The Evangelical Presbyterian - January-February 2010

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    JanuaryJanuary--February 2010February 2010

    The EverThe Ever--Rolling StreamRolling Stream

    The Road to NowhereThe Road to Nowhere

    JanuaryJanuary--February 2010February 2010 -- 1.501.50

    TheThe

    EvangelicaEvangelicallPresbyteriaPresbyteriann

    The Unsearchable Riches of ChristThe Unsearchable Riches of Christ

    Meet one of our MembersMeet one of our Members

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    Editor HaroldGibson

    'Stockbridge'2BarronstownCourtDROMOREBT251FB

    [email protected]

    Subscriptions2010

    Collected 9.00

    BypostwithinUK10.80BypostoutsideUK14.80

    Enquiriesto:EvangelicalBookShop(Seebackpageforcontactdetails)

    TakeNoteTakeNoteAShifting,ChangingWorldAShifting,ChangingWorldAShifting,ChangingWorldAShifting,ChangingWorld

    CHSpurgeoninasermonentitledGodswillabouttheFuturespokeofthisshifting,

    changingworld.Historyshouldteachus

    thatverylittleremainsthesame.Aswe

    reflectonthepastdecade,thenoughties

    astheyhavebeendubbed,themajorityof

    usfindourselvesindifferentsituationsand

    circumstancesatthebeginningof2010

    thanwewereinJanuary2000.

    Family,workandchurchsituationshave

    changedformanyofusinthelastdecade.

    Weliveinacultureofchangeandtheyear

    thatliesaheadwillbesuretobringmore

    change.ItiselectionyearintheUnited

    Kingdomandifallthepoliticalpunditsare

    correctthiswillbringachangeofGovernment

    atWestminster.

    Therearehowever,somethingsthat

    neverchange.Christianpeoplehavea

    hopeandassurancethatgivesthem

    stabilityandpeaceinthistroubledworld.

    Godisourrefuge,heistheonewhodoes

    notchange.HisWordistrueandwillnever

    passaway.JesusChrististhesame

    yesterday,todayandforever.Heis

    buildinghischurchandthegatesofhellwillnotprevailagainstit.Thisistheconfidence

    withwhichtheLordspeoplefacethefuture.

    Ourpresentdutyistoworkforthe

    Masterwhileitisdayforthenightiscoming

    whennomancanwork.OnlyGodknows

    thefutureandhehaspromisedtobewith

    hispeopleuntotheendoftheage.

    TakeNote:ItheLorddonotchange.

    (Mal3.6)

    CoverPhotograph

    ThesouthfaceofMountRobson

    (3,954m),thehighestpointintheCanadianRockies.ItislocatedinMountRobsonProvincialPark.oneofCanadasWorldHeritageSites.

    TheEvangelicalPresbyterianispublishedbi-monthlybythePresbyteryoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch.

    Pleasevisit:Pleasevisit:Pleasevisit:Pleasevisit:www.epcni.org.ukwww.epcni.org.ukwww.epcni.org.ukwww.epcni.org.uk

    Finance AnyonewishingtohelptheChurchsworkmaysendtheirgift

    totheFinanceCommittee,C/o:RevJSRoger16HuntingdaleBALLYCLAREBT399XB

    ThechurchcanbenefitfromtheGiftAidGiftAidGiftAidGiftAidschemefromtaxpayersdonations.Pleaseaskfordetails.

    Policy TheviewsexpressedarethoseoftheEditorandContributorswhichareunderstoodtoreflectthetheologicalpositionoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch

    CopyDeadline

    1stofmonthpriortopublication

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    JanuaryJanuary--February 2010February 2010

    HaroldGibsonHaroldGibsonHaroldGibsonHaroldGibsonHaroldGibsonHaroldGibsonHaroldGibsonHaroldGibsonreflectsonourprioritiesanduseoftimeaswebeginanotheryear.

    TheEverTheEver--RollingStreamRollingStream

    2010hasarrivedandthefirstdecadeofthe21stcenturyisnowhistory.Weremembervividlythechangefrom1999to2000andallthewarningsaboutapossibleglobalshutdowntechnologicalmeltdown,aircraftfallingoutoftheskyandvariousotherscarypredictionsthat(thankfully)nevercametopass. Timeislikenedtoanever-rollingstreaminthewellknownhymnOurGod,ourhelpinagespast.Itflowsonandwithitspassingbringsusonestepnearerthefinishingline.TheBiblehasmuchtosayabouttimeandouruseofitinthislifeandatthebeginningofaNewYearwepausetoreflectontheseimportanttruths.

    TimeisinGodsHandTimeisinGodsHandTimeisinGodsHandTimeisinGodsHandTimeisinGodsHandTimeisinGodsHandTimeisinGodsHandTimeisinGodsHandIntodaysbusyworldmuchofourtimeistakenupwithworkandfamilycommitmentsbutwealsohaveafairamountoffreeandleisuretime.(Theleisureindustryisabigemployerinsocietytoday.)Yetitistruetosaythatwehavenotimebecauseultimatelytimedoesnotbelongtous.Psalm31.15remindsusMytimesareinyourhand.JobsaidtheLordgivesandtheLordtakesaway.Wedonotknowwhatadaywillbring.JohnCalvinscommentonPsalm31saysLord,itisyourprerogativeandyoualonehavethepowertodisposeofbothmylifeandmydeath.

    Thereisatimetobebornandatimetodie.Godisabovetime,heiseternalbutintervenesintime.WhenthetimehadcomeGodsentforthhisSon.Godstimingisalwaysperfect.TherearethosewhoscoffatGodspromisesconcerningtimebutPetertellsusthatwiththeLordonedayisasathousandyearsandathousandyearsasoneday.

    TimeistobeusedWiselyTimeistobeusedWiselyTimeistobeusedWiselyTimeistobeusedWiselyTimeistobeusedWiselyTimeistobeusedWiselyTimeistobeusedWiselyTimeistobeusedWisely ThePsalmistremindsusofthebrevityoflifeandtheneedtonumberourdays

    andapplyourheartsuntowisdom.PaulwritingtotheEphesianssayswearetoredeemthetimeandmakethemostofeveryopportunity.Jamestellsusthatlifeislikeavapourthatappearsforalittletimeandthenvanishesaway. TheimplicationsofmanyoftheparablesthatJesustoldareforthefollowersofChristtobeengagedintheworkoftheKingdomofGod.Wearetoldtoworkwhileitisdayfornightcomeswhennomancanwork!Inthismodernworlditissoeasytofritterawayourtime.Thehoursspentwatchingtelevisionandgenerallybeingentertainedisstaggering.HowisitthatmanyChristianscanfindtimefortelevisionandthetheatrebutcanhardlyspareacoupleofhoursinthe

    weekforworshipandcanneverseemtofindthetimetopray?SomeyearsagoabookbyNeilPostman,AmusingourselvestoDeathrightlycapturedthespiritoftheage.CHSpurgeoninasimilarveinsaidthechurchwastofeedthesheep,nottoentertainthegoats.

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    ChristiansaretobecharacterisedbyaseriousnessinmatterseternalandaretobealwaysaboundingintheworkoftheLord.Ahymnremindsus:TheresaworkforJesus,nonebutyoucando.Wearetobuyupeveryopportunityandmakefulluseofthetimewehavegotleftinthisworld.

    TimewillcometoanEndTimewillcometoanEndTimewillcometoanEndTimewillcometoanEndTimewillcometoanEndTimewillcometoanEndTimewillcometoanEndTimewillcometoanEnd

    ThedisciplesaskedJesuswhenshalltheendbe?andmanyareaskingtodayhowshallitallend?ListentothediscussionsonTVandradioonthissubjectandyouwillfindallsortsofideasandtheoriespresentedastohowandwhentheworldmightend.DrLloyd-Jonespreachingon2Peter3.8-9said:Itisobviouslynotadateonacalendar,itiswhentheGospelshallhavebeenpreachedtoallnationsandamongallpeoplethencomeththeend.

    1

    TheworldlivesasthoughitwillgoonforeverbutadayiscomingwhenourLordwillreturnandeveryeyeshallseehimandtimeshallbenomore.Thisisstillthedayofgraceandopportunitytopreachandevangeliseandtomakedisciplesofallnations.AswestandatthebeginningofanewyearthechallengetobringtheGospeltoourfamily,friendsandneighboursconfrontsus.Paultoldustomakethemostoftimebecausethedaysareevil. Theendwillcomeasitisappointedformentodieonce(Heb9.27),andafterthisthejudgement.WewillallstandbeforeGodonedayandgiveaccountofourlives.Thatwillincludeouruseoftime.TheApostlePeterremindsusthatwearetoliveourliveswithananticipationofthedaywhenChristshallreturn.Hecallsitthatblessedhope.AmidstallthetrialsanddifficultiesofthislifeGodspeople

    arecalledtoperseverelookingforwardtothesethings,bediligenttobefoundbyhiminpeace,withoutspotandblameless. Theever-rollingstreambearsallitssonsaway,onegenerationpassestothenextanditisourcallingtoworkforJesuswhileitisstillday.Whatareyourprioritiesfor2010?

    Onlyonelife,Itwillsoonbepast,

    OnlywhatsdonefortheMaster

    Willlast.1ExpositorySermonson2Peter,DMLloyd-Jones,BannerofTruth,1983.

    OurSpiritualHealthOurSpiritualHealthOurSpiritualHealthOurSpiritualHealthOurSpiritualHealthOurSpiritualHealthOurSpiritualHealthOurSpiritualHealthSomethoughtsfromAWTozerSomethoughtsfromAWTozerSomethoughtsfromAWTozerSomethoughtsfromAWTozerSomethoughtsfromAWTozerSomethoughtsfromAWTozerSomethoughtsfromAWTozerSomethoughtsfromAWTozer

    SevenareasSevenareasSevenareasSevenareasofselfexaminationthatrevealthequalityofourspiritualhealth:

    Whatwemostwant whatwemostthinkabout howweuseourmoney

    whatwedowithourleisuretime thecompanyweenjoy whomandwhatweadmire andwhatwelaughat.

