The Evangelical Presbyterian - January-February 2011

7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - January-February 2011

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JanJan--Feb2011Feb2011

Still Meeting our MembersStill Meeting our Members

A Visit to NigeriaA Visit to Nigeria

The John Bunyan StoryThe John Bunyan Story11

I am the Bread of LifeI am the Bread of Life

Jananan--Feb 2011eb 2011eb 20111.501.501.50 TheTheThe

EvangelicalEvangelicalEvangelicalPresbyterianPresbyterianPresbyterian


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TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian

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Subscriptions 2010

Collected 9.00BypostwithinUK 11.00BypostoutsideUK15.00Enquiriesto:EvangelicalBookShop(Seebackpageforcontactdetails)

Take NoteTake NoteWikileaks Secretsikileaks SecretsTherecentspateofWikileakshasallegedly

broughttolightwhatGovernmentsandworld

leadersthinkofeachother.Therevelations

ofwhat theUSadministration thinksofthe

UKCoalition,whattheGovernor oftheBank

of England thinks of theChancellor of the

Exchequerandwhoknewinadvanceabout

the Northern Bank robbery in December

2004hasprovokedmuchinterest.

Nodoubttherehasbeenembarrassment

formanybecauseoftheserevelationsand

theleakingofsuchinformation,while news-

worthy,canbeadangertonationalsecurity.

WeareremindedofwhattheBiblesays

aboutadaythatiscoming,whenGodwill

judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ,

accordingtomygospel.(Rom2.16)Onthe

DayofJudgmentallthesecretsofmenwill

be disclosed. Paul preaching in Athens

spokeof thatdaywhenGodwill judge the

worldinrighteousnessbythemanwhohe

hasordained.(Acts17).Godsetsthestan-

dards by which this judgement will take

placerighteousnessandtheGospel.

Menmaytrytodenywhathasbeenre-

vealedaboutthembecausenoonelikesto

befoundoutyettheBiblesaysthesecrets

ofmenwillbedisclosed. JohnStottwrites

Therewillbenopossibilityofamiscarriage

of justice on the lastday.Forall the facts

willbeknown,includingthosewhichatpre-

sentarenot,forexample,ourmotives.

TakeNote:Wemust all appear before

thejudgementseatofChrist.(2Cor5.10)

Cover PhotographWinterinHillsboroughForestPark,CoDown.TheParkoffersnature

walksandhasaccesstothehistoricHillsboroughFort.HillsboroughvillageisnotedforitsGeorgianarchitecture.PhotoHaroldGibson

The Evangelical Presbyterian

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PolicyTheviewsexpressedarethoseoftheEditorandContributorswhichareunderstoodtoreflectthetheologicalpositionoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch

Copy Deadline

1stofmonthpriortopublication

Editor

HaroldGibson

Stockbridge2BarronstownCourtDROMOREBT251FB

[email protected]


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TheEditorditorurgesustolivinghopeonthebasisofGodshelpinthepast.

Our Help and Our HopeOur Help and Our Hope

Aswewritethesewordsthenewsisfullofthefinancialcrisisthathasengulfed

the Irish Republic and is threatening other European countries. The hope offinanceministersandeconomistsisthatthemeasurestakenwillhelpresolvetheproblemandthatstabilityandprosperitywillreturnintheyearstocome.NewsofNorthKoreasattacksonSouthKoreacausesworldleaderstobeapprehensivebecauseafteralltheyarehopingthatmorepeacefuldayslieaheadintheyearstocome.Yettheworldismarkedbyinstabilityandtensioninmanydifferentpartsoftheglobe,kingdomsriseandwaneofthatwecanbesure.Warsandrumoursofwarswillcontinuetotheendoftheage. Aswestandatthebeginningofanewyearwemayrightlywonderwhat lies

ahead.ThewellknownhymnpennedbyIsaacWattsOGodourhelpinagespastgaveusthetitleforthisarticlebecausehedirectsourthoughtstothehelpinagespast thatGodhasbeen, and that he is theonly hope forGodspeople in theyears that are to come. The words of 1 Samuel 7.12 Thus far has the LordhelpedusareagreatcomforttotheLordspeoplebecausetheytellusthattheLordhadbeenwithhischildrenalltheway,righttothisveryhourandhecanbedependeduponfortheyearstocome.The Hope of the Pasthe Hope of the PastRecallingourexperiencesofGod isawonderfulblessingforGodschildren. InthePsalmsDavidoftenrecallsGodsdeliverancesandgoodnesstohimintimesof trialanddifficulty. YouOLordhavenot forsaken thosewhoseekyou. (Ps9.10)Hehasbeenourhelpinagespast,inthelifeofourchurchandinourownindividual lives. Take a moment to consider the year that has gone, thosemomentsofpeaceandjoy,thosetimesoftrialandsadness;thetimesofplentyandthetimesofleanness.Canyouechothewordsofthehymnwriter?

Throughallthechangingscenesoflife, introubleandinjoy,

thepraisesofmyGodshallstill myheartandtongueemploy.Manyofushaveexperiencedchangeinthepastyear,personally,infamilylifeandperhapsinsomeotherway.ThePsalmistinPsalm85reflectsGodsfavourtohispeopleinpastdays,Intimespast,Lord,youshowedfavourtoyourownbeloved land. Gods favour was seen in the forgiveness of iniquity and inprovidingcoverforalltheirsin.Herecallsdaysofrevivalandasks:Willyounotreviveusagain?ThisteachesustheimportanceofrememberingGodsmightyactsofsalvationinourownlivesandinthelifeofourlandinbygonedays.

The Hope of the Presenthe Hope of the PresentAgainitistothePsalmsthatweturnbeingassuredthatGodisourrefugeandstrength,averypresenthelpintrouble.(46.1)


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Theseare troubleddays inwhichwelive,economicuncertainty,global terroristthreatsandperhapspersonaldifficulties.Christiansarenotexemptfromthetrialsoflife!JobtellsusManwhoisbornofawomanisfewofdaysandfulloftrouble.(Job14.1)Butthesamemancouldsaythoughheslayme,yetwillItrusthim.The wordsthatGodgavetoJoshuaashestoodonthethresholdofchangebroughthelpandcomforttohimasheundertooktheroleofleaderamongGodspeople.

As we enter upon another year of our earthly pilgrimage so toomight we findassuranceinthesamewords:Bestrongandcourageous.Donotbefrightened,ordismayed,fortheLORDyourGodiswithyouwhereveryougo.(Josh1.9)TheGodwhomweworshipisthesamemightyGodwhowaswithhisservantsinpastdaysandiswithhispeopletoday.Dependingonhimwemustservehimdiligentlyandseektowinthelostwhileitisstillthepresent-time!WhateverliesaheadforusintheyeartocomewehavethepromiseofChrist,Lo,Iamalwayswithyou,evenuntotheendoftheworld.The Hope of the Futurehe Hope of the FutureThegood news of theGospel gives hope. The future isbright for all who aretrusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Nothing else in this world gives aguaranteethatmatchesthecertaintythatGodgives.ThehopeoftheChristianfaith isnot somevaguewish,rather itspeaksofanassuranceand confidencethatallthepromisesofGodaretrueandutterlydependable. WedonotknowwhatadaybringsbutwedoknowthatJesusChrist is thesame yesterday, today and forever.The disciples wereassuredon the day ofascensionthatJesus,whowastakenupintoheaven,willcomeinthesamewayastheysawhimgointoheaven.Christiansaretheonlypeopleintheworldwho

have an assured future. Trust and dependence upon anything in this world,health,fameorfortunearecertaintofail. Paul, writing to Titus says that the grace of God has appeared, bringingsalvationtoallpeople,teachingustorenounceungodlinessandworldlypassions, andtoliveselfcontrolled,uprightandGodlylivesinthepresentage,waitingforourblessedhope,theappearingofthegloryofourgreatGodandSaviourJesusChrist. He assures the Thessalonians that they have cause to hope becausealthoughtheysorrowoverlovedoneswhohavedied,theysorrownotasthosewho

havenohopebutareassuredthatbelieverswhohavedied,andthosestillaliveat ChristscomingwillbecaughtuptogetherandwillalwaysbewiththeLord. TheBiblespeaksofheavenasaplacethatJesuspreparesforhisown.Itisaplace where there is no more death, crying or pain. The former things havepassedaway.Revelation22describesthebeautyofheaveningraphiclanguage,thestreetofthecityaspuregold,transparentasglass.ThereisnoneedforsunormoonforthegloryofGodgivesitlightanditslampistheLamb.Noteveryonewillgetinthough,onlythosewhosenamesarewrittenintheLambsbookoflife.Thosewhopracticeuncleannessanddowhatisdetestableandfalseshallnever

beadmitted. ManschiefendistoglorifyGodandtoenjoyhimforever.MayweknowthejoyoftheLordin2011andhavethehopeofthatjoywhichisyettocome.


