Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
Ballymena
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 8 October, 2006
"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises
unto thy name, O most High: to shew forth thy lovingkindness in
the morning, and thy faithfulness every night" (Psalm 92:1-2)
Morning Service - 11:00 AM
Reformed Courtship (1)
Whom We May Court
I Corinthians 7:39
I. Negatively
II. Positively
Psalms: 42:1-5; 65:1-7; 37:3-9; 16:1-7
Evening Service - 6:00 PM
Reformed Courtship (2)
How We Must Court
I Corinthians 7:39
I. Giving Christ the Preeminence
II. Walking in Obedience
Psalms: 66:1-7; 65:8-13; 119:9-16; 119:57-64
CPRC website: www.cprf.co.uk
Quotes to Consider:
Richard & Sharon Phillips: "What a shame that women who cultivate inner beauty through God’s Word are neglected by Christian men—the very men who most ought to treasure what they have ... The kind of man that a Christian woman wants is a man of the Word of God, a man of prayer, and a man who delights in worship ... Far more important in a man than money, than charisma, and than all the other things the world values is a heart that is turned toward the Lord" (Holding Hands, Holding Hearts, pp. 94, 106).
William Beveridge: "I shall always endeavor to make choice of such a woman for my spouse, who hath first made choice of Christ as a spouse for herself; that none may be made one flesh with me, who is not made one spirit with Christ my Savior. For I look upon the image of Christ as the best mark of beauty I can behold in her, and the grace of God as the best portion I can receive with her. These are excellences, which, though not visible to our carnal eyes, are nevertheless agreeable to a spiritual heart; and such as all wise and good men cannot choose but be enamoured with. For my own part, they seem to me such necessary qualifications, that my heart trembles at the thoughts of ever having a wife without them."
Bishop Hall: "I wish that Manoah could speak so loud, that all our Israelites might hear him—’Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all God’s people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines?’ ... Why is not the deformity of the soul more powerful to dissuade us, than the beauty of the face to allure us?’"
Announcements (subject to God’s will):
Catechism: Monday, 7 PM with the Campbells at the manse. Tuesday, 7 PM at the Murrays. Thursday, 7 PM at the Hamills.
Our Mid-Week Bible Study is Wednesday at 7:45 PM at the manse on the Unconditional Covenant and the Federal Vision.
The Council meets at 7:30 PM the first Monday of each month. If there are any matters you would like to bring up, approach a member of the council.
The Lord’s Supper will be held the last Sunday of March, June, September, and the 2nd Sunday of December. Thus we will have the Lord’s Supper next on 10 December.
The Reformed Witness Hour next Lord’s Day, 15 October (8:30-9:00 AM, on Gospel 846MW) is entitled "Remember Me, O God, for Good" (Neh. 13:30-31).
Upcoming Lectures: Tuesday, 31 Oct., Limerick, "God’s Unconditional Covenant" Friday, 17 Nov., S. Wales, "God’s Unconditional Covenant"
Last Week’s Offerings: General Fund - £853.20. Building Fund - £1,755.50. Donations: £150 (tapes).
Encouraging Quotes:
"Thank you for your literature. It came this morning. The books, Unfolding Covenant History [vol. 1] and [Harbach’s] Genesis are both very good and helpful. I don’t think there’s many of us left who still believe Genesis as it stands. The unbelief is incredible, raging apostasy in the West ..." - Staffordshire, England
"Enclosed please find [a cheque] to help with postage for my Covenant Reformed News, which I get from you and really enjoy. Many thanks for sending them so faithfully. Thank you for your uncompromising stand in these perilous times which surely are with us." - Co. Antrim, N. Ireland
"I have been greatly enjoying the ‘Melchizedekian Priesthood’ messages which you sent me. I have just one more to listen to ... Also, I would like the tape of Rev. Stewart’s address on ‘Covenant Baptism’ if available, please. I would listen to sermons on the website but I have only the ‘dial-up’ service." - Cumbria, England
"Thank you for your excellent response ... The internet can be a very edifying instrument, especially http://www.cprf.co.uk." - Ohio, USA
"Thank you very much for sending those booklets. I pray that He might use them for His glory." - Suffolk, England
"I am listening to your sermons very attentively, and it helps much in understanding the holy truth! Moreover, it is very pleasant to feel the atmosphere in your church, listening to the singing and the sounds of the congregation. I can imagine myself among you all and pray with you! God bless you all richly." - Kazakhstan
"I am pleased to inform you that the back issues of the Covenant Reformed News arrived in the mail today. I am absolutely delighted with them. This is the approach to theology that ultimately brings glory and honour to God—who alone is worthy of the praise! Your treatment of the issues is masterly and thorough! Thank you so much for the rich blessing you have given me." - New Zealand
"I have finished reading your article regarding the ‘Imago Dei’ and found it very helpful. Thank you for sending it to me." - Newcastle, England
"Just to let you know that we have been asked to pass on lists of our tapes and books to a minister ... we hope and pray that he will eventually want to borrow tapes and/or buy books. He was most interested in your comments about the Da Vinci Code, and asked me to send him anything which would be useful in his ministry. The Lord willing, we hope to continue to encourage him ... We rejoice with you over the ... reorganisation of you dear saints as a congregation, and the BRF Family Conference, plus Prof. Hanko’s leading of the service for your reorganisation, and Rev. Ron Hanko’s staying with you ... thank you also for the latest issue of the Covenant Reformed News." - New Zealand
"Been listening to the BRF Conference tapes. They truly are edifying. The Psalm singing is excellent." - Yorkshire, England
"Thank you for the regular e-mail News you are sending to me. The local brethren are happy about it. Also, the CPRF site is wonderful and has a lot of information that helps us grow in the Lord. Again, thank you and God bless you more and more!" - Philippines
"... if it is not too much trouble, please could you send the Covenant Reformed News by post to me as well as e-mail ... I enjoyed your article on ‘Holy Children.’" - Somerset, England
"Thank you for your contribution to the world through your distribution of much needed literature to assist us in bringing others to Christ. Our gratitude is more than we can express ... I’d like to receive the Covenant Reformed News. Again thank you for your blessing and it is free!" - Georgia, USA
"Thank you very much for your continued faithfulness in sending the CR News. As always, excellent!" - Co. Armagh, N. Ireland
"Hope you had a blessed Lord’s Day yesterday. I re-listened to ‘Beware of Dogs.’ Good stuff!" - Rep. of Ireland
"I receive the News by post each month. I enjoy reading it very much and look forward to the next one." - Dorset, England
"Some while ago I received a free 2 CD collection of Psalms which was a blessing. Is such still available as I would like to order another copy and cover costs." - USA