the evangelical presbyterian - may-june 2010
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TheThe
EvangelicalEvangelicalPresbyterianPresbyterian
Meeting our Members
Ruth (3) - Faith in Action
Recruits for Nigeria
Who is this? - A Vital Doctrine
May-June 20101.50
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Subscriptions 2010
Collected 9.00
BypostwithinUK 10.80BypostoutsideUK14.80
Enquiriesto:EvangelicalBookShop(Seebackpageforcontactdetails)
Take NoteTake NoteSigns in the SkyManywillremember15April2010fora
longtime,especiallythosewhohadplans
totravelbyaironthatday.Flightsacross
theUKandEuropewerecancelledand
thousandsleftstrandedasthethreatof
volcanicdustfromaneruptioninIceland
madeitunsafetofly.
Aseventsunfolded,thesituationwas
describedbybroadcastersonTVandradio
asunprecedented.Withmoderntechnology
itwaspossibletotracetheplumeofcloud
risinghighintotheskybutwhatwasmost
apparent,andyetunmentioned,wasthe
inabilityofmankindtotakecontrolofthe
circumstances.
OurthoughtsturnedtoPsalm33:Letall
theearthfeartheLord;letallthepeoplesof
theworldreverehim.God,itseemedwas
farfromthethoughtsofthemediaandthe
worldatlargeexceptforinsuranceclaims
andanactofGodclause.
TheskyinScripturehasalwaysbeena
significantsignintheover-rulinghandof
God:theheavensdeclarehisglory(Ps.19),
theskywillberolleduponedaylikeascroll
(Is34),andthesameLordJesus,our
Saviour,whowastakenupintotheclouds
willonedaycomebackinlikemanner(Acts1).
Whilemanywereleftearth-boundon15
Apriladayiscomingwhenthedeadin
Christwillrisefirstandthosewhoarealive
willbecaughtupinthecloudstomeetthe
Lordandtobewithhimforever.
TakeNote:Encourageoneanother
withthesewords.(1Thess.4.18)
Cover Photograph
CastleEspieWildfowlandWetlands
Centre,StrangfordLough,Comber,CoDown.Thevisitorcentrewithcafeandtheoutdoorwalksmakeitaveryworth-whilevisit.
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Finance
AnyonewishingtohelptheChurchsworkmaysendtheirgift
totheFinanceCommittee,C/o:RevJSRoger16HuntingdaleBALLYCLAREBT399XB
ThechurchcanbenefitfromtheGift Aidschemefromtaxpayersdonations.Pleaseaskfordetails.
Policy
TheviewsexpressedarethoseoftheEditorandContributorswhichareunderstoodtoreflectthetheologicalpositionoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch
Copy Deadline
1stofmonthpriortopublication
Editor
HaroldGibson
Stockbridge2BarronstownCourtDROMOREBT251FB
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The Editorhe EditorconsidersarecentattackonavitaldoctrineWho is This?Who is This?
ThebookofEcclesiastestellsus,thereisnothingnewunderthesun.PhilipPullman,thewellknownatheistwriter,hasrecentlylaunchedhislatestbookwiththeoutrageoustitleTheGoodManJesusandtheScoundrelChrist.InhisbookPullmansuggeststhatamancalledJesuslived2,000yearsagobutthatChrist,astheSonofGod,wastheinventionofthedisciplePaul.(HowsomeonewhodoesnotbelievethereisaGodcanwriteabookwiththenamesofJesusandChristinthetitleisbeyondbelieftome!). InarecentwebinterviewMarkDriscollaskedRCSproul:Whatisthebiggestupcomingtheologicalbattlefacingthechurchtoday?Dr.Sproulanswered:The
PersonofChrist.WeshouldnotbesurprisedattheanswerbecausethepersonofChristhasalwaysbeenattheheartoftheologicaldiscussionandcontroversy. AsJesusrodeintoJerusalemonPalmSunday,amidstalltheshoutsofHosannawearetoldthatallthecitywasmovedsaying,Whoisthis?.AndthecrowdssaidThisistheprophetJesus,fromNazarethofGalilee.(Matt21.10 -11).ThewholesceneisrepletewithMessianicsymbolismandasMarkRosspointsout:BlindmenandchildrencanseeclearlythatJesusistheSonofDavid,bringingsalvationtohispeople.Butthechiefpriestsandthescribesremainblindtoitall.
1
Christianhistoryshowsusthatsuchblindunbeliefhaspervadedthechurchforgenerations.Inthe4thcenturyAriusarguedthatJesusChristwasnotGodbutamerecreature.ThisheresythreatenedthechurchforthirtyyearsbutGodraisedupAthanasiustocombatit.IrishPresbyterianhistoryinthe18thand19thcenturiesrecordstheriseofArianismandthebattlefortruthconcerningthedeityofChrist.GodraisedupHenryCooketochampionBiblicalorthodoxyagainstNewLightthinking.Oneofthecentralissuesof1927leadingtotheformationoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchwasthedeityofChrist.
2ThistimeGod
raisedupJamesHunterandJimGriertodefendChristiantruth.
ItseemsthatmodernistsandliberalshavealwayssoughttosuggestthatPauldidnotteachthatJesuswaseternallyGodandPullmanhasimbibedthistheology.BBWarfield,inhismagnificentarticleTheChristthatPaulPreachedwritesWhatwearegivenisnotmerelyhowPaulthoughtofChrist,buthowPaulpreachedChrist.
3PaulpresentsgreatfactsaboutJesusinRomans1which
determinestheGospelthathepreachedthepowerofGoduntosalvation.The Gospel of Godhe Gospel of GodItisimportanttonotethatPauldescribesitastheGospelofGod.Heisstating
attheoutsetthatthismessageisnotsomethingthathasbeendevisedbyhisowncleverthinkingorimagination.PaulwantshisreaderstoknowthatthisisamessagefromGodhimself.ItdidnotoriginatewithPaulbutitwaspromisedbeforehandthroughtheprophetsintheHolyScriptures.TheOldTestamentisfull
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ofChrist.RememberhowthetwodisciplesontheEmmausroadmetwiththerisenChristandbeginningatMosesandalltheProphets,heexpoundedtotheminalltheScripturesthethingsconcerninghimself.PaulemphasisesthatitisGodsGospel,heownsit,itoriginatedwithhim,hedesigneditandPaulisapreacherandcommunicatorofthisGospel.
The Son of Godhe Son of GodPaulbringsustotheveryheartoftheissueandhespellsoutthefocalpointoftheGospel.ItconcernsGodsSon,JesusChristourLord.HeusesallthreetitlesgiventotheSaviourandpointsustothedivineandhumannatureofGodsSon:BornoftheseedofDavidaccordingtothefleshanddeclaredtobetheSonofGodwithpoweraccordingtotheSpiritofholiness,bytheresurrectionfromthedead. OurShorterCatechismteachesusthattheLordJesusChristwho,beingtheeternalSonofGod,becameman,andsowas,andcontinuestobe,Godandman,intwodistinctnatures,andonepersonforever.4Warfieldcomments:
WhetherwelookathimfromthepointofviewofGodorfromthepointofviewofman,heisGod.ThisistheJesusthatPaulpreachedregardlessofwhatPhilipPullmanwantstheworldtobelieve.The Power of Godhe Power of GodPauldeclaresthatheisnotashamedoftheGospelofChristbecauseitisthepowerofGoduntosalvation.ThisisanamazingstatementfromPaul,livinginaworldthatdespisedthemessageoftheGospel.YethewaspreparedtofacewhatevercamehiswayandtobeconsideredafoolforChristintheeyesoftheworldbecausehehadamessagetoproclaim.
Weliveinalargelygodlesssociety,ourcultureisnotGod-fearingandthechurchisoftenthescornandridiculeoftheworldaroundus.WhenevertheGospelisfaithfullypreacheditarousesoppositionandcontempt.Whenweareconfrontedwithatheists,scoffersandapathyletusrememberthatwehavethissamemessagetodeclareaccompaniedbythealmightypowerofGod.PaultreasuredtheGospelbecauseinitarighteousnessfromGodisrevealed,arighteousnessthatisbyfaithfromfirsttolast,justasitiswritten,therighteouswilllivebyfaith.
