Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
83 Clarence Street, Ballymena BT43 5DR
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 3 September, 2023
“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed,
and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29)
Morning Service – 11:00 AM
Nehemiah, a Man Who Sought the Welfare of Israel (18)
The Dedication of Jerusalem’s Wall [youtube]
Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 12:22-43
Text: Nehemiah 12:1-43
I. The Appropriate Preparations
II. The Two Processions
III. The Temple Ceremonies
Psalms: 30:1-7a; 74:6-11; 68:24-29; 48:1-4, 11-14
Evening Service – 6:00 PM
Justification and the Apostles’ Creed [youtube]
Scripture Reading: Acts 13:16-41
Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 23
I. Christ Alone
II. Faith Alone
III. Grace Alone
Psalms: 16:6-11; 74:12-17; 130:1-8; 32:1-5
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
T. C. Eskenazi: “In Nehemiah 12:30, priests and Levites purify not only themselves, the wall, and the gates, but the people as well, hence broadening the realm of the sacred. The wall in Ezra-Nehemiah encloses a sacred space, one that is dedicated to God and requires special purification upon entering. Only after the purification can the procession begin. The purified people now enter the house of God, whose perimeters have also been duly purified.”
Derek Kidner on Nehemiah 12:31-43: “Every inch of these ramparts had its special memory for one group or another. Nevertheless, the destination was the house of God (40), for the walls were, appropriately, the circumference not the focal point of the celebrations, and it was the choirs, not the officials, who led the way. So while Ezra the scribe (36) headed the first procession, Nehemiah’s place in the other group was after the choir (38); and the climax was the offering of great sacrifices … with great joy (43)” (Ezra and Nehemiah: An Introduction and Commentary, p. 127).
Announcements (subject to God’s will)
A new Covenant Reformed News is available on the back table.
Tuesday Bible study will meet this week at 11 AM to begin our consideration of the local church.
The Reformed Witness Hour broadcast next Lord’s day (Gospel 846 MW at 8:30 AM) by Rev. Bruinsma is entitled, “The Man of Sin Revealed” (II Thess. 2:3-4).
Ivan Reid has been nominated for a 3-year term as elder and David Crossett has been nominated for a 3-year term as deacon. Voting by male confessing members to approve/disapprove of the nominations will be held after the evening service on 10 September.
Catechism classes will start on Monday, 11 September. The books are on the back table. Take the ones with the appropriate names written on them.
5:00 PM: Corey, Jason, Katelyn, Maisie & Sebastian (Seniors NT)
5:45 PM: Felicity, Grace, Jonas, Keagan, Liam, Lucas, Sammy, Somaya, Sophie & Yossef (Beginners OT – book 1)
6:30 PM: Eleanora, Hannah, Jorja, Penelope & Xander (Juniors NT)
7:15 PM: Angelica, Bradley, Jack, Josh, Samuel & Taylor (Essentials)
8:00 PM: Alex, Jacob & Nathan (Pre-confession)
Sven Kuhs’ baptism is scheduled for the morning service of 17 September.
The Annual General Meeting is planned for Wednesday, 20 September, at 7:30 PM.
Offerings: £1,235.43.
Translation Additions: 1 Polish, 1 Russian and 8 Swahili.