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Rev Samuel Watsonev Samuel Watsonev Samuel Watson ,,Finaghy,beginsaseriesontheIamsayingsofJohnsGospel.Heasksifwearedevotingourlivestosatisfyingourhungerforthings

ratherthanlookingtoGodforspiritualnourishment.

I am the Bread of LifeI am the Bread of Life

Jesus hadbeen talking to people whohadbeen present at the feeding of the5000andwereinterestedinhavingthatmiraclerepeated.TheirRabbishadtoldthemthatwhentheMessiahcamehewouldduplicatethemiracleofmannafromheaven.JesuswasclaimingtobetheMessiah.Why,then,shouldtheynotexpecthimtoreplicateMoses'miracle?Sohehadtopointout thatMosesdidnotgivethat manna: God gave ititwas God'smiracle. Further, the wildernessmannawasnotthetruebreadfromheavenitwasonlyearthlybreadfromavisiblesky.And then he declared himself as that true breadwhich alone satisfies the realhungerofthehumansoul.Iamthebreadoflife!

Thisisthefirstofsevengreat"IAM"sayingsinJohn'sGospel,someofthemrepeatedwithslightvariations.Itisatremendousseriesofclaims,andtogethertheypointtosomeonewhoisfargreaterthananymereman.ClearlyJohnhasgatheredacollectionofsayingsthatshowveryplainlywhothePersonofJesusisandwhathecameintothisworldtodo.Theexpression"Iam"withtheemphaticpersonal pronoun is thestyleof deity.It is a reminder ofMosesat theburningbush.TherethepatriarchaskedthenameofhimwhospoketohimoutofthefireandwastoldIAMTHATIAMandthathewastosaytotheIsraelites:IAMhathsentmeuntoyou.(Ex3.14)Jesusisclaimingnotonlythathecangiveagreat gift, but that he is big enough to give such agreat gift.So thesewordsconveyhishighclaimtodeity.Butinspeakingofhimselfasbread,hewasusingaveryfamiliarimagetoconveyparticularspiritualtruthsabouthimself.1 Jesus is Fundamental to LifeJesus is Fundamental to LifeInChrist'sdaybreadwasevenmoreessential than in ours, for itwastheonlystapleinmostpeoplesdiet.Butweneednotconfinethewordtothelikeofaloafofbread.Itrefers(asintheLordsPrayer)tofood,withoutwhichwedie.Foodsustainslife.Thosewhogoonhungerstrikewillinevitablydieunlesstheycallit

offorareforciblyfed.Withoutfood,lifecannotgoon.Itisabsolutelyfundamentaltolife.Soinmakingthisstatement,JesuswasclaimingtobetheOnewhommenandwomencannotdowithout.Nowthisistrueinthephysicalrealm;it isintheTriuneJehovah(ofwhomheisthesecondPerson)thatweliveandmoveandhaveourbeing.HoweverbylifeImeansomethingfarmorethanmerephysicalthingsandexistence.Youcaneatthemostrich,exoticandappetisingfoodandleave the table empty in heart, hungry in soul, unhappy in life. And that isbecause you have been created body and soul. Physical bread may fulfil theneedsofthebodybutitcanneversatisfythesoul.ThereisaspiritualhungerineveryonethatcanonlybemetbyJesusChrist.

Asaresultofthecreditcrunchandrecessionwearebeingaskedtotightenourbeltsandtodowithoutthingswehavetakenforgrantedforsolong.Andthefactisthatthatcanbedoneandlifewillgoon,for,whenitcomestothebit,life


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doesnotconsistofthings.Butevenifyoucanstillpayyourmortgage,driveyourcarandhaveoverseasholidays,Jesusquestionisstillrelevant:Whatshallitprofitamanifhegainthewholeworldandlosehisownsoul?ThefactisthatyouneedJesusforeternity.Youmaymanagenowbyyourself,afterafashion,butyoucannotsurvivelong-term.Deadintrespassesandsins,youwillremaininthatconditionandlosteternallywithoutChrist.Heisfundamentaltoeternallife.

2 Jesus Brings Fulfilment to LifeJesus Brings Fulfilment to Life Heisthetruebreadfromheaven,whobringstotalsatisfactioninthelifehegives.Hesays:hethatcomethtomeshallneverhungerandhethatbelievethonmeshall never thirst. When we eat food, the fare provided may not be to ourpersonaltaste,orwemaynotfeelparticularlyfilled,sosparsewerethehelpings!NotsowithChrist.TheLordJesusChristisperfectlysuitedtotheneedsofallwhocometohim.Heisgreatenoughandgloriousenoughsothathisprovisionoflifecanneverbeexhaustedeithernoworineternity.Hehasallthatyouneed.Whatismore,heknowsyouandheknowshowtomeetyourneed.

Somany people todayare trying to fill thespiritual lack andhunger that iswithin them withworldly possessions, pleasures and pursuits.And there is nodoubtthatthethingsofthisworldcanhaveanattractionandpleasurethatisreal.Hebrews11speaksoftheseasonablepleasuresofsin.Andthatisthepointthepossessions,pleasuresandpursuitsofthisworldareseasonable,temporaryandfleeting.Theyhavetoberenewedagainandagain.ButJesusgiveslifethatissatisfying. A satisfaction andpeace of soul that cannever be foundanywhereelse. Jesusmeets thehungerof theheart that no-one else canmeet.Areyouempty,dissatisfiedandunfulfilledinheartandsoul?Jesuscametogivelifeandthatmoreabundantly.Heisthebreadoflifethatbringsfulfilmenttolife.3Jesus is the Formula for Lifeesus is the Formula for LifeIntheLordsPrayerweprayGiveusthisdayourdailybread.WhenweputthatalongsideJesusclaimtobethebreadoflifeitremindsusthatweneedhimeverydayhemust be the formula for every day of our life. Sadly,many professingChristiansallowtheloveoftheworldandthethingsoftheworldtointrudebetween themselvesandJesusandconsequentlytheyarespirituallyweak,illandhungry.IntheOldTestamentwearetoldthatthishappenedrepeatedlywiththepeopleof

IsraeltheydesiredthingsinsteadofGod.Therefore,Godgavethem"things"but"sentawastingdiseaseuponthem."(Ps106.15)IsyourconditionlikethatoftheJewsrichinthings,butpoorinsoul? ThefactofthematteristhatnothingcanreplacetheimmediacyofapersonalrelationshipwithJesusChrist.WhenapersontrustsChristasSaviour,thatbringsthemintoalivingrelationshipwiththeLord JesusChrist,arelationshipthatmustbe sustained by a daily feeding upon Christ. Are you devoting your life tosatisfying your hunger for objects, but seldom looking to God for spiritualnourishment.Isitanywonderthen,thatyouhavelittlespiritualgrowth,Christian

testimony or satisfaction of soul? It is those who come, initially and thencontinually,toJesus,astheBreadoflife,whoneverhungerorthirst.