IntheeyesoftheworldChristiansmayberegardedasfoolsbutintheeyesofGoditisthefoolwhosaysinhisheartThereisnoGod.(Ps14.1) Whatbetteranswertothequestion,Whoisthis?,thanthewordsofthehymn:
BeautifulSaviour!Lordofthenations!SonofGodandSonofMan!Gloryandhonour,Praise,adoration,nowandforevermoresublime.
1LetsStudyMatthew,MarkE.Ross,BannerofTruth,p201,2009.2TheOriginandWitnessoftheIrishEvangelicalChurch,WJGrier,Belfast1945.3BiblicalDoctrines,BBWarfield,BannerofTruth,p235,1988.4TheShorterCatechism,Q21.
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Rev Andrew Lucasev Andrew Lucas,Omagh,writesPart3ofhisseriesonRuthThreethingsweneedtoknowaboutfaith.
Faith in ActionFaith in Action
ThereformerMartinLutheroncedefinedfaithinthisway:Faithisaliving,daringconfidenceinGodsgrace.Itissosureandcertainthatamancouldstakehislifeonitathousandtimes.Now,aswepickupourstoryagain,atthebeginningofchapter2,thereareatleastthreethingsthatweneedtonoticeaboutfaith.1 Stepping out in Faithtepping out in FaithSomeyearsago,mypreviouscongregationwentforaweekendawaytoaChristiancentreintheValeofAvoca,CountyWicklow.Oneoftheactivitiesorganisedovertheweekendthatreallystandsoutforme,wastheZip-Line.To
gettothisthingyouhadtoclimbupatelegraphpole,whichswayedwhenyoureachedthetop.Thenholdingontoabar,youlaunchedyourselfoffthetopandshotdowntheline. ALackofencouragement.Nowaschapter2openswefindRuthmakingasimilarsteporleapoffaithandshedoessodespitelackinganyrealencouragement.Inv2weread,LetmegotothefieldandgleanamongtheearsofgrainafterhiminwhosesightIshallfindfavour.Andshesaid,Go,mydaughter.(ESV)NowRuthdoesntknowwhatweknow.ShedoesntknowaboutBoazwhoisintroducedtousinv1.Allsheknowsisthattheyhavetoeatandratherthansittingaround,shetakestheinitiativeandstepsoutinfaith,hopingthatsomewhereoutthere,theremightbealandownerwillingtoallowhertogleaninhisfields. NowitisinterestingthatitisRuthandnotNaomiwhotakestheinitiative,andneitherdoesNaomioffertogowithherdaughter-in-law,eventhoughsheiswellabletohelp.Perhapssheissocaughtupinhersorrowsrightnow,thatshejustcantthinkaboutsuchthings.Perhapsthereisevenanelementofpridehere.NaomiwasonceawealthycitizenofBethlehemandperhapsshecantbringherselftogleaninthefieldswiththeotherpaupers.Buteitherway,itisRuthwho,
withnorealencouragement,stepsoutinfaith. BPotentialdangers.Andshedoessodespitetheveryrealdangersthatawaither.ItistruethattheLordhadmadeaprovisionforthepoor,allowingthemtogleaninthefields,butnoteverylandownerwashappytoabidebythelaw.Alsoasayoungwomanonherowninthefields,Ruthisvulnerable.ItisinterestingthatBoazhastoinstructhislabourersnottotouchher(v9).ButRuthfacesanevengreaterdanger,becauseassoonassheopenshermouthandpeoplehearheraccent,theywillknowthatsheisaforeignerandworstofall,thatsheisfromMoab(v6).Butshestillstepsoutinfaithandsheisanexampletous.
SometimesintheChristianlifewefindourselvesatthetopofthetelegraphpoleandthereisonlyonewaydown,andattimeslikethisweneedthedaringconfidencethatLutherspokeabout.Yes,wecanlistnumerousreasonswhywe
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shouldstayinourcomfortzones,especiallyifnooneisofferingencouragementandapparentdangersawaitus,butsometimeswejusthavetostepoutinfaithlikeRuth,trustingthataswedoso,theLordwillbethereforus.Ithasbeensaidthatifyouwanttowalkonwater,youhavetogetoutoftheboat,Ruthdoesthathereandwecantoo.
2 The Rewards of Faithhe Rewards of FaithSowehavesteppedoutinfaith.Butwhatelsecanwelearnaboutfaithhere?Well, secondly,wehaveTheRewardsofFaith.Theissueofbankerspayhasbeenmuchdiscussedinrecentmonths,especiallythehugebonusesgiventoexecutivesinthebanksbailedoutbythetaxpayer.Iwillleaveyoutodecidewhethertheydeservesuchrewards. Butaschapter2unfoldsandRuthstepsoutinfaith,wefindtheLordblessingthisyoungMoabiteconvert.Weseethisinatleasttwoways.
ATheLordsprovidenceinherlife.Inv3Ruthgoesandstartsgleaningandweread,shehappenedtocometothepartofthefieldbelongingtoBoaz,whowasoftheclanofElimelech.(ESV)Whatastrokeofluck!Ruthendsupinthefieldbelongingtotheworthymanintroducedtousinv1.Butthereisanotherluckybreakinv4,becauseBoazarrivesonthescene.Certainlyfortuneissmilingonthisyoungwoman,butwhilsttheseeventshaveanappearanceofgoodfortune,thisisreallytheLordsdoing.IainMDuguidwrites,Therewerenoangelicvisionstodirecthertotherightfieldorvoicesfromheaventoguideher.Nevertheless,asshetrustedintheLord,hedirectedherstepsunwittinglytoexactlytherightlocation. Nowaswethinkaboutourownlives,thisisincrediblycomforting,isntit?Therearetimeswhenwehavetostepoutinfaith,despiteeverythingthattellsustostaywithinourcomfortzones,andaswedothat,thewayaheadmaynotbeatallclear,buttheLordwillguideus.RuthdoesntknowwhatisgoingtohappenandshedoesntrealisethattheLordisguidingher,butitistruenonetheless.Shetrustshimandhehonoursthatbyguidingherjusttotherightspot,atjusttherightmoment.TheLordsprovidenceisamazing,isntit?
