Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
83 Clarence Street, Ballymena BT43 5DR
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 13 July, 2025
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36)
Morning Service – 11:00 AM
Honouring Those in Authority [youtube]
Scripture Reading: I Peter 2:11-25
Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 39
I. The Idea of Authority
II. The Calling to Honour the Authorities
Psalms: 94:1-8; 135:1-7; 131:1-3; 2:6-12
Evening Service – 6:00 PM
Judges Deborah and Barak (3)
The Battle at the River Kishon [youtube]
Scripture Reading: Judges 4:1-16
Text: Judges 4:5-16
I. The Locations of the Various Parties
II. The Movements of the Various Parties
III. The Deliverance of the Sovereign Lord
Psalms: 144:1-8; 135:8-14; 18:10-15; 83:3-11
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: www.cprc.co.uk/live-streaming
CPRC YouTube: www.youtube.com/cprcni
CPRC Facebook: www.facebook.com/CovenantPRC
Quotes to Consider
Herman Hoeksema: “Authority does not rest in the mere fact that the parents have generated their children, or in the accidental circumstance that an employer gives work to his employees, or in the fact that a teacher confronts a class of children to instruct them. Authority does not rest in the will of the people that elect the magistrates that must govern over them. All these facts and circumstances may serve as a means whereby God the Lord points out who shall be in a position of authority and who shall be in a position to obey; but they are never the source of authority. Authority must be conferred. And it can be conferred only by the Lord God, Who alone has dominion over all His creatures. ‘The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens, and His kingdom ruleth over all’ (Ps. 103:19)” (The Triple Knowledge, vol. 3, pp. 281-282).
Chaim Herzog and Mordechai Gichon: “The primary strength of the Canaanite petty kings was in their fortified towns. Yet by simply remaining behind their closed gates they could not subdue the Israelites. A more active course had to be pursued. Here their main military armament, the war chariot, was invaluable. Mobile patrols of charioteers could control the plains—and more specifically the roads—affording, if necessary, protection to trade caravans and all other road traffic. Israelite raiders could be tracked down or intercepted with speed, and even in hilly country the charioteers could provide a powerful addition to the foot soldiers. To provide more cohesion to the coalition, the overall command of the combined effort was given to Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, and probably a chieftain in his own right” (Battles of the Bible, pp. 64-65).
Announcements (subject to God’s will)
There are two new issues of the Covenant Reformed News on the back table.
Family visitation is to begin this week. The office-bearers will be in touch with you to make arrangements. Thank you in advance for adapting your schedules and opening your homes over the next few weeks.
The Council meets tomorrow evening at 7 PM.
Tuesday Bible study will meet this week at 11 AM to continue our study of the Council of Nicea (AD 325), particularly considering the events at the Council.
Men’s Bible study plans to meet this Saturday, 19 July, at 7:30 PM on-line, treating Psalm 16, using A 30 Day Walk With God Through the Psalms.
The Reformed Witness Hour broadcast next Lord’s day (Gospel 846 MW at 8:30 AM) by Rev. Haak is entitled “The Second Time” (Jonah 3:1-4).
Offerings: £2,397.50. Donation: £200 (New Jersey).
Translation Additions: 1 Russian and 1 Urdu.
