The Evangelical Presbyterian - January-February 2010
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Transcript of 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
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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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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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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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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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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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
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December2009S
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December2009S
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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
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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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TheGoodnightBookTheGoodnightBookTheGoodnightBookTheGoodnightBookTheGoodnightBookTheGoodnightBookTheGoodnightBookTheGoodnightBookRichardBewesRichardBewesRichardBewesRichardBewes,ChristianFocusPublications,7.99 5.995.995.995.99Ifyouhavetroublegettingtosleepthenthisisthebookforyou!Oftenwhenweliedowntosleeptheeventsofthedayortheprospectsoftomorrowaffectourmentalandemotionalmake-up.TakingtimetoreadonepageeacheveningandmeditatingontheScriptureportionwillinthewordsofJoniEareksonTadashapeyournighttime
dreamsandenhanceyoureveningreflections.ManyotherhelpfuldailyreadingbooksareavailableincludingSpurgeonsMorningandEveningandDayOnesseries365dayswithvariousauthors.
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