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    JanuaryJanuary--February 2010February 2010

    Sadly,whetheritbepeoplefleeingnaturaldisasterslikethecycloneinBurmaorthechaosandeconomicbreakdownofplaceslikeZimbabwe,wearealltoofamiliarwiththesightofrefugees.Andbecauseofthat,wecaneasilyidentifywiththeopeningsceneofthebookofRuth.Aman,leavingthedifficultiesofhishomelandbehindhim,fleeingtoanotherland,tobuildabetterlifeforhimselfandhisfamily.ThebookofRuthistuckedawayintheOTScriptures,squeezedbetweentwobetterknownbooksandyoucouldeasilymissit,asyouturnfromtheactionofJudgestothecontinuingdramaof1Samuel.Butdespiteitssize,thebookof

    Ruthhasalottosayandwearegoingtoexploreitsdepthstogether.

    11111111 RoadtoNowhereRoadtoNowhereRoadtoNowhereRoadtoNowhereRoadtoNowhereRoadtoNowhereRoadtoNowhereRoadtoNowhereAsweturntotheseopeningverses,therearethreebasiclessonsthatweneedtolearn.Firstly,theroadtonowhereispavedwithpromises.IntheyearsimmediatelyfollowingWWII,manyleftBritainwithitsrationingandwardamage,andemigratedtothedominionsofCanada,AustraliaandNewZealand,inthehopeofsomethingbetter.Andaschapteroneopens,wefindElimelechdoingsomethingsimilar.Understandablereasons....Nowitisimportantthatwerealizethatheisleavingfor

    understandablereasons.ThisisthetimeoftheJudgesandthereisafamineintheland.(1.1ESV)TheperiodoftheJudgesisbestsummedupbythephrasethatEveryonedidwhatwasrightinhisowneyes(Jud.21.25ESV)Therewasthisrepeatedcycleofrebellion,judgement,repentanceanddeliverance.ThisisElimelechsworldandthefactthatthereisafamine,indicatesthatthisisaperiodofjudgement.SohedecidestoleaveBethlehem,whichmeanshouseofbread,becausethereisnobreadtobefoundthere. YoucanunderstandingElimelechsreasoningcantyou?Especially,whenyoubearinmindwhereheisgoingto.HeisgoingtothecountryMoab(v1),literally

    thefieldsofMoab.Conjuresupapictureoffertilityandprosperitydoesntit?Notquiteassimple....Butwhilstwemightbeabletoidentifywithhischoices,wemustalsorealizethatthingsarenotquiteassimpleastheyseem.Thinkaboutthecountryheisleaving.Forallitsdifficulties,thisisthePromisedLand.Evenwiththefamine,itisstilltheonecornerofthisworldthatYahwehclaimstobepeculiarlyhisown,butElimelechisleaving!Thinkalsoaboutthecountryheisgoingto.Yes,Moabisgreenandfertile,butitisapaganland.Alandofvilefertilitycults.Acruellandthathadsought,todominateIsrael,butthisiswhereElimelechisgoing!Thisiswhereheishopingtoraisehisyoungfamily! Thereissomethingwronghere.Yes,Moabhasalotgoingforit.Itpromisesmuch,butitisaroadtonowhere,becauseElimelechistakinghisfamilyoutofthesphereofblessing.Inthisregardheisawarningtous.Aswetraversethenarrow

    TheRoadtoNowhereTheRoadtoNowhereRevAndrewLucasRevAndrewLucasRevAndrewLucasRevAndrewLucasRevAndrewLucasRevAndrewLucasRevAndrewLucasRevAndrewLucas,Omagh,beginsasix-partseriesonRuth.

    Part1:TheRoadtoNowhere(1.1-5)IstheLordKingofourlives?

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    anddifficultpathoftheChristianlife(Matt7.13-14),thegreenandfertilefieldsoftheworldareofteninview,andtheyholdoutthepromiseofabetter,easierlifeandwearetemptedbywhatwesee.Ratherironically,thenameElimelechmeanssomethinglikeGodismyKing,buttheLordisntKingofElimelechslifeashemakeshisdecisiontoleave.Whataboutus?IstheLordKingofourlives,directingthechoicesthatwemakeinlifeorarewemoreinfluencedbythegreenandfertilefieldsoftheworld?

    22222222 LifesKnocksLifesKnocksLifesKnocksLifesKnocksLifesKnocksLifesKnocksLifesKnocksLifesKnocksSotheroadtonowhereispavedwithpromises.Secondly,therearelessonstobelearnedfromlifesknocks.Therearealwaysconsequencestoouractions,whetherforgoodorill.Notsolongagoa67yearoldman,decidedtotakeashortcutacrossatidalestuaryinDevon.Buthegotintotroubleandbegantosinkintothequicksand.Bythetimethecoastguardreachedhim,hehadsunkuptohiswaist!

    Permanentstay....AndthereareconsequencestoElimelechschoices.Onebeingthatatemporarystaybecomespermanent.Inv1wearetoldthathewentto

    sojourninthecountryofMoab,whichmayimplythatinitiallyatleast,Elimelechonlyintendedtostaytemporarily,perhapsuntilthefaminepassed.Butinthenextverseweread,TheywentintothecountryofMoabandremainedthere.NowElimelechmaynothavemadeaconsciousdecisiontostaypermanently,butyoucanunderstandhowithappened.TheymovetoMoabandbegintoputdownrootsandbeforetheyknowit,theyearshavejustdriftedby.Missedopportunity....NowElimelechsreasonformovingwastoescapedisaster,butsadlydisastercatchesupwithhiminthegreenandfertilefieldsofMoab.Havingleftalandofwant,hediesinalandofplenty(v3).Wecanimaginethedevastatingimpacthisdeathmusthavehaduponhisfamily,butinanothersensethisisaheavensentopportunity.Itisanopportunityforthemasksomeveryimportantquestions,aboutwhytheirplansforabetterlifehavebeenfrustrated?Itprovidesthemwithanopportunitytomakebetterchoicesandtoreturnhome.ButElimelechslovedonesdontseemtoaskthosekindofquestions.Infacttheyputdownevendeeperroots,becausehissonstakewivesfromamongsttheMoabites(v4). ButthissadrerunofElimelechsbadchoiceshasgreatmotivatingpotential.Whichoneofuswantstoseeourchildrenmakingbadchoices?Badchoicesthat

    theyhavelearnedfromus.Well,theanswerisnottomakethosebadchoicesinthefirstplace.Theansweristosetourchildrenagoodexamplebyonlymakingbiblicallyinformedchoices.Wealsoneedtoshowthemhowtolearnfromlifesknocks.Thatdoesntmeanthatwheneversomethinggoesseriouslywrong,itisanindicationthatwehavemadeabadchoiceandthattheLordisdealingwithus.Butitisanopportunitytositdownandtoaskourselvessomeimportantquestions,andwherenecessarytoacknowledgeourmistakesandtocorrectthembymakingChristhonouringchoices.

    33333333 EndoftheRoadEndoftheRoadEndoftheRoadEndoftheRoadEndoftheRoadEndoftheRoadEndoftheRoadEndoftheRoad

    Soweneedtolearnfromlivesknocks.Ourfinallessonisthattheendoftheroadissometimesthebeginningofhope.SometimesthingsreallydogofrombadtoworseandthatwasthecasewithElimelechswifeNaomi.Havinglostherhusband,shenowloseshersons(v5).

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    JanuaryJanuary--February 2010February 2010

    Itsonethingafteranother.WhatabittermomentthisisinNaomislife.Havinglosteverything,sheisnowfarfromhome,withonlyhertwoMoabitedaughters-in-lawforcompany.Butinactualfactthisisaturningpointinherlife.HopeisbeginningtodawnandtheLordisonthemove.Shortly,shewillreceivenewsthatwillencouragehertomaketherightchoiceandtoreturntothelandofblessing.

    Nowwemightaskwhythiscouldnthavehappenedearlier?CouldnttheLordhavebroughtNaomitohersensesbeforethis?Well,theLordisthebestphysicianofoursoulsandheknowswhenthetimingisright.Sometimesheallowsustorunwithoursinfulchoicesforawhileandtosuffertheconsequences.Sometimesheallowsustogoalongway-awaybeforehereelsusbackin,andsometimesithastobethatway,becauseitisonlywhenwehavegonetotheextremities,thatwearethenreadytobebroughtback.Thinkoftheprodigal.Itwasonlywhenthemoneyhadrunoutandhewaseatingthepigsleftovers,thathewasreadytoreturnhome.(Luke15.16-17).ThesameistrueforNaomi.Onlynow,whenshehasreachedtheendoftheroad,isshereadytosetoutontheroadhome.Andeventhough

    shedoesntrealizeit,theLordisalreadyatworkinherlifeandthereishopeattheendoftheroad. WecanallfindthegreenandfertilefieldsofMoabattractive.Wearealltemptedbytheprospectofaneasierandmorecomfortablelife.Wecanallmakebadchoicesandstrayintoaforeignland,butthewonderfulthingisthatourLordJesusChristoncewentintoaself-imposedexile.Heoncewentalong,longway-awayfromhomeintoaforeignandhostileland,andhedidsoinordertogiveushopeattheendoftheroadandtobringusbackhome.Amen...

    TheSpiritofthePuritansTheSpiritofthePuritansTheSpiritofthePuritansTheSpiritofthePuritans

    NorthernIrelands3rdReformedBibleConferenceNorthernIrelands3rdReformedBibleConferenceNorthernIrelands3rdReformedBibleConferenceNorthernIrelands3rdReformedBibleConference

    Saturday13February2010Saturday13February2010Saturday13February2010Saturday13February2010LisburnCongregationalChurchLisburnCongregationalChurchLisburnCongregationalChurchLisburnCongregationalChurch

    WhatcanChristianslearnfromthePuritans?WhatcanChristianslearnfromthePuritans?WhatcanChristianslearnfromthePuritans?WhatcanChristianslearnfromthePuritans?WhatcanChristianslearnfromthePuritans?WhatcanChristianslearnfromthePuritans?WhatcanChristianslearnfromthePuritans?WhatcanChristianslearnfromthePuritans?

