Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
83 Clarence Street, Ballymena BT43 5DR
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 4 June, 2017
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind …” (Rom. 12:2)
Morning Service – 11:00 AM
The Healing of the Lame Beggar (1)
The Healing at the Beautiful Gate [youtube]
Scripture Reading: Acts 3
Text: Acts 3:1-10
I. The Nature of the Miracle
II. The Timing of the Miracle
III. The Lessons of the Miracle
Psalms: 92:1-7a; 38:14-22; 55:12-19; 150:1-6
Evening Service – 6:00 PM
The Messianic Age and Children [youtube]
Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 37:15-28
Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 27
I. The Kingdom of Christ
II. The Covenant of God
III. The Cleansing of the Church
Psalms: 103:13-19; 39:1-6; 72:15-19; 144:10-15
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
Don Doezema on Acts 3: “… to the man’s amazement and joy, those legs and feet that would always before have collapsed under him, were suddenly filled with strength to support him. More wonderful was this by far than any gift of money, no matter how large the sum. Especially would that be so because the miracle, as Peter had been careful to note, was performed in the name of (that is, by the power of) Jesus Christ. The miracle served, therefore, not only to authenticate the ministry of the apostles but also as ‘a universal type of our spiritual restoration’ (Calvin). We have no reason to doubt that the man came to a knowledge of that latter restoration through the blood of Christ, which made, in turn, the physical healing of his lameness seem as nothing by comparison” (Upon This Rock, vol. 3, p. 42).
Announcements (subject to God’s will)
A new CPRC address/phone list is on the back table. Please check your details and correct or add to them if necessary. If your details are correct, please place a tick next to your name so that we know you have checked them.
The Council meets tomorrow evening at 7:30 PM.
The Tuesday Bible Study meets at 11 AM to consider futher the dividing up the promised land in the book of Joshua.
S. Wales Lecture: Rev. Stewart will speak on “N. T. Wright, Justification and the Reformation” in Margam Community Centre this Thursday at 7:15 PM.
Brian Crossett leaves this week (9 June) for the U. S. to represent the CPRC at the PRC Synod in Hudsonville, Michigan. May the Lord give him safety in his travels and an enjoyable time of fellowship with those in our sister churches.
The Reformed Witness Hour broadcast next Lord’s Day (Gospel 846 MW at 8:30 AM) by Rev. Haak is “God’s Design for Marriage” (Gen. 2:24).
Everyone is invited to the manse for a barbecue on Friday, 23 June at 6:30 PM or as soon as you can come thereafter. In order to know how much food we need, please let Pastor or Mary know if you are coming.
Family visitation:
Wednesday, 21 June, 7 PM – Timothy & Hilary Spence (Reid/Rev. Stewart)
Monday, 26 June, 6 PM – Rev. McGeown (Crossett/Rev. Stewart)
Monday, 26 June, 7:30 PM – Annual General Meeting
Jennifer Hanko (TBA)
Ivan Reid’s term as elder and Julian Kennedy’s term as deacon end in August/September. Church Order 22 advises that members be given “an opportunity to direct attention to suitable persons,” so if you have anyone you believe should be nominated for this office, please speak with Rev. Stewart or an elder.
Offerings: General Fund: £879.70.
PRC News: Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) called Rev. Griess (Calvary, IA).
Encouraging Quotes
“I have listened to [the CPRC] sermons many times through your webpage. They have helped me very much to understand Christ’s message and purpose for us. I’m very young in the faith and I still need to learn a lot, but the Lord is helping me very much. God bless you.” – Spain
“I received the packages safely, so I’m thankful for being able to send this needful work to friends in the Philippines, also the photo copies of the work by Herman Hoeksema. Biblical Calvinism has been so diluted. It is amazing so many have the audacity to claim they are Reformed.” – S. Wales
“Another selection of good reading in the Standard Bearer, issue February 15, arrived today. Although I cannot relate to every feature as they have an American/PRC application, I do enjoy most of the items as they are naturally Bible based. I also appreciate the Covenant Reformed News which is particularly edifying. So my sincere thanks to all concerned. May the Lord be pleased to grant to you His blessing as you seek to serve Him day by day.” – Cambridge, England
“I have just listened to the lecture on John Owen and I loved it. I recall in my first sharing of the ‘trilemma’ to some friends of mine and mum, and how it made them ponder the doctrine of limited atonement. My mum is thoroughly convinced.” – Uganda
“Thank you for the books [including When I Survey]. I am also enjoying watching the YouTube videos on predestination.” – Canada
“I watched the CPRC services live. The audio and video quality were excellent. That was the first time that I’ve seen God’s Word being preached in several decades (for I’ve only just been converted). The presentation was simple and effective. No gimmicks. A man of God expounding His Word—what more is required? The last time that I went to a church service in 1997 they had a fancy dress drama with Churchill, William Wallace and Emily Pankhurst, I believe her name is, for some reason. I won’t mention the name of the church but I didn’t go back. It really put me right off Christianity for a very long time. Your message was very powerful. To be persecuted for your faith by people who are open enemies of Christ is one thing, but to be persecuted by people who also name His Name [John 16:1-4]? People that you once considered to be your friends? That must be even more painful. Thank you for the links you provided. Your article on the covenant of works has been of great help … The books you recommended look good and I have been listening to your sermons on Romans 9.” –Scotland
“Recent books from the CPRC Bookstore have been such a blessing to me. Every blessing.” – London, England
“Saw your post for the upcoming lecture on N. T. Wright. I look forward to listening to the recording when available on-line. I recently was searching through a few CRC churches in Grand Rapids … I was shocked to see how popular he is among the clergy. One of his books was being promoted from the pulpit in a sermon as being the book of choice the minister read on his vacation. In another church, the female minister was using an N. T. Wright book in her mid-week bible study. The members are like sheep being led to the slaughter. So grateful there are a few good men who are still faithful watchmen on the walls! Also, I enjoy listening to the Belgic Confession class recordings. I am learning so much! One class spoke of the equality of pastors, elders, deacons (no hierarchy). I have seen in my previous church how the position of associate pastor nearly destroyed the congregation, such animosity it created among leadership and members. Thank you for all your hard work and may God richly bless you and your ministry.” – New Jersey, USA
“Thank you very much for the books. I can’t leave home very much so they and the pamphlets which you have sent me have deepened my faith. I also am enjoying the YouTube talk on John Owen which is excellent.” – Co. Antrim
“… last night I watched most of your debate with an Arminian. Keep up the good work, brother. I was really encouraged by the defence of the truth against the Arminian heresies. I was also delighted to notice that you put the gospel of our glorious Saviour in the centre of your defence of the Calvinistic (biblical) doctrines.” – Denmark
“Thank you for making our Indonesian translations a separate page … I made contact with many translators who are experts in Javanese language and will make a revision of the Reformed confessions. If God wills, we will make a book about the basic Protestant confessions of faith (Nicene, Constantinopolitan, Athanasian and Chalcedonian) and other ones such as the Three Forms of Unity. All will be printed in a Javanese edition. It was inspired by the CPRC site. Please pray for us and the very promising Javanese believers in Indonesia.” – Indonesia
“Thank you so much for Called to Watch for Christ’s Return. The subject is just what I needed at this time. I have already started reading it. It is so very clear and so very edifying … Meanwhile, I have listened to all of ‘God’s Glorious Perfections’ a second time and will go back, I think, to some of ‘God’s Communicable Attributes,’ e.g., grace, mercy, as the teaching on them is so very relevant.” – Yorkshire, England
