Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
83 Clarence Street, Ballymena BT43 5DR
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 21 May, 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 Conclusion to Christ’s Farewell Discourse (8)
The Weaknesses of the Disciples’ Knowledge [youtube]
Scripture Reading: John 16:16-33
Text: John 16:28-32
I. The Self-Revelation of the Messiah
II. The Misunderstanding of the Disciples
III. The Prediction of Their Scattering
Psalms: 145:1-8; 37:28-34; 119:33-40; 2:1-8
Evening Service – 6:00 PM
The Origin of Faith [youtube]
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2
Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 25
I. What It Is Not
II. What It Is
III. The Implications for Evangelism
Psalms: 122:1-9; 37:35-40; 53:1-5; 119:25-32
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
Quotes to Consider
John Calvin on John 16:31: “Now, we never are fully aware of what we want [i.e., lack], and of our great distance from the fulness of faith, till we come to some serious trial; for then the fact shows how weak our faith was, which we imagined to be full. Christ recalls the attention of the disciples to this matter, and declares that they will ere long forsake him; for persecution is a touchstone to try faith, and when its smallness becomes evident, they who formerly were swelled with pride begin to tremble and to draw back.”
Herman Hoeksema on Lord’s Day 25: “Anyone can tell you about Jesus, his words and works, the cross and the atonement, and the resurrection and justification. To be a witness of Christ is certainly our calling. The Christian must be a witness for Christ in the world, must confess and extol his name and tell others about him. But this does not make anyone a preacher, for a preacher is not a person who speaks concerning Christ. A preacher is one through whom it pleases Christ himself to speak and to cause his voice to be heard by his people … Christ is the officebearer in God’s house. He must build the house, not we. The task of gathering his people is committed to him” (Baptized Into Christ, pp. 24-25).
Announcements (subject to God’s will)
Family visitation continues tomorrow evening. A schedule is on the back of the bulletin. Changing the schedule will affect others, but if your date and time do not work for you, please contact Rev. Stewart. If you are not a member and would like to be included in the family visitation, talk with Rev. Stewart or an elder.
The Tuesday Bible Study meets at 11 AM to consider dividing up the promised land.
The Reformed Witness Hour broadcast next Lord’s Day (Gospel 846 MW at 8:30 AM) by Rev. Haak is “My Soul is Anchored in Heaven” (Heb. 6:20-21).
S. Wales Lecture: Rev. Stewart will speak on “N. T. Wright, Justification and the Reformation” in Margam Community Centre on Thursday, 8 June, at 7:15 PM.
Ivan Reid’s term as elder ends 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: £751.80. Donation: £116 (USA).
PRC News: Rev. Eriks declined Zion PRC’s call. Rev. Haak received the call to be home missionary and the call from First Holland PRC. Rev. Bleyenberg received the call to serve as missionary to the Philippines. Southwest PRC’s new trio is Revs. Brummel, Decker and Mahtani. With Rev. T. Miersma retiring, Immanuel (Lacombe) PRC have formed a trio of Revs. Brummel, Griess and VanderWal. The Theological School Committee is recommending that Synod 2017 appoint a replacement for Prof. Dykstra in the seminary from a nomination of Revs. Eriks, Kuiper and A. Lanning.
