Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
83 Clarence Street, Ballymena BT43 5DR
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 15 January, 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 - Rev. R. VanOverloop
The Supreme God Delighting in Mercy
[download]
[youtube]
Scripture Reading: Micah 7
Text: Micah 7:18-19
I. The Source
II. The Manifestation
III. The Marvel
Psalms: 76:1-9; 25:8-14; 130:1-8; 55:9-14
Evening Service - 6:00 PM - Rev. R. VanOverloop
Jesus Came for Lost Sheep
[download]
[youtube]
Scripture Reading: Luke 15
Text: Luke 15:3-7
I. The Lost Sheep
II. The Seeking Shepherd
III. The Great Joy
Psalms: 92:1-4; 25:15-22; 143:1-7a; 119:169-176
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.cprf.co.uk/live.html
CPRC YouTube: www.youtube.com/cprcni
CPRC Facebook: www.facebook.com/CovenantPRC
Quote to Consider
“Here we need to add that not merely is the New Testament church portrayed in terms of the remnant but that the remnant is portrayed as God’s church. The remnant is the object of God’s salvation and love (Mic. 7:18-20). The remnant are called (Joel 2:32) and gathered (Isa. 11:11, 16; Eze. 11:17; cf. v. 13; Mic. 2:12; 4:6) and cared for and protected (Isa. 4:5-6; cf. vv. 2-3; 46:3-4). The remnant are the recipients of God’s grace and spiritual blessings (Amos 5:15; Zech. 8:11-15) and thus the Spirit Himself (Eze. 11:19; cf. v. 13). They are forgiven (Jer. 50:20; Mic. 7:18-19) and holy (Isa. 4:2-4; Zeph. 3:13; Zech. 13:8-9). They are a converted people who turn to the Lord (Isa. 10:21-22) and call upon His name (Joel 2:32). The characteristics of those belonging to God’s remnant are faith (Isa. 10:20; Zeph. 3:12) and humility and lowliness (Mic. 4:6-7; Zeph. 3:12-13). Thus spiritually they are a mighty force (Mic. 4:7-8, 13; 5:7-9)” (www.cprf.co.uk/articles/remnant.html).
Announcements (subject to God’s will)
We welcome Rev. & Sue VanOverloop and Elder Sid & Lisa Miedema to our worship services today. Rev. VanOverloop will be preaching for us.
Everyone is welcome to stay for tea after the worship service this evening. Tea Rota: Group A.
Monday evening’s Catechism Classes:
5:45 PM - Taylor, Josh, Corey & Katelyn (Beginners NT)
6:30 PM - Bradley & Samuel (Juniors OT)
7:15 PM - Jacob, Alex & Nathan (Heidelberg Catechism, book
2)
Church visitation with the CPRC Council will be held tomorrow evening at 8 PM.
The Tuesday Bible Study meets at 11 AM. Rev. VanOverloop will lead a study on “Paul’s Prayers for the Ephesians.”
Don’t forget the lecture by Rev. VanOverloop this Wednesday at 7:30 PM on “Content With Who I Am in Christ.” Flyers are on the back table to invite neighbours and friends.
Ladies’ Bible Study meets this Friday at 10:30 AM at church. We will be discussing children and parental responsibility in our Proverbs study guide. All are welcome.
The congregational dinner at Ross Park Hotel is this Friday. Arrive at 7 PM onwards to be ready to eat at 7:30 PM. Today is the last day to sign-up on the sheet on the back table. Numbers will be called in to the hotel tomorrow.
The Reformed Witness Hour broadcast next Lord’s Day (Gospel 846 MW at 8:30 AM) by Rev. Bruinsma is “Give Me Your Heart” (Prov. 23:24-26).
Offerings: General Fund: £582.60.
New translations: 1 Spanish.
PRC News: Revs. Eriks declined the call to Southwest PRC. First Holland PRC will call from a trio of Revs. Haak, R. Kleyn and A. Lanning.
Questions for Church Visitation
Questions to the Full Consistory
1. Is the Word administered at least twice on the Lord’s
Day?
2. Is the Heidelberg Catechism regularly explained in the
services for divine worship, so that no doctrine is left
untreated?
3. In the reading services, are sermons used as much as
possible which are produced in our own circle?
4. Is the Lord’s Supper celebrated at least four times a
year, preceded by a preparatory sermon, and followed by an
applicatory sermon?
5. Does the consistory see to it that catechism classes are
regularly conducted? Does the consistory determine the
material for instruction? And does it see to it that the
classes are regularly attended?
6. Are consistory members chosen in agreement with the rules
of the Church Order?
7. Does the consistory meet regularly in accord with the
needs of the congregation, at least once a month?
8. Are all matters coming before the consistory treated
according to our Church Order, and are the minutes properly
recorded and kept?
9. Is censura morum conducted among the members of the
consistory before each Lord’s Supper?
10. Is family visitation conducted faithfully, so that each
family receives an official visit once a year?
11. Is church discipline faithfully exercised according to
God’s Word and the Church Order?
12. Is the consistory aware whether there are members of
secret organizations in the congregation, and if so, is
church discipline applied to them?
13.What is the spiritual condition of the congregation? Is
there unity, peace, and love?
14. Do the children of the congregation, when they come to
years of discretion, seek admission to the Lord’s Supper?
And if they are remiss, are they pointed to their obligation
and treated as the need requires?
15. Is the congregation busy in the extension of God’s
kingdom, especially in the promotion of missions, to the
best of its ability?
16. Are the synodical assessments faithfully paid, in
agreement with the stipulated regulations?
17. Are the funds of the church and the poor fund and all
proofs of possessions kept in a safe place so that no
occasion is given for mistrust nor difficulties can arise on
leave of office or death, and is the congregation properly
incorporated with the State? Are the archives in order?
18. Does the consistory see to it that the parents send
their children to the Christian school?
19. Are the Forms of Unity signed by all the members of the
consistory, the ministers, elders, and deacons?
Questions to the Elders and the Deacons in the Absence of
the Minister
1. Does the minister in the preaching and in the
administration of the sacraments do his work faithfully
according to the Word of God, the Forms of Unity, and the
Church Order?
2. Does the minister faithfully explain God’s Word so that
the congregation is built up through his preaching?
3. Does he regularly conduct the catechism classes, visit
the sick faithfully, and take part in family visitation?
4. Does the minister reveal himself as a worthy example?
5. Is he devoted as much as possible to the exercise of his
office?
6. Does he receive sufficient income to take care of the
needs of his family, taking in consideration the character
of his work?
Questions to the Minister and the Deacons in the Absence of
the Elders
1. Do the elders regularly attend the services for divine
worship as well as the consistory meetings?
2. Do they at set times attend the catechism classes to see
how they are conducted and attended; and do they assist the
minister when the need requires it in catechising?
3. Do they see to it that Christian discipline is exercised,
and that everything is done honourably and in good order?
4. Do the elders visit the sick and others in agreement with
the calling of their office?
5. Do they try to prevent and remove all offence in the
congregation, and try to comfort and instruct the members?
6. Do they conduct themselves as examples to the
congregation in their family and outward walk of life?
Questions to the Minister and the Elders in the Absence of
the Deacons
1. Do the deacons attend regularly the services for divine
worship as well as the consistory meetings; and in case such
meetings are held, do they also attend deacons’ meetings?
2. Are they diligent in the collecting of the alms, and do
they faithfully realize their calling in the care and
comfort of the poor and oppressed?
3. Are the collections counted in the presence of the
minister or one or more of the elders?
4. Do they administer the finances wisely, in consultation
with the minister and the consistory?
5. Do they, in their family and outward life and walk,
reveal themselves as exemplary Christians?