Jesus Christ: Fundamental to Life, Fulfilment in Life, Formula for Life


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Meet one of our MembersMeet one of our MembersBilly Brooks, Knock

BillyBrookswasnotalwaysawisemanfromtheeast

hewasbornandgrewupintheDuncairnGardensareaof northBelfast. His father worked in Clokeys,apaintand glass firm in King Street where he made leadedlights.Oneearlymemoryisofhismothershelteringherchildren under the stairs when the Luftwaffes tour ofthe ports broughtGermanbombers toBelfast in April1941. Many of the homes of their area becamemountainsofrubble.School Dayschool DaysLater in Billys childhood the family moved to theBallysillan Road and then to Churchill Street off theAntrim Road. He attended Church of Ireland andPresbyterianPrimarySchools,mostlyduringwaryears,and finished his education at St Enochs,Antrim Road, when he was 14. Notbeingofanacademicbenthedidnotlikeschoolandhismotherusuallyhadabattletogethimtogoasheclungtothebanistersindeterminedresistance.Billywasthemiddleoneofthreeboysanddescribeshimselfastheblacksheepofthefamily.Whentherewasanytroubleinthestreethewasalwaysjudgedguiltyuntilproven innocent.OnoneoccasionhehadaYes,yourHonourencounterforkickingaballinthestreet.Hardlyfair!Going out to Workoing out to WorkWhenheleftschoolin1948BillyansweredanadvertfromLittleshardwareshopon theAntrimRoad foramessage boyandgot the job.He delivered itemsofhardwareincludinglawnmowers,inforsharpeningorrepair,mountingthemonabicycle and pushing them to theirdestination.After about a year hemoved toBelfast Harbour Commissioners as a hand courier17 shillings a week, herecalls.NextcameElectrolux for twoyears,workingasanapprenticeengineer

acrosstheirfullrangeofproducts.ThenhemovedtoGallaherswhereheworkedasamachineoperatorfor10yearsandasalorrydriverforafurther15.Coming to Faithoming to FaithAlthoughBillysparentswerenotChristianstheysenttheboystoSundaySchoolandBoysBrigadebutBillyneverheardoftheneedtobesavedineitherandhewentontolivewithoutGod.ButGodintervenedinhislifeandonlookingbackBillycanseethathediditinanamazingwayinworkingthroughthetwomainthingsalreadyinhislife,his jobandhisloveoffootball.A teenagegirlfriendworkedinGallaherswhichledBillytogetajobtheretoo.Thatwasstepone.Thenextwas

hisplayingfootballforGallahers.ThiswassignificantbecauseayoungChristianfellowemployee,MetaScott,wasalsokeenonfootballandwenttosupportthefactoryteam.Asshegot toknowBillyshebegantoinvitehimtochurchandhewentwithherafewtimestoBallygomartinBaptist.


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Meta followedupby invitingBillytoamission in theWelcomeHall,ShankillRoad,whichPastorRaveywasconducting.On6March1960thetextwasHebrews7.25:WhereforeheisablealsotosavethemtotheuttermostthatcomeuntoGodby him, seeinghe ever liveth tomake intercessionfor them.GodsSpiritwasclearlyatworkforonthewayoutafriendaskedBillydirectly:Areyousaved?

Billywasnotbutheagreed togobackinandspeaktoPastorRaveyandasaresulthecametoChristthatnight.Billylooksbackontheoldexpressionfromtheguttermost totheuttermostand readilyand thankfully identifieswith it. It isstillthecasethatmostpeoplewhocometochurchdosoinresponsetoaninvitation!Family Lifeamily LifeBillyandMetaweremarriedinShankillBaptistChurchin1961andtookuphouseinBallygomartin.Theymoved toReavillePark,Dundonald,intheeastofthecity,in 1963.TheLordblessed themwith twoboys, TimothyandPaul.Very sadly,Metadevelopedbreastcancerin1975anddespitesurgery,diedin1980.Billyleft

Gallahersin1979tonurseherduringherfinalyear.ShehadboldlywitnessedforGodthroughoutherlifeanddidsountilitsend.ThreeweeksbeforeherdeathanIndiandoctorinBelvoirParkHospitalsaid:ShehasgreatfaithinherGod.AtherfuneralservicetheMinisterspokeaptlyon thelifeofMartha.WegivethanksforMetas life and her clearChristian testimony. Billy has twograndsons,DavidandMatthew,Timothysboys.Weareprivilegedtoremember thefamily,includingBillyssurvivingbrotherDerrick,intheKnockPrayerDiary.A New Job and FootballNew Job and Football AfterMetasdeathBillywentback towork, this timeasCaretakerofLongstoneSpecial Needs School, in Dundonald, a job he enjoyed very much until hisretirementin1999.Buthisretirementhasnotincludedfootballwhichhasbeensuchabigpartofhislifeandwasinstrumentalinhisconversion.Inhisyouthheplayed forNorthBelfastMission, 21stBoys BrigadeOldBoysandGallahersusuallyasoutsideleft,asthepositionwascalledinthosedaysofold.Wishingtoputsomethingbackintothegamehetookuprefereeingin1970afteracourseandanexamboard,and,hardtobelieveasitmaybe,heisstilldoingit.HenevertriedtogobeyondJuniorlevelashefeltthatthelifestyleofthemoreseniorrolewouldhaveunhelpfulimplicationsforhisChristianwayoflife.

The Knock Yearshe Knock YearsThe family attended local evangelical Churches and the boyswent to SundaySchoolinDundonald.Then,in1982,BillybegantocometoKnockEPCwherehehad friends. Theyhave beenhappy years for himand he recognises his ownspiritualgrowthunderthesuccessiveministries,mainlythatofRevGarethBurke,MinisterofKnock1989-2000.BillysfaithfulattendanceattheLordsDayservicesandthePrayerMeetinghavebeenaconstantencouragementtotheChurchandhis long-termcommitment totheweeklyministry inDunladyNursingHomehasset a standard of Christian service. The Friday Club engage him annually as

SantaoftheYear,andfewgetthebetterofhiswellnighunmanageablebanter. Billy isconcernedthat hisstorybringsglory toGod.Wearecertain thathissalvation,growthingrace,faithfulnessandChristianservicemostcertainlydo.


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All Lands to God!All Lands to God!

Asthewholeworldknows,2010wasWorldCupYearinSouthAfrica.Whilebil-

lionswerespenton football infrastructure throughout thecountry, theHelp theNeedyFundwasalsobusyinoneofthepoorestpartsoftheEasternCape,withitsown importantfootballproject.FikileStali isoneofourstudentsatDumisaniandaFreeChurchelderandwewilllethimtellthestory.

TheAliceUnitedFootballClubwasformedin2006byagroupofyoungboysbetweentheagesof8and13years.Mysonwasoneofthem.AfterseeingthededicationoftheseboysIdecidedtohelpthemin2007.TheyareyoungboyswhoarefocusedonChristianityandwhentheymeettopracticetheyfirsthaveaBibleStudyandprayertime.

InJune2009theywontheUnder13yearsCupofChampionshipsintheAl-iceregion.Theteamwasstrugglingastheyhadnofinanceandwereplayingintheir normal clothes without proper shorts and jerseys. ThenRevReidandtheHelptheNeedyFundcametoourrescue.Hebought us 14 jerseys and 14 shorts to the value of R2000.(185.00)Weareverythankfulforthishelp.Ithasmadesuchadifferencetotheteam.Theyaregreatlyencouraged.In September 2010 the team participated at the Love Life

Games inKingWilliamsTownat theVictoriaGrounds.TheydidverywellandwereonlyknockedoutattheSemi-FinalsoftheUnder13s.AlltheClubmembersareChristiansandeverythingtheydoisbasedonChris-tianitytheyattendvariouschurchesatAlicewhichis60kilometersfromKingWilliamsTown.ThankyoutoHelptheNeedyFundformakingadifferenceinthelivesoftheseneedyyoungboys.MayGodblessyou.FikileStali.

