Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church

13/06/2026

This Lord’s Day Sunday, we continue our series:”Living in Readiness for Christ’s Return- Flee to the Mountains”
Text: Mark 13:14–23, James 5:8

In a world marked by confusion, crisis, and spiritual complacency, Jesus gives a clear and urgent call—not to delay, not to debate, but to flee.

* What does it mean to live ready for Christ’s return?
* How should we respond when danger comes?
* And how can we stand firm in times of tribulation and deception?

Come and hear a faithful, exposition of God’s Word that will challenge your heart, strengthen your faith, and prepare you to live with urgency and hope.

Whether you are seeking truth, needing encouragement, or longing to grow in Christ—this message is for you.

Join us this Sunday.
Come ready to worship.
Come ready to hear.

You are warmly welcomed to come and worship with us, @ Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church-
Where Christ is preached and The Triune God Glorified!

Soli Deo Gloria,
Ps Chester Chummie,

05/06/2026

CCPC, Sermon Meditation for this Lord’s Day,

“But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt. (cf.Exodus 12:13 ) ESV

During Passover, the lamb’s blood on the door frame pointed to Jesus’ blood on the cross. He shed His precious blood to save us from sin and death.

Westminster Larger Catechism
Q. 34. How was the covenant of grace administered under the Old Testament?

A. The covenant of grace was administered under the Old Testament, by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the Passover, and other types and ordinances, which did all fore-signify Christ then to come, and were for that time sufficient to build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah, by whom they then had full remission of sin, and eternal salvation.
Rom. 15:8; Acts 3:20, 24; Heb. 10:1; Rom. 4:11; 1 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 8-10, 11:13; Gal. 3:7-9, 14.

This profound inquiry beckons us to explore the means by which God's people, before the advent of the Messiah, were able to partake of the life-giving covenant of grace.

As we contemplate the administration of the covenant of grace, it is important to recognize that the Old Testament saints were not left without hope or means of salvation. Rather, they were sustained by the very same covenant of grace that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Promised One. The covenant of grace was administered under the Old Testament through promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the Passover, and other types and ordinances (Rom. 15:8; Acts 3:20, 24; Heb. 10:1).

These sacred means served as vivid prefigurations of the Messiah who was to come. They foreshadowed and pointed to Christ in a manner that was sufficient to build up the elect in faith (Rom. 4:11; 1 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 8-10, 11:13). By the grace of God, through faith in the promised Messiah, the Old Testament saints were granted full remission of sin and eternal salvation (Gal. 3:7-9, 14).

04/06/2026

04/06/2026

The Real Thing — Gospel Faith That Saves.

True saving faith is not mere outward religion but a Spirit-empowered union with Christ that transforms the heart, produces fruit, and endures and perseveres to the end.

Cf. 2 Timothy 3:5 – “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”

A qoute by C. H. Spurgeon brings this out quite emphatically;

“Do not believe that the common Christianity of the present age will carry anybody to heaven. It is a counterfeit and a sham… God give us back the real thing, staunch, strong belief in the gospel, real faith in Jesus, real prayer to him, real spiritual power…”— Charles Haddon Spurgeon,

Imagine a tree in full blood green leaves, tall branches, impressive in appearance. From a distance, it looks healthy and fruitful. But when you draw near, you discover something troubling: there is no fruit. It is a tree full of leaves but empty of life-giving produce.

This is the kind of Christianity Charles Spurgeon warns against. A faith that looks real, sounds religious, and even speaks of love and truth, but lacks the transforming power of Christ. It is outward form without inward reality.

Spurgeon calls it what it is: a counterfeit.

Oh friends Spurgeon’s cry is deeply needed today: may “God give us back the real thing!”

Because our natural tendency as fallen people is to settle for external religion instead of inward transformation. We are prone to:

* Substitute profession for possession
* Replace true faith with empty words
* Prefer comfort over conviction

Remember to embrace a Christianity that costs nothing and changes nothing is nothing. As J.C. Ryle so pointedly stated:

“A religion that costs nothing is worth nothing.”

At the root, this reflects the sinful heart’s resistance to full surrender to Christ. We want salvation without sanctification, grace without repentance, and Christ without the cross.

As John Calvin writes: “It is therefore faith alone which justifies, and yet the faith which justifies is not alone.”

1. The Danger of Counterfeit Faith

Spurgeon’s warning echoes Scripture:

Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom…”

James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

This “common Christianity” is nominal, not saving. It speaks of Christ but is not united to Him.

2. The Reality of True Gospel Faith

True Christianity is not mere agreement with facts, it is union with Christ.

Galatians 2:20 – “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”

Romans 1:16 – The gospel is “the power of God to salvation.”

Through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, sinners are not merely improved, they are made new.

