Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
Ballymena
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 24 December, 2006
"That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 15:6)
Morning Service - 11:00 AM
Saul, the King Israel Asked For (8)
The Lord Saves Israel
I Samuel 14:1-23
I. The Unpromising Situation
II. The Brave Assault
III. The Great Rout
Psalms: 62:1-6; 72:15-19; 32:7-11; 68:1-6
Evening Service - 6:00 PM
Marriage—Honourable in All
Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 41; Hebrews 13:4
I. The Meaning
II. The Warning
III. The Calling
Psalms: 96:1-7; 73:1-9; 45:10-15; 111:1-6
For audio cassettes of the worship services, contact Sean Courtney (cprcaudiostore@yahoo.co.uk)
CPRC website: www.cprc.co.uk
Quote to Consider:
The New Bible Dictionary on Jonathan: "Eldest son of King Saul by his only wife (I Sam. 14:49-50) he was his father’s heir, which makes his loyalty and affection for David, who succeeded Saul, the more wonderful (I Sam. 30:31). Jonathan first appears in the biblical record as the victor at Geba, a Philistine stronghold, though his father’s strategy at that time suggests by analogy that he may have taken part in the relief of Jabesh-gilead (I Sam. 11:11; 14:2). His prowess and courage as a warrior, recalled in David’s elegy (II Sam. 1:22), are clearly seen in his lone attack on another Philistine garrison, an incident which also shows his ability to inspire loyalty as well as to offer it (I Sam. 14:7). It is for his own loyalty to David, however, that he is chiefly remembered; a loyalty made more difficult because it conflicted with his filial duty and affection to Saul, his father and sovereign. As the king, deserted by the Spirit of God and a victim to increasing fears and passions, showed ever greater hatred to ‘the man after God’s own heart’ who was to succeed him, so Jonathan, in fealty to the brotherhood pact sworn with David after the death of Goliath (I Sam. 18:1-4), was driven into defiance and deception of his father, even to the jeopardizing of his own life (I Sam. 19:1-7; 20). The parting scene between the two friends is most moving. It does not appear that Jonathan accompanied his father on the two expeditions against David, to En-gedi and Hachilah, and he disappears finally in the tragic Philistine victory at mount Gilboa, along with his father and brothers (I Sam. 31:2). Gifted physically and morally, he is a model to those of a more favoured dispensation of loyalty to truth and friendship, as well as of the peacemaking which is the role of the sons of God."
Announcements (subject to God’s will):
The Reformed Witness Hour next Lord’s Day, 31 Dec. (8:30-9:00 AM, on Gospel 846MW) is entitled "Emptied from Vessel to Vessel" (Jer. 48:11).
Everyone is invited to the manse after next Sunday’s evening service.
Upcoming Lecture: Friday, 12 Jan., in S. Wales, on "The Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Are the Pentecostals Right?"
Rev. VanOverloop and Rev. Eriks plan to be here from Friday, 27 January, to Monday, 5 February. The congregational dinner will be Friday, 2 February.
Last Week’s Offerings: General Fund - £599.85. Donations: £7 (CR News).
Website Additions: an article by Martyn McGeown on Luther versus Erasmus, a Romanian translation of "Sovereign Reprobation" (Rev. Van Baren) and a French translation of "The Trinity" (Rev. Hanko).
PRC News: Doon PRC has formed a new trio for missionary to the Philippines consisting of Revs. Dick (Grace), R. Kleyn (Trinity), and Laning (Hope).