    DrJoelBeekeDrJoelBeekeDrJoelBeekeDrJoelBeeke PuritanReformedTheologicalSeminary,GrandRapids,USA

    DrJosephPipaDrJosephPipaDrJosephPipaDrJosephPipa GreenvilleSeminary,MountOlive,USA

    10.00-11.00 PuritansandtheChristianSabbathPuritansandtheChristianSabbathPuritansandtheChristianSabbathPuritansandtheChristianSabbath DrPipaDrPipaDrPipaDrPipa

    11.00-11.30 TeaandCoffeeBreak

    11.30-12.30 PuritansandtheFamilyPuritansandtheFamilyPuritansandtheFamilyPuritansandtheFamily DrBeekeDrBeekeDrBeekeDrBeeke

    12.30-13.30 Lunch(bringyourown)TeaandCoffeeprovided

    13.30-14.30 BiographyofWilliamPerkinsBiographyofWilliamPerkinsBiographyofWilliamPerkinsBiographyofWilliamPerkins DrPipaDrPipaDrPipaDrPipa

    14.30-15.00 TeaandCoffeeBreak

    15.00-16.00 ConferenceSermonConferenceSermonConferenceSermonConferenceSermon DrBeekeDrBeekeDrBeekeDrBeeke

    BookstallBookstallBookstallBookstall FreewillOfferingFreewillOfferingFreewillOfferingFreewillOffering

    Contact: RevAndrewLucasRevAndrewLucasRevAndrewLucasRevAndrewLucas 02882246153028822461530288224615302882246153

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    MeetoneofourMembers!MeetoneofourMembers! HughCrawford,OmaghHughCrawford,Omagh

    HughCrawfordwasbornon23November1919inathatched

    cottagebetweenGortinandNewtownstewart,CoTyrone.Hewasanonlychildashismother,Josephine,diedfrompost-natalcomplicationstendaysafterhewasbornandoneweekshortofher21

    stbirthday.Hughsfathermovedawaytoworkand

    hesawhimonlyinfrequently.Hediedwhenstillayoungman.

    EarlyYearsEarlyYearsEarlyYearsEarlyYearsEarlyYearsEarlyYearsEarlyYearsEarlyYearsHughsmaternalgrandmother,RebeccaMitchell,broughthimupwithherfamilyinDrumlea,aboutthreemilesontheothersideofGortin.Shewasofold,staunchPresbyterianstock

    andtaughtherfamilytheWordofGod.EverySundaytheywalkedthethreemilestoGortinPresbyterianChurch,settingoutonlyaftergivingaffirmativeanswerstothequestions:HaveyougotyourBible,yourPsalmBookandyourCatechism?(theShorter).Iftheycomplainedabouttherainherrejoinderwas,Thequickeryougo,thelessofityouwillget!HughattendedDrumleaPrimarySchool.Itwasadifficulttimeforfamiliesasthehungrythirties,tookitstoll.Herememberswellliftingpotatoesandcabbageduringhisprimaryschoolyears.Hewassavedatachildrenscottagemeetingwhenhewasaboutfourteen.

    FirstJobFirstJobFirstJobFirstJobFirstJobFirstJobFirstJobFirstJobHughleftschoolwhenhewas14andgotajobinalocalgroceryshop,thebeginningofalifetimeintheretailtrade.Hedidaneggcollectingrun,drivenaroundinanoldBedfordvan.HetellshowawomaninaremoteplaceatthebackoftheSperrinMountainsusedtoaskhimtodropoffacontainerofwaterwithhersister,threemilesawayShelikesourspringwater.ItwasalwayswellsealedandwhenHughandhisdriverbecamesuspicioustheyfounditwaspoteen,andatthetimeCustomsofficialswerescouringthecountryforitsproducersandtraffickers!

    WorkingandWorshippinginBelfastWorkingandWorshippinginBelfastWorkingandWorshippinginBelfastWorkingandWorshippinginBelfastWorkingandWorshippinginBelfastWorkingandWorshippinginBelfastWorkingandWorshippinginBelfastWorkingandWorshippinginBelfast

    AfterabouteightyearsinDrumleatheshop-keepersoldupandHughwenttoworkinBelfast.Oneday,duringhisfirstweek,theusualmorningdeliveryoflettucefailed,sotheownerdresseduptheleft-overstockfromthepreviousdaytomakeitlookthepart.However,awomancustomeraskedHughdirectlywhetherthelettucewasfreshandwhenheadmitteditwasnt,shedidntbuy.OnFridaynighthegothispayandhiscards.TheownersaidthatChristianitywasfinebutwehadtobepractical!HemovedthentoStewartsCashStoresontheBeersbridgeRoad,theStewartsthatwaseventuallytakenoverbyTesco. SomeoneinvitedHughtoOldparkPresbyterianandtohisdismayhewas

    usheredtothethirdrowfromthefrontofthepackedChurch.TwoyoungmeninvitedhimtocomeonSundayeveningandtostayfortheChristianEndeavourwherehefoundabout150present.Hehadalastingfriendshipwithoneofthetwoyoungmenandkeptincontactwithhimuntilhisdeathin2007.

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    BacktoOmaghBacktoOmaghBacktoOmaghBacktoOmaghBacktoOmaghBacktoOmaghBacktoOmaghBacktoOmaghHughreturnedtoOmaghin1946,havingbeeninBelfastformostoftheSecondWorldWar.Hisgrandmotherdiedsoonafterandtheoldhomefellintodisuse,buthehasacleartestimonyabouthischildhoodinit:Thoughfather,mother,bothmeleave,TheLordmeupwilltake.(Ps27.10)HughjoinedCAAnderson,ageneral,provincialstoreinOmagh,in1946asaJuniorAssistantandworkedtherefor44

    yearsuntilhisretirementin1989.Hemanagedtheshopduringhislasttwentyyears.Anderson'swasbombedseveraltimesduringthetroubles.Onedaynearclosingtime,theyardmaninformedHughthatacarhadbeenleftatthebackandthedriverhadfailedtoreturn.AsHughandtheyardmanwerepushingthecaroutthepolicearrivedandtoldthemthattherewasa500lbbombinit!Thattime,itwasdefused.

    FamilyLifeFamilyLifeFamilyLifeFamilyLifeFamilyLifeFamilyLifeFamilyLifeFamilyLifeAround1955HughmetEthelMcCallonfromSionMillsthroughmeetingstheybothattendedandtheymarriedinFebruary1957.Theironlychild,Sandra,wasborninDecember.ShewassavedataCEFmeetinginheryouth.In1984Sandramarried

    WilliamWorkman,amissionworkerwiththeIrishMissionofthePresbyterianChurchinIreland,andbasedmainlyinAthy.SandradiedafteralongbattlewithcancerinAugust2009,buttheLordenabledhertoremainactiveinhisserviceformuchofherillness.Itwasaprivilegeformanytoprayforher.Ethelhaddied,afterasimilarillness,inJune1995.HughremainsthankfultotheLordforblessinghimwithagoodwife,alovelydaughterandaveryhappyfamilylife.

    TheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchTheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchTheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchTheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchTheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchTheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchTheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchTheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchHughsettledinalocalchurchonhisreturntoOmaghin1946.HetaughtSundayschoolfor20yearsuntiltheMinisterupheldcomplaintsfromparentsaboutHughspeakingtothechildrenabouttheneedtobesaved.OmaghReformedEvangelicalChurch,whichemergedfromOmaghFPChurch,integratedintotheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchin1982.HughjoineditwhenitmovedtoitsnewbuildingontheMountfieldRoadin1990.HewaselectedaDeaconin1991andanElderin1992.HebecameClerkofSessionin1992whichwassignificantforHughsfamilyhistory.TherehadalwaysbeenaHughCrawfordinthefamilysincethe

    1700sandtheyhadallbeenClerkofSession.AsthelastHughCrawfordinthelineheisthankfultocarryontheClerkofSessionfamilytradition.Hehasbeenareaderofgoodbooksandmagazinesallhislife.

    AWordofThanksAWordofThanksAWordofThanksAWordofThanksAWordofThanksAWordofThanksAWordofThanksAWordofThanksHughwishestoexpresshissincerethankstotheOmaghcongregation,tothemembersofPresbyteryandtohisotherChristianfriendsfortheirfriendship,love,prayersandsupport,especiallyduringtherecentyearsoffamilysicknessand

    bereavement.Hecelebratedhis90th

    birthdayon23November2009atanenthusiasticChurchgatheringandwaspresentedwithapaintingoftheareawherehegrewup.WewishhimongoingyearsofusefulnessinOmaghandintheworkoftheKingdomofHeaven,athomeandfurtherafield.Hehasagreatloveforboth.

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    PradeepKumarwritesfromChhapara,India,18November2009...PradeepKumarwritesfromChhapara,India,18November2009...PradeepKumarwritesfromChhapara,India,18November2009...PradeepKumarwritesfromChhapara,India,18November2009...PradeepKumarwritesfromChhapara,India,18November2009...PradeepKumarwritesfromChhapara,India,18November2009...PradeepKumarwritesfromChhapara,India,18November2009...PradeepKumarwritesfromChhapara,India,18November2009...

    GreetingstoyouallinthenameofJesusChrist-ourLordandSaviour.WethankGodthaton13November2009,22newbelieverswerebaptizedinChhapara,Aboutthirtypeopleappliedbutweselected22whowerestrongintheirfaith.Duetotheanti-conversionlawinourStateitisverydifficulttoadministerbaptismsowebroughtaMinisterfromanotherStatewhoprovidedeachwiththeCertificateofBaptismrequiredforChurchmembership.15ofthemlaterjoinedourChurch.WegiveallthehonourandglorytoourLordJesusChrist.