Rev Norman Reid: Help the Needy FundRev Norman Reid: Help the Needy Fund

The Persecuted Churchhe Persecuted ChurchPRAYER FOCUS UPDATE isamonthlyinformationbulletinwithup-to-datenewsonthepersecutedChurchtohelpChristiansprayfortheirsufferingbrothersandsisters.Youcanusethisforprayergroups,yourowninformationandforinclusioninchurchmagazines.Itcanbesentviaemail, isavailableasprintableversionson the Barnabas Fund website or can be sent through the post FREE OFCHARGE.Herearesomecurrentexamplesofsuffering:

Pakistan:Christianwomansentencedtodeathunderblasphemylaw Iraq:MassexodusofChristiansfearedafterhorrificviolence Caucasus, Russia:Threechurchestorched Eritrea:NewclampdownonChristians China:FourtharrestinamonthforChristianLawyer Laos:Christiansthreatenedbyformerneighbours

Barnabas Fund, 9 Priory Row, Coventry, CV1 5EXPhone: 024 7623 1923 Fax: 024 7683 4718 [email protected]
http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Pakistan#Pakistan#Pakistan#Pakistanhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Pakistan#Pakistan#Pakistan#Pakistanhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Pakistan#Pakistan#Pakistan#Pakistanhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Iraq#Iraq#Iraq#Iraqhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Iraq#Iraq#Iraq#Iraqhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Russia#Russia#Russia#Russiahttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Russia#Russia#Russia#Russiahttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Eritrea#Eritrea#Eritrea#Eritreahttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Eritrea#Eritrea#Eritrea#Eritreahttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#China#China#China#Chinahttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#China#China#China#Chinahttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Lao#Lao#Lao#Laohttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Lao#Lao#Lao#Laomailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Lao#Lao#Lao#Laohttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#China#China#China#Chinahttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Eritrea#Eritrea#Eritrea#Eritreahttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Russia#Russia#Russia#Russiahttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Iraq#Iraq#Iraq#Iraqhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_9/#Pakistan#Pakistan#Pakistan#Pakistan


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All Lands to God!All Lands to God!

JeanandItravelledtoNigeriaforthemonthofNovember.WelastvisitedPamela

inFebruary2004,nearlysevenyearsago,soweexpectedtoseechanges.Andwedidbigchanges!InAbujanewroadshavebeenbuiltandarebeingbuilt,not

tomentionallthenewhousinganddevelopment.Thenwecame to Jos and its go-slows (traffic queues), itsmachines (at least tentimesmoremotorbikes),plus thejoy of breathing their rich blue smoke! We found thecountry is in the grip of election fever and around 50partiesarefightingforplacesinstateandgovernmentallverycomplicatedforanoutsider!

ButitwasgoodtobewithPamela,Musa,Gracieandtheboys rather,fineyoungmen,whoarediligentintheirstudiesandwork.WesharedmuchwiththemanditwasarealjoytoseetheirloveforGod.

ThenextbigchangewasatACTS.Whenwelastsawthesitetherewasjustatrench dug for theboundarywall, butnowa lovelywall is in placewith pillars,railings and climbing flowers, enclosing the shop, warehouse and offices. InNigerianstylewewouldsaytoDrSidGarland,welldone!.Wehadthepleasureof meeting the General Manager, Rev Luka Vandi and share fellowship. ThisstrategicworkissoimportantforthechurchinAfricaletaloneNigeria.TheotherexcitementwastomeetRickyandAngieFitzsimmonsandNoah,whowillfurther

thedevelopmentoftheACTSsiteaswellasworkingamongtheFulanipeople. Itwasmostmovingforustomeetsomeofthosewhosufferedintheattacks

oflastJanuary.OnewasthewidowofEvangelistObida,whowasbutcheredand

burntinhishomebyaneighbourfrom

over the wall, a neighbour he had

oftenprotectedandhelped.MrsObida

is left with an eight-year-old son to

look after. Another Pastor living in a

home rented from a Muslim was

threatened and the house burnt with

allhisbooks.Wemetotherstoowho

Derek Johnston, Omagh: A Visit to NigeriaDerek Johnston, Omagh: A Visit to Nigeria

JosAbuja

Musa and Pamelas house

A burnt-out home


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sufferedgreatloss. MusatookmetoseethechurchinRikkosthatwasburntand

batteredto thefoundations.Thissamechurchwasdestroyedinthe2008troubles

and itsPastorkilled.Butitwasencouragingtoseeasteadfast faithandaquiet

trustinGod.Thehelpsentby theEPChasbeengreatlyappreciatedandputto

gooduse.WeweregladtotopitupbythemoneyraisedfromtheOmaghGiftDay.

WearegratefultotheLordforallowingustobeameansofstrengtheningand

encouragementforhispeople.Nigerianeedsmuchprayerforitsstabilitysothat

theGospelmaygoforthandthatthechurchmaydisplaytheloveofChrist.We

wereencouragedbytheECWAPlateauChurchandtheircommitmenttotheGospel.

PraythattheLordmaystrengthenthemandtheirsisterchurchesintheirtrials.

Derek Jean Mrs Obida Rev Luka Vandi Musa Gracie

The Rikkos Church, burnt and demolished in January 2010


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Do you have a copy of The Pilgrims Progress in your house?

It is one of the most famous books in the world and was written

over 300 years ago by a Christian called John Bunyan. He wrote it

because he wanted other people to live for the

Lord Jesus, but if you had met John when he was 9

or 10 years old you would have been surprised at

the sort of boy he was.

John was born in the village of Elstow near

Bedford in England in 1628. His Mum and Dad loved him, but they

did not love the Lord. Although his parentswere very poor, John

was sent to school for a while, but he forgot most

of what he learned! At home he was taught to

mend pots and pans so that one day he could

become a tinker like his dad. Sadly, he also learned to curse and

swear and soon became a ringleader in the village. He took delight

in lying and jeering and leading the other children into trouble.

Nobody knew that inside John was often frightened and suffered

from terrible nightmares about going to hell.

While still a boy, John once fell out of a boat on Bedford river and

nearly drowned. God was telling him to stop and think about his

life, but John didnt listen. Another time, playing in the fields with

his friends, John picked up a poisonous snake. With his fingers, he

plucked its fang out just to impress the others. He could havedied, but Godprotected him. Did that make John stop and listen

to God? No, it didnt.

WHAT A BAD BOY!
http://uk.wrs.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTf2rOAfRMtDcA1_RWBQx./SIG=1260oo20o/EXP=1291088462/**http%3a/etc.usf.edu/clipart/4000/4038/boy_40_lg.gif


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Part 1 of the John Bunyan story

Then, when he was 15, a terrible flu epidemic

came to that part of England. Johns mother

died and, one month later, his young sisters life

was taken too. It was a sad time for John, but it

did not make him turn to God.

Instead, he left home, barely 16, and joined the army to fight forthe parliament in the English Civil War. Food, clothes and pay were

scarce in the army, but every soldier was given a pocket Bible and

a copy of the Soldiers Catechism. This told him he must trust

Jesus Christ and be ready to meet God if he should die in battle.

John, however, did not seem to heed the warning, not even when

another soldier took his place at the last minute one day and waskilled by a gunshot in the head. It could have been me, said John,

but he soon forgot.

By the age of 19, John had left the army and was back home in

Elstow. In all these events, God was caring for John Bunyan, but

John Bunyan did not yet care for God.

Quiz

1. What famous book did John Bunyan write? 2. Where was he born?

3. What did his father do? 4. What were Johns nightmares about?

5. How did he nearly die? 6. Who died in the flu epidemic? 7. How old

was John when he joined the army? 8. What 2 things was every soldiergiven? 9. What did John say when another soldier was killed?

10. How did John feel towards God?


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SundaySchoolProject

Iwasbroughtup intheChurchofEnglandandwaspretty religioussomost

peoplethought.Iwastakentochurchandbaptizedtherightday,andafteratimeIwasconfirmedandtookcommunion.ButIdidnotknowanythingaboutJesusChristpersonally.IknewalittleaboutHim,asImayknowalittleaboutPresidentTaft,butIdidnotknowHim.TherewasnotamomentinmylifewhenIeverdoubtedthattherewasaGod,orthatJesusChristwastheSaviouroftheworld;butIdidnotknowHimasmypersonalSaviour.Weboyswerebroughtuptogotochurchregularly,but,althoughwehadakindofreligion,itwasnotareligionthatamountedtomuch.Itwasjustlikehavingatoothache.WewerealwayssorrytohaveSundaycome,andgladwhenwecametoMondaymorning.TheSabbathwasthedullestdayofthewholeweek,andjustbecausewegotholdofthewrongendofreligion.Amanmaygetholdofthewrongendofapoker,andIgotholdofthewrongendofreligionandhadtopaydearlyforit.We

hadlotsofministersandlotsofchurchesallaroundus,butweneversawsuchathingasa realconvert.Wedidntbelievemuchinconvertsinthosedays.Wethought thattheChineseandAfricanshad tobe converted;but the ideaofanEnglishmanbeingconvertedwasabsurd,becauseitmadehimoutaheathenbeforehewasconverted.

