The Evangelical Presbyterian - July-August 2004

7/28/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - July-August 2004

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EvangelicalPresbyterian

Jul-Aug 200475p

New EPC Building at Groomsport


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Evangelical Presbyterianis published by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Editor: Rev. Stephen Atkinson1 Lord Wardens Dr

Bangor, Co DownBT19 1YF(E-mail: [email protected])

Subscriptions:Annual subscription (six issues)Surface post: UK 5.70

Rep. of Ireland and Overseas 8.10

Subscriptions enquiries to: Evangelical Book Shop15 College Square EastBelfast, BT1 6DD

Donations:If any of the Lords people wish to help in the work of the Church, pleasesend donations to EPC Finance Committee

c/o 11 Pond Park AvenueLisburnBT28 3JN

GiftAid: Under the GiftAid scheme the Church can benefit by Income Tax return onany donation from someone who pays tax.Contact the EPC Finance Committee (as above) for further details.

Internet: Visit the EPC Home Page on www.epc.org.uk

CONTENTSEditorial: Exile is Good for the Soul (for a while) 1New Moderators Sermon - 1Peter 5:5 Jeff Ballantine 3

The Regions Beyond: The Moodys Farewell & First Letter 11

[email protected] 13A New Day Dawning: The Citys Dimensions and Distinctions S. Atkinson 15Apologies (4): The Person of Christ M. Trimble 19Obituary 22Church News: The Story of Groomsport EPC 23Books etc. 25Heavenly Wisdom for Earthly Use 28On Course with Christiana (4) - Fruit Trees S. Atkinson 29

Cover Photo:

New Building for Bangor EPC


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The dictionary definition of exilespeaks of a period abroad; a forcedexpulsion from ones native land.

Scripture informs us of many suchexpulsions, beginning with our firstparents banishment from the Garden

of Eden. While this was as a result oftheir sin yet there was a divine goodpurpose promised in their future returnto a heavenly garden. The Garden Cityof Revelation is something Adamsoffspring must long for. Our exile inthis pilgrim land is good inasmuch as itpromotes that longing, desiring to bewith Christ; which is better by far.

We could further comment on thedivine good purpose in many otherexiles, such as the banishment ofJoseph by his brothers wickedness, thechildren of Israels desert wanderings(and murmurings), Davids refugee lifeand learning obedience, the exile afterthe destruction of Jerusalem, causinglamentation and the awaiting the Lordcoming suddenly to his temple.

While not a banishment as such, theincarnation - the Lords condescensionfrom glory - was a divine expulsion tocome down to such a world as this,and suffer exile on the cross.

Furthermore, the Lord would teachthat it was when the prodigal son was

voluntarily in exile, away from home, ina far off land, that he then came to hissenses and repented. The apostle Paullearned much in his time in Spain, anddeclared and wrote much in hisexiled times in prison. The belovedJohn saw the revelation of Jesus Christwhile in exile on Patmos.

During these next couple of monthsmany folks will take opportunity toget away. They will have a periodabroad, however local, orinternational that might be. How weuse our summer exile is important.

Joseph, Jeremiah, Jesus and John

utilised such times for the Lord and hispeople. We too can reflect on divineprovidence and the ordering of ourfootsteps (Joseph); we can lament andconsider our short-comings, personaland national (Jeremiah); we can benefitothers by our coming into their world(Jesus), and in personal quietness wemay find summer holidays a time whenthe heavens are opened to us (John).

Wherever we may be exiled to thissummer, may it be a profitableexperience from which to learn thathere we have no abiding city, and somay we be drawn ever more to longfor the sudden appearance of the Lordwhich shall bring us, strangers andpilgrims, unto our heavenly home.

Editorial: Exile is good for the soul

(for a while

).


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Sunday School Project 2003/4Well done boys and girls! 54 projects of excellent quality were submitted on the

lives of John Bunyan and John G Paton. Well done too, to mums and dads forall the help given and a word of thanks to the many Sunday School teachers whoprovided scrap books, folders, hand outs etc.

It was VERY difficult to select out prize winners - a big problem for the SundaySchool Project Committee. I was very glad that all I had to do was gather in theprojects and organise the prizes. Don't be disappointed if you're not listed belowbecause you put in a super project and next year you'll have another opportunityto study the life of one of God's people who has faithfully served the Lord in thepast. Indeed next years people sound really interesting- Amy Carmichael,Augustine or the Burnhams. We'll look forward to seeing your project.

Prizewinners:

Under 5: 1st - Lauryn Owens Omagh2nd - Jonathan Orr Omagh3rd - Samuel Thomson Bangor Timmy Kelso Ballyclare

5 - 7: 1st - Samuel Hamilton OmaghJoint 2nd - Andrew Lynas Bangor Jamie Orr OmaghJoint 3rd - Rebecca McKenna Omagh Amy Adams Omagh

8 - 10: 1st - Kirsty Burke StranmillisJoint 2nd - Debbie Lynas Bangor Alison Lynas BangorJoint 3rd - Abigail Crawford StranmillisMatthew Scott Bangor

11 - 13: Joint 1st - Mark Scott Bangor Jenny Monroe CrumlinJoint 2nd - Arron Ladds Lisburn Road Elspeth WoolseyCrumlin3rd - Abigail Ballantine Bangor

14 + 1st - Cherith MontgomeryCrumlin

Gareth BurkeSunday School Project Committee


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Moderators Sermon 2004

Rev Jeff Ballantine

Some months ago Rev Iain Murray wasbilled to preach a sermon in Albert

Bridge Road Congregational Church onthe subject What splits churches? Iwas especially intrigued when I heardthat he was going to answer thequestion in one word. I wondered whatthat one word would be. Was hespeaking about the minister? Ministerscan be stubborn, cant they? Ask mywife! Was he speaking about elders?They are not any more free fromindwelling sin than ministers, are they?Was he speaking about the deacons?Remember Spurgeons words - Resistthe devil and he will flee from you,resist a deacon and he will fly at you!Or could he have been thinking aboutthe members?