BTheLordsgenerosity.WehavealreadybeengivenanindicationofBoazscharacterinv1,andashespeaksforthefirsttimeinv4,itissignificantthat thesearewordsofblessing.Hereisagodlylandowner,whoobviouslycaresabout hisworkers.NowBoazisnotswayedbytheapparentracialprejudiceofhisforeman(v6),butgivesRuthpermissiontogleaninhisfields,guaranteeinghersafety.(v8-9)SotheLordhasansweredherprayers,butinactualfacthedoesfarmore.BoazisclearlyimpressedwiththisyoungMoabitewoman(v12)andhavingfedher atmealtime(v14),heinstructshisyoungmentodeliberatelydropsheavesforherandbytheendofthedayshehasgleanedaboutanephahofbarley.(v17)
NowcanyouseetheLordsgenerosity?ThatmorningRuthwassimplyhopingtofindalandowner,whowouldallowhertogleaninhisfields.NowtheLordgrantsthatdesire,buthealsogivesheralotmorebesides.Hebringsherintocontactwithagodly,caringandgenerousman,who,unbeknowntoher,has
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certainlegalresponsibilitiestowardsNaomiandherself.Tocapitall,thisisalsothebeginningofaromance,becausewithoutrealizingit,Ruthhasjustmetherfuturehusband.TheLordissogoodisntheandheoftenexceedsourexpectations. NowofcourseRuthsexperiencedoesntgiveusablanketpromise,whereGodalwaysgivesusthedesiresofourheart.ItisinterestingtonotethatRuths
desiresareconsistentwithGodsrevealedwill,andweshouldnotexpecttheLordtogiveuswhatwewant,ifwhatwewantisatoddswithhisWord.Butwiththatqualification,theexampleofRuthistremendouslyencouraging.Steppingoutinfaithcanbescary,butifourdesiresaregodlyandconsistentwiththeWord,thenwemaywellfindthattheLordhonoursthatstepoffaithandrichlyblessesus. 3 The Restoration of Faithhe Restoration of FaithSothereissteppingoutinfaithandtherearetherewardsoffaith.Butasweclose,noticethatinthethirdplacewehaveTheRestorationofFaith.AsRuthstruggleshomewithaboutanephahofbarley,Naomiisfullofquestions(v18-19)
andwhenshehearseverything,sheexclaims,MayhebeblessedbytheLord,whosekindnesshasnotforsakenthelivingandthedead!(V20ESV).Nowourtimeisgone,butrememberthatNaomireturnedhomeabitterwoman.SheisangryattheLordsdealingswithherandsheiscaughtupinherownsorrows.Butasherdaughter-in-lawstaggersthroughthedoor,weigheddownbythebarley,thepennydropsandatlonglastNaomibeginstoseethattheLordhasntdesertedherafterall.Farfromit.Hehasalwaysbeenthereforher,butnowsheseesitforherselfandherfaithisrevived. Nowperhapsasyoureadthisarticle,youarearelativelynewconverttoChristandyouareintimidatedbythelifeoffaith.Orperhapsyouareanoldsoldierandbecauseofvarioustrialsorbackslidings,yourfaithhasbeguntowane.Perhapsyouareevenalittlebitter,becauseofGodsprovidenceinyourlife.Well,whateveryoursituation,likeRuth,stepoutinfaithandyoumayjustfindthattheGodwhohasalreadyrichlyblessedyouinChrist(Rom8.32),willfarexceedyourexpectationsandwillshowerhisgiftsofgraceuponyou.Amen.
The Ballyclare Open House PosterSaturday 17 March 2010 saw the annualOpen
House event hosted by the Ballyclarecongregationwiththeaimofreachingouttothefamiliesofthemanyyoungpeoplewhocometothe weekly church activities. 140 children andparents sat down with youth leaders from thecongregationtoadeliciousmeal.
The after-dinner programme concluded with amessage byRev Robert Johnston,Knock, fromJoshua 24.15: Choose for yourselves this daywhomyouwillserve-anapttopicfortherun-up
toaGeneralElectionOur prayer is that lasting relationships will beformedandthatGodwillusethemtoextendhisKingdominBallyclare.
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Meet one of our MembersMeet one of our MembersHelen Fullerton, GroomsportHelen Fullerton, Groomsport
HelengrewupinBelfast,ontheUpperNewtownardsRoad,almostoppositeour
KnockchurchandattendedtheKnockSundaySchoolinthelate50sandearly60s. Growing Uprowing UpHerparents,JamesandEllaBailiebeganmarriedlifeinNewtownardsandattendedGreenwellStreetPresbyterianChurchwhereJameswasSundaySchoolSuperintendent.SoontheymovedtoBelfasttobringJamesclosertohisworkasSecretaryoftheUlsterUnionistParty;helaterbecameSuperintendentoftheUnionistChiefWhipsOffice.ThefamilyworshippedatKirkpatrickMemorialwhereJamesservedasanElder.JamesandEllahadthreegirls,Jennifer,SandyandHelen.HelenwenttoPenrynPrepSchool,BelmontRoad,andthentoStrathearn.
Helenleftschoolatseventeen.Shewasquiteagiftedswimmerandcompetedatclubgalas.Herothergreatinterestatthattimewasballetanditverynearlybecamehercareer.ShewasabouttogoforinterviewtoChesterBalletSchool,butanoutbreakofsmallpoxintheChesterareamadeherparentscallitoff.InsteadshejoinedHenriSolomon,Photographers,WellingtonPlaceBelfastandforthenextthreeyearstrainedinfieldassignmentssuchasweddingsandinphotographictechniquesincludingthedarkroom.ThishelpedtoqualifyherforhernextjobasadarkroomtechnicianintheX-raydepartmentofArdsHospital.Into the WorldInto the WorldThefamilyhadmovedtoRosepark,Dundonaldin1966andalthoughHelenwasonlyfourteenshetooktheopportunitytomakeacompletebreakwithChurch,aclearpointertoherearlyandstronglydevelopingoppositiontospiritualthingsandtothecourseherlifewouldtake.Progressivelyshewentintotheworld,givingherselfovertopopandrockmusic,todancingandtothewholesceneofwhichtheywereapart.Fortwodecadestheywereaverystronginfluenceinherlife.To Portavogie and Faith in Christo Portavogie and Faith in ChristIn1989LesandHelenmovedfromtheHolywoodArchesareaofeastBelfast,wheretheyhadlivedforaboutfiveyears,toPortavogie.TheywereattractedbytheopennessandquietnessofthecountrysideanditwasverymuchlikehometoLeswhoworkedinhorticultureandlandscaping.Themovewastoproveprovidentialintermsofsavinggraceinaremarkableway.BythattimeDaniel,AdamandJohnwereattheBBandAnchorBoysstageandaneighbouraskedHelentosendthemtotheseorganisationsandtotheSundaySchoolinalocalChurch.Thatinitselfwasawitnessfromoneneighbourtoanotherandlaterplayedavitalpartinthesequenceofevents.LesandHelenwenttoChurchonorganisationoccasions.
On20April1993twoyoungPortavogiemenlosttheirlivesinalocalfishingboattragedy.TherewasamemorialserviceintheChurchtheboysattendedonthefollowingSunday,andHelenfeltanimperativedesiretogo.WithLesshemadeherwaytothefront,totheonlyseatsavailable.TheopeninghymnspoketoHelen:
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Iwassinkingdeepinsin,farfromthepeacefulshore,Verydeeplystainedwithin,sinkingtorisenomore,ButtheMasteroftheseaheardmydespairingcry,Fromthewatersliftedme,nowsafeamI.
Loveliftedme!Loveliftedme!Whennothingelsecouldhelp,Loveliftedme!
TheMinisterpreachedfromLuke13.6-9theParableoftheBarrenFigTree.Thevineyardownerplantedafigtreeandthreeyearsinsuccessioncamelookingforfruitbutfoundnone.AstheMinisteremphasisednofruitHelenrecognisedthatthestorywasanaptparableofherownlife.TheboysstayedonforSundaySchoolandwhenLeswenttopickthemupHelencametotheLordinrepentance.Sheobtainedforgivenessandexperiencedthewonderfultransformationoflife
thatcomingtoChristbrings.Shebecameaboldevangelistintractdistributionandinotherways.Evenhertasteinmusicchanged.HerfirstChristianbookwasJohnBlanchardsstudyonMarksGospel, ReadMarkandLearn.HerfavouritehymnhasbecomeManofSorrows,especiallyverse2:
Bearingshameandscoffingrude,Inmyplacecondemnedhestood;Sealedmypardonwithhisblood:Hallelujah!WhataSaviour!
Leshasanengagingstorytotelltoo.Hewasconvertedin1975butpartlythroughlackofChristianfellowshipandteachinghedriftedaway.ButtheLordlosesnonethattheFatherhasgivenhimandheusedtheonsetofaheartattack
whenLeswasoutdrivingin1991torestorehim.Growth in Grace and Servicerowth in Grace and ServiceAfterayearLesandHelenmovedtoanotherdenominationwhichtheyfelthadamoreconsistentevangelicalwitness.TheyworshippedthereforfouryearsandHelenbecameaSundaySchoolteacherandaleaderinthechildrenswork.Then,in1997,someonegaveLesatapeofRevSamuelWatsonpreachingfromRomans9.LesandHelenwerebothdelightedwiththisreformedexpositionandmadeenquiriesaboutMrWatsonsdenomination.TheyfirstattendedBangorEPCintheBoroughGymnasiumon4January1998whenRevJeffBallantine
waspreachingonPsalm46.Theystayed,andjoinedthecongregationinNovember1999.LeswaselectedandordainedtotheEldershipinJune2006.
