Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
83 Clarence Street, Ballymena BT43 5DR
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 12 May, 2013
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious,
longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth” (Psalm 86:15)
Morning Service – 11:00 AM – Rev. M. McGeown
The Courageous Sufferings of Faith [youtube]
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:1-16, 32-40
Text: Hebrews 11:35b-38
I. Terrible Sufferings
II. Sufferings Through Faith
III. Victorious Sufferings
Psalms: 107:1-9; 34:17-22; 44:11-17; 56:3-12
Evening Service – 6:00 PM Rev. M. McGeown
Table Fellowship with the Shepherd [youtube]
Scripture Reading: Psalm 23:1-6
Text: Psalm 23:5
I. Rich Fellowship
II. Abundant Provision
III. Careful Preparation
Psalms: 128:1-6; 35:1-7; 16:1-7; 23:1-6
For CDs of the sermons and DVDs of the worship services, contact Stephen Murray.
If you desire a pastoral visit, please contact Rev. Stewart
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 Owen: “There was never any greater instance of the degeneracy of human nature unto the image and likeness of the devil than this, that so many of them have been found, and that in high places of power, emperors, kings, judges and priests, who were not satisfied to take away the lives of the true worshippers of God by the sword, or by such other ways as they slew the worst of malefactors, but invented all kinds of hellish tortures whereby to destroy them” (Comm. on Hebrews).
Tertullian (c. 145-220): “With our hands thus stretched out and up to God, rend us with your iron claws, hang us up on crosses, wrap us in flames, take our heads from us with the sword, let loose the wild beasts upon us … [but we beseech God] on the emperor’s behalf” (Apology to the Emperor).
Peter, young man at Lampsacus, Greece (martyred c. 250 AD): “I am astonished that you should wish me to sacrifice to an infamous woman whose debaucheries even your own historians record and whose life consisted of such actions as your laws would punish. No! I shall offer the true God the sacrifice of praise and prayer.” He was then broken on the wheel; but his torments only inspired him with fresh courage; he even smiled at his persecutors. He was at length beheaded (after refusing to sacrifice to the goddess Venus).
Philip Schaff (concerning the imprisonment of John Hus, burned in 1415): “After a short audience with the cardinals, the prisoner was taken away by a guard of soldiers, and within a week he was securely immured in the dungeon of the Dominican convent. Preparations had been going on for several days to provide the place with locks, bolts and others strong furnishings. In this prison Hus languished for three months. His cell was hard by the latrines. Fever and vomiting set in, and it seemed likely they would quickly do their dismal work … he had freedom to walk about in his chains by day but was handcuffed and bound to the wall at night” (History, vol. VI, pp. 373-374).
William Tyndale (burned in 1536): “Take away my goods, take away my good name, yet as long as Christ remaineth in me, so long I love thee not a whit the less” (letter to his persecutors).
Anthony Pearson (burned in 1543): [with a cheerful countenance embracing the stake, at which he would be burned, in his arms and kissing it] “Now welcome, mine own sweet wife; for this day shalt thou and I be married together in the love and peace of God.”
Henry Filmer (burned in 1543): “Be merry, my brethren, and lift up your hearts and hands unto God, for after this sharp breakfast, I trust we shall have a good dinner in the kingdom of Christ, our Lord and Redeemer.”
William Hunter (burned, aged 19 years, in 1555): “For the little pain I shall suffer, which will soon be at an end, Christ hath promised me, mother, a crown of joy; should not you be glad of that?” (to his mother’s remark that she was glad she ever bare such a child who could find it in his heart to lose his life for Christ’s sake).
John Bradford (burned in 1555): “Oh! what am I, Lord, that thou shouldest thus magnify so vile a man, so unworthy a wretch as I have always been? Is this thy wont, to send, as thou didst for Elias, a fiery chariot, to fetch home to his Father’s house such a prodigal as I have been? Oh! dear fathers, be thankful for me; and for your own parts make ready, for we are only your gentlemen ushers. The marriage of the Lamb is come, prepare for the wedding. I am about to leave my flesh in a world where I received it; but I go to a better world, and shall be conveyed thither as Ignatius was at Rome. God grant it may make my persecutors better men. Amen” (Memoirs of John Bradford)
Announcements (subject to God’s will)
We welcome Rev. McGeown to our pulpit today. Rev. Stewart is preaching for the LRF.
John McAuley had stents put in this past Tuesday and returned home on Wednesday. We thank God for His guiding hand and care of our brother.
Congratulations to Ivan & Lily Reid who celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary today. We are thankful for the years the Lord has given them together and pray for His blessing in the years ahead. We also thank Ivan for his many years of work as treasurer for the CPRC. Ivan will be retiring from that position after tomorrow night’s meeting. William Graham will be taking over the job.
Everyone is invited to attend the Annual General Meeting on Monday, 13 May, at 7:30 PM. Reports on the LRF, the CPRC finances, audio-visual work, the bookstore, etc., will be given. Tea will be served after the meeting.
The Tuesday morning Bible study will be held this week at 11 AM. We will consider the dating of the book of Revelation (in connection with preterism).
A schedule for family visitation is on the back of this bulletin. Please try to make the dates and times work as much as possible. If you do need to reschedule. or if you are not a member but would like to be included in family visitation, talk to Rev. Stewart or one of the elders.
The Reformed Witness Hour broadcast next Lord’s Day (Gospel 846MW at 8:30 AM) is entitled “The Blessing on Joseph” (Genesis 48; 49:22-26) by Rev. R. Kleyn.
Offerings: General Fund – £584.80. Building Fund – £547.20.
Website Addition: 1 Portuguese translation.