    TheRevPrakashKumarMemorialSeekers'CampTheRevPrakashKumarMemorialSeekers'CampTheRevPrakashKumarMemorialSeekers'CampTheRevPrakashKumarMemorialSeekers'CampTheRevPrakashKumarMemorialSeekers'CampTheRevPrakashKumarMemorialSeekers'CampTheRevPrakashKumarMemorialSeekers'CampTheRevPrakashKumarMemorialSeekers'CampThiswasscheduledfor26-28December2009.ThethemeisIPressOn.Pleasepraythatgreatblessingwillresultfromit.TheChurchwasexpectinganattendanceofatleast150,manyofthemrecentbelieversfromthevillagesaroundChhaparaandamongthemabout50youngpeoplewhoattendedtheYouthRetreatinOctober.TheprogrammewasmadeupoftensessionsdealingwithWhyyouarehere,TheWay,TheTruth,TheLife,Discipleship,HowtobeSteadfastintheFaithandGoinghomeagain.

    AllLandsToGod!AllLandsToGod!NewsfromIndia,NigeriaandSouthAfricaNewsfromIndia,NigeriaandSouthAfrica

    GarlandsReturnGarlandsReturnGarlandsReturnGarlandsReturnGarlandsReturnGarlandsReturnGarlandsReturnGarlandsReturnIthasbeenaprivilegetohaveSidneyandJeanamongusforsomemonths.Wehopetheyhavebenefitedfromtheresttheybothsobadlyneededandaresupposedtohavebeenabletotake.TheyreturntotheirworkinNigeriaon5January2010.Ourprayersgowiththemforthejourney,arrivalandsettlingin.Therewillbemanythingsjustcryingoutforattentionassoonastheyappear.Wewishthemgoodhealthandverymuch

    fulfilmentintheworkoftheKingdomofHeavenastheytakeitupagaininNigeria.Wewillprayforthem,theirsafety,theirhealth,andencouragementineverysphereoftheirwork.

    BabyforPamelaandMusaBabyforPamelaandMusaBabyforPamelaandMusaBabyforPamelaandMusaBabyforPamelaandMusaBabyforPamelaandMusaBabyforPamelaandMusaBabyforPamelaandMusaWecongratulatePamelaandMusaGaiyaonthebirthoftheirdaughterGracieAlheriAgwaion29November2009.WegivethankstoGodforthesafearrivalandforMusasvisawhichcamejustshortlyafterthebirth.WewishthewholefamilytheLordsrichestblessingandwe

    lookforwardtohavingPamela,MusaandGracieamongusduringthecomingmonths. AllLandstoGodwillcarryNigeriaupdatesduring2010.

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    1111

    JanuaryJanuary--February 2010February 2010

    FromRevNormanReid,7December2009...FromRevNormanReid,7December2009...FromRevNormanReid,7December2009...FromRevNormanReid,7December2009...FromRevNormanReid,7December2009...FromRevNormanReid,7December2009...FromRevNormanReid,7December2009...FromRevNormanReid,7December2009...IamwritingtosharewithyousomeveryrecentblessingswhichwehavereceivedhereintheworkoftheLord.WeweregreatlyencouragedthismorningaswemetatDumisaniTheologicalInstituteforourstarttheweekprayermeeting,asweshared

    whatwehadexperiencedatcommunionsthepreviousday. WewereinSomersetEastyesterdaywhereIconductedthecommunionservice.ItwasaveryspecialserviceandwefeltthepresenceoftheLordinawaythatIhaverarelyexperiencedbefore.Therewasagoodattendanceandthesingingwaswonderful.Theattentiontothepreachingwasremarkable.AsIservedthetableIthoughttomyselfhowwonderfulmustbethemarriagesupperoftheLambandIwasalmostovercomebythedesiretobeinheaven.ThepresenceoftheLordwasclearlysensedbyothers.AftertheservicethreeoftheEldersspoketothecongregationaboutblessingreceivedandencouragedthem

    torespondtotheWord.OneEldersaidWecameheretodayfortheLordsSupperbutwehavereceivedsomuchmore,wehaveseenChrist.(IhadpreachedonPhilippians2:TheHumiliationandExaltationofChrist).Praythatthewordwillremainwiththepeople. AnelderfromtheDewarDistrict,MrStali,accompaniedmeandtranslated.Onthewayhomehetoldmeaboutblessinghehadreceivedrecently.HeisinchargeofachurchatLloydlocationnearAlice.Hewasdiscouragedashehadtoconductfourfuneralsinamonth,ofyoungpeoplewhohaddiedofAIDS.Theseyoungpeoplehehadnevermetastheyhadbeenlivingandworkingfarfromhome,buttheywerebroughthomeforburialbyrelativeswhoexpectedtheEldertoconductthefunerals.Atthelastfuneralhepreachedstronglyagainstthesinsinthecommunityandtoldthepeople:ThisisthelastfuneralIwillconductofsomeoneIdonotknow.Youmustchangeyourways.OnthenextSundaywhenhecametopreachatchurch,sixmenfromthecommunitywerewaitingforhim.Theysaid,Whatyousaidatthefuneralistrue.Weareherebecausewewanttobesavedandtojointhechurch.Thatwasseveralmonthsagoandthosemenareallattendingregularlyandarenowmembersofthechurch,whichwaspreviouslymadeupofmamasandchildren.PraisetheLord,Heisclearlyatwork.

    ThereisalsoevidenceofblessingintheKingDistrict.AttheircommunionyesterdaytheLordspresencewasclearlyevident.BothIkhoandHombakaziwereoverjoyedastheytoldustodayattheprayermeetingabouttheserviceyesterday.AnewElderwasordainedandaDeaconappointedandtheyreceivedfournewmembers.ThechurchwasfullandnewpeoplefromthecommunityhavebegunattendingatGwabaincludingamanjustreleasedfromprison.AtthenewchurchbuildinginKingthereisanewSundaySchoolestablishedwith24childrenattendingregularlyandnewpeoplefromthecommunityareattending.ButdoprayforthechurchatQhugqwalawherethereareproblemsthatthis

    blessingmightspreadthere. Letusnotgrowwearyindoinggood,forindueseasonweshallreapifwedonotfaint.Thankyouforyourprayers,MaytheLordsNamebepraisedforhisblessings.

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    The Evangelical PresbyterianThe Evangelical Presbyterian

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    Hi!Hi!Hi!Hi!

    Whats your New Years Resolution?Whats your New Years Resolution?Whats your New Years Resolution?Whats your New Years Resolution?

    To always do your homework asTo always do your homework asTo always do your homework asTo always do your homework as

    soon as you get home?soon as you get home?soon as you get home?soon as you get home? To keep your bedroom tidy?To keep your bedroom tidy?To keep your bedroom tidy?To keep your bedroom tidy?

    To walk the dog every morningTo walk the dog every morningTo walk the dog every morningTo walk the dog every morningbefore breakfast?before breakfast?before breakfast?before breakfast?

    Next questionNext questionNext questionNext question:::: How long will you keep it upHow long will you keep it upHow long will you keep it upHow long will you keep it up????

    Now answer this one honestlyNow answer this one honestlyNow answer this one honestlyNow answer this one honestly::::

    without beingwithout beingwithout beingwithout beinga whole daya whole daya whole daya whole dayCould you go forCould you go forCould you go forCould you go for

    grumpygrumpygrumpygrumpy,,,, awkwardawkwardawkwardawkward,,,, cheekycheekycheekycheeky,,,, lazy orlazy orlazy orlazy or

    disobedientdisobedientdisobedientdisobedient????

    BIG WORDS for YOUNG PEOPLBIG WORDS for YOUNG PEOPLBIG WORDS for YOUNG PEOPLBIG WORDS for YOUNG PEOPLEEEE

    REGENERATION:

    This means

    Being given a

    NEW LIFE

    No matter how good our

    intentions are, we cannot turn

    ourselves into better people.

    We have been born with sinful hearts.

    The only answer is to START ALL OVER AGAIN

    with a NEW HEART and a NEW LIFE.

    That is called REGENERATION.

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    JanuaryJanuary--February 2010February 2010

    Wait a minute cant I make my heart good by

    Going to church

    Reading my Bible

    Helping at home and

    Giving money to missionaries?

    Have you heard of this man?

    U E O I N C D M S (unjumble)He was a religious leader who came to visit Jesus at night

    time. What did Jesus say to him?Youve done your best

    God is pleased with you

    Just keep up the effort and youll be OK

    Jesus said:

    You must be BORN AGAIN. There is NO OTHERWAY to get to heaven. John 3:3

    BEING BORN AGAIN means the same as REGENERATION

    New Years Resolutions wont change the person you are.

    OnlyJESUScan give you aNEW HEARTand aNEW START. Why dont you ask Him?

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    The Evangelical PresbyterianThe Evangelical Presbyterian

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    TheNewTestamentwritersoftenusedthetermDoyounotknowtoalerttheirreaderstothefactthatsomethingtheyshouldhaveknownandunderstood,theyhadfailedtograsp.Areweanydifferentfromourbrothersandsistersofthe1

    st

    century?Paulwrites:DoyounotknowthatallofuswhohavebeenbaptizedintoChristJesuswerebaptizedintohisdeath?Wewereburiedthereforewithhimbybaptismintodeath,inorderthat,justasChristwasraisedfromthedeadbythegloryoftheFather,wetoomightwalkinnewnessoflife. (Rom6.3-4)DrLloyd-Jonescomments,Thereisnothing,perhaps,inthewholerangeandrealmofdoctrinewhich,ifproperlygraspedandunderstood,givesgreaterassurance,

    greatercomfort,andgreaterhopethanthisdoctrineofourunionwithChrist

    1

    BaptismintoChristBaptismintoChristBaptismintoChristBaptismintoChristBaptismintoChristBaptismintoChristBaptismintoChristBaptismintoChristForinoneSpiritwewereallbaptizedintoonebody.(1Cor12.13)BaptismintoChristJesusmeansunionwithChristbutmanytowhomPaulwaswritingwerenotawareofthisvitalunion.However,believersthenasnow,whethertheyhavegraspeditornot,havebeenunitedtoChristasaresultoftheworkoftheHolySpirit.AllofuswhohavebeenbaptizedintoChristJesus.