SincethenHelenhasbeenincreasinglyinvolvedinthelifeofthecongregation,whichbecameGroomsportinMay2004.SheisamemberofCommitteeoftheLadiesFellowshipwhichstartedin2006andisaLeaderandTreasurerofLittleJewels,theWednesdaymorningmeetingfortoddlers.ShealsohelpswiththeannualHolidayBibleClub.ToHelen,thegreatdistinctiveofourChurchisitsreformedpreachingandhearingitweekbyweekcontinuestomakethe80milestheytraveleachLordsDaysoverywellworthit.
IntheirPrayerDiary,onDay25eachmonth,theKnockcongregationareaskedtoprayfor:AllthosewhohavepassedthroughtheSundaySchool,etcbuthavenotprofessedfaith.Nowweknowthatithasbeenansweredatleastonce!
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All Lands to God!All Lands to God!
About Ricky and Angie Fitzsimmonsbout Ricky and Angie FitzsimmonsTheywerebothborninBelfastintoChristianhomes.AngiehasonesisterandRickyhasabrotherandasister.RickybecameaChristianat15yearsoldwhilstAngiewassavedwhenshewas5yearsold.TheyarebothactivemembersofStranmillisEPC.Rickystudiedconstructionengineering
andmanagementatUniversityofUlster,Jordanstown,andAngiestudiedlinguisticswithcounselling,alsoatJordanstown.AngieworkedparttimeasanadministrationassistantbutisnowcurrentlyafulltimemumlookingaftertheirsonNoahwhowasbornin
September09.RickyworksasanestimatorforaconstructioncompanycalledMcLaughlin&Harvey.Their Call to Serveheir Call to ServeRickywenttoNigeriain2003asaGAPer.Hecamehomefeelingchallengedaboutlong-termserviceespeciallyinhisownfieldofconstruction.ShortlyaftertheirmarriageinJune2007theLordimpressedthesamecallonAngieforlong-termserviceandmadeitveryclearinApril2008thathewantedthemtoservefulltime.BothRickyandAngiehadtheopportunitytoserveinJosontheStranmillisEPCteamin2008.GodreaffirmedacallingonboththeirheartsduringandafterthistripandinthefollowingJanuarytheywereacceptedbyMissionAfricatoserveinNigerialong-term.
Their Ministryheir MinistryTheywillbeservinginJos,Nigeria.Rickywillbeinvolvedinvariousconstructionprojectsthatthemissionwillbeundertaking.TheseincludetheWritersRetreatandStudyCentreatACTSandvariousFulanieducationcentres.Healsohopestohelpoutwithsomeofthemorepracticalaspectsoftheday-to-dayrunningofthemission.AngiehopestoworkinACTSinitiallyhelpingtocomputerisethestocktohelpmodernisethesystem.ThiswillhelpACTSorderanddistributebooksmoreeffectively.ShewillalsobelookingafterNoahandhopestofindotherareasofministrymoreakintoherdegree.Theybothhopetospendtime
learningHausaandtobecomeinvolvedinalocalchurch.Message from Ricky and Angieessage from Ricky and AngieAsweheadoutwithMissionAfricatoJosinAugust,pleaserememberusinprayer
Recruits for NigeriaRecruits for Nigeria
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asweseektoservetheLord.Wearebothconsciousofourweaknessesandunworthiness,andsoaredependingonyourprayersofsupportandthehelpofGod.
WeknowtheLordwillsupplyallourneeds.Wepraythathemayimpressthisworkonyourheartandleadyoutoalsosupporttheworkpractically.TheLordyourGodiswithyouwhereveryougo.(Josh1.9)
Prayer Pointsrayer Points
Adjusting and settling into life in Jos:thatwewouldbeabletomakeahomeandthatNoahwouldntbetooupsetbythechange.Also,thatwewouldntmissfamilyandfriendstoomuch,butthatwewouldrelyonGod.
Church life:Praythatwewouldfindasuitableplacetoworshipandthatwewouldbeabletogetinvolvedinthedifferentaspectsofthechurchquickly.
Construction projectsthattheWritersRetreatandStudyCentrewouldcommencelaterthisyear.PraythatmoreplotsoflandforFulanieducationcentreswouldbecomeavailableandthatfundingwouldbetheretoenablebuildingtocommence.
AngieasshelooksafterNoahinthehouse,theinitialadministrationworkshewillbeinvolvedinandthatshewouldfindothersuitablerolesofministry.
Service:thatGodwoulduseusinJosineachavenueofserviceandthatwewouldbringglorytoHisName.
Mission Africa was founded 120 yearsagoandwasformerlyknownastheQuaIboe Fellowship. Historically most of ourworkhasbeeninSouthEastNigeria, butnow we are also working in NorthernNigeria, Chad and Burkina Faso. ChurchPlanting and Evangelism remain veryimportant areas of focus for themission,along with Theological Education andMedicalwork.Africahassomanyneedsandweespeciallywanttohelpthosewhoareoppressedandmarginalised.Wehelppeople suffering with HIV/AIDS, streetkidsandwomenwhoareexploited.Asaninterdenominational evangelical mission,
we want to share the love of Jesus withthe people of Africa; reaching theunreached; loving the unloved anddisciplingnewbelievers.Burkina Faso Nigeria Chad
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BIG WORDS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Hi!
In the story of Pilgrims
Progress, two travellers are
arrested in the town of Vanity
and brought to appear in court.
The judge is called Judge
Hate-good and he lives up to his name.He stands up for the evil mob,
listens to the lies of the cruel
witnesses and has Faithful, agood man, burned to death.
That is not JUSTICE!
God is called the Judge of all men. But He is very
different from Judge Hate-good. God hates evil and loves good
He knows the truth about everyone & everything
He punishes all that is wrong and
Rewards only those who are perfect
That is JUSTICE!
JUSTIFIED
this means
counted rightin Gods sight
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Imagine you have been called to court to appear in front
of God the Judge.
The Judge sees every sin you have ever committed in
your life and the ones you will commit in the future He must punish everyone of those sins
He cannot let you go free
But now see what is happening:
God says
You are perfect in His sight He will not punish you
You can go free
How can this be?
You have been
JUSTIFIED.This is a gift from God to you.
One day the courtroom scene will not be pretend.You really will stand in front of God the judge. If
you stand there in all your sin, you will be sent to
HELL. If you have been JUSTIFIEDthrough faith
in JESUS, you will be welcomed into HEAVEN.
It is only possible when Jesus takes your sin and gives you
His perfect righteousness instead.