Martin Luther use to say: “Faith is a living, busy, active, a mighty thing… it is impossible for it not to do good works without ceasing.”

3. True Faith Finds its True Fulfillment in Christ.

In redemptive history, the Old Covenant exposed outward religion without heart change (cf. Isaiah 29:13)

The New Covenant promises inward transformation:

Cf. Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart…”

Christ accomplishes what empty religion never could:

* He fulfills the law
* Bears the wrath of God
* Sends the Spirit to produce real faith and real fruit

Thus, the “real thing” Spurgeon longs for is Spirit-wrought, Christ-centered, gospel-rooted faith that Christ alone provides.

4. The Inevitable Result: Distinction and Even Persecution

Spurgeon notes that true faith will bring separation:

2 Timothy 3:12 – “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

Why? Because genuine Christianity:

* Confronts sin
* Exalts Christ alone
* Refuses compromise

And like wheat separated from chaff, trials reveal what is real.

Application

1. Examine Your Faith

Is your Christianity merely external?

Do you know Christ, or only know about Him?

2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.”

2. Pursue the “Real Thing”

* Seek: Real faith – resting fully in Christ alone
* Real prayer – dependent communion with God
* Real holiness – a life transformed by grace

3. Do Not Fear Costly Christianity

True faith may bring:

* Rejection
* Opposition
* Testing

But it also brings:

* Assurance
* Joy in Christ
* Eternal glory

4. Cling to the Gospel Daily

The “real thing” is not found in striving, but in abiding in Christ:

John 15:5 – “He who abides in Me… bears much fruit.”

“True religion, in great part, consists in holy affections.”- Jonathan Edwards

A Closing Reflection and prayer

Spurgeon’s cry is deeply needed today: may “God give us back the real thing!”

Not shallow religion.
Not cultural Christianity.
But Christ Himself, known, loved, trusted, and lived out in power.

Oh' Lord, deliver us from empty religion and draw us into true union with Christ. Grant us real faith, real repentance, and real transformation by Your Spirit. Let our lives bear the fruit that proves we belong to You. Purify Your church, that the wheat may remain and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria
Ps Chester Chummie,

29/05/2026

This Lord's Day, Sunday at Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church, join us for a soul-strengthening message titled:

“Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: The Passover — Christ Our Redeeming Lamb” - (cf. Exodus 12:1–14 and 1 Corinthians 5:7)

On that first Passover night, judgment fell on every house in Egypt. No one was exempt. The only question was: Was there blood on the door? Where there was no blood, judgment fell. Where there was blood, judgment passed over. But that was only a shadow…

Because at the cross:

* Judgment fell.
* But it did not fall on His people.
* It fell on Christ, our Passover Lamb.

This Lord’s Day, we will see how the Passover finds its full and final fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb, slain so that sinners might be spared.

And afterwards as we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Supper we come :

* Not as worthy participants, but we instead come to a worthy participation.

Not trusting in ourselves…
But resting in what Christ has done for us, for :

* His body was given
* His blood was shed
* His judgment was borne in our place.

“Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19)

So let us come…

Come humbly.
Come believing.
Come resting in Christ alone.

Because the Lamb has been sacrificed. The blood has been shed. Are you covered by the blood of the Lamb?

Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Chester Chummie,

28/05/2026

“Living in the Light of Christ’s Imminent Return”

“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”(cf. Matthew 24:44)

Supporting Texts
1 Thessalonians 5:2–6
2 Peter 3:10–14
3 Titus 2:11–13
4 Luke 12:35–40
5 Revelation 22:12

We live in a world obsessed with predicting the future, economies, wars, technology, but Scripture turns our attention to a far greater certainty: Christ is coming again, and He may come at any moment.

As, J.C. Ryle wisely exhorts:

“Live as if you thought Christ might come at any time.”

This is not meant to produce fear, but faithful readiness. The doctrine of Christ’s imminent return is not speculative, it is deeply practical, shaping how we live, think, repent, serve, and hope.

1. The Certainty of His Coming - “The Son of Man is coming” – this is not a possibility, but a promise. (cf. Matthew 24:44)

A promise rooted in God’s redemptive plan:

Christ came once to redeem (Hebrews 9:26)

He will come again to consummate salvation (Hebrews 9:28)

History is therefore moving toward a divine climax, Christ’s return to judge and to restore all things.

2. The Uncertainty of the Timing - “At an hour you do not expect”

This not revealed so that we might speculate, but so that we might stay watchful! cf. Acts 1:7 – Times and seasons belong to the Father

Mark 13:33 – “Take heed, watch and pray”

The hidden timing helps to emphasize a ethical readiness, not chronological calculation.

3. The Call to Watchful Living (cf. Luke 12:35–40)
Parable: The Watchful Servants,

Jesus tells of servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding feast. They keep their lamps burning, ready to open the door immediately.