    DeathofAdamDeathofAdamDeathofAdamDeathofAdamDeathofAdamDeathofAdamDeathofAdamDeathofAdam

    WewereborninAdamanddeathspreadtoallmen(Rom5.12),butwhenwebecomeunitedwithChristwearetakenoutofAdam,ourtiestohimdie;wearedeadtosinandareburied.AswewereunitedtoAdam,sowearenowunitedtoChrist.ThereisnomiddleroadweareeitherinChristorstillinAdam.

    NewnessofLifeNewnessofLifeNewnessofLifeNewnessofLifeNewnessofLifeNewnessofLifeNewnessofLifeNewnessofLifeIhavebeencrucifiedwithChrist.ItisnolongerIwholive,butChristwholivesinme.(Gal2.20)WehavenewnessoflifeinChristandtheHolySpiritquickensusuntoholiness,righteousness,andjoy.GodhasblessedusinChristwitheveryspiritualblessingintheheavenlyplaces.(Eph1.3).Adamsonesinbroughtall

    itsevilconsequencesuponus,Christsactionsbringsallblessingsuponus.AllthatisinChristisminebecauseIaminhim.Thisunionmeansthatourfinalsalvationisguaranteed,foreverythingthathappenedtoChristhappenstous. Iamnotgoingbacktothegraveofspiritualdeathnortomygrave-clothesofsin;butbydivinegraceIwillstillbelieveinJesus,andgofromstrengthtostrength,notunderlaw,notfearinghell,norhopingtomeritheaven,butasanewcreature,lovingbecauseloved,livingforChristbecauseChristlivesinme,rejoicinginglorioushopeofthatwhichisyettoberevealedbyvirtueofmyonenessinChrist.

    2

    AreyouthrilledbythedoctrineofourunionwithChrist?1DMartynLloyd-Jones,TheNewManExpositionofRomansChap6,BannerofTruth,1972,P302CHSpurgeon,TheMetropolitanTabernaclePulpitVolume27,PilgrimPublications,P628

    Doyounotknow?Doyounotknow?ChristopherDohertyChristopherDohertyChristopherDohertyChristopherDohertyChristopherDohertyChristopherDohertyChristopherDohertyChristopherDoherty,Stranmillis,asks:

    AreyouthrilledbythedoctrineofourUnionwithChrist?

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    JanuaryJanuary--February 2010February 2010

    PrayerDiarPrayerDiary:Jany:Jan--Feb2010Feb2010 11111111 WitnessWitnessWitnessWitnessWitnessWitnessWitnessWitness PrayforourGospelwitnessandourdesiretodoitduring2010

    22222222 BroadcastBroadcastBroadcastBroadcastBroadcastBroadcastBroadcastBroadcast PrayforRev.GarethBurkeonThoughtfortheDay,4/11/18January

    33333333 LordsDayLordsDayLordsDayLordsDayLordsDayLordsDayLordsDayLordsDay PraythatwewouldknowGodspowerfulpresenceeachLordsDay

    44444444 GarlandsGarlandsGarlandsGarlandsGarlandsGarlandsGarlandsGarlands PrayforSidandJeanreturningtoNigeria5Januaryandforsettlingin

    55555555 GroomsportGroomsportGroomsportGroomsportGroomsportGroomsportGroomsportGroomsport PraythatwewouldknowGodspowerandblessingthroughout2010

    66666666 ChristianInstituteChristianInstituteChristianInstituteChristianInstituteChristianInstituteChristianInstituteChristianInstituteChristianInstitute PrayfortheresourcesneededtodefendChristiansandtheChristianfaith

    77777777 IndiaIndiaIndiaIndiaIndiaIndiaIndiaIndia GivethanksforthenewbaptismsatChhapara.Seepage10

    88888888 RichhillRichhillRichhillRichhillRichhillRichhillRichhillRichhill PraiseGodforrecentencouragements.Praythatthesewouldcontinue

    99999999 SouthAfricaSouthAfricaSouthAfricaSouthAfricaSouthAfricaSouthAfricaSouthAfricaSouthAfrica Givethanksforrecentblessing.Praythatitwillincrease.Seepage11

    1010101010101010 PulpitsPulpitsPulpitsPulpitsPulpitsPulpitsPulpitsPulpits PrayforallwhopreachGodsWordeachLordsDayinourpulpits

    1111111111111111 KnockKnockKnockKnockKnockKnockKnockKnock PrayforunityandvisionasweadvancetheKingdomofGodinthearea

    1212121212121212 StudentWorkStudentWorkStudentWorkStudentWorkStudentWorkStudentWorkStudentWorkStudentWork PrayforStranmillisStudentsBibleStudyGroup,eachFridaynight

    1313131313131313 OmaghOmaghOmaghOmaghOmaghOmaghOmaghOmagh PrayforthevisitofDrPipa,16-17February.Seepage18.

    1414141414141414 BookShopBookShopBookShopBookShopBookShopBookShopBookShopBookShop Praythatthebookssoldwillbeablessingtoallwhoreadthem

    1515151515151515 JuniorCampJuniorCampJuniorCampJuniorCampJuniorCampJuniorCampJuniorCampJuniorCamp PrayfortheReunion,Groomsport,15-16January,andforthe2010Camp

    1616161616161616 FinaghyFinaghyFinaghyFinaghyFinaghyFinaghyFinaghyFinaghy PrayforourforthcomingMission,plannedforEasterweek,

    1717171717171717 SundaySchoolsSundaySchoolsSundaySchoolsSundaySchoolsSundaySchoolsSundaySchoolsSundaySchoolsSundaySchools Prayfortheboysandgirls,thatmanywillcometolovetheSaviour

    1818181818181818 CrosscollyerStCrosscollyerStCrosscollyerStCrosscollyerStCrosscollyerStCrosscollyerStCrosscollyerStCrosscollyerSt PrayfornewpeoplecomingtoHelpingHand,thatGodwouldsave

    1919191919191919 EMFEMFEMFEMFEMFEMFEMFEMF PrayfortheadvanceoftheGospelthroughoutEurope,andforresources

    2020202020202020 StranmillisStranmillisStranmillisStranmillisStranmillisStranmillisStranmillisStranmillis PraythatthecontactswemakewouldbyGodsgracebecomeconverts

    2121212121212121 IntersCampIntersCampIntersCampIntersCampIntersCampIntersCampIntersCampIntersCamp Prayforthecampreunion29-31Januaryandforthe2010Camp

    2222222222222222 CrumlinCrumlinCrumlinCrumlinCrumlinCrumlinCrumlinCrumlin RememberthevacancyandcontinuetoprayforanewMinister

    2323232323232323 PeruPeruPeruPeruPeruPeruPeruPeru ColegiosanAndrsinLimaisprogressing.Prayforitsspirituallife.

    2424242424242424 CWICWICWICWICWICWICWICWI PraythatGodwillusethenewwebsitestodrawJewishpeopletoChrist

    2525252525252525 BallyclareBallyclareBallyclareBallyclareBallyclareBallyclareBallyclareBallyclare Givethanksfortheencouragingnumberofyoungpeoplewhoattend

    2626262626262626 LisburnRoadLisburnRoadLisburnRoadLisburnRoadLisburnRoadLisburnRoadLisburnRoadLisburnRoad PrayforthedevelopmentoftheoutreachworkatLisburnRoad

    2727272727272727 PresbyteryPresbyteryPresbyteryPresbyteryPresbyteryPresbyteryPresbyteryPresbytery Prayforourmonthlymeetings,forwisdom,directionandefficiency

    2828282828282828 SomertonRoadSomertonRoadSomertonRoadSomertonRoadSomertonRoadSomertonRoadSomertonRoadSomertonRoad Praythatnewpeoplewillbegintoattendourchurchservices

    2929292929292929 HouseboundHouseboundHouseboundHouseboundHouseboundHouseboundHouseboundHousebound Remembertheelderlyandhouseboundmembersofourcongregations

    3030303030303030 UgandaUgandaUgandaUgandaUgandaUgandaUgandaUganda PrayfortheliteratureworkandthewitnessofthenewlibraryatGoli

    3131313131313131 LordsDayLordsDayLordsDayLordsDayLordsDayLordsDayLordsDayLordsDay Givethanksforthedayofrestandgladness.Praythatwewilluseitbest

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    KeyMattersforPrayerKeyMattersforPrayerJanJan--Feb2010Feb2010

    PresbyteryCommitteesPresbyteryCommitteesPresbyteryCommitteesPresbyteryCommitteesPresbyteryCommitteesPresbyteryCommitteesPresbyteryCommitteesPresbyteryCommitteesTheseCommitteesworkonbehalfofPresbyterybycarryingoutappointedtasksandbyinitiatingmattersforPresbyterysconsideration.TheyadvisePresbyterythroughreportsthatusuallycontainrecommendations.TheAnnualReportsoftheStandingCommitteesareincludedinPresbyterysAnnualReportandprovideusefulreferencestothePresbyteryyear..AlltheCommitteesdoimportantwork,butwesuggesttwoofthemforspecialprayeratthistime

    TheForeignMissionsCommittee(DavidWatsonConvener,RevsGarethBurkeandBillyElliottwithco-optedhelp)isworkingonareviewoftheChurchsForeign

    Missionspolicythefirstmajorreviewsincethe1980s.TheaimistoproduceapolicydocumentincorporatingtheprinciplesandstrategywhichPresbyteryoutlinesinitsongoingdiscussions.Thedocumentwillbesummarisedinbookletformforthecongregationsandwillbeaccompaniedbyregularupdatestomotivateourthinking,ourprayersandoursupport.ThisisamajorprojectandtheCommitteeisduetoreportinMarch2010.Pleaseprayforitsmembers. ThenewChurchDevelopmentCommittee(CDC)combinestheformerChurchExtensionandChurchStrategyCommittees.ItsmembersareRevAndrewLucasConvener,RevRobertJohnston,MervynLangtry,DavidWatson.ItisimportantthatourChurchhasaclearsenseofidentitywithgooddenominationalobjectivesincludingliteratureandchurchplanting.ThisrequiresbothinternalandexternaldevelopmentwithPresbyteryandcongregationsworkingtogetherandweshouldprayespeciallyfortheCommitteeasitsseekstoleadthisnewphaseofprogress.

