on Isaiah 40:11: “He will gather them in when they wander, gather them up when they fall, gather them together when they are dispersed, and gather them home to himself at last; and all this with his own arm, out of which none shall be able to pluck them (John 10:28) … When they tire or are weary, are sick and faint, when they meet with foul ways, he will carry them on, and take care they are not left behind. He will gently lead them. By his word he requires no more service, and by his providence he inflicts no more trouble, than he will fit them for; for he considers their frame.”
Announcements (subject to God’s will)
We welcome all visitors who are worshipping with us today, including Corina and Mel, two girls from the Free Reformed Churches in Canada.
This morning we witness the baptism of Rebekah Faith Halliday. May the Lord bless Gareth & Leona as they raise her in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
The second offering this morning is for our building fund.
On the back table today is Rev. McGeown’s bi-monthly letter.
The Council will meet tomorrow, 4 July, at 7 PM at the church.
Membership Class: Thursday, 7:00 PM on the mode of baptism.
Rev. McGeown will give a lecture, “What Happened at the Cross?” in S. Wales this Thursday (The Rest, Porthcawl) at 7.15 PM. Please pray for this witness.
Everyone is invited to a barbecue at the manse this Friday. Please come at 6:30 PM or as soon as you can thereafter.
Men’s Fellowship will meet on Saturday, 9 July, at 8 PM at the Kennedys to study Daniel 4.
The Reformed Witness Hour broadcast next Lord’s Day (Gospel 846MW at 8:30 AM) will be “Arise, Go, Cry Against It” (Jonah 1:1-2) by Rev. Haak.
Offerings: General Fund – £540.55.
Website Additions: 1 Italian translation.
PRC News: Trinity PRC’s new trio consists of Candidates Huizinga, Decker and Jonathan Mahtani.
Bookstore Statistics
Top sellers for this past year 2 July, 2010 – 2 July, 2011
1. The Work of the Holy Spirit – David Engelsma & Herman Hanko (66)
2. Peace for the Troubled Heart – Herman Hoeksema (34)
3. Contending for the Faith – Herman Hanko (27)
4. Bound to Join – David Engelsma (22)
5. When You Pray – Herman Hanko (15)
6. Justified Unto Liberty – Herman Hanko (14)
The Five Points of Calvinism – David Engelsma & Herman Hanko (14)
8. The Confessions & Church Order of the PRC (13)
Keeping God’s Covenant – David Engelsma & Herman Hanko (13)
10. Behold He Cometh! – Herman Hoeksema (11)
Calvin’s Calvinism – John Calvin (11)
Far Above Rubies – Herman Hanko (11)
The 1859 Revival – William Hamilton (11)
A total of 531 books were sold in the last year.
Top selling box sets of CDs and DVDs for this past year 2 July, 2010 – 2 July, 2011
1. Ezekiel 37-39 – “Ezekiel’s Vision of the Future” Set (29)
2. 2010 BRF Conference – “The Word of God for Our Generation” Set (28)
3. Romans 9 – “The Most Avoided Chapter in the Bible” Set (CD Only) (26)
Top sellers for the past five years 2 July, 2006 – 2 July, 2011
1. Keeping God’s Covenant – David Engelsma & Herman Hanko (237)
2. The Five Points of Calvinism – David Engelsma & Herman Hanko (220)
3. Prosperous Wicked & Plagued Saints – David Engelsma (87)
4. The Necessity of Reforming the Church – John Calvin (80)
5. Doctrine According to Godliness – Ronald Hanko (77)
6. The Confessions & Church Order of the PRC (76)
7. Christ’s Spiritual Kingdom – David Engelsma (74)
8. When You Pray – Herman Hanko (71)
9. The Work of the Holy Spirit – David Engelsma & Herman Hanko (66)
10. The Sixteenth-Century Reformation of the Church – ed. David Engelsma (58)
A total of 3,216 books were sold in the last five years.
*These figures do not include RFPA Bookclub sales of new books to RFPA Bookclub members