His answer, however, was much moregeneral, and so obvious when you thinkabout it. He was speaking aboutpride. Is pride not at the root of allsins? Was it not pride that promptedthe devil to usurp the throne of God(Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28)? Was it notpride that lay behind the fall of our firstparents Ye shall be as gods (Genesis3:5)? Well brethren, have we reallymade so much progress in grace that

this sin no longer bothers us, or couldit be that pride still splits churches?

Youve probably heard the story aboutlittle Jimmy who joined the army. Hisparents were watching him ontelevision when he took part in thechanging of the guard for the first time.His mother piped up Look, there heis, and theyre all out of step except forour little Jimmy! Then there is thatother story about two people talking

and one said Theyre all queer exceptfor me and thee, and come to think ofit, Im not even sure about thee! DoChristians not act like that sometimeswith the result that the church is byschisms rent asunder? When wealways think that someone else iswrong we have unwittingly succumbedto pride.

Peter speaks about the importance ofhumility in 1 Peter 5:5-6. He exhorts usto be clothed with humility, to put it onlike a coat, so that people cannot buttake note of our demeanour. I want thisevening to consider several importantmotives in this passage which I trustwill help us cultivate this grace. Onething is certain, if we all act humbly, we

be clothed with humility: for God resisteththe proud, and giveth grace to the humble


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are much less likely to split churchesthan if we proudly go our own way.

1) Consider the context.Peter is speaking about the danger ofelders ruling in a worldly manner ratherthan in a Christlike manner. In verse 3he warns about the danger oftyrannizing the flock,neither as lords overGods heritage. Brethren, its easier tolord it over the flock than we mightthink because there is a little pope in allour hearts. All we need to do is to

speak our mind, act according toour feelings, and were already doingit! If we refuse to take advice fromother spiritual folk; if we insist onintroducing change at a rate whichupsets older members; if we absolutelyrefuse to change in areas where there isno biblical principle involved; if weintimidate others through force of

personality - then pride has alreadybegun to grip us.

The context here demands that eldersin particular need to humblethemselves. We must never forget theapostolic injunction let him that thinkethhe standeth take heed lest he fall (1Corinthians 10:12). It is possible for usto condemn the error of perfectionism

while acting as if we are perfect. It isone thing to quote a text of scripturesuch as not as though I had alreadyattained, either were alreadyperfect (Philippians 3:12), but anotherthing to admit that we may have got itwrong! Theologically we can believethat perfectionism is impossible, whilesending out just the opposite signal by

our actions! If we say we are imperfectwhile acting as if we are beyondreproach people will scoff at us and say

as Job said to his friends No doubt yeare the people and wisdom shall die withyou (Job 12:2). Let us seek to do justly,love mercy, and walk humbly with ourGod (Micah 6:8) because none of us,no matter how holy we are, are beyondsuccumbing to pride.

2) Consider yourself.Im sure that Peter wrote these words

with a certain shame and consciousnessof his own failings because even as oneof the foremost of the apostles hesuccumbed to pride on at least oneoccasion. He was absolutely convincedthat it was a bad thing for our Lord togo to Calvary, was he not? When ourLord spoke about the necessity ofsuffering, his rejection by the chief

priests and the scribes, his being killedand rising again, Peter wouldnt have it.He was absolutely horrified. He beganto rebuke his Lord, using the samelanguage as our Lord used to rebukedemons on another occasion (cf Mark8:32 with Matthew 17:18). He fullybelieved that he was doing the rightthing, yet he was gravely mistaken!Here was a man who unwittingly

succumbed to pride and was laterproven to be seriously wrong.

a) He was sincere but mistaken. No-one could doubt Peters love for theLord. He was as zealous as anyone forChrist but on this occasion his love wasmisdirected. Consider it possible that inthe midst of an argument with your


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brethren, your love for the Lord indefending the cause, as you see it,may be misdirected. We need to be

particularly careful about taking a standon an issue if other outstandingChristians have a very differentperspective from ourselves.

b) He also lacked knowledge.Peter had obviously misunderstood theprophecies of the Old Testament,otherwise he wouldnt have spoken theway he did. They spoke clearly about a

crucified Messiah (Isaiah 53) but hedidnt see it that way. Hisunderstanding was not as clever as hethought it was and time revealed thathe was mistaken. Consider it possible,my friends, that your knowledge onsome issue upon which you stand withgreat vehemence may be mistaken.What the Bible actually teaches andwhat you believe the Bible teaches are

not necessarily the same thing. Weveall heard about dispensational truth,to be distinguished from biblicaltruth. There may be a differencebetween standing four-square on GodsWord and standing on a particularinterpretation of some disputedpassage.