    BuildingandRefurbishmentProjectsBuildingandRefurbishmentProjectsBuildingandRefurbishmentProjectsBuildingandRefurbishmentProjectsBuildingandRefurbishmentProjectsBuildingandRefurbishmentProjectsBuildingandRefurbishmentProjectsBuildingandRefurbishmentProjectsTheTrusteesoftheEvangelicalBookShophavedrawnupplanstorefurbishthepremises.Itwillinvolvearedesignofthegroundandfirstfloorswithneworupgradedfacilities.Theshopisan1810buildingandisnowlisted.Weboughtit

    in1946anditwasrestoredin1975followingseverebombdamage,butwenowmustbringituptomodernstandards.Wehopetobegintheworkinthesummerof2010andtheexpenditurewillbeatleast100,000.PleaseprayfortheTrustees,theManagerandthestaffthattheLordwillprovidethewisdom,planning,strengthandfinancialresourcesthattheyneed.ItwillbeadifficulttransitionalperiodfortheShoptoo.EvangelicalBookShopcirculatesBibles,alongwithahugerangeofreformedbooksandresources.TheShopservestheChurchbyprovidingvariouscategoriesofpracticalsupportincludingthedistributionoftheMagazine. OurKnockcongregationisalsofacingthehugetaskofreplacingtheirmain

    churchbuilding,constructedin1928andnowindeclinetosuchanextentthattheSessionare reluctant tospendmoneyonallbutessentialmaintenance.PleaseprayforwisdomandresourcesforthisprojecttooandespeciallythattheLordwillusethenewbuildingfortheextensionofhisKingdomineastBelfast.

    ThefollowingcommendthemselvesasmattersforspecialprayeratthepresenttimeatourChurchServices,PrayerMeetings,andforfamilyandpersonalprayer.

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    TheEPCrossword:MosesTheEPCrossword:MosesTheEditorwillawardaBookTokenforthewinningentryTheEditorwillawardaBookTokenforthewinningentryTheEditorwillawardaBookTokenforthewinningentryTheEditorwillawardaBookTokenforthewinningentry

    November

    November

    November

    November----December2009S

    olution

    December2009S

    olution

    December2009S

    olution

    December2009S

    olution

    AcrossAcrossAcrossAcross 1111 Plant,exPresident(4)

    4444 Tyranny(10) 8888 SonandTribe(8) 10101010 GodsNamewithoutworth(4) 11111111 BurntinHolyPlace(7) 12121212 Miracles(7) 14141414 SpecialBox(3) 15151515 Compasspoint(4) 17171717 Recordorwitness(9) 19191919 Brightepidermis(7) 21212121 Plague(10) 23232323 AlmightyName(3) 26262626 Furnaceissue(5)

    29292929 Lazy(4) 30303030 Tabernaclearea(5) 31313131 Moseswenthere(6) 33333333 Preciousmetal(4) 35353535 Camewiththunder(4) 36363636 Moseshadslowone(6) 38383838 Weep(3) 39393939 Mosestosmitethis(4)

    40404040 Mainpartinsubstance(4) 41414141 Unseen(4)

    DownDownDownDown

    1111 Moseshidingplacer(9) 2222 Midwiveswerethis(6) 3333 PeopleofCanaan(10) 5555 Coastaldwellers(11) 6666 Setperiodoftime(9) 7777 Fruitforoil(5) 9999 Havingstrengthtodo(4) 13131313 Tospeak(5) 16161616 Peakofhill(3) 18181818 Odioussmell(5) 20202020 Title(4) 22222222 Locustscameonthis(4,4) 24242424 Theearthopenedit(5) 25252525 Stonewritingwiththis(6) 27272727 KingofBashan(2) 28282828 Havingnothingwithin(5) 30303030 Quailscoveredit(4) 32323232 TribeofAholiath(3)))) 34343434 Parasiteonmanandbeast(4) 37373737 Numbertentribe(3)

    Winner:MrsPatFoxStranmillis

    Winner:MrsPatFoxStranmillis

    Winner:MrsPatFoxStranmillis

    Winner:MrsPatFoxStranmillis

    CluesbyJimLeckeyCluesbyJimLeckeyCluesbyJimLeckeyCluesbyJimLeckey

    1 PleasepostyourentrytotheEditortoarrive,weekcommencing24January.

    (Notbefore!)2 MarkyourenvelopeCrossword.3 TheEditorwillselectthefirstcorrect

    entryfromthebagasthewinner.

    The2010seriesofCrosswordswilltestourknowledgeofsixmajorBiblecharacters.

    WestartwithMoses.YouwillneedtolookatExodus-Deuteronomy,butmostlyatExodus.RemembertoothattherearereferencestoMosesthroughouttheBible.

    H1

    A R K W2

    I S E F3

    S4

    T A5

    R

    E I M6

    I L D N

    A F C7

    E N

    V C8

    H9

    E R O D T H E G R10

    E A T11

    E A E U E I

    N E R N B12

    R A13

    N C H D

    L S A14

    D E S T E L O I

    Y A L E T L15

    O N G N

    H16

    E R O D L H P C G

    O G

    17

    A L I L E E I S

    S18

    T O O D O E O L

    T W19

    O R S H I P P E D F20

    S21

    E L D I

    J22

    O Y F U L23

    P24

    M25

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    E K27

    E

    R A O A I28

    N N L

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    I R S T B O R N S O N D

    A E R T G30

    I F T S

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    ChurchNewsChurchNews

    OmaghEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchOmaghEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchOmaghEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchOmaghEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchOmaghEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchOmaghEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchOmaghEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchOmaghEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch

    VisitofDrJosephAPippaVisitofDrJosephAPippaVisitofDrJosephAPippaVisitofDrJosephAPippa

    Tuesday16andWednesday17February2010at8.00pmTuesday16andWednesday17February2010at8.00pmTuesday16andWednesday17February2010at8.00pmTuesday16andWednesday17February2010at8.00pm

    RevAndrewLucaswilladviseMinistersofthesubjectsforannouncementassoonastheyareknown

    Obituary:MrsIsabellaGordon,CrosscollyerStreetObituary:MrsIsabellaGordon,CrosscollyerStreetMrsIsabellaGordonpassedontobewithherLordandSaviouron17October

    2009inher97thyear.ShegrewupinBallygowanandcametoworkinBelfast

    shortlybeforehermarriagetoDavidin1935.Shemanagedthefamilyshopin

    BuckinghamStreet,offtheGrosvenorRoad,untiltheywerebombedoutin1972and

    movedtoNorthBelfast.Convertedinherearly30sshehadavibrantChristian

    testimonyandjoinedCrosscollyerSt.Churchin1982.ShewasactiveasaSunday

    Schoolteacher,MotherandToddlergroupleaderandinanyotheractivitywhere

    shecouldbeofhelp.EachFridaynighttheyheldaprayermeetingintheirhomefor

    theneedsofthedistrict.VeryfaithfulinherattendanceatallservicessheandDavid

    (whopredeceasedherin2008)wereunitedtogetherinmarriagefor73years.She

    spentthelastyearsofherlifeundertheexcellentcareofLansdowneNursingHomeandlookedforwardtotheregularChristianeventsheldthere.Thoughincreasingly

    frailinbodyhermindremainedsharpuntiltheend.Ourprayerfulsympathyis

    extendedtoherdaughtersOliveandMaureenandhersonGeorgeinAustralia.

    BlessedarethedeadwhodieintheLordfromnowon.thattheymayrest

    fromtheirlaboursandtheirworksfollowthem RCBRCBRCBRCB

    Obituary:MrWilliamJohnMcMurray,SomertonRoadObituary:MrWilliamJohnMcMurray,SomertonRoad

    MrMcMurrayamemberandfaithfulDeaconinSomertonRdcongregationpassedintothepresenceofhisSaviouron6November2009inhis88

    thyear.

    BorninDunloy,wherehisfatherwastherailwaycrossingoperator,Willie

    workedallhislifeontherailwaysontrackmaintenance.MarriedtoLilyin1950he

    joinedSomertonRoadchurchin1957wherehewasafaithfulDeaconandchurch

    caretakerforover30years.Lilypredeceasedhimin2008.Aquietmanwithsimple

    tastes,Williewasamanofprayerandregularinallhisattendanceatthemeans

    ofgrace.Hewasagoodhusbandandfatherandveryhelpfultoallhisneighbours.

    Hispassingwassuddenandunexpectedtousbuthisheavenlyhomehadbeen

    inpreparationformanyyearssincehetrustedinChrist.Weexpressourthanks

    tothestaffatLansdowneNursingHomewhoministeredtohisneedsinhislast

    years.DoprayforhishandicappedonlychildAnneandgivethankssheisbeing

    verywellcaredfor.Williehasenteredintohiseternalrewardandreceivedhis

    WelldonegoodandFaithfulservant. RCBRCBRCBRCB

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    JanuaryJanuary--February 2010February 2010

    25thAnniversaryCelebration25thAnniversaryCelebration25thAnniversaryCelebration25thAnniversaryCelebration25thAnniversaryCelebration25thAnniversaryCelebration25thAnniversaryCelebration25thAnniversaryCelebrationTheStranmilliscongregationmarkedthe25thanniversaryofRev.GarethBurkesordinationtotheChristianministryon13November2009.Over100membersandfriendsgatheredatEdenmoreGolfandCountryClubforwhatprovedtobeamostenjoyableevening,eventhoughforone,itwasacompletesurprise!