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AfterconsideringthepriceChristpaidforustobeunitedtohim,letusnowthinkofthelifestylehewantsustolive.PaulwrotetotheCorinthians: Doyounotknowthatalittleleavenleavensthewholelump?Cleanseouttheoldleaventhatyoumaybeanewlump,asyoureallyareunleavened.ForChrist,ourPassoverlamb,hasbeensacrificed.Letusthereforecelebratethefestival.(1Cor5.6-8)Our Lambur LambPaulisclearlythinkingofthePassover(Ex12)wheretheangelofdeathvisitedthehouseholdsandpassedbythosewithbloodsprinkledonthedoorpostsfor
theywereboughtwithaprice.Thiswasallthatwasrequiredforthemtoavoiddeath.SoitisfortheChristian,forChristisourPassoverlamb.BeingwashedinChristsbloodmeansthatwearejustifiedandrighteousbeforeaholyGod.Our Leavenur LeavenYetnoticeinExodus12thattheIsraeliteswerecommandedtocleartheirhomesoftheleastsignofleaven.Thesprinkledbloodpreservedthepeople,buttheywerealsoobedienttoGodscommandtodiligentlyputawaythecorruptandforbiddenthing.LeavenismostlyusedasanemblemforsinintheBibleand
whenleavenisaddedtobreaditwillcausethewholelumptorise,andsoitiswithsin.Whenleavenhadaplaceamongtheangelsitbroughtamultitudeofthemdowntohell.WhenAdamandEvesinnedthewholehumanracewasleavenedbytheiractions.Our Lifestyleur LifestyleSoifChristhasdiedforus,thenwearehis,andifwearehisthenwecannotliveinsin.Ifweareredeemed,howcanwecontinueaslave?IfwebelongtoJesuswecannotservethedevil,wemustberidofsin.(2Pet1.9)Sodoyouhavealittleleaven?Howaboutinyourthoughts,conversation,orconduct?Maybeitis
asecretsinthatnobodyknowsaboutbutGodknows.ForGod,theveryleastdegreeofsinisobnoxiousandhehatesit.(2Pet2.4-9)Thatlittleleavenwillspreadunlessactionistakenbeforeitaffectsthewholelump.Ifyouaresaved,letyourfocuscontinuallybeonsin-purging.Youwillnotbeabletodothisalone;youwillneedGodshelptosucceed.(Ps139.23-24;Rom8.13).Wemustnotbesatisfieduntileverycrumbhasbeensweptoutofourbodilyhomes.Ifwedonotwatchandprayitwillreappearandspread.Noattainmentmusteversatisfyusuntilweareconformedtohisimagewhoisthefirstbornamongmanybrethren.YouwilltellmeIamholdingupahighstandard.Iam;butthenyouhaveagreathelper. 1
ByclearingouttheleavenitallowstheChristiantocelebratethefestivalwithspiritualjoyandpeace.Isthatnotbetterthankeepingtheleaven?1CHSpurgeon,TheMetropolitanTabernaclePulpit,Vol16,PilgrimPublications,p693.
Christopher Dohertyhristopher Doherty,Stranmillis,asksustoconsiderthelifestyleChristwantsustolive
Do you not Know!Do you not Know! -- 33
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S 1 EPCEWPCEW PrayfortherecentChurchplantatSheffieldandforgoodcontactsS 2 Sunday Schoolunday School PrayfortheboysandgirlswhoattendSundaySchooleachweekM 3 Moodysoodys PrayfortheworkthatAndrewandEunicedoandforJoyT 4 1 Stranmillistranmillis PrayforouryoungercouplesastheyadapttofamilylifeW 5 2 Perueru PrayforGodsspecialblessingonBibleteachingintheschools T 6 3 Electionlection PrayforthenewGovernmentastheytakeoffice,forgoodtoprevailF 7 4 CWIWI PrayforthesummeroutreachinLondonS 8 5 Knocknock PrayfortheparentsofSundaySchoolandFridayClubchildrenS 9 6 Office Bearersffice Bearers PrayfortheEldersandDeaconsinyourcongregationM 100 7 Finaghyinaghy PrayforouryouthworkasthebrightereveningsaffectattendanceT 111 8 Page 16age 16-1 Pray for Key Prayer Point 1 overleafW 122 9 Garlandsarlands RememberSidandJeanastheyadjusttotheirnewsituationT 133 100 Ballyclareallyclare PrayforthegoodnumberofyoungpeopleinourChurchF 144 111 Fitzsimmonsitzsimmons PrayforRickyandAngieastheypreparetogotoNigeriainAugustS 155 122 Groomsportroomsport PrayforourMissionweekend14-16MayandforblessingtofollowS 166 133 Ministersinisters PraythatourMinisterswillbeconsciousofGodshelpandgrace M 177 144 Omaghmagh PrayasweplanourannualoutreachattheOmaghShow,3JulyT 188 155 Studentstudents PraythatmoreofourcontactswouldshowsignsofspiritualinterestW 199 166 Page 16age 16-2 Pray for Key Prayer Point 2 overleafT 200 177 Elderlylderly PraythatourelderlyandhouseboundwillknowGodspresence F 211 188 Richhillichhill GivethanksforcurrentblessingsandincreasedattendancesS 222 199 Somerton Rdomerton Rd Praythatyoungpeoplemaybekeptfromdrugsandbesaved.S 233 200 Outreachutreach PrayforSummerOutreachteamsinCrumlin,KnockandFinaghyM 244 211 Presbyteryresbytery PrayfortheModeratorandClerkintheirongoingdutiesT 255 222 Indiandia PrayforvillageoutreachtoDhumaandPurvanearLakhnadonW 266 233 Crumlinrumlin PraythatGodwouldraiseupaMinisterforourcongregationT 277 244 Page 16age 16-3 Pray for Key Prayer Point 3 overleafF 288 255 Gaiyasaiyas PrayforMusa,PamelaandGraciewhoreturntoNigeria,29MayS 299 266 Crosscollyerrosscollyer PraythatmanychildrenfromtheareawillcometocampthisyearS 300 277 South Africaouth Africa PrayforNormanandAngelaastheysettlebackafterholidayM 311 288 Nigeriaigeria PrayforMissionAfricaandforthesafetyofthemissionariesT 299 Book Shopook Shop PrayfortherefurbishmentworkplannedforJuly-AugustW 300 MERFERF PrayforthemanyArabcontactsandforallwhohavecometofaith
Prayer Diary: MayPrayer Diary: May--Jun 2010Jun 2010
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ThefollowingcommendthemselvesasmattersforspecialprayeratthepresenttimeatourChurchServices,PrayerMeetings,andforfamilyandpersonalprayer.
Key Matters for PrayerKey Matters for PrayerMayMay--Jun 2010Jun 2010
1 Summer Campsummer Camps Juniors 3-10 July Bushmills Leader: Rev Gareth BurkeInters 3-10 July Coleraine Leader: Shaun GastonSeniors 10-17 July Carrigart Leader: Rev Robert BeckettCampshavebeenafeatureofourChurchthroughoutmostofitslife.Boyscampsbeganundercanvasin1939atBrownsBay,IslandMagee,andGirlsfollowedin1953inNewcastle,CoDown.Jointcampstookoverin1979.TheLordhasblessedthisworkthroughtheyears.TherehavebeenregularconversionsandmanyouryoungpeoplehavebeenstrengthenedintheirfaithandboundtogetherthroughBiblestudy,Christianfellowshipandthepracticeofthequiettime.Leadershave
profitedfromthetrainingthecampshavegiventhemandfromtheirpreparationoftalksandrelatedactivities.Givethanksforallthis. AlthoughtherearestilltwomonthstogofromthebeginningofMay,thereisagreatdealofpracticalplanningandpersonalspiritualpreparationtobedone.Prayfortheleaderswhohavethisresponsibility,thatGodwillgivethemallthewisdom,energy,opportunityandnearnesstohimtheyneed.AsktheLordalsotopreparethecampers.Prayaboutpracticalitiesincludingtheapplicationoftheregulationsthatsurroundthisworktoday.UsetheCampPrayerLetterwhenitcomesout.2 The Need for Ministershe Need for MinistersWehavemuchreasonforprayerandthankfulnessaswereviewhowtheLordhasprovideduswithMinisters.ThesupplythroughadmissionfromotherChurcheshasthankfullyfeaturedineverydecadeofourhistory,butourownmember-studentshavemostlycomeinseveraldistinctphases.Thefirstwas1932-1936andthebiggestduringatwenty-yearperiod1967-87whenwetrainedeightstudentsfromwithinourownmembership.Presbyteryhaskeptthismatteronitsagendaregularly,and,forexample,requestedSessionsin1993toencouragepotentiallysuitablementoprayerfullyconsidertheGospelMinistry.TheneedforMinistersisstillwithustofillvacanciesthatariseandtoextendtheworkofthe