Some Christians lack knowledge and

simply cannot tell the differencebetween essentials and non-essentials. Paul was a rock inessentials (refusing to circumciseTitus), but he was a reed in non-essentials (submitting to Timothyscircumcision). Some Christians are fullof the former but they know very littleabout the latter. The problem is that

they lack knowledge. To use Paulswords there is not in every man thatknowledge (1 Corinthians 8:7). Time can

prove us wrong so we need to behumble. We must consider it possiblethat our knowledge is not as completeas we think it is - if any man thinks thathe knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yetas he ought to know (1 Corinthians 8:2).

c) He was governed by prejudice.Why did Peter think the way he did?He had embraced the prevailing view

of the Messiah which was very differentfrom that taught in scripture. The Jewswanted a great military leader whowould deliver them from the tyranny ofthe Romans, not one crucified on aRoman gibbet. That is why they tried tomake him king by force on oneoccasion (John 6), but our Lordwouldnt have it because his kingdomwas not of this world (John 18:36). This

notion was deeply rooted in the Jewishmindset. Even after Christs death thedisciples had still no true spiritualunderstanding of this matter: we trustedthat it had been he which should haveredeemed Israel (Luke 24:21). Theybelieved that Christs death marked theend of their hopes. Their thinking wasstill carnal, rather than spiritual.Amazingly, even on the day of theAscension, they were still thinking oftheir own sort of kingdom Lord, wiltthou not at this time restore again the kingdomto Israel? (Acts 1:6). Fond notionsarent given up easily! Prejudice can marthe best of men.

Consider it possible that when youre atthe centre of a potential row in the


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church you may be prejudiced withoutknowing it. You may be prejudiced byyour make-up, your culture, or the

particular evangelical constituencywhich you have come from. If Petergot it wrong, so can you.

3) Consider others.In verse 5 Peter exhorts us to be subjectone to another.John Brown says of thisphrase While it is the duty of churchofficers to exercise the rule with whichChrist has invested them, and for

church members to yield the obediencewhich Christ has enjoined on them,there is a kind of mutual subjectionwhich all church members owe tochurch members; which all churchofficers owe to all church officers,which all church officers owe to churchmembers. In other words membersmay have something important to say

to elders and it behoves us to listenotherwise the peace of the church maybe threatened. Thats humility in action!

Paul spoke on the same subject on atleast two occasions Let nothing be donethrough strife and vainglory: but in lowliness ofmind let each esteem others better thanthemselves. Look not every man on his ownthings, but every man also on the things of

others (Philippians 2:3,4), Be kindlyaffectioned one to another with brotherly love,in honour preferring one another (Romans12:9).

This demands a radical change inoutlook from that which comesnaturally to us. By nature we have ahigh opinion of ourselves, trust ourown judgment and are suspicious of

others motives. God demands that wehave a low opinion of ourselves,distrust our own hearts and put the best

possible construction on the motives ofothers!

Maybe there is something in the psycheof Ulster folk that makes it difficult forus to think like this! Have you everthought of the possibility that we maysuffer from certain cultural sins? Paulcould say, among other things that TheCretians are always liars (Titus 1:12).

Maybe one of our besetting sins as anation is that we adopt the sameattitude towards religious matters aspolitics! We are in many ways abeleaguered people as a result of thetroubles and politically we tend tohave a not-an-inch mentality andwhat we have we hold. When thisinfiltrates the church and we becomeintransigent in secondary matters we

are in trouble. There is no place for ame, myself, I mentality in the church,otherwise we will wreck havoc. Maybewere more selfish than we think!

4) Consider the devil.In verse 8 Peter says Be sober, be vigilant:because your adversary the devil, as a roaringlion, walketh about, seeking whom he may

devour.When Peter penned thesewords he must have been cut to thebone because they would havebrought to mind his own failings. Inthe aforementioned incident whenPeter attempted to rebuke our Lord,Christ rebuked him with the words getthee behind me Satan: for thou savourest notthe things that be of God, but the things that


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be of men (Mark 8:33). Peter, the greatapostle, was a for a time the lackey ofthe devil! He had been deceived. Satan

had been far cleverer than Peter everrealised and when he thought he wasdoing Gods work he was in fact doingthe devils work!

In the middle of a church row we needto consider it possible that unwittinglywe may be the devils lackey. It may bethe case that he is not always behindthe other party. We need to remember

his great knowledge gained fromstudying human nature for generations.We need to remember that we are nobetter than Peter. We need toremember that we may not be sodiscerning as we think we are. We needto remember that we can underestimatethe tinder of our own hearts. If whatwe do in the name of God results indestruction rather than edification then

we must consider it possible that wemight be under the influence of himwho has come to steal, and to kill and todestroy (John 10:10). It is possible to bevery biblical in talking about the devilwhile being very gullible in resistinghim!

5) Consider Christ.In verse 4 Peter spoke of when the chiefShepherd shall appear.The contrast withthe under-shepherds mentioned inverse 3 who lord it over the sheep isstriking! Here is the greatest example ofall of what it means to be clothed withhumility. Doubtless Peter had our Lordin mind when he used this imagery,particularly that moment when our

Lord took a towel, some water and abasin, and washed his disciples feet,including those of Judas! When

everyone else was sitting aroundwaiting to be served Christ himself setan example for us (John 13:15). TheChief Shepherd doesnt ruletyrannically; on the contrary his yoke iseasy and his burden is light (Matthew11:30).