    Followingaveryenjoyabledinneranumberofpower-pointitemsofpastdayswereshownandmoderntechnologyenabledgreetingsfromScotland,AmericaandNewZealandtoberelayed.AfteranumberofspeechesandgoodwishesMrsFlorrieGrayandMrKenKellymadepresentationstoMrandMrsBurke.InhisreplyMrBurkespokeofhisthankfulnesstoGodandforthemanypeoplewhohadbeeninfluencesonhislifeovertheyears.TheeveningcontinuedwithsomeitemsofpraisefromtheStranmillisyoungpeoplefollowedbyatablequiz.ThesingingoftheDoxologyandprayerofferedbyMrBurkebroughttheeveningtoaclose.

    SpotlightonSocietySpotlightonSocietyIncreasinggovernmentcontroloffamilylifeIncreasinggovernmentcontroloffamilylifeIncreasinggovernmentcontroloffamilylifeIncreasinggovernmentcontroloffamilylifeIncreasinggovernmentcontroloffamilylifeIncreasinggovernmentcontroloffamilylifeIncreasinggovernmentcontroloffamilylifeIncreasinggovernmentcontroloffamilylife (recommendationsoftheBadmanreport)TheGovernmentwantstoaccepttherecommendationsoftheBadmanReportthathomeeducationshouldbeformallyregulatedinEngland.Manyparentscanenvisagecircumstanceswheretheywouldhavetotaketheirchildoutofschool,ifonlyforashorttime.ButunderGovernmentplans,parentswhomakethischoicewouldbeputonanationalregister,receiveregularhomevisitsfromofficials,andhavetostayoutsidewhentheirchildrenareinterviewedaboutwhattheyareteachingthem.

    MarginalizationofChristiansMarginalizationofChristiansMarginalizationofChristiansMarginalizationofChristiansMarginalizationofChristiansMarginalizationofChristiansMarginalizationofChristiansMarginalizationofChristians(asseenintheEqualityBill)TheEqualityBillwillplaceadutyonpublicbodieslikeschoolsandthepolicetopromotehomosexualandtranssexualrights.ItwillalsoimpactuponprivateorvoluntarybodieswithGovernmentcontracts.ChristiangroupsareconcernedthattheBillwillreopenmanyofthediscriminationissueswhichhaveleftChristiansatthebottomofthepilewhenitcomestoequalityanddiversity.

    UnbelievingThoughtsfortheDay!UnbelievingThoughtsfortheDay!UnbelievingThoughtsfortheDay!UnbelievingThoughtsfortheDay!UnbelievingThoughtsfortheDay!UnbelievingThoughtsfortheDay!UnbelievingThoughtsfortheDay!UnbelievingThoughtsfortheDay! LordBirt,formerDirectorGeneraloftheBBChassuggestedthatatheistsbegiventimeonBBCsThoughtfortheDay!ThankfullyBBCRadioUlsterstillgives

    airtimetoevangelicalsandRevGarethBurkebeganafiveweekslotonMonday21December.PrayforthisopportunitythatmanywillbechallengedbytheGospel.Tuneinat6.55and7.55ameachMondaymorning.

    TheTop100:whatthenationreads!TheTop100:whatthenationreads!TheTop100:whatthenationreads!TheTop100:whatthenationreads!TheTop100:whatthenationreads!TheTop100:whatthenationreads!TheTop100:whatthenationreads!TheTop100:whatthenationreads! Inasurveyof100booksthatdefinedthedecade,threeoutofthetopfiveincludedHarryPotterandtheDeathlyHollows(1),TheDaVinciCode(3)andTheGodDelusion(5).AndwhataremanyNorthernIrelandChristiansreading?TherecenttopsellersattheWesleyOwenbookshopinBelfastwereTheShack,IfYouWanttoWalkontheWatergetoutoftheBoatandThePurposeDrivenLife!

    Pleasenowturntopage23andtothebackpagewherewepresentreadingmaterialswhichwebelievewillbeofparticularvalueinbuildingupourspirituallives.Surelywemustrecognisethatsuchreadingisindispensableforourgrowth.

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    AmerchantfromCovenantertimestoldfriendsthatatStAndrewsheheardaMrBlairpreachthatmanshowedmethemajestyofGod;atIrvineheheardacertainMrDicksonthatmanshowedmeallmyheart.ElsewhereheencounteredMrRutherfordthatmanshowedmethelovelinessofChrist.AhearerofJonathanEdwardsspokesimilarlyhealwaysspeakssosweetlyofChrist. TheapostlePaullovedtospeakofhisSaviourtoothesunofrighteousnesswasthecentreofhisspiritualuniverse.InEph3:8heusesthisremarkableexpression:theunsearchablerichesofChrist.OnlyGodisunsearchable.ThereisavastchasmbetweentheCreatorandthecreatureandonedifferenceisseenrighthere.Allcreationisfiniteeventhedepthsoftheoceanorthelengthofthe

    horizoncanbemeasured.TheCreatoraloneisinfiniteandevenwhenwehavespentaeonsofeternityinglorywewillstillconfessthatweonlyknowtheborderofGodsways.TherichesofChristareasunsearchableasGodhimself.Theyareuntraceable,unfathomable,inexhaustible,andsoon.Theycanbeknown,butneverfullyknown.Paulspenthisentirelifesearchingoutthemout(Phil3.10).

    TheUnsearchableRichesofChristsPersonTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsPersonTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsPersonTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsPersonTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsPersonTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsPersonTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsPersonTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsPersonPriortotheDamascusRoadSaulofTarsusbelievedthatheworshippedtheGodoftheOTandthatthelifeofChristwasdiscontinuouswiththatrevelation.HewasnotinthelineofprophetsandnottheanticipatedMessiah.Saulsmainobjectivewastoridtheworldofallsuchnotions.Inspiteofhismiraclesandthewonderofhisteachings,thePersonofChristhadnoattractionforSaul.Christwastheonepersonhehatedwithallhisheart.ButfromthatmomentatDamascusthisarchpersecutorwaspersuadedoftheunsearchablerichesofChristsPerson. ThemanwhoformerlydeniedthedeityofChristbecameitsforemostproponent.SaulknewthatitwastheLordwhoappearedtohimfromtheShekinahglory.(Acts9.3)However,hehadtoaskabouthisexactidentity,WhoareyouLord?(9.5)IamJesuswhomyouarepersecuting.ThatwordJesusmusthavethrustSaulssoullikeadaggerthelastthinghewantedtohear.Fromthatmomenthisentireworld

    turnedupsidedownashelearnedthatChristpossessedundiluteddeityaswellastruehumanity.HecouldsoondescribeChristasGodblessedforever(Rom9.5),theOneinwhomdwellsallthefullnessofthegodheadinbodilyform.(Col2.9)Isthisatruthyourejoicein?ChristhadtobebothmanandGod,otherwisewehavenosalvation.Whileatruemanhadtoendurepunishmentinourstead,sincethatwastherealminwhichsinentered,onlyGodcouldbearthepenaltyduetoagreatmultitudewhichnomancouldnumberandrisegloriouslyfromthedead.

    TheUnsearchableRichesofChristsWorkTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsWorkTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsWorkTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsWorkTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsWorkTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsWorkTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsWorkTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsWorkBeforetheDamascusRoadSaulthoughtthatChristsworkwastheworkofa

    madman.HebelievedthatChristgothiscomeuppanceonthecrossbecauseofhiswickedness.ThisishowhewouldhaveunderstoodtheteachingofDeut21.33:hethatishangedisaccursedofGod.TheDamascusRoadchangedallthat,forinaflashSaullearnedthatJesuswasaliveandthatitcouldonlyhave

    TheUnsearchableRichesofChristTheUnsearchableRichesofChristRevJeffBallantineRevJeffBallantineRevJeffBallantineRevJeffBallantineRevJeffBallantineRevJeffBallantineRevJeffBallantineRevJeffBallantine,Groomsport,focusesonfourunsearchableriches

    whichPaullearnedontheDamascusRoad.

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    comeaboutbecauseGodhadraisedhimfromthedead.Whatashock!SaulcametoseethattheFatherwaswellpleasedwiththeworkofhisSon.Theresurrectionwasproofofthat.ThatwasGod'swayofsayingAmentoCalvary. EvenacursorystudyofPaulsepistleswillshowthatthiswasoneoftheunsearchablerichesthatPaulpreachedChristsfinishedwork.HerejoicedinthetruthofChristssubstitutionarycurse-bearingatonement.Christscross-work

    wasredemption,adeliverancefrombondagebypaymentofaprice,forallwhobelievedonhim:Christhasredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforus(Gal3.13).Itwasapropitiation,avertingthewrathofGodfromovertheheadsofthosewhotrustinhim::::whomGodhathsetforthtobeapropitiationthroughfaithinhisblood.(Rom3.25)ItreconcilesustoGodwhenwecalluponhimforGodwasinChristreconcilingtheworldtohimself.(1Cor5.19)Itisalsothebasisofourjustification,enablingGodtopronounceusrighteousbeforethecrowncourtofheaven:thereforebeingjustifiedbyfaithwehavepeacewithGodthroughourLordJesusChrist.(Rom5:1)SinanditsproblemscaneverberesolvedthroughtheunsearchablerichesofChristswork.

    TheUnsearchableRichesofChristsGraceTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsGraceTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsGraceTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsGraceTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsGraceTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsGraceTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsGraceTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsGraceTheDamascusRoadtaughtSaulthatJesusChristisfullofgraceandtruth.(John1.14).Farfromseekingsalvationonthatroad,SaulwasinthethroesoferadicatingChristianitywithanintensityandbitternessprobablyneverbeenequalled.HavingdoneallhecouldinIsraeltoexterminatethefaithheturnedhisattentiontoSyriawithauthorisinglettersinhispocket.YetwhileSaulwasclosingintokill,Godwasseekinghimouttosavehim!HereisanotheroftheseunsearchablerichestheunsearchablerichesofChristsgraceandcentralinthemessagehepreached:bygraceareyesavedthroughfaithandthatnotofyourselves,itisthegiftofGod.(Eph2.8).Salvationisnotbyworksofrighteousnesswhichwehavedone,butaccordingtohismercy(Tit3:5).DoubtlessPaulfrequentlyendedmeetingswithhisownbenediction,andwhatdidheemphasize?ThegraceoftheLordJesusChrist...bewithyouallGraspthisunsearchabletruth.Whatchanneldoessalvationflowin?Gracealone!In1Tim1.16PaulurgesustoconsiderChristsowngracetowardshimasamotivetobelieve:However,forthisreasonIobtainedmercy,thatinmefirstJesusChristmightshowalllongsuffering,asapatterntothosewhoaregoingtobelieveonHimforeverlastinglife.

    TheUnsearchableRichesofChristsUnionwithhisPeopleTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsUnionwithhisPeopleTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsUnionwithhisPeopleTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsUnionwithhisPeopleTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsUnionwithhisPeopleTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsUnionwithhisPeopleTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsUnionwithhisPeopleTheUnsearchableRichesofChristsUnionwithhisPeopleHereisyetanothertruththatSauldiscoveredontheDamascusRoad.Christsaid:Saul,Saulwhyareyoupersecutingme?(Acts9.4)SaulhadneverpersecutedChristdirectlybutinpersecutinghispeopleSaulwaspersecutingChrist.SuchisthesolidaritybetweenChristandhispeopleandSaulsawitagainadayorsolaterwhenAnaniasgreetedhimwiththesebeautifulwords:BrotherSaul.(9.17)NowthatSaulbelongedtoChrist,hehadbecomeonewithhispeopleandthephraseinChristbecameoneofhisfavourites.ThiswasoneoftheunsearchablerichesofChristthatPaulpreached.NowareyethebodyofChrist,andmembersinparticular(1Cor12.27).Thereisonlyoneorganisationwhichenduresforever:

    thebelieversunionwithChrist. WhatdotheunsearchablerichesofChristmeantoyou?WhatthinkyeofChrist?isthetesttotrybothyourstateandyourscheme.Youcannotberightintherestunlessyouthinkrightlyofhim

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    Aseriesofonepagesummariesofthe33ChaptersoftheWestminsterConfession,withcommentwherespacepermits.PleasereadtheConfessionChapteritself!

    Section1Section1Section1Section1Section1Section1Section1Section1 ThePurposeofSynodsandCouncilsThePurposeofSynodsandCouncilsThePurposeofSynodsandCouncilsThePurposeofSynodsandCouncilsThePurposeofSynodsandCouncilsThePurposeofSynodsandCouncilsThePurposeofSynodsandCouncilsThePurposeofSynodsandCouncilsTheseassembliesexisttodevelopthechurchanditsgovernment.

    Section2Section2Section2Section2Section2Section2Section2Section2 TheConveningofSynodsandCouncilsTheConveningofSynodsandCouncilsTheConveningofSynodsandCouncilsTheConveningofSynodsandCouncilsTheConveningofSynodsandCouncilsTheConveningofSynodsandCouncilsTheConveningofSynodsandCouncilsTheConveningofSynodsandCouncilsStateofficialsmaylawfullyconveneandattendaSynodwithchurchleadersforconsultationandadviceaboutreligiousaffairs.Ifthecivilgovernmentisopenlyopposedtothechurch,churchleadersmaythemselvesmeettogetherinSynod.

    Section3Section3Section3Section3Section3Section3Section3Section3 TheAuthorityofSynodsandCouncilsTheAuthorityofSynodsandCouncilsTheAuthorityofSynodsandCouncilsTheAuthorityofSynodsandCouncilsTheAuthorityofSynodsandCouncilsTheAuthorityofSynodsandCouncilsTheAuthorityofSynodsandCouncilsTheAuthorityofSynodsandCouncilsChurchleadersmeetinSynodwithpowerstoconsideranddeterminemattersof

    doctrine,worship,conscience,churchgovernmentanddiscipline.Theirfindings,ifagreeabletotheWordofGod,aretobereceivedwithrespectandsubmission,becauseofthatagreementwiththeWordandalsobecauseofthedivineinstitutionandauthorityofchurchgovernment.

    Section4Section4Section4Section4Section4Section4Section4Section4 TheLimitationofSynodsandCouncilsTheLimitationofSynodsandCouncilsTheLimitationofSynodsandCouncilsTheLimitationofSynodsandCouncilsTheLimitationofSynodsandCouncilsTheLimitationofSynodsandCouncilsTheLimitationofSynodsandCouncilsTheLimitationofSynodsandCouncilsSinceallSynodsarefallibletheycannotdeterminefaithorpracticeonthebasisofSynodauthority.TheyservethechurchbydeclaringandapplyingtheWord.

    Section5Section5Section5Section5Section5Section5Section5Section5 TheSphereofSynodsandCouncilsTheSphereofSynodsandCouncilsTheSphereofSynodsandCouncilsTheSphereofSynodsandCouncilsTheSphereofSynodsandCouncilsTheSphereofSynodsandCouncilsTheSphereofSynodsandCouncilsTheSphereofSynodsandCouncilsSynodsandCouncilsmustconfinethemselvestoecclesiasticalissues.Theymustnotinvolvethemselvesincivilaffairsotherthanbyhumblepetitioninexceptionalcircumstancesortoprovideadviceattherequestofthecivilauthorities.Synods,orCouncils,meandifferentthingsindifferentformsofchurchgovernment.InthePresbyteriansystemSynodswouldcompriseallthePresbyteriesinageographicallocationasalevelofchurchcourtsbetweenPresbyteryandGeneralAssembly.Thiswouldmoreoftenapplytodayinlargercountries.NotallPresbyterianChurchesnowhaveSynods,justPresbyteriesandtheGeneralAssembly.Inthis

    casetheSynodprinciplesofthischapterwouldapplytotheselevels. EPChasaDeclaratoryActwithreferencetochapter23TheCivilMagistratetotheeffectthatwedonotreceiveitinanysensetomeanthattheStatehasacontrollingpoweroverchurchcourtswhicharesupremeintheirownsphere.WiththeChurchandStatelinkbetweenChapters23,30and31theprincipleofthisActappliestoeachofthesechapterswhererelevant. WithonlytwoChaptersoftheConfessiontogointhisseries,bothontheDoctrineoftheLastThings,itisusefultosummarise.Therearevariousviewson

    thestructureoftheConfession,buttheonewehaveadoptedforourstudyisthis:TheWord,ExistenceandNatureofGod(1-2),GodsDecrees(3-5),Redemption(6-9),OrderofSalvationOrdoSalutis(10-18),LivingtheChristianLife(19-24),theChurch(25-31),theLastThings(32-33).

    WCWCFF 3131 FaithandLifeFaithandLifeSynods&CouncilsSynods&Councils

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    Usefulaidsinmaintainingthedailydisciplineofprayer,Biblestudyandfamilyworship.

    TabletalkTabletalkTabletalkTabletalkTabletalkTabletalkTabletalkTabletalk,LigonierMinistries,LigonierMinistries,LigonierMinistries,LigonierMinistriesandRCSproulRCSproulRCSproulRCSproul,www.ligonier.orgAmonthlymagazinethatcontainssuperbarticlesfromleadingReformedtheologiansandpastorstogetherwithaMonday-FridaydevotionalexpositionofScripture.EditedbyBurkParsons,thisisahelpfulandinstructivejournalthatwillprovetobearealspiritualtonic.FordetailsandsubscriptionseeLigonierwebpage.

    FortheLoveofGodFortheLoveofGodFortheLoveofGodFortheLoveofGodFortheLoveofGodFortheLoveofGodFortheLoveofGodFortheLoveofGodDonCarsonDonCarsonDonCarsonDonCarson,IVP,2Volumes,14.99 9.999.999.999.99BasedonRobertMurrayMcCheyneschartofdailyBiblereadings

    thesevolumesaretrulyadailycompanionfordiscoveringtherichesofGodsWord.Hereyouwillfindasystematic365dayplanthatwilltakeyouthroughthePsalmsandNewTestamenttwiceandtheOldTestamentonceinthecourseofayear.CarsonshelpfulinsightswillhelpdeepenyourunderstandingofGodseternaltruth.

    ThePsalmsThePsalmsThePsalmsThePsalmsThePsalmsThePsalmsThePsalmsThePsalms,,,,JohnCalvinJohnCalvinJohnCalvinJohnCalvin,BannerofTruth,Clothbound18.00 14.4014.4014.4014.40ThisisanabridgedvolumeofCalvinsPsalmsbyDavidSearlewhotellsusintheintroductionthathehasusedCalvinscommentaryonthePsalmsinhisdevotionalreadingofScripture.ThisisavolumedescribedasatreasurechestandforallwholovethePsalmstheseselectionswillwarmandedifythebelieversheart.

    MatthewHenryDailyReadingsMatthewHenryDailyReadingsMatthewHenryDailyReadingsMatthewHenryDailyReadingsMatthewHenryDailyReadingsMatthewHenryDailyReadingsMatthewHenryDailyReadingsMatthewHenryDailyReadingsRandallPedersonRandallPedersonRandallPedersonRandallPederson,Editor,ChristianFocusPublications11.99 8.998.998.998.99ManyofushavebeenblessedbyMatthewHenryscommentaryontheBible.Hisinsightandwisdomtogetherwithhispithysayingshaveprovedahelpandcomfortinvarioussituations.Hereisacollectionof

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