Church.PleasebringthematterbeforetheLordrememberingourTrainingfortheMinistryandAdmissionsCommitteewhohavespecialresponsibilityforthis.3 Church Financehurch FinancePleaserefertothearticleonpage20explainingthekeyneedofourCentralFundsandhowweshouldrespondtothisneed.Pleasealsorememberourfinancesatcongregationallevelfromwhichmostofourcentralfundingcomes. TheLordhasblesseduswithaspiritofgenerositybutpraythathewillcontinuetoprovidethefundsrequiredtoexpandthework.Wehaverequirements tosupportourMinistersandMissionariesadequately,tofinancebuildingprojectsandevangelismathome,
tohelpwithpracticalmissionfieldneeds.Rememberthe spiritualdimensionofgivingtotheLord.Wearetogivewillingly,cheerfully,andregularly,worshippingGodaswedoso.(1Cor16.1-4)TheMacedonians,whogavebeyond theirmeans,areanenduringexampletheyfirstgivethemselvestotheLord(2Cor8.1-15)
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The Editor will award a Book Token for the winning entry
MachA2Suo
Across1 SonofHaggith(8) 4 BuiltDavidahouse(6)7 BecameservantstoDavid(7)9 Stonesinthis(3)11 CityofPriests(3)12 Tired(5)14 Javelinhitthis(4)15 TorobtheseatKeilah(15)18 Notcold(3)19 Arkdweltwithin(8)21 Onemanthis,otherpoor(4)23 HewasaGilonite(10)
25 Slainwithalion(4)26 Usedtochasten(3)27 Ladgatheredthem(6)29 Priestsworeit(5) 30 Weaponofwar(5) 32 Measurementandsixcubits(4) 33 Apoormanhadone(7) 34 Pillowfromgoatsthis(4)
Down1 AJebusite(7)2 Abnersfather(3)3 Bethlehemite,lotsofsons(5)5 Heshearedhissheep(5)6 Bethlehem(11)8 Lunarphase(7)
10 Giant(7) 13 CaptainofHost(5) 15 Davidsagebeganreign(6) 16 Valley(4) 17 CaredforNabalssheep(9) 19 Youngmenescapedonthem(6) 20 Chosetypeofstones(6) 22 Hiramsentthesetrees(5) 23 Ahiowentbeforeit(3) 24 Jonathanssonlivedhere(7) 27 Withharrowsandsaws(4) 28 Theyshooktheark(4) 29 Garrisonspothere(4) 31 Inahorn(3)
Clues by Jim Leckey
1 PleasepostyourentrytotheEditortoarrive,weekcommencing30May.(Not
before!Validentriesmustbeposted)2 MarkyourenvelopeCrossword.3 TheEditorwillselectthefirstcorrectentryfromthebagasthewinner.
The2010seriesofCrosswordsistestingourknowledgeofsixmajorBiblecharacters.
No1wasMoses,No2Elijah.ForthelifeofDavidyoushouldstudytherelevantsectionsof1Samuel16.1-1Kings2.12whichcontainalltheclues.
A1
L T A R2
N3
E B A T4
S A D5
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T9
N W H10
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L12
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E S H J14
R15
E P16
A I R E D
T H17
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T B E R T18
W E L F T H
E I E19
L I S H A C E
R T C N E S
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I O
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E L V E I O L L
A T F30
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E E L G35
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The EP Crossword: DavidThe EP Crossword: David
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Church NewsChurch News
Obituary: Mr John McKinstry, Crumlinbituary: Mr John McKinstry, CrumlinJohnMcKinstry,anadherentoftheCrumlincongregationpassedawayon7January2010.ThroughouthislifehehadacloseassociationwithCrumlinchurch
butalthoughhewastaughtthetruthfromchildhoodhedidnotcometofaithuntil7yearsagowhenhisbrotherTommycontractedcancer.GodusedthistimeoftroubletobringbothmentoaknowledgeoftheSaviour.Johnsconversionmadeagreatdifferencetohislifeandhehadagoodtestimonyintheareathroughouthisremainingyears.InoneofhislastconversationswithDrAAWoolseyhesaidoftheBible:ThisistheonlycomfortIhave.ItwasthereforefittingthatinthestrangeprovidenceofGodhediedwithhisBibleinhislapandhisBiblenotesforthedayopenatPsalm90.12Teachustonumberourdays,thatwemayapplyourheartstowisdom.TheInterimModeratorpreachedonthistextathisfuneral.ThelargenumberofpeoplepresentwasatokenoftheesteeminwhichJohnwasheld.
Heissurvivedbyfoursisters,Maud,amemberofCrumlin EPC,VioletwholivesinCanadaandGladysandCarolwholiveinEngland.Onapurelypersonalnote,althoughIonlyknewJohnforashorttime,Ifoundhimanendearingcharacter.HewillbemissedbytheCrumlinChurchbutweknowweshallmeetagain. WCJBCJB
MissMayGinnfromourKnockcongregationcelebratedher100thBirthdayon13
th
February.ShecontinuestofinddailystrengthandcomfortinherLordandSaviour,JesusChrist.Althoughherhearingisntquitewhatitusedtobe,shelovestohearthePsalmsbeingreadaloud.Psalm92:13- 14ThosewhoareplantedinthehouseoftheLORDshallflourishinthecourtsofourGod.Theyshallstillbearfruitinoldage;theyshallbefreshandflourishing. RJJJJ
100th Birthday: Miss May Ginn, Knock00th Birthday: Miss May Ginn, Knock
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Groomsport EPCroomsport EPC
Spotlight on Societypotlight on SocietyProposed Bill of Rights for Northern Irelandroposed Bill of Rights for Northern IrelandTheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchbelievesthereisnoneedforaBillofRightsforNorthernIreland.AspartoftheEUandtheUKwehaveprotectionsalreadyfromvariouslegislationsanddirectives,NorthernIrelandhasfurtheradministrativearrangementsdesignedforthepurposeofensuringequalityandhumanrights. MorealarminglytheproposedBillofRightsappearsdrivenbythosewhoareopposedtoBiblicalChristianity,andthiscomesacrossinthedocumentitself.Itemphasisesdivision,andaddsunnecessaryadministrationandlegislation.WehavealreadyseensomeofitstermssuchastoleranceandmutualrespectusedagainstBiblebelievingchurches.Itsdesignunderminestheabsolutetruth
oftheWordofGod.AssuchwebelievethisBillofRightsisafurtherdeparturefromthesolidfoundationoftheWordofGod.Anysuchmovewillnotbeforthegoodofournationoranyofitspeople.Righteousnessexaltsanation,butsinisareproachtoanypeople.(Prov14.34)
Keswick at PortstewartJuly Bible Week Saturday 10 Friday 16 July 2010Bible study 11.00am Monday- Friday
Derek Thomas: First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MississippiCraig Dyer, Developmentofficer,ChristianityExploredPaul Williams, ChristChurch,Fullwood,Sheffieldwillsharetheeveningmeetingsat7.30pm.
EPC Moderator 2010PC Moderator 2010-111WecongratulateourEditor,Mr Harold Gibsonr Harold Gibson,onbecomingModeratorof
Presbytery.Weassurehimofourgoodwishesandprayersasheapplieshimselftothisdemandingrole.WehopetoprovideanarticleintheJul-Aug2010issue.
Weekend of Special Meetings: 14-16 May 2010 Speaker: Rev Tom McKendry, EMF
Friday 14May8.00pm From the Far Country to the Fathers House Luke15 Saturday15May 8.00pm From Instruction to Destruction Proverbs29 Sunday 16May11.30am From Fear to Faith Psalm34 Sunday 17May7.00pm From Works to Grace Ephesians2 All Welcome!