Christs entire life was one ofunparalleled humility. It is interesting to

note that in Philippians chapter 2 Paulused Christs humility to promote ourhumility! The context of that greatChristological passage was one ofdisunity. While overall the situation inthat church delighted Pauls heart(Philippians 1:4) there was some strifeand vainglory which saddened him(Philippians 2:3). Furthermore, Euodiasand Syntyche were at loggerheads with

one another (Philippians 4:2). Pridewas rearing its ugly head. Certainpeople were standing on their rights.They were insisting that their dignity beacknowledged and Paul counteractedthis leaven by asking them to reflectupon the most profound doctrineimaginable.

He reminded them of the great dignity

that Christ possessed and the voluntaryhumiliation he undertook. He spoke ofChrist, Who being in the form of God,thought it not robbery to be equal with God:but made himself of no reputation, and tookupon him the form of a servant, and was madein the likeness of men: And being found infashion as a man, he humbled himself, andbecame obedient unto death, even the death of


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the cross (Philippians 2:7-8). Our Lordcame from the highest positionimaginable to the abyss itself - for

sinners. Thats humility! Professor JohnMurray described it as Humiliationinimitable, humiliation unrepeated,humiliation unrepeatable. RabbiDuncan said He faced hell anddamnation and bore it lovingly.Theonly one who had the right to stand onhis rights refused to do so. And Paulspoke these words to promote humility!Let this mind be in you, which was also in

Christ Jesus... (Philippians 2:5)

We are to have the mind of Christ. Paultook all their petty disputes andwranglings and set them in the light ofChrists humiliation saying: How canyou act like that in the light of whatyour Saviour has done for you? Agood dose of Philippians chapter 2would solve most arguments in the

church! Sometimes Christians defendthe cause of Christ in a way which iscontrary to the example of Christ.Theyve lost the plot. If we arrogantlystand on our rights, insisting that wemust have our own way, were veryunlike the Saviour we profess to follow.

6) Consider God.God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace tothe humble. Humble yourselves therefore underthe mighty hand of God, that he my exalt youin due time (1 Peter 5:6). A proud lookis one of the seven things the Lordhates (Proverbs 6:17). Friends, if weever get to the place where we refuse tolisten to the counsel of other godlymen, and have a Thatcherite spirit

(The lady is not for turning), Godcan turn us! If we become incorrigibleGod can correct us! Perhaps this is

something that can sneak up on ussubtly, particularly if weve beeninvolved in Christian work for sometime. With the increasing respect of thepeople there can be a correspondingconfidence in our own judgment! Itspossible for us to become soaccustomed to ruling that we beginto think were never wrong. We mayeven unwittingly begin to treat those

who question us with contempt. Pridecan creep in so that gray hairs are hereand there upon him, yet he knowethnot (Hosea 7:9).

Is that not what happened to Uzziahwhen after a long prosperous reign heended up becoming a law unto himself?After fifty-two years of God-glorifyingrule when he was strong, his heart was lifted

up to his destruction (2 Chronicles 26:16),with the result that he usurped the roleof a priest, bringing Gods judgmentupon his head. Likewise with Asa, atthe end of another God-glorifyingreign, he refused to listen to Godsprophet and put him in prison for hisfaithfulness. God judged him withdiseased feet (2 Chronicles 16:10-13).In his usual quaint manner MatthewHenry said He had put the prophet instocks, and now God put him in stocks; so hispunishment answered his sin.These thingsare written for our admonition(1 Corinthians 10:11) so that we toomight not become puffed up with prideand cause confusion at a time of lifewhen we ought to know better. Howdifferent things are when we remain


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humble and distrustful of our ownhearts. God gives grace to such (1 Peter5:5) and it is to the humble that he has

particular regard (Isaiah 66:2).7) Consider Babylon.Peter wrote these words from thechurch that is at Babylon (chapter 5:13).Its a reminder that Christians live in areal world with real onlookers who arewatching their every move. Humility isnot something the world is noted for.The Spirit of the world is to go for it,

get what you want, dog eat dog.We have an opportunity to exhibit adifferent spirit - the grace of Christianhumility. If we do that we will enjoy aunity that the world knows nothingabout.

It is our duty to pursue that becauseour Lord prayed that they all may be one..that the world may believe that thou hast sent

me (John 17:21). He didnt pray foruniformity, thats cultish, but he didpray for unity. He prayed that all ofGods people, with all of theirpeculiarities and diversities, be of thesame mind. That means that we have towork out our salvation together with fear andtrembling (Philippians 2:12,13). Itmeans that we will accept that God

alone is Lord of the conscience andwe will not lord it over others (WCFchap 20: par 2). It means that we willnot be selfish and insist on our ownrights. What an impact we would makeon a watching world if we all lived likethat!

The onlooking world can respond tothe people of God in one of two ways.

They can marvel at the way we dwelltogether in unity because that is onlypossible by divine grace, or they can

scoff and mock because we are nobetter than the world. We can either bea goad to their conscience or an excusefor them not to believe. To a greater orlesser degree our humility willdetermine the response.

8) Consider the judgment.when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shallreceive a crown of glory that fadeth not

away (1 Peter 5:4). Consideration ofthe judgment to come should keep ushumble. None of Gods people willever be condemned (Romans 8:1). Oursalvation is not in doubt because wehave passed from death unto life (John5:24). However, we can never take thequestion of rewards lightly.