Some key Lessons:

* Readiness is active, not passive

* Faithfulness is proven in waiting well

* The Master’s return brings either blessing or judgment

Remember, Christ is the Master who left in (ascension) and will return by (second coming). His servants, the church, must live in momentary covenant faithfulness.

4. The Character of the Ready Believer (cf. 2 Peter 3:11–14)

Because Christ may come at any time, we are called to:

* Holiness – set apart from sin

* Godliness – shaped by reverence for God

* Watchfulness – spiritually alert

* Diligence – found “without spot and blameless”

What we believe about the future transforms how we live now.

In Application, let us;

1. Live with Urgency, Not Delay. Do not postpone repentance or obedience, seek the Lord today!

Hebrews 3:15 – “Today, if you hear His voice…”

2. Pursue Holiness Daily
Ask: Would I be ready if Christ returned today?

Remove patterns of sin that dull spiritual alertness.

3. Serve Faithfully Where God Has Placed You
The watching servant is a working servant

Remember faithfulness in small things matters! (cf. Luke 16:10)

4. Cultivate Hope, Not Fear
Christ’s return is the believer’s blessed hope (Titus 2:13)

Not in dread, but in joyful anticipation.

5. Proclaim the Gospel Urgently!

Others are not ready, this should move us to witness

The delay of Christ’s coming is mercy (2 Peter 3:9)

Let this question search our hearts:

If Christ returned today, would He find you watching… or wandering?

Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach us to live in the light of Your return. Keep our hearts awake, our lives holy, and our hands faithful. May we be found ready when You come. In Jesus name, Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Chester Chummie,

27/05/2026

The Urgency of Caring for the Soul,

Based on: “The Sinner on His Deathbed” by J. C. Ryle

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36

Supporting Texts
• Luke 12:20 – “This night thy soul shall be required of thee.”
• Hebrews 9:27 – “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
• 2 Corinthians 6:2 – “Now is the day of salvation.”
* 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 -

Pastoral Reflection,

J. C. Ryle vividly describes the moment when a sinner lies on his deathbed and suddenly sees life with terrifying clarity. The pleasures of the world fade. Business, money, reputation, and entertainment lose their importance.

In that moment, one question dominates everything: What about my soul?

Ryle reminds us that many people spend their entire lives focusing on temporary things:
• careers
• possessions
• achievements
• pleasures

Yet they neglect the one eternal reality ,their relationship with God.

When death approaches, eternity becomes real. The soul realizes too late that the most important thing in life was ignored.

The deathbed reveals three powerful truths:

1. The World Shrinks

All the things that seemed important suddenly feel small.
Money cannot buy peace with God.
Success cannot erase sin.

2. Sin Becomes Clear

When the conscience awakens, forgotten sins return with painful clarity. A guilty conscience can darken the soul with regret.

3. Eternity Becomes Real

What once seemed distant suddenly becomes near. The dying person realizes they are about to stand before God.

This is why Scripture constantly calls us not to delay repentance.

Key Spiritual Lessons

Lesson 1 — The Soul Is Your Greatest Possession

Jesus taught that the soul is more valuable than the entire world.

You can lose money and recover it.
You can lose health and regain it.

But if a soul is lost, it is lost forever.

Lesson 2 — Life Is Short and Uncertain

The Bible repeatedly reminds us that life is fragile.

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.” — James 4:14

No one plans to reach the end of life unprepared—but many do.

Lesson 3 — Salvation Must Not Be Delayed

One of Satan’s most effective lies is: “You have time.”

But Scripture says:

“Today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15

The best time to seek God is now.

Why This Matters?

This message matters because eternity is real and unavoidable.

Many people assume they will think about God later, everyone thinks he will have tomorrow, after success, retirement, or old age. But life rarely follows our plans. (cf. Prov. 27)

Ryle’s warning reminds us that:
• Death can come unexpectedly.
• Regret cannot change eternity.
• The opportunity to repent belongs to the present moment.

The tragedy of the deathbed sinner is not simply that he dies, but that he realizes too late what truly mattered.

God desires that none should face eternity unprepared.

“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9

Personal Application

Ask yourself these honest questions:

1. What has the highest priority in my life right now?

Is it God—or the world?

2. Am I prepared to meet God?

If tonight were my last night, would I have peace with Him?