ThisistheopeningparagraphofthetestimonyofCTStudd,writtenforinclusioninTheFundamentalsVolume3in1909.Hewasaremarkablecricketer,mission-aryandChristian,whodidandsaidsomethingsthatseemoverthetop butwholivedforGodinawaythatputsusalltoshame.Hegaveawayhiscompletefor-tunetoChristianmissionsandservedhisLordwithjoyandselflesszealinChina,

IndiaandAfrica.Hislegacylivesonthroughhistestimony,writingsandthemis-sionarysocietyhefounded-WECInternational.Thisyearhis life isthesubjectmatterforourSundaySchoolProjectand,thoughitisaimedatyoungpeople,itisastory tochallenge everyoneso, buyabiography and read it thoughtfully.Tostartyou,herearesomehardhittingandunconventionalquotations:

If JesusChrist be Godanddied forme, then no sacrifice can be toogreatformetomakeforHim

Onlyonelife,twillsoonbepast.OnlywhatsdoneforChristwilllast

Somewishtolivewithinthesoundofchurchorchapelbell.Iwanttorunarescueshop,withinayardofhell

Christscallistosavethelost,notthestiff-necked;Hecamenottocallscoffers, but sinners to repentance; not to build and furnish comfortable chapels,churchesandcathedralsathome,torockChristiansprofessorstosleepbycleveressays,stereotypedprayers,artisticmusicalperformances,but tocapturemenfromthe devilsclutchesandtheveryjawsofhell.Thiscanbeaccomplishedonlybyared-hot,uncon-ventional,unfettereddevotion,inthepoweroftheHolySpirit,totheLordJesusChrist.

HowcouldIspendthebestyearsofmylifeinlivingforthehonoursofthisworld,whenthousandsofsoulsareperishingeveryday?

Let usnot glide through thisworld and thenslip quietly intoheaven,withouthavingblownthetrumpetloudandlongforourRedeemer,JesusChrist.Letusseetoitthatthedevilwillholdathanksgivingserviceinhell,whenhegetsthenewsofourdeparturefromthefieldofbattle.

DavidWatson,Ballyclare:astorytochallengeeveryone

C T StuddC T Studd (1860(1860--1931)1931)MissionaryMissionary


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MoreMinisters:ThisisapressingneedforourChurchanditwillcontinueintothe foresee-ablefuture.PleasepraythatthecallofGodwillmeetthatneedasithasinthepastthroughnewstudentsfortheMinistryandadmissionsfromoutside.

Crumlin: Pray for the congregation,vacant sinceAugust 2008, that its people will trustprayerfullyandpatientlyintheLord,certainofhisall-wiseprovisionwhenhistimeisright.

Ministers:Prayfortheirpreparation,preachingandprayer.Alsothatourcongregations willrespondtotheWordofGodincludingconversions.BallyclareBroadcastService,30January.

Presbyteryco-ordinatesourworkandwitnessatdenominationallevel.Prayfortheeffec-tivenessofitsmeetings.RemembertheModeratorandClerkwhohavespecialresponsi-bilities.PrayfortheStandingCommitteeswhodevelopmattersforPresbyterysdecision.

Finance:Weneedfinancialresourcestosupportourministryandtoadvanceourworkathomeandoverseas.Prayforgenerousgivinginresponsetotheneedsbeforeus.

EvangelicalBookShop.Weexpect2011tobeasignificantyearintermsofthedevelop-mentofonlinesales,premisesadaptationandrefurbishment.Prayfortheprogramme.

Missions.ThecurrentgroupofmissionariesfromEPCworkinAfrica:NormanandAngelaReid inSouthAfrica,Andrew andEuniceMoody inUganda,Pamela andMusaGaiya,RickyandAngieFitzsimmonsinNigeria.Doyouknowwhattheyneedustoprayfor?UsethePrayerNotes,PrayerLetters,EParticlesandWebsitestofindout.Weareresponsibleforthisministryinprayerontheirbehalf.PrayforthePersecutedchurch seepage9.

InternationalStudentsinBelfast:RemembertheFridaynightmeetingsatStranmillis.

ChristianInstitute:PrayfortheCIwhichexistsforthefurtheranceandpromotionoftheChristianreligion intheUnitedKingdom.Visitwww.Christian.org.uk.Getonthemailinglist.Therearepressingmatterstoprayfor,egtheCharitiesCommissionseepage18.

CalebFoundation:ThisisalocalorganisationwhichseekstopromotetheFundamentalsoftheHistoricEvangelicalProtestantFaith.Whattoprayfor?- www.calebfoundation.org.

EPCEW:Rememberthe13congregationsinEnglandandWales,andthetwoinSweden.PrayforthedevelopmentandgrowthofthedenominationandTheNetworkmagazine.

Churchactivities:PrayfortheLordsblessingonthewholerangeofcongregationalactivi-tiessuchastheLordsDayservices,PrayerMeetings,LadiesFellowships,MothersandToddlers.Prayforincreasingattendanceandforspiritualdevelopment.

SessionsandDiaconates:RemembertheEldersandDeaconsofeachcongregationastheyleadandadministercongregationallife.Praythatthroughtheresponsivenessofthepeopletheymightdotheirworkwithjoy(Heb13.17).Crumlincongregation:Crumlinfeaturesinthisissue.Readpage16andprayaccordingly.

YouthWork:Mostofourcongregationshaveimportantevangelisticopportunitiesthroughyoungpeople from non-churchbackgroundswho attendour youthmeetings.Pray thattheseyoungpeoplewillrespondtotheGospelmessage.Rememberouryouthmeetings,theirplanningandactivities,theminibusjourneysandcompliancewithregulations.PrayespeciallyforSessionsandyouthleaderswhoareresponsibleforitallatlocallevelandforthePresbyteryCommitteeswhodrawupandmonitorourdenominationalpolicy.

Camps,WeekendsandSummerOutreach2011:Planninghasalreadystarted.Prayforit.

LordsTable:Praythatwewillpreparediligentlyfortheseoccasionsandthatwewillprofitspirituallyduringandafterthem.TheLargerCatechism168-175isaveryhelpfulsection.

SundaySchoolSuperintendentsandTeachers:PraythattheLordwilldeveloptheirteach-

inggifts,thathewillhelpthemin theirworkofpreparation,andgivethemanincreasingloveforthechildrentheyarecalledtoteach.Prayfortheconversionofchildren..

NursingandResidentialHomes:ManyofourChurchesconductservicesinCareHomes.PraythatthosewhoareelderlyandsickwillbeabletogainasavinggraspoftheGospel.

Prayer Diary: JanPrayer Diary: Jan--Feb 2011Feb 2011


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Themostrecentcensus(2001)recordsCrumlinspopulationasjustover4500ofwhich75%areRomanCatholicand23%Protestant.InterestingtoothatCrumlinhasrecentlybeengiventheaccoladeofthefastestgrowingvillageinEurope.Our Workur WorkOurwitnesscoversallageranges,fromToddlerstoSeniorCitizensandeachweekvisitorsswelltheattendanceatourvariousoutreachmeetings.ParentsandToddlers:Upto90attend.Thecontactwiththeseparentshasbeenofgreatbenefittothechurchovertheyears,andformanyofthechildrenithas

beenasteppingstonetotheyouthmeetings.

YouthWork:Thisisalsoaveryencouragingoutreachworkwiththemajorityofthechildrencomingfromoutsidethechurchfamily,andsomeofthemasaresultoftheHolidayBibleClubandSummerYouthOutreachlastAugust.ThePathwayClubandtheJuniorandSeniorYPAareeachwellattended.

