Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
83 Clarence Street, Ballymena BT43 5DR
Rev. Angus Stewart
Lord’s Day, 18 May, 2014
“But our God is in the heavens: he hath done
whatsoever he hath pleased” (Psalm 115:3)
Morning Service - 11:00 AM
The Seven Churches in Asia (1)
Ephesus: A Labouring and Disciplining Church
[download]
[youtube]
Scripture Reading: Revelation 1:1-2:7
Text: Revelation 2:1-7
I. Its Persevering Labour
II. Its Faithful Church Discipline
Psalms: 27:1-5; 71:18-24; 1:1-6; 16:1-7
Evening Service - 6:00 PM
The Seven Churches in Asia (2)
Ephesus: A Church That Has Left Its First Love
[download]
[youtube]
Scripture Reading: Revelation 2
Text: Revelation 2:1-7
I. The Criticism
II. The Calling
III. The Encouragement
Psalms: 122:1-9; 72:1-8; 119:113-120; 116:1-8
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
Herman Hoeksema: “In the abandoning of her first love, we must recognize the beginning of all apostasy of the church in the world. It is not true that the beginning of corruption must be sought in departure from the truth, laxity in discipline, or a tendency to worldly-mindedness. These may all be manifestations and first symptoms of spiritual decline, but they are not the root ... This is a very serious lesson for the church of today! How many complaints are registered against the present day church on earth! How indifferent she reveals herself to be with regard to doctrine! How ignorant she is in the things pertaining to the kingdom of God! How utterly she neglects the keys of the kingdom of heaven! How adulterous she is become in her alliance with the world, her seeking of the things that are below rather than the things that are above! Yes, but if all these wretched diseases of the church, or of what still calls itself church, could be traced to their beginning, you would discover that their source is the abandoning of their first love. How can a church which keeps her first love possibly apostatize? How can she become indifferent with respect to the truth? How can she become so miserable that she can tolerate evil men in her midst? How can such things as worldly amusements, worldly associations, seeking of worldly treasures and pleasures even become a ‘problem’ in a church which clings to her first love?... A good thing it is, indeed, to watch over purity in doctrine, for the church which forsakes the truth has no foundation. But let us remember that outward purity in doctrine is not enough, and that it must itself be rooted in the love of Christ” (Behold He Cometh, pp. 57-58).
Announcements (subject to God’s will)
We welcome Kyle Prins from Trinity PRC in Hudsonville, Michigan, to our worship services today.
On the back table are new Standard Bearers, Rev. Stewart’s latest bimonthly letter, and an RFPA update, which includes a review of the new 1834 book.
On Lord’s Days when no pastor is present, the council is strongly considering showing a minister’s sermon on our projector screen, rather than having a reading sermon. If you have any thoughts on this, please speak about it with a church office-bearer.
The Tuesday Bible study meets at 11 AM to look at Christ’s teaching on the role of the law.
The Belgic Confession Class will be held on Wednesday at 7:45 PM studying article 23 and the objections to justification by faith alone. (This is our last class of the season since family visitation is to start next week).
The Reformed Witness Hour broadcast next Lord’s Day (Gospel 846MW at 8:30 AM) is entitled “Jesus’ Desire for Us to Be With Him” (John 17:24).
Offerings: General - £801.30. Donation: £200 (DVDs).
Website Additions: 1 Tagalog translation and 2 books (in PDF) by Prof. Hanko entitled “Letters to a Young Believer” and “Letters to a Believer.”
PRC News: Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, Washington, recently bought and moved into a church building. A dedication service is to be held next week.