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Howattentiveareyoutotheannouncementsinchurchweekbyweek?Amidst
thewholevarietyofotheritemsishopefullysomethingabouttheCentralFund.Youmaybeperfectlyclearonwhatitisandthatsgreat,butperhapsyoureleftunsure.TheCentralFundisthechannelbywhichtheEPChaspaiditsMinisters.WorkingfromtheprinciplethatthestrongshouldhelptheweakeachofourchurchespaysintotheCentralFund,withsomepayingabovetherealcostoftheirministerandothersnotmeetingthatcostandbeingsubsidised.EachyearatargetissetthroughaninitialproposalfromtheFinanceCommitteeandbeingsubsequentlyagreedbyrespectiveDeaconsBoardsthroughPresbytery.Thereisaminimumtargetof60%ofthecostofaMinisteronpresentfiguresthisisaround19,000butatthislevelacongregationisreceivingasubstantial
subsidy,andnottoomanyofthesecanbefunded! WhatthenshouldbeyourattitudetotheCentralFundwhenyouhearofitintheannouncements?ClearlyitneedstobetheobjectiveofeachandeverycongregationtopaytheirMinisteratasensiblelevelandthroughtheCentralFund,topaytheirownway.TheaveragecostofaMinisterissomewherearound31,000forthisyearwithanewsalaryfigureof22,000andothercostsincludingemployersNationalInsurance,pensioncontributionsandtravelmakingupthedifference.OvertheyearstheFinanceCommitteehasbeenmindfuloftheneedtokeepthesalaryfigureatareasonablelevel,butfinancescanonlybestretchedsofar.ItcaneasilyappearthattheCentralFundisratherboringcomparedwithotherneedsthatseemmoreurgent,butrememberthatGodrequireshisservantstobeprovidedforandthatincallingamanacongregationiscommittingitselftodojustthat.WecanhardlyexpecttheblessingofourHeavenlyFatherupontheworkifwearenotgoingtoberesponsibleinourChristiangiving. OfcoursetheCentralFundisnottheonlycentralfinancialconcernwithintheEPC.EachyearwearecommittedtoprovidingoveroneandaquarterministerssalariestotheworkofmissionthroughtheRevsNormanReidandSidGarland.
Congregationsareexpectedtomeetthiscostfromlocalfunding.HowevernotallcongregationscontributeandashortfallovertheyearshasresultedinmoneybeingtakenfromtheCentralFund.OtherofferingsaretakenforreliefworkthroughtheHelptheNeedyAppealandthereareadditionalfundsraisedasidefromPresbyterythroughtheYPAProjectwhichhastouchedmanymissionneeds. WhatthenshouldyourresponsebetotheneedsofCentralFund?Onewayofcourse,inwhichgivingcanbemademoreefficientisbymakingfulluseofGiftAid.ThisistheschemefortaxpayerswherebytheGovernmentrecognisesthatmoniesgiventocharitiesarenolongeryourincomeandrefundsthetaxpaid
directlytothecharityconcerned.Thisissomethingworththinkingaboutandyourlocaltreasurerwillbedelightedtohelp!Wemustthankallwhohavefaithfullycommittedthemselvestothisneedovertheyears,butitmaybehelpfultothinkthroughyourgivingandtheresponsibilityyouhavebeforeGod.
What is that Central Fund Thing?What is that Central Fund Thing?Rev Stephen Rogerev Stephen Roger,Convener,FinanceCommittee,asksandanswersthequestion.
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Neil Campbell, Stranmillis ,eil Campbell, Stranmillis,reflectson9/11anditsvitalmessagefortoday.BasedonLetsRollbyLisaBeamerandKenAbraham,TyndaleHousePublishersInc,NTSBreports
Lets RollLets Roll
Areyouready?Okay.Letsroll!SpokenbyToddBeamertofellowpassengers,theseareamongthelastwordsheardfromUnitedAirlinesflight93onSeptember11,2001.UA93wasthefourthaircrafthijackedthatday.Thepassengersandremainingcrew(thepilotswerealreadydead)werewellawareofeventsatboththeWorldTradeCenterandthePentagonandthatmanyliveshadbeenlost.Theyweredeterminedthattheiraircraftwouldnotsufferthesamefate.ProbablyledbyToddBeamerandfellowpassengerJeremyGlick,andarmedwithboilingwater,afireaxeandacateringtrolleyseveralpassengersandcabincrewmountedadesperatecounterattackonthehijackers.Theplanwassimple,takebackcontroloftheaircraftormakesureitdidntreachitstarget.Thecockpitvoice
recorderrevealedsomethingofthestrugglethatfollowed.For twominutestheaircraftrolledviolentlybeforedivingintoafieldinPennsylvania.Itisnotclearwhetherthehijackerslostcontroloftheaircraftor,realisingthattheirevilplanhadbeenthwarted,deliberatelycrashedit.WhatisclearisthattheactionsofthepassengersandcrewpreventedanothermajorincidentthatdayandprobablysavedthelivesofmanyinWashington,thelikelytarget. Theeventsof9/11havecausedmanytoquestionGod;hisexistence,hislove,knowledgeandpowertocontrolevents.ToddandLisahadbeenmarriedonly7yearswithtwoyoungboysandathirdchildontheway.Toddwasasuccessfulsalesexecutive.BothwereChristians,activeintheirchurchandwithclearplansandgoalsfortheirlives.Butwritingintheaftermathofherpersonaltragedy,LisaBeamermakesitclearthatGodwasverymuchincontrolandverymuchatthecentreofeventsthatday.Priorto9/11bothToddandLisalivedlivesthatwereordinary,yetbothwereundersoundChristianinfluenceandexample.Althoughunawareofit,bothwerebeingpreparedfor9/11;Toddfortheeventsontheflightitself,LisatobeafaithfulwitnessforGodtomanyintheAmericanGovernmentandnationintheaftermath.BothfoundthatGodspromisesaretrue,outworkingeverythingforgoodforthosewholoveHim,whateverthecircumstances.
ForToddandLisathatdaystartedmuchlikeanyother.Butnoneofusknowswhatadaymaybring.EventsonboardUA93thatdayareasoberremindertoallofustoberightwithGod,tomakesurethatweareontheroadtothetrueGod,tomakeoursalvationsureandtobereadytogiveagoodaccountofourfaith.Areyoufollowingtherightpaththerewerefourhijackers,menwhodiedtrustinginafalsehope,believinginagodwhowouldbepleasedwithmurderanddestruction?Areyoureadyinthemiddleofanormalflightthetwopilotsweresuddenlyfacedwithdeath,withnotimetoprepare?Doyouthinkyouareallrighttherewerethosewho,facedwithgreatdangerandprospectofdeathsuddenlyfoundthey
werenotready,suddenlyfoundtruebeliefinGod?Thethingstheyhadlivedforatthatmomentbecameoflittlevalue.LastlytherewerepeoplelikeToddwhointhemidstofgreatdifficultywereabletowitnessfaithfullytootherstheywerereadyforheavenandwhatevertheoutcomeknewthatGodwouldcareforthem.
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Aseriesofonepagesummariesofthe33ChaptersoftheWestminsterConfession,withcommentwherespacepermits.PleasereadtheConfessionChapteritself!
Section 1ection 1 The Universality of the Day of Judgementhe Universality of the Day of JudgementGodhasfixedadayinwhichhewilljudgetheworldinrighteousnessbyJesusChristtowhomtheFatherhasgivencompleteauthorityandpower.Onthatday,aswellaseveryapostateangel,Christwillbringbeforehistribunaleverypersonwhohaseverlivedontheearth.Eachwillgiveanaccountinpersonofthethoughts,wordsandactionsoftheirlivesandwillthenreceiveagoodorevilverdict.Section 2ection 2 The Purpose and Outcome of the Day of Judgementhe Purpose and Outcome of the Day of JudgementGodspurposeinfixingthatdayistodisplaythegloryofhismercyintheeternalsalvationoftheelect,andthegloryofhisjusticeinthecondemnationofthe
reprobatefortheirwickednessanddisobedience.TherighteouswillthenenterintoeverlastinglifetoexperiencefullnessofjoyandrefreshingfromthepresenceoftheLord.Thewicked,whodonotknowGodandwhodonotobeytheGospel,willbeassignedtotheplaceofeverlastingpunishmentwheretheywillexperienceanguish,separatedfromthepresenceoftheLordandthegloryofhispower.Section 3ection 3 The Certainty of the Day of Judgement and the Uncertainty of its Timehe Certainty of the Day of Judgement and the Uncertainty of its Time Christwouldhaveeveryoneconvincedoftheabsolutecertaintyofthatcomingdaytodeterthemfromsinandtocomfortthegodlyinadversity.ButhehashiddenthetimeoftheSecondComingandtheDayofJudgementthatno-one
wouldbelulledintofalsesecurity,andthatallwouldbevigilant,alwayslookingforward,alwayspraying:Come,LordJesus,comequickly.Amen.ItisnotablethatChapter33touchesontheSecondComingonlyinSection3whereitbindsittotheDayofJudgement.ItpresentsthegreatfactthatthehouroftheLordsreturnisunknownasablessing,sinceitexposestemporalsecurityandstimulatesconstant,forward-lookingwatchfulnessandpreparation.TheConfessionsemphasisisonthepersonalissuesinvolvedeverypersonwillhaveasearchingexaminationatthegreattribunalandwillreceiveapersonalgoodorevilverdict,theimplementationofwhichistheirrevocable,consciousand
everlastingexperienceoftheblissofheavenortheanguishofhell.ItissurelyinstructivethattheConfessionendsonanotethatissostronglyevangelistic,incorporatingthewarningsthatareanintegralpartoftheGospel.