3. Have I truly trusted Christ for salvation?

Salvation is not found in religion or good works, but in Christ alone.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16:31

6. Practical Steps for Today

1. Examine your heart
Spend time honestly evaluating your spiritual condition.

2. Repent of sin
Turn away from anything separating you from God.

3. Trust in Christ
Rest in the finished work of Jesus for forgiveness.

4. Live with eternity in view
Make decisions that matter forever.

7. Closing Prayer

Lord, Teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Help us not to live for temporary things but for eternity. Open our eyes to the value of our souls, and lead us to true repentance and faith in Christ. May none of us reach the end of life with regret, but instead with peace in You.
Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Ps Chester Chummie

25/05/2026

"The Blessedness of Christ’s Return." A Study by J C Ryle

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”(cf. Titus 2:13)

Supporting Texts
Matthew 25:10
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
1 John 3:2-3
Revelation 19:7-9
John 14:3

One of the great hopes of the Christian faith is the second coming of Jesus Christ. Scripture repeatedly directs the eyes of believers forward to the day when Christ will return in glory to gather His people and establish His eternal kingdom.

Yet sadly, many Christians rarely think about Christ’s return. The early church lived with a vibrant expectation that the Lord might come at any moment. This hope strengthened their faith, purified their lives, and comforted them in suffering.

J. C. Ryle reminds us that the return of Christ is not merely a doctrine to understand but a blessed hope to cherish.

He writes:“True Christians shall alone be found ready at the second advent… washed in the blood of atonement, clothed in Christ’s righteousness, renewed by the Spirit.”

The return of Christ is terrifying for the unbeliever, but glorious and blessed for the believer.

This study will consider three aspects of the blessedness of Christ’s return:

* The people who will be ready

* The glorious reunion with Christ

* The eternal joy awaiting believers

1. The Blessedness of Being Ready for Christ’s Return

Scripture teaches that only true believers will be ready when Christ comes. Jesus illustrated this truth in the parable of the ten virgins.

“They that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.”— Matthew 25:10

Readiness is not achieved through human effort or moral improvement. It is grounded entirely in the saving work of Christ.

Ryle describes the readiness of believers in three ways:

* Washed in the Blood of Atonement
* True Christians are forgiven through Christ’s sacrificial death.
* Their sins have been cleansed through His blood.

Clothed in Christ’s Righteousness
Believers stand before God not in their own righteousness but in the perfect righteousness of Christ imputed to them.

Renewed by the Holy Spirit
The Spirit transforms the believer’s heart, producing repentance, faith, and holiness.

These three realities describe the marks of genuine conversion.

Thus the believer can face Christ’s return not with terror but with confidence.

As the apostle John says:
“That when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”— 1 John 2:28

2. The Blessedness of Being With Christ
The greatest joy of Christ’s return is not merely deliverance from suffering or entrance into heaven.

The greatest joy is being with Christ Himself.

Jesus promised His disciples: “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
— John 14:3

Ryle beautifully describes this hope:

Believers will be with:

* the Savior who loved them

* the Redeemer who died for them

* the Shepherd who guided them through life

* the Friend who sustained them in weakness

During our earthly life we walk by faith, not by sight.

But when Christ returns, faith will give way to sight and perfect fellowship.

The apostle Paul describes this glorious moment:
“The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout… and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

The believer will finally see the One whom he loved but never saw.

3. The Blessedness of Eternal Joy.

Christ’s return also brings the consummation of redemption. Scripture portrays this moment as a great wedding feast.

“Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.”— Revelation 19:9

The marriage supper represents the final union between Christ and His redeemed church.

At that moment:

* Sin will be gone forever

* Suffering will cease

* Faith will become sight

*The saints will dwell with Christ eternally

Ryle emphasizes that believers who struggled through life with weakness, tears, and trials will finally rest in the presence of their Lord.

The Christian life often includes:

persecution

discouragement

spiritual battles

sorrow and loss

But Christ’s return transforms all suffering into eternal glory.

As Scripture says: “When he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”— 1 John 3:2

Practical Pastoral Applications
1. Let the Return of Christ Produce Hope.
The Christian life is sustained by hope. The expectation of Christ’s return encourages perseverance in faith.

2. Let the Return of Christ Produce Holiness.
The anticipation of seeing Christ should motivate believers to pursue purity.

“Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself.”— 1 John 3:3

3. Let the Return of Christ Produce Watchfulness
Christ calls believers to remain spiritually alert and prepared.

A true Christian lives every day as though Christ may return.

In Conclusion
The second coming of Christ is called in Scripture “the blessed hope.”

For the unbeliever it is a day of judgment.

But for the believer it is a day of unspeakable joy.

On that day:

* The redeemed will stand forgiven.

* They will see their Savior face to face.

* They will enter the eternal celebration of the Lamb.

And as J. C. Ryle reminds us: “They shall be with their Lord… whom they loved and followed on earth, though with much weakness and many tears.”

This truly is the blessedness of Christ’s Return!

May we be ready and say with the John in Revelation 22:20-21

"He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen."

Soli Deo Gloria
Pastor Chester Chummie

24/05/2026

Let us, therefore, my dear brother, pray for more of the mind of Christ. And the more we drink into his Spirit, the more tenderly and lovingly shall we deal with those under our care. - George Whitefield