SundaySchoolandBibleClasses:OurnumbershaverecentlydeclinedintheSundaySchoolsowelongformoreyoungfamiliesintheChurchtohelpreversethistrend.OurtwoBibleclassesarewellsupportedandveryencouraging.

SeniorCitizensLunch:thismonthlyeventattractsabout20menandwomenwhoarefedspirituallyfromtheWordofGodandthengivenalightlunch.

VillageOutreach:WegotomeettheyoungpeopleofthevillageonthesecondSundayofeachmonth,toshareourloveforChristwiththeminfriendshipandtohandoutliterature.

Please Pray about our Vacancylease Pray about our VacancyAsweareallaware,CrumlinhasbeenvacantsinceAugust2008andwewouldhighlightthissituation,togetherwithsomerecentdeclineinournumbers,forprayer. PraythattheSessionwillbegivenwisdomindirectingthemattersothatverysoonGodwouldhavethemanofhischoiceinourpulpit.PraythatGodwouldpreparethismanfortheworkofextendingGodsKingdomamongusandthatGodwouldmakethecongregationreadyforhisservanttobebroughtamongthem.Please also Pray for:lease also Pray for: ThebuildingupoftheCongregation,spirituallyandnumerically.

MorechildrentocometotheSundaySchool.

Effectivecontactwiththelocalpeopleinthevillage.

Ourabilitytograsptheopportunitiesinagrowingpopulation.

Congregations: CrumlinCongregations: CrumlinWebeginanewseriesonourcongregations,presentingoneperissue.

Robert Peacockobert Peacock startsitoffwiththeworkandmattersforprayeratCrumlin.


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The Editor will award a Book Token for the winning entry

NoDe2

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Across1 TheArchite(6)4 JacobskinshiptoLaban(8)9 40daysuponearth(4)

10 Evemotherofall(6)12 SonofHilkiah(7)13Rulednight(11)16 Clannorth(3)17 Amount(4)18 PaulsfromChiefPriests(10) 21 Ten(12)23 Godpreparedagreatone(4)24 MotherofTimothy(6)

26 Joshuaburntit(2)27 Asalionseekingto?(6)29 OTBookthreechapters(5)31 SonofAhilud(11)

33 King,perfectallhisdays(3) 34 Tangledinbushes(3) 36 Animalswentin(3) 37 ...Youhavenothing(3) 38 Titles(5)39 Workeddough(7)

Down1 Whyheflees(8) 2 Hiddenonroof(5)3 Paulpreachedhere(9)5 FatherofJoshua(3)6 Languageoninscription(5)7 Evil(10)8 Oneofseven(8)

11 Garden(10) 14 Sundidthistoseed(8) 15 Godsname(3) 19 PharaohgavetoAbram(11) 20 Notguilty(8) 22 Stonebuilders(6) 23 Beginningofwisdom(4) 25 Pelegsson(3) 28 GotsilverfromAbraham(6) 30 Ruler(5) 31 Mordecaisfather(4) 32 Petertocastit(4) 33 Animalthatspoke(3) 35 Insane(3)

Clues by Jim Leckey

1 PleasepostyourentrytotheEditortoarrive,weekcommencing6February.(Notbefore!

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In2008anewCharitiesActwaspassedbytheNorthernIrelandAssemblyresult-inginthesetting-upofaCharityCommission.Thisnewbodyhassevencommis-

sionersandwillregulateallcharitiesoperatingwithintheProvince.Advantagesofcharitablestatusincludegiftaidondonationsandratesreliefonchurchpremisesandmanses.Undertheoldlaw,advancementofreligionwasacceptedasapublicbenefitandmanychurcheswereautomaticallydeemedtobecharitable.NowtheCommissionsaysthatallmustregisterandcomplywithitspublicbenefitguidance. TheCommissionsdraftguidancewas consulted on inNovember2009andsomeseriousconcernswerehighlighted.AlthoughchurcheshavebeendeemedtobecharitiesforcenturiestheCommissionsdraftguidancecastthisintodoubt.ThatwasnevertheintentionoftheAssemblywhenitpassedtheCharitiesAct.

MLAsexpressly statedduring the passageof theBill that itmakessense thatchurches,bydefinition,contributetothepublicgood.OfficialsattheCommissionhave gone far beyond the views of elected politicians, plunging the charitablestatusofchurchesintoconfusion.Thedraftguidancemadenopositivereferencetoevangelismormissionarywork.Thelawhasdefinedtheseekingofnewcon-vertsasbydefinitionadvancingreligion,andthismustberecognised. Thedraftguidancealsostatedthatifacharitysactivitiescausealikelyincreaseinfrictionwithothergroupsinsociety,thenthatorganisationmaybestruckoff.Whileasuperficialreadingofthesewordsmaysoundsensible,thisisadeeplysubjec-tiveconcept.TheresadangerthatCommissionerscouldpenalisecharitiesthatadoptopposingviewsoncontroversialissues.Taketheexampleofacrosscul-turalmissionarysocietyevangelisingMuslims.TheCommissioncouldarguethattheagencysactivitiescausefrictionamongtheIslamiccommunityandderegistertheorganisation.Thedraftguidanceassertedthatreligiouscharitiesmusthaveamembershippolicythatissufficientlyopen.ButchurchmembershipdependsuponapersonsbeliefsandbehaviourconformingtotheBiblesteaching.ThereisariskthatCommissionerscouldadjudicateonthemembershiprulesofchurches.

Youmaybethinkingthat,ifproblemsmightariseinthefuture,whydontchurchesabandoncharitablestatus?Unfortunatelyitsmorecomplicatedthanthat.Agroupcannotsimplyswitchfrombeingacharitytonotbeingacharity.InCanadawhereChristianorganisationshaveendedtheircharitablestatussomehavehadasize-ableproportionoftheirassetsseizedbythecharityregulatorinlieuofgiftaid.TheCommissionwasduetopublishfinalguidanceinApril,buttheChristianInsti-tutewrotetothemoutliningourintentiontoseekajudicialreviewifthekeyissuesofconcernwereretainedfromthedraftversion. InOctoberitwasannouncedthattheSocialDevelopmentMinisterwillbringlegislationtotheAssemblytoamendthe

CharitiesAct.TheCommissionwantstheAssemblytoamendtheCharitiesAct,togiveitpowersnotgrantedinthe2008Actpowerstoimplementthekindofdis-turbingproposalsoutlinedinitsdraftguidance.ItisvitalthatMLAsprotectchurchesandChristiancharities.PleaseprayaboutthisvitalmatterforGospelfreedom.

The Charity CommissionThe Charity CommissionCallum Websterallum Webster,ChristianInstitute,urgesustoprayaboutmattersaffectingGospelfreedom.


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InthisbriefPsalmofDavidweareelevatedhighaboveoureverydaylivesandgivenaspecialviewofourmajesticGod.Davidmentionsfourthingsespecially:1 Gods Splendour over AllGods Splendour over All(8.1)8.1)ItbeginswithadeclarationofGodsgreatness:OLord,ourLord,howmajesticisyournameinall theearth!ThewordmajestyreferstotheradiantsplendourofGod,whoheisandwhathesaysanddoes.DavidpicturestheLordasgloriouslymagnificent,absolutelymajestic!TheheavensdeclarethegloryofGod,theskyaboveproclaimshishandiwork.(Ps19.1)Godsperfectcharacterisseeninthebeautyofhiscreatedworld.Daviddeclares:Youhavesetyourgloryabovethe