There is in thechurch the ceaselessactivity of theHoly Spirit so that thechurchorganicallyandcorporatelyincreasesinknowledgeuntothemeasureofthestatureofthefulnessofChrist.TheprogressivecorrectionandenrichmentthatthepromiseandpresenceoftheHolySpiritinsureshouldfindembodimentina confessionthatis theprecipitateof thechurchs faith.NoConfessionin thehistory of the churchexemplifiesthismorepatentlythantheWestminsterConfession.It istheepitomeofthemostmaturethoughttowhichthechurchofChristhadbeenleduptotheyear
1646.Butarewetosupposethatthisprogressionceasedwiththatdate?Toaskthequestionistoanswerit.Anaffirmativeistoimpugnthecontinued graceofwhichtheWestminsterConfessionisitselfanexampleatthetimeofitswriting.ThereismorelighttobreakforthfromthelivingandabidingWordofGod(JohnMurray,CW4.242)
Faith and LifeFaith and LifeThe Last JudgementThe Last JudgementCF 33
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R B JonesB JonesGospelMinistryinTurbulentTimesGospelMinistryinTurbulentTimesNoel Gibbard,BryntirionPress,2009,Paperback,12.99
ManypeoplebelievethattheWelshRevivalof1904wasledbyoneman;thiswasprobablycausedbymediacoverageatthetime.Whileitistruethat,intheprovidenceofGod,EvanRobertswasusedtobringaboutthefullblazeofrevival,severalmenwereusedofGodthroughoutWalespreparingthewaybeforeandcontinuingteachingafter.OnesuchmanwasRhysBevanJones.BornintoaChristianfamilyin1869andlivinginindustrialSouthWales,hebecameaChristianattheageoftwelveandlater,afteraperiodinBibleCollege,enteredtheministryatthe
beginningof1893. AlthoughhehadasuccessfulministryRBJonesrealisedheneededacloserwalkwithGodandin1903hadanexperienceoftheHolySpiritwhichcompletelychangedhislifeandministry,andpreparedhimfortherevivalsoontocome.ThepeoplesoonrealisedsomethinghadhappenedtoRB.Therewasanewpowerinhispreaching,moreprominencewasgiventoprayerandevangelism. Hewasnotalone,withoutanycollusionseveralotheryoungministershadsimilarexperiences,becameawareoftheholinessofGodandhiscalltosolemnservice.Inearly1904RBJonesbeganpreachingtoursinSouthandNorthWales,preparingthegroundforthecomingrevivalandalwaysinsistingonthecentralityofpreachingtheword. ForthenextthirtyyearshewasaleadingfigureinChristiancirclesinWales,EnglandandinUSA,LatviaandRussia.HepreachedatmanyconventionsincludingKeswickandLlandrindod(KeswickinWales)andheldmanyevangelisticcampaigns.HebecameeditorandcontributorofaWelshevangelicalmagazine.HeinstigatedanevangelisticoutreachusingaGospelVan,ahorsedrawnvehicletoreachremoteareas.MaybehismostnotableworkwasthefoundingofaBibleTrainingSchoolforthosewishingtogointoChristianwork,bothmenandwomen.
Studentswentontobecomeministersandmissionariesaroundtheworld. ThroughoutthistimehehadtheresponsibilityofbeingaChurchMinisteratvariouschurchesinSouthWalesandfrom1919untilhisdeathin1933hewastheministeratTabernacle,Porth.Heshowed,particularlyduringthelast30yearsofhislifethatitispossibletoburnthecandleatbothendsandthusgivetwicethelightintheserviceofthekingdomofGod.HewrotetoafellowministerinApril1903O,istherenotaneedforustobefilledwiththeSpirit?IbelievethatthereisatideinGodswiseprovidence,andifwearecaughtupinitsfloodwewillbecarriedontogreatsuccessinourwork.ThiswascertainlytrueforRBJones.
YoumayhavetostrugglethroughsomeWelshplacenamesandsomeWelshphrases(usuallytranslatedintoEnglish)butwecanlearnalotaboutevangelicaloutreachandthespiritualbuildingupoftheChurchfromthisbook. Mike Jay
Book ReviewsBook Reviews
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New electronic book tokens are now available for saleand can be exchanged at the shop.The Westminster Assembly Dr Robert Letham 18.9913.99ReadingItsTheologyinHistoricalContext"HavinggreatlyenjoyedBobLetham'sbooksonTheWorkOfChristandTheHolyTrinity,I'mlookingforwardtoreadingthis."JohnGrierI Wish Someone W ould Explain Hebrews to Me! Stuart Olyott 7.50 5.50Ifyou'veeverthoughtthat,thisisthebookforyou...StuartOlyott,eminentBibleteacher,explainsandappliesthebookofHebrewstotheordinaryChristian,assimplyandbrieflyasthesubjectmatterallows.Handbook Of Church Discipline Jay Adams 9.997.50Abookthatcouldcausearevolutioninourchurchesifitweretobeputintopractice,anessentialreadandreferencemanualforeverychurchleaderwhowantstobeafaithfulshepherdoftheLord'sflock.Johnny Cornflakes Denise George 7.99 5.99AStoryaboutLovingtheUnlovedAheart-warmingtalebasedonfact,whichwillstrikeachordwiththosewhoministeronthefringesofsociety,andchallengetheconsciencesoftherestofus.From the Resurrection To His Return Don Carson 2.992.25 Alittlebookwithabigmessage:howtolivefaithfullyintheselastdays,nothangingoninquietdesperation,butboldlyapplyingGod'swordtoalloflife.48ppWhy We Love the Church Kevin DeYoung & 9.99 8.50InPraiseofInstitutionsandOrganizedReligion Ted KluckTheauthorsofWhyWe'reNotEmergenthavewrittenanothergreatbook,thistimepresentingthecaseforlovingyourlocalchurch.
Gospel In Life Tim Keller StudyGuide 7.99 5.99GraceChangesEverything Leader'sPack:DVD+StudyGuide23.9917.998-sessionvideo-basedcoursebyrenownedNewYorkpastorTimKeller,onhowtolivetheGospeloutineverydaylife.How Long, O Lord? Don Carson Halfprice!12.99 6.50ReflectionsOnSufferingandEvil(2ndedition)inthisneweditionofanexcellent,widelyappreciatedstudy,DonCarsonaddressestheissueofevilandsufferingwithsensitivity,pastoralconcernandbiblicalinsight.The Gospel in Genesis Martyn Lloyd-Jones 7.00 5.25FromFigLeavestoFaith9previouslyunpublishedsermonsonGenesischapters3-12.Ifyouveeverasked,WhyamIthewaythatIam?Whyislifesohard?Isthereanyhope?,youllfindanswers in this classic Lloyd-Jones volume
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