Does Paul not teach clearly that among

those who have built on the rightfoundation, Jesus Christ, there will besome who will see their work for theLord go up in smoke? It will berevealed on that day as wood, hay andstubble rather than gold, silver andprecious stones (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).That should make us think before weact in a way which might wreck a

church! There are many actions whichwe may justify down here in the nameof defending the faith, but if wereproud and intolerant and insist onhaving our own way in areas which arebiblically indefensible we will answerfor our folly one day. Those who actlike that risk seeing a fireworks displaywhich will not be to their liking. We all


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must appear before the judgment seat ofChrist (2 Corinthians 5:10). It ispossible for Christs little children to

be ashamed before him at his coming (1John 2:28)! Its interesting to note thatin the middle of a passage about thingsindifferent Paul reminds us that everyone ofus shall give account of himself toGod (Romans 14:12). In other words,if we dont exhibit Pauls flexibility innon-essentials and inflexibility inessentials we will answer to God forour confusion of categories.

Let me illustrate from Oliver Cromwell,the father of toleration. It is one of thegreat tragedies of church history thatCromwell and the Presbyterians withwhom he had so much in common haddisputes and Im not always sure thePresbyterians were right! I findCromwells policy of promoting liberty

as far as scripture and public orderpermitted very attractive. On oneoccasion he wrote these well-known

words to a minister of the Scottishchurch: Is it therefore infalliblyagreeable to the word of God, all thatyou say? I beseech you in the bowels ofChrist, think it possible you may bemistaken. In any church situationwhere there is a row brewing whichinvolves you, then think it possibleyou may be mistaken!

He that is down need fear no fall; Hethat is low no pride;

He that is humble ever shall have Godto be his guide.

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Picture of Andrew &

Eun Hee

Approximately 100 were present at the Farewell and Commissioning Serviceheld in Knock EPC on Friday 16th April for Andrew & Eun Hee Moody asthey readied themselves for departure for missionary labours in Goli, Uganda,under the auspices of Korean World Mission.

Kind words and counsel were given by Mr Tony Wallace (Irish Secretary AIM),prayer was led by Mr Gordon McCullough (Prayer Co-ordinator of AIM) andpersonal testimony came from Andrew himself. Rev Stephen Atkinson(Andrews minister in Knock EPC) made pastoral comment on the Moodysprovidential delays and personal development and preached the Word fromRomans 1:11-15 on The Missonarys Vision.Andrews ministry will be to strengthen the Ugandan church through literatureprojects similar to the Misson Africa ACTs project in Nigeria. Indeed contacthas been made with the Garlands in the hope that their experience andpublishing contacts can be shared. Eunice is to be involved in health educationin a part-time capacity in Goli Health Centre.

The

Moodys

Farewell


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Today is our second Sunday in Goli. Itseems only a few days ago that we wereleaving UK. Much has happened sincethen.

We arrived in Kampala on Wed. 28th at5.30am! We were met by our goodfriend Sr. Kim. She took us to the placewhere we would stay in Kampala. Wearrived in time for breakfast. We stayedin Kampala for a week. We spent thistime buying various things that wewould need in Goli. We also visited theArchbishop; he is the one whooriginally asked us to come to Goliwhen he was Bishop of Nebbi.

Our freight arrived the day before wedid and was cleared by Friday. Wepacked Sr. Kims 4-wheel drive on thefollowing Wednesday evening with asmuch as we could. We had to leave fiveboxes in Kampala; this was not too bad

since we had four barrels, eight boxes,and all our luggage with us.

The drive from Kampala to Goli took 71/2 hours. We left at around 5am andarrived in time for lunch. We have beengiven a large house near to the churchoffices and health centre. This will beour home for the next year. After thatwe will be expected to build our own

house.

Our house is almost empty. We have

ordered our bed and will have to getother furniture made for the house;fortunately it is not expensive to getfurniture made here. We also needother household items. This will taketime, but we are not in a hurry. We arestaying in Sr. Kims house until ours is

ready for us. One important piece ofwork has already been done to ourhouse. It had two squat toilets, but now

one has been converted to a Westerntype with a real toilet seat. It is outside,but we are in Africa!

We have been meeting several people.Bishop Alphonse officially welcomedus to Goli. We explained to him whatwe hoped to do, and he prayed for us.

Andrew is going to start a photocopy

business in Goli; there isnt one in thearea at the moment. He will use theprofits to help fund his book project.

Joy had a good journey from UK tohere; she slept most of the way! She isadjusting well to life in Uganda. Shedoes not seem to mind the heat, or allthe black faces! She is also eating localfood., is now able to sit up and is trying

to stand up.

Thanks for your prayers. God isanswering them!

Love from Uganda

Andrew, Eunice, & Joy Moody.

Letter from Goli:

Just arrived inUganda.

Andrew Moody


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Change? Yes and No!

We all face changes in our lives.Some can be big changes and somesmall. Some people cope withchange better than others. For me,I know this is one of myweaknesses; Im not good withchange.

Over these past few months inNigeria Ive found that in themiddle of change it is good toremind myself that GOD NEVERCHANGES. He is immutable; Healways loves and cares for me; Hehas a plan and purpose for my life;he can be trusted at all times; Hewill always keep his promises.Pauls words to the Philippians giveus this confidence: I am sure thatGod, who began a good work within you,will continue His work until it is finallyfinished on that day when Christ Jesuscomes back again(Philippians 1:6).

Some Seasonal Changes

Weve had a change in the weatherrecently. The rains have come nowand people are going to their farmsto plant their crops. Were askedyaya ruwa?how is the rain? Theanswer is ruwa ya yi gyara- the rain isrepairing (the ground). It certainly isand the place is looking lovely andgreen again. Its mango season and

the trees are

heavywith fruit. Everywhere you lookyou see mangoes for sale - at agood price too!

Hillcrest School has now finisheduntil August. The hostel is quietnext door with the boarders havinggone to their homes. Manymissionary families travel to the USor the UK during the schoolholidays. Its good to be reunitedwith loved ones. Even now Imthinking of that change which isahead of me. Itll be good to see mydear family and friends again, andto meet my new niece for the firsttime!

Change at ChurchThere has been a change of pastorin our Plateau Church (acongregation of the denominationknown as ECWA, the EvangelicalChurch of West Africa). Pray forRev Benjamin Nasara as he facesmany changes. Pray for ourAssociate Pastor, Charles Dah, ashe helps Rev Nasara settle in.

PAMELA IN NIGERIA

@HOTMAIL.COM


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We must begin by saying that what isspoken of here is not a physical city

as we would know it. It is acommunity with inter-personalrelationships. This is not speaking ofwhere we shall live. Rather the Cityitself is the Bride, and the Body, andthe People of God. What we have isnot the dimensions of the home ofmany mansions. Remember that thisis symbol and vision.

We can so humanise the picture andinanimate it when we think of pearlygates and streets of gold. That is thesymbol but the symbol is not of aheavenly mega-city, it is of thepeople, the Bride herself. Whenbrought here to consider thedimensions and distinctions, it is not

The closing chapters of Scripture withall their mystery reveal to us some ofthe most glorious themes concerning

the believers future, and yet also someof the most awful matters concerningthose who remain without Christ.

In these articles we turn our attentionto that - New Day Dawning.

The Dimensions and Distinctions of

the Holy City (Revelation Chapter 21:12-21 )

byRev Stephen Atkinson

v12 And had a wall great and high, and hadtwelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, andnames written thereon, which are the names of thetwelve tribes of the children of Israel:13On the eastthree gates; on the north three gates; on the souththree gates; and on the west three gates. 14And thewall of the city had twelve foundations, and inthem the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.15And he that talked with me had a golden reed

to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and thewall thereof. 16And the city lieth foursquare, andthe length is as large as the breadth: and hemeasured the city with the reed, twelve thousand

furlongs. The length and the breadth and theheight of it are equal. 17And he measured the wallthereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits,according to the measure of a man, that is, of theangel. 18And the building of the wall of it was of

jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clearglass. 19And the foundations of the wall of the city

were garnished with all manner of precious stones.The first foundation was jasper; the second,sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, anemerald;20The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius;the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth,a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, ajacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21And the twelve gateswere twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl:and the street of the city was pure gold, as it weretransparent glass.


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that we are having described for us ourhome, but rather our perfected state, ina corporate manner.

1. THE DIMENSIONSParaphrasing Revelation 21, this City isshaped as a cube, with three gates on allfour sides. The wall is about 200 feetthick, and the length, breadth, andheight are of the same dimension; thatis, about 1,400 miles.

Now there are some who will persist in

the literalism of this and speak of ithaving enough space for all the elect,having in their minds eye layer uponlayer of housing to create a galacticmega city nearly reaching from Londonto New York and as tall as broad.

If we take a symbolic approach thedimensions nonetheless are important,though we need not strain them. The

number 12 frequently appears. This is anumber of perfection and completion,particularly organisational perfection.The 12 stars were believed to organisethe night sky. 12 had the sense of orderand perfect government. We find thatthis city has 12 gates, 12 foundations,12,000 stadia cubed, with a wall 12x12(144) cubits thick.

Now what does this mean?

The Cube symbolisesPERFECTION

In the ancient world, the square andmore the cube were consideredsymbols of perfection. We would stilluse the phrase four-square implyingcorrectness or perfection.

We have already mentioned theperfections of the Bride. She isbeautifully dressed. Christ died on the

cross to pay the price for his people,and his perfect righteousness clothesthem. We learn here that his work isnot only a beautifying but also aperfecting work.

The Cube symbolises GODSPRESENCE

Solomons Temple had an entrancehall, then the Holy Place, and then, the

most Holy place. The Holy of Holieswas cube shaped, symbolising thatperfection. As this vision was broughtbefore John he would have in mind theHoly of Holies, and the fact thatbecause our Lord entered not the cubecopy on earth, but entered heavenbearing his own blood, the Holy ofHolies curtain was torn, and we can

have access to God through our LordJesus Christ.

As we consider this vision of theperfected saints in glory, the shekinahglory of God is shining from within. Inthis cube shaped Holy of Holies CityGod and his re-creation are in perfectunspoiled communion.

The Cube symbolisesCAPACITY

Now I dont want us to have a mentalpicture of a mega city with level uponlevel taking the city up 1,400 literalmiles. But dont throw out the wholeimage. This is a picture which speaks ofcapacity.


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differing ways in, but all are symbolisedas a pearl - a singlepearl.

A pearl can bring to mind many things.How a pearl is formed? A tiny speck ofdust irritates the mollusc and layerupon layer is put over this to cover ituntil the irritant is completely coveredand overshadowed by this pearl.Fishermen may seek to find a greatpearl, a large pearl, of great price.

Now what do we have in this picture? -

but a magnificent and enormous pearl.He is the Pearl of great price. Theirritant of our sin, he has completelycovered and in the suffering of hisdeath he has produced a beautiful andglorious gate to the kingdom, a pearlwhich is priceless - Jesus Christ himselfand his atoning work.

The Security of this City

Last time we made mention of the factof the finished, completed, perfectednature of the Bride, the Wife of theLamb. So too here, we have in thesymbol of the walled city, the symbolof security. Of course there is noenemy in this picture at all, butnonetheless there is within this picturethe assurance that all are safely

gathered in and there is also somethingof an exclusion in this vision. This isbrought out more explicitly in v27 -only those whose names are written in thelambs book of life.But also here withthe vision of a walled city there is thesymbol of not only a secure inclusionbut an exclusion.

The Magnificence of this City

From staggering dimensions to eye-

catching distinctions, this city isunsurpassed in its magnificence. Wellof course it is, for it is also the Bride,the Wife of the Lamb, beautiful,splendid, radiant with the glory ofGod.

The redeemed people of God havesuch a magnificence that is beyonddescription within our feeble

vocabulary, and our finite imagination.So we have set before us a magnificentand immense cubed city, bedeckedwith jewels, and with streets of gold. Itis magnificently symmetrical andorganised. It is magnificently ornateand beautified. The words of mortaltongues fail at this point. Here is thecity whose builder is God; the citywhose foundations are the apostles and

prophets with Christ Jesus as the chiefcorner stone.

What a carefully constructed election!What a magnificent masterpiece ofdivine predestination and purpose!What an stunning exhibit of his willand good pleasure! And wonder ofwonders, what a inconceivable displayof grace that the Lord Jesus Christshould call this city, this Bride, thefullness of him who fills everything inevery way.

Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.


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In this brief apologetic series we havebeen considering progressive stages ofrevelation, from the general revelationof Gods created power seen in thenatural world, to the specific verbalrevelation of the Bible. Now weconsider Gods final and personalrevelation of himself in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is a unique person, and Ihope to discuss this unique natureconsidering prophecies made abouthim, his own claims about himself andthe acts and miracles he performed.

PropheciesThere are many prophecies about Jesus

found in the bible - for example it ispredicted:

That Jesus would be born of the tribeof Judah (Genesis 49:10).

He would be of the line of David(Isaiah 9:7).

He would be born in Bethlehem(Micah 5:2).

He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah7:14).

He would minister in Galilee (Isaiah9:11).

He would enter Jerusalemtriumphantly riding on a donkeys colt(Zechariah 9:9).

He would be betrayed for 30 pieces ofsilver (Zechariah 11:13).

He would suffer in the place ofsinners (Isaiah 53:4-5).

His hands would be pierced (Psalm22:16).

They would cast lots for his clothing

(Psalm 22:18).

He would be buried in a rich mansgrave (Isaiah 53:9).

He would be raised from the dead(Psalm 16:10).

These are just a few instances offulfilled prophecy in the life of Christ.

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets, at many times and in variousways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son whom he appointed heir of allthings and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of Gods glory and theexact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

Hebrews, Chapter 1: Verses 1-3.

ApologiesPart 4 - The PERSON OF CHRIST

Michael Trimble


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Christs claims for himself.He claimed to be the Messiah (John4:36).

The bread of life (John 6:35).

The Son of God (John 8:54).

The light of the world (John 9:5).

The resurrection and the life (John11:25).

The lord and master of his disciples(John 13:13).

The way, the truth and life and theonly way to God (John 14:6).

The true vine (John 15:1).

These are claims that cannot be easilydismissed. CS Lewis in his bookMereChristianitywrites:I am trying here to prevent anyonesaying the really foolish thing that

people often say about him: I am readyto accept Jesus as a great moral teacherbut I dont accept his claim to be God.That is the one thing we must not say.A man who was merely a man and saidthe sort of things Jesus said would notbe a great moral teacher. He wouldeither be a lunaticon the level withthe man who says he is a poached egg

or else he would be the Devil of hell.You must make your choice. Eitherthis man was and is the Son of God: orelse a mad man or else somethingworse. You can shut him up for a fool,you can spit at him and kill him as ademon or you can fall at his feet andcall him Lord and God. But let us notcome with any patronising nonsense

about him being a great human teacher.He has not left that open to us, he didnot intend to.

The MiraclesConsider the uniqueness of Christ onthe basis of his miracles. While miraclesare so often dismissed nowadays Jesushimself said At least believe on theevidence of the miraclesthemselves(John 14:11). The miraclesof Jesus are not the whimsical bizarremiracles of a Greek fable, rather, they

demonstrate Jesus character and poweras the Son of God. We note here justfive episodes from the Gospel of Mark.

Mark 1:21-27 showed Jesuspowerover evil as he drives out an evil spiritfrom a man at a synagogue on theSabbath.

Mark 1:40-42 We read of Jesus

demonstrating hispower over illnessas he heals a man with leprosy.

Mark 4:35-41 Jesus demonstrates hispower over the forces of nature as hecalms a storm threatening tooverwhelm the boat that he and hisdisciples were travelling in across theSea of Galilee.

Mark 5:22-24 Jesus demonstrates hispower over death as he raises thedaughter of Jairus, the synagogue rulerfrom the dead.

Mark 6:35-44 In the familiar story ofthe feeding of the 5,000, Jesusdemonstrates hispower to provide forthe needs for his people.


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The ResurrectionThe greatest and most important ofJesus miracles is that of his own

resurrection. If Christ has not been raised,your faith is futile(1 Corinthians 15:17).

The Bible clearly presents theresurrection of Christ as a historicalfact. The book of Acts begins, In myformer book Theophilus I wrote about all thatJesus began to do and to teach until the day hewas taken up to heaven after giving instructionsthrough the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had

chosen. After his suffering he showed himself tothese men and gave many convincing proofs thathe was alive. He appeared to them over aperiod of 40 days and spoke to them about theKingdom of God.

Many explanations have been given byan unbelieving world for thephenomenon of the resurrection ofJesus from the dead. There has been

the popular swoon theory where it isstated that Jesus did not die but merelyfainted on the cross. However, theRoman soldiers who executed himwould have been well familiar with theappearance of a dead body and wouldnot easily mistake someone who hadmerely collapsed; that was their job.Even so, would such a badly beaten and

mutilated victim be able to presenthimself as the Lord triumphant overdeath?

There is a theory that the body hadbeen stolen - but by whom? If thedisciples had stolen it why would theythen be prepared to go on and die fortheir belief in Christ as the risen Lord?If it was the Roman authorities or the

Jewish leaders, what was there to begained by them? In order to refute theclaims of the disciples regarding the

resurrection they would merely need toproduce the body and quash the myth.

Post-Resurrection AppearancesThe post-resurrection appearances havebeen explained away as being merehallucinations seen by his bereavedfollowers but this is not credible whenwe consider that it is recorded that onone such occasion the risen Christ

appeared to more than 500 believers atthe same time. It has been said thatpost resurrection experiences are afiction put about by the disciples butthen again why would the perpetratorsof such a myth be prepared to die forthis cause? Without the resurrection ofChrist how can you explain the changein the disciples from the fearful,

timorous hiding group described at theend of the Gospels to the boldevangelizing church that we read aboutin Acts? Indeed without theresurrection of Christ how can youexplain the existence of the Churchtoday? Without the resurrection ofChrist how can you explain the personaltestimony of many believers?

The topics that we have considered inthese articles are often the subject forheated debates, and often such debatecan degenerate into little more thanpoint scoring. I have written thesearticles not just as an intellectualexercise but because my view of thesematters concerns their practicalimportance. It is not just a theoretical


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matter whether there is real right andreal wrong. It is not just a theoreticalmatter whether we are the creation of

an almighty God or the product ofchance in an empty universe. It is notjust of theoretical interest whether theBible is a collection of myths andlegends of questionable historicalworth, or the very word of Godhimself. It is no abstract matterwhether Jesus Christ was just anitinerant Jewish preacher or the verySon of God. This is more than just an

exercise in philosophy. Our views onthese truths will determine the qualityof our life not just here and now, but ineternity.

For God so loved the world that he gave hisone and only Son, that whoever believes in himshall not perish but have eternal life.

However, this passage continues laterbut whoever does not believe standscondemned already because he has not believedin the name of Gods one and only Son.Andlater whoever believes in the Son has eternallife but whoever rejects the Son will not see lifefor Gods wrath remains on him (John3:16, 18, 36).

To conclude with a quotation from the

world of sport:Its not just a matter of life and death.Its more important that that.

OBITUARYMr Archer Scott Lisburn Rd

Although he was not a member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, we departfrom normal practice to include this obituary of Mr Archer Scott, who died onNovember 14th 2003. A lifelong member of the Church of Ireland he,nevertheless, used his time and talents in other areas of Christian work. At thetime of the destruction of the Lisburn Road Church building (of which his latewife had been a member) he gave his support to the work there, leading the BibleStudy and Prayer Meetings on many occasions, in addition to much practical help.He was greatly beloved in the congregation which has felt his loss most keenly.

For a number of years he helped in the finance department of Belfast Bible

College, as well as assisting in the joint Church in Taughmonagh Estate where heran a men's Bible Class. He supported the N Ireland branch of the Civil ServiceChristian Union of which he was a Vice-president, and conducted lunch-timeBible Studies as well as contributing articles for their magazine.

He was a good man, of strong conviction, who loved his Lord with passion andrendered willing and valuable service to the cause of Christ, at home and abroad,over many years. We miss him on earth, but rejoice that he is with his Saviour inglory.

Samuel Watson


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Vision for the NinetiesIn November 1988 the EPC Presbyteryset up a Strategy Committee with

representatives from each congregation,to consider the denominations wayahead, and in March 1990 theCommittee reported with a paperentitled Vision for the Nineties. One of itsrecommendations was that the ChurchExtension Committee should examineopenings for establishing new EPCcongregations. After considering threepotential locations Presbytery decided to

start a work in Bangor, and an InterimSession, consisting of Rev MarkJohnston (Interim Moderator), DrAndrew Woolsey and Mr Dobbin Kelly,