heavens.Godsglory, theshiningof thegreatnessofhischaracter,cannotbecontained by creation. The heavens and earth can only partially express hisexcellencebecausethecreatorisfargreaterthanwhathecreates.2 Gods Strength over All (8.2)Gods Strength over All (8.2) InhisgreatnessGodusestheweaknessofmentooverthrowhisenemies,theweaktodefeatthemighty(v2).Hisstrengthismorethansufficienttoempowerusinourhumanfrailty.AsPaulputit:Mygraceissufficientforyou,formypowerismadeperfectinweakness.(2Cor12.9)3 Gods Sovereignty over All (8.3Gods Sovereignty over All (8.3- 8))Godsgreatnessisseeninhissovereignruleoverhiscreationbecausehehasdelegated authority to man to rule over the earth. David reasons that man isinsignificantwhencomparedtothemajestyofGodincreation.ThiscreatingGodis also a caring God, seen in his loving attention toward people who are sominisculecomparedtohim (8.5).ReflectingonthedignityGodhasassignedtolowlymanDavidmarvels.Godhasgivenmandominionoverthecreation(68).This testifies not to the greatness of man, but to the glory of God. Again thegreatnessofGodisseeninthefactthathehasentrustedsomuchofhiscreation

toman. O Lord,Godof heaven, thegreatandawesomeGod,whokeepshiscovenantoflovewiththosewholovehimandobeyhiscommands.(Neh1.5)4 Gods Supremacy over All (8.9)Gods Supremacy over All (8.9) ThegreatnessofGodisclearlyseeninalltheearth.DavidconcludeswherehebeganbydeclaringGodsgreatness(v9).Godnotman, istobepraised.Godaloneismajestic,fullofglory,andhealonedeservesourworshipandadoration.Application to our Livespplication to our LivesPsalm8isacompellingcalltoworshipandglorifyGod.Whatismanschiefend?

EverybelieversentirelifemustbefilledwiththepraiseforGodPsalm8beginsandendswith.BecauseGodisLordoverallwemustdeclarehispre-eminencewithpassionateadorationinpublicandinprivate.RealisationofGodsunsurpassedgreatnesswillsurelyfloodthebelieversheartwithworship.

Colin Mooreolin Moore,Stranmillis,reflectsonourmajesticGodinPsalm8-thefirstofaseriesofmeditationsonthePsalms.

The Glory & Majesty of our GodThe Glory & Majesty of our God


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RecentlyIhadtheopportunityofaddressingtwogatheringsinverydifferentchurch

situationswithinBelfast.InbothplacesIwastreatedwithveryconsiderablecour-tesy, and experienced genuineChristian warmth. In bothplaces therewas aninterestintheWordofGodandadesiretobefedfromGodstruth.Aswesay,Ihadagoodhearingonbothoccasions.IcameawayfromthesetwomeetingswithpositiveandencouragingfeelingsaboutthosebrothersandsistersImet. However, whilst there were some similarities between the two gatherings,therewerealsoverynotabledifferences.Onemeetingwasattendedbyaround20people,andIwasprobablytheyoungest.Attheothermeetingtherewasanattendanceofover400youngpeopleandIwasverymuchtheoldieinthegath-

ering. In oneplace Iworea suitandshirtandtiewhilst thedresscode for theotherwasmuchmorerelaxedopenedneckedshirtandblazer. Perhapsthegreatestdifferencewasexperiencedin the realmofworship. InonemeetingthepraiseconsistedsolelyofunaccompaniedPsalmswhilstintheothergatheringthepraisewasaccompaniedbyasizeablepraiseband.Anotherfeatureofthismeetingwasthatonconcludingmyaddressthepeopleapplauded.PerhapsoutofasenseofreliefthatIwasfinished!Twoverydifferentmeetings. YetIasIreflectedonthesemeetingsIrealisedthattheyreallyrepresentthespectrumofevangelicalism inNorthern Ireland at the present time.Bothsitua-tionsweredistinctlyevangelicalbutincrediblydifferent.Theevangelicalsceneisterriblydivided.Wellmeettogetherinthegloryofheavenbuthereonearthweredividedhopelesslyintoallsortsofdifferentgroupsandfactions. Whatcanwedo?Isthereanywaythatevangelicalunitycanbecomearealityratherthanapipedream?Arewejusttositbackandsaythisisthewayitisandwhatcanwedo?DidJesusnotencourageustostriveforunityandonenessasHispeople?(John17:11)

ThisisahugeissuethathasperplexedtheChurchofChristforcenturies.Youmight feel that I, asonewhoministers in aseparatistdenominationamacon-tributortothisdisunity,ratherthanoneinapositiontocontributeanythingworth-whiletothesubjectofevangelicalunity.

ButwithinPresbyterianismwearewellplacedtomakeaconstructiveBiblicalcontributiontothiswholeissueofevangelicalunity.OneofthegreatstrengthsofPresbyterianismisthatindividualcongregationsareabletounitearoundacom-mon doctrinal basiswhilstmaintaining liberty locally toworkout issues ofwor-

ship,outreachandfellowship.

WenowhavearemarkableopportunitywithintheUKtodosomethingspecialandtodemonstratetobothChristendomandtheworldthatevangelicalunityis

A Tale of Two MeetingsA Tale of Two MeetingsRev Gareth Burke, StranmillisRev Gareth Burke, Stranmillis

A Plea forA Plea for

Evangelical UnityEvangelical Unity


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Summer Outreach to Uganda 2011ummer Outreach to Uganda 2011PlansareinhandtosendaYouthoutreachteamtoUganda

in August 2011 to work alongside Andrew and Eunice

Moody.ThereisagreatneedintheGoliareaforgoodBible

teaching, particularly the understandingofwhat aChristianreallyis.Weplantorunasimilartypeofeventaswehavebeendoinginourlocal

SummeryouthoutreachworkLessonsfromtheGospelofMark,learningMem-

ory verses, and singing praise unto God.We have aTeam of representatives

fromsixofourcongregationswhodesiretoservetheLordinGoli,to"showand

tell"ofChristtotheseneedyyoungpeople.

Weaskyouforprayerthattheteamwouldbondtogetherwell,thattheywould

bebuiltupinfaith,andthattheywouldbeequippedwiththeenlightenmentofthe

WordofGod.IintendtosendoutemailupdatesatthebeginningofFebruary,April,

JuneandAugust.Ifyouwouldliketobeonthedistributionlistpleaseletmeknow.

IfyouwouldliketoknowanyotherdetailspleasecontactRobertPeacock:

[email protected] 028 9445 3825

notapipedream.WiththerecentdecisionoftheFreeChurchofScotlandontheissueofworshiponewonderswhyourownChurchalongwiththeFreeChurch,theEPCEW,theInternationalPCandotherscantgetouracttogetherandformaunited UK Presbyterian church. Paul Levy in his stimulating article The FreeChurchandChemistry(Reformation21:November2010)raisesthisveryissuebutwonderswhetherwecouldeverworktogetherbecauseof theverydifferent

ethos thatexistswithin thedifferentstrandsofPresbyterianismwithin theUK.But should we not try?After all its notmy church or your church. ItsChristschurch.ThepresentchaoticdisunityishinderingtheprogressoftheGospelandis surely not honouring to theSaviour. Its time to nudge thismatter forward.Prayer isvital,butmoreisrequired.AttheveryleastshouldwenotbetryingtogetourownsynodicalrelationshipwiththeEPCEWbackontrack? Youmayhavefoundthisarticleirrelevantorevendull.Butpleaserememberthat if youareaChristian youll be in glorynot justwith reformed andconfes-

sionalbelievers.AllthepeopleofGodwillbegatheredthere.Sowhynottrytogetthefamilytogethernow.Itwillinvolveusinaskingsomehardquestionsandinmovingoutofourcomfortzone.Buthowcanwepossiblyjustifythesedenomi-nationalbarriersthatexistwithinUKPresbyterianismtoday?Let thechildrenof1927bethefirsttoteardowntheBerlinWallofPresbyteriandenominationalism.

