Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
Ballymena
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 9 May, 2010
"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee
more and more" (Ps. 71:14)
Morning Service - 11:00 AM
The Requirements of the Fourth Commandment (download) (youtube)
Scripture Reading: Psalm 92
Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 38
I. The Zealous Maintenance of the Gospel Ministry
II. The Diligent Frequenting of God’s Church
III. The Glad Praise of God’s Name
Psalms: 57:5-11; 64:1-4; 84:4-12; 92:10-15
Evening Service - 6:00 PM
The Parables of Christ’s Last Week (6)
The Talents (download) (youtube)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:14-46
Text: Matthew 25:14-30
I. The Story
II. The Meaning
Psalms: 106:1-7; 64:5-10; 18:20-28; 73:23-28
Contact Stephen Murray for CDs of the sermons and DVDs of the worship services.
CPRC website: www.cprc.co.uk
CPRC YouTube: www.youtube.com/cprcni
CPRC Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Ballymena-United-Kingdom/Covenant-Protestant-Reformed-Church-N-Ireland/337347932331
Quotes to Consider:
Martin Luther: "To gather with God’s people in united adoration of the Father is as necessary to the Christian life as prayer."
John Calvin: "If we turn Sunday into a day for living it up for our sport and pleasure, indeed how will God be honoured in that? Is it not mockery and a profanation of his name? … We ought to observe Sunday as a tower to climb high and contemplate the works of God in a way neither impeded by nor occupied with anything else, so we might extend all our senses to recognize the benefits and favours with which God has enlarged us … When Sunday is spent only in pastimes full of vanity, one has not at all celebrated Sunday and God is offended in many ways."
Gordon Keddie on Matthew 25:29-30: "There are some people who have to be in the limelight or they will do nothing. They tell themselves (and never miss and opportunity to complain to others) that their 'gifts' are not being recognized. It is not unusual to hear of people who, when denied a teaching role in one church, go to another church and even tell the pastor they are looking for a fellowship that will give them scope to exercise their talents. This sounds so pious, but it is really just pride dressed up as willingness to serve Christ. The church and her pastors and people are treated as a vehicle for 'my gifts' to be exercised. My assessment of myself is the starting-point. Everyone should see that God has given me to the church for a ministry of great usefulness! And what is so sad is that people who think that way believe their attitude is right, spiritual and even humble! How easily we deceive ourselves! God, however, will not let any wool be pulled over his eyes!" (He Spoke in Parables, p. 245).
Announcements (subject to God’s will):
We welcome Jennifer Hanko of Lynden PRC to our services today.
Everyone is welcome to stay for tea after the evening service.
On the back table are new Beacon Lights including articles by David Crossett and Manuel Kuhs. Free copies of a new pamphlet on "Reformed Evangelism and the Sunday Evening ‘Gospel Service’" are available to take and/or pass on.
Catechism:
Tuesday, 8 PM - Mark & Lauren at the Hamills
Wednesday, 1 PM - Beginners OT Class at the manse
The Council meets tomorrow evening, 10 May, at 7:00 PM at the manse.
Midweek Bible study has its final meeting of the season this Wednesday at 7:45 PM at the manse. We will be studying I Peter 5:10f. on "the true grace of God."
Rev. and Mary Stewart travel to Wales on Thursday where Rev. Stewart will give a lecture on "Preaching: The Voice of Christ."
Family visitation starts this Friday. The schedule is on the back of the bulletin. We hope you can make the times and dates work as much as possible.
The Reformed Witness Hour next Lord’s Day (8:30-9:00 AM, on Gospel 846MW) is entitled "The Praiseworthy Woman" (Prov. 31:10-31).
Building Update: A second section of perimeter wall has been built; the flue is up and the heat is now on in the building; floor tiles have been laid in the kitchen and bathrooms; inside doors are being hung and the wooden ceiling in the main auditorium has been fitted. Painting is on-going.
Upcoming Meetings:
Avellino, Italy, Wednesday & Thursday, 2 & 3 June
Limerick, Friday, 11 June - "The Valley of Dry Bones" (Eze. 37)
Website Additions: Two new "Resource Pages" on the "Trinity" and on "Israel" were added. One German and 2 Italian translations were also put on-line.
Offerings: General Fund: £429.26. Building Fund: £473.35.
PRC News: The newly instituted Heritage PRC called Rev. A. Brummel to be their first pastor. Rev. Eriks received the call to Cornerstone PRC.