Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
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Covenant Protestant Reformed Church

83 Clarence Street, Ballymena BT43 5DR
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 31 January, 2016

“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

Zephaniah and the Day of the Lord (6)
The Desolation of the Nations Close By  [download]  [youtube]

Scripture Reading: Zephaniah 2
Text: Zephaniah 2:4-11

I. West: Philistia
II. East: Moab and Ammon
Psalms: 93:1-5; 122:1-9; 97:1-7; 22:26-31

Evening Service - 6:00 PM

Zephaniah and the Day of the Lord (7)
The Desolation of the Nations Far Off  [download]  [youtube]

Scripture Reading: Zephaniah 2
Text: Zephaniah 2:12-15

I. South: Ethiopia
II. North: Assyria
Psalms: 36:5-11; 123:1-4; 68:31-35; 96:1-7

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

O. Palmer Robertson: “So this second major section of the prophecy [i.e., Zephaniah 2] shows the Lord’s involvement with all the nations of the earth. Wherever unrighteousness is found, it shall be punished. The announcement of judgment on the nations also functions to summon Judah to repentance. Little time remains before the arrival of the Day of [Jehovah]. Judah must seek the Lord. Humility may make it possible for them to be hid on the Day of [Jehovah’s] wrath. Let them consider the Lord’s dealings with their national neighbors. Let them be moved by fear and by jealousy to turn to the Lord. The Day cannot be turned back. But they may be among that remnant that shall be saved for the enjoyment of the plundered nations” (The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, p. 314).

David W. Baker: “... Zephaniah uses the example of what awaits the surrounding nations as a warning, giving Judah good reason to repent, as he had warned them to do (vv. 1-3). This causal connection between verses 1-3 and verses 4 to 3:8 is shown by the particle ‘for’, which links these oracles against the nations with the description of the Day of [Jehovah], but the force is lost due to its omission in the NIV” (Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah, p. 104).

Announcements (subject to God’s will)

On the back table today are free 2016 Scripture calendars.

Monday evening’s Catechism classes
5:45 PM - Taylor, Josh, Corey, Bradley & Samuel (Beginners OT, book 2)
6:30 PM - Alex & Nathan (Seniors OT)
7:15 PM - Jacob & Joseph (Heidelberg Catechism, book 1)

The Council meets tomorrow evening at 8 PM.

The Tuesday Bible study meets this Tuesday at 11 AM to study the end of Israel’s ungodly kingship.

The Belgic Confession Class meets this Wednesday at 7:45 PM to consider the glory of the holiness of the church in connection with article 27.

Ladies’ Bible Study meets this Friday at 10:30 AM at church to study lesson 9 of the study guide on I Peter.

The Reformed Witness Hour broadcast next Lord’s Day (Gospel 846MW at 8:30 AM) by Rev. R. Kleyn is entitled “The Second Coming of Christ” (Rev. 22:12-13).

Upcoming Lectures:
S. Wales, Thursday, 25 Feb., 7:15 PM, Rev. McGeown on “The Love of the World”
CPRC, Friday, 18 March, 7:30 PM, Rev. Stewart on “Our Identity in Christ”

Offerings: General Fund: £763.90.

Website Additions: 1 Portuguese, 1 Indonesian and 2 Hungarian translations.

From Pete VanderSchaaf and Rev. Decker: “We would like to thank Rev. and Mary Stewart and the congregation for your loving hospitality during our recent stay in Ballymena as well as for the nice gifts for us and our wives. It truly was a joy to fellowship and worship with you as fellow believers. May God’s richest blessing continue to rest upon your congregation.”


Map of Nations in Zephaniah 2