Ministers and Office Bearers Conference2011Stranmillis:Friday4March:Ministers Saturday5March:EldersandDeaconsRev David Meredith

Minister,Smithton-CullodenFreeChurchandModeratorofFreeChurchofScotland

Ballyclare EPCBBC Radio Ulster Broadcast

Sunday 30 January 2011, 10.15 amInters Camp Weekend, 28-30 January 2011

Faith Mission Centre, PortadownContact: Shaun Gaston07802 562404


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The Discipline of MeditationThe Discipline of Meditation

Inapreviousarticlewehadconsideredstudyasthefirststepinthisprocessofmind renewal. But if study provides the subject matter for our thinking, the

informationanditsanalysis,howdoweworkitintoourheartsandoutinourlives?Theansweristobefoundinthedisciplineofmeditation.What is Meditation?hat is Meditation?ThewordmaycarrynegativeconnotationsfortheChristian,forexample,onemaythinkofTranscendentalMeditation,aformofeasternmysticism.However,Christianmeditationisdifferent.Ratherthanapassiveemptyingoftheminditiscontemplationfocused on objective truth regarding God. Its aim is developing our personalrelationship with God (Thomas Kempis describes a familiar friendship withJesus).Meditationproducesdefiniteoutcomesintheformofpraiseandcommunion

withGod,butalsopromptsobedienceandprovidesdirection.AsRichardFosternotesOftenmeditationwillyieldinsightsthataredeeplypractical,almostmundane...Meditationsendsusintoourordinaryworldwithgreaterperspectiveandbalance.The Four Rs of Meditationhe Four Rs of Meditation Rest:Psalm131.2:likeaweanedchildwithitsmother.InahecticworldChristpromises us his peace. Whilst I may enjoy long conversations with my olderchildren,myyoungestsonstillenjoyssittingnexttomeinamicablesilencejustbeingsecure ina familyrelationship.SomeditationallowsustosettleourselvesbeforeGodandenjoyhispresence.Renewal:Psalm1.3:likeatreeplantedbystreamsofwater.LikeElijahbesidethebrook,weneedrefreshedandrestored.Re-alignment: Psalm119.33:Teachme,OLORD,thewayofyourstatutes.Astheworldtriestosqueezeusintoitsmouldweneedtore -calibrate,torestourmoralcompasstotruenorth.MeditationallowsustoexamineourselvesinthelightoftheWord.

Response: Psalm119.7:Iwillpraiseyouwithanuprightheart.MeditationonthetruthsofGodpromptsaresponseofobedienceandpraise.Difficulties and Dangers of Meditationifficulties and Dangers of MeditationIntheEasternOrthodoxchurchtheHesychastmovementbegantouseprayerasmantra,emptyingthemindoforderedthoughtinordertoachieveamysticalstate.Howeverwemust also guard against the opposite error. If theology loses thatcontemplativedimension,itbecomesanexerciseinscholasticism.The Practice of the Presence of Godhe Practice of the Presence of GodOurgoalthenistomeditateonGodsworld,Godsworks,andGodsWord.ToliveourlivesinconstantawarenessthatweareGodspeopleinGodsworld.TobeabletosaywithBrotherLawrenceIpossessGodaspeacefullyinthebustleofmykitchenasIdoonmykneesbeforetheHolySacrament.

Michael Trimbleichael Trimble,Stranmillis,relatesthedisciplineofstudytothedisciplineofmeditation.


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JanJan--Feb2011Feb2011Pricediscountsavailable fromEvangelicalBook ShopBelfastThe Way of the Righteous in the Muck of Lifehe Way of the Righteous in the Muck of Life 6.99 5.25Dale Ralph Davies,ChristianFocus,paperback,144pagesThisbookisausefulstudyofPsalms1-12.Thestudiespointtohowwe asGodschildren should live in both themundane andchallengingcircumstanceswhichdaily affectus; the illustrationsfrombothhistoryandtheauthorspersonalexperienceaddtotherelevance. I enjoyed each of the studies but would particularlyhighlightthatonPsalm9wherewearetoldhowimportantitistopray incontext.Weknow life isnotabedof roses,sowecanexpectfreshneedstobeourexperiencedaybydayor,asDaleRalphDaviessoaptlyputsitAbelieverslifedoesnotconsistofa jamortwo,butoftroublesallalongtheway.Weshouldneverbesurprisedthatafteramarvellousdeliverance

wearesomehowinthemiddleofmoreslop.Aworthwhileread.Patricia GibsonThe Faithful Parenthe Faithful Parent 11.99 8.99Martha Peace and Stuart W Scott,P&R,paperback,240pages.Sometimesbooksonparentingseemtobemoreabouttheauthorsparentingstylethanguidingthereader.Thankfullynotthisone! Part1setsoutbiblicalprinciples.ItwarnsagainstpressingyourchildforacommitmenttoChrist:youareultimatelyseekingtobefaithfultoyourLord;therestisuptothechild,andultimatelyGod. Part2isextremelypractical,lookingatvariousstagesinachildsdevelopmentandatproblemswhichcanbecausedbytheparentsthemselves.ItdoesnotofferaquickfixfortheshowdownatthecheckoutorthefalloutafteracurfewisbrokenbutitdoesshowhowwecantrainourselvestohandlescripturecorrectlythusenablingustodealinaGodglorifyingmannerwiththesesituations.Partthreecontainsamonthsworthofdevotionstoturntowhenthingsgowrongandthebookconcludeswithaprayertobeusedbyparents. WecanneverbeperfectparentsbutourperfectheavenlyFatherrequiresustobefaithful.Irecommendthisbookandwillkeepithandy. Helen Wilson

Stronger Than the Swordtronger Than the Sword 8.99 6.75Faith Cook,EvangelicalPress,paperback,190pages.Thisisanhistoricalnovelsetin17thcenturySomersetagainstthebackdropof TheGreat Persecutionwhich followed the deathofCromwell.FaithCookskillfullyweavesthenarrativeintotheeventsofthisperiodandthroughtheeyesofthemaincharacterwearetransportedtoeventslikethepublicexecutionofKingCharlesI,theGreat Fire of London, a skirmish between Parliamentarians andRoyalistsandtheovercrowdedprisonsthatheldsuchgodlymenasJohn Bunyan and Joseph Alleine in appalling conditions. The story powerfully

showstheseverehardshipenduredbytheDissenterswhocourageouslyresistedStateintrusionintothechurchwiththeirfaithprovingtobestrongerthanthesword.Packedwithhistoricalandspiritualinsight,thisisanenthrallingnovelandatimelyreminderoftheneedforbiblicalfaithfulnesstoday. Colin Campbell

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Manager: John Grieranager: John GrierStudy Bibles (Hardback)Matthew Henry KJV 26.9921.99ESV Study Bible 39.9927.50NIV study Bible 29.9919.99EachpageincludesfootnoteswiththemeaningoftheBibletext.

To the Glory of God (P/b) James M. Boice 8.996.75A40daydevotionalonRomansdrawnfromhisclassicfourvolumecommentary.

Holiness Day by Day (H/b) Jerry Bridges 11.998.99Ayearsreadingsgivingtransformationalthoughtsonyourspiritualjourney.

The J I Packer Classic Collection (H/b) 11.998.99Dailyreadingsforyourspiritualjourneyfromtheauthorsalreadypublishedworks.

For the Love of God (Vol. 1) (P/b) D A Carson 12.999.75BasedonMCheynesdailyreadingcalendar.This isoneofthebestdailyreadingscurrentlyavailable.

Our Hymn W riters and Their Hymns (P/b) Faith Cook 8.996.75Afavouritehardbackbookhasnowappearedinanattractivecheaperpaperback.

Operation World (Seventh edition, 2010) (P/b) 12.999.75Thisnew,enlargedandupdatedprayerdirectoryisuniqueinitsfield.

Code Red (P/b) Andrew J Drain 5.00TheauthorslifestoryisinterspersedwiththreeofhissermonsonJob.ThistopUlstersurgeondiedinmid-2010fromleukaemiaattheageofthirty-five.Hisadviceonlife,painanddeathisveryworthwhile.

God Knows Your Name (P/b) Catherine Campbell 7.995.99Shortbiographies ofmodern characters alternatewithvivacious retelling ofBiblicallivesbyalocalministerswife.

From the Finger of God (P/b) Philip S Ross 12.999.75Anable,scholarlydefenceofourconfessionalpositionthatthemorallawissummarilycomprehendedin theTenCommandments.Avitalreminderofthecontinuingobliga-

tionoftheTenCommandments.For the Fame of Gods Name (H/b) 21.9918.99Essays in honour of John Piper by a galaxy of reformed scholars

The Evangelical Presbyterian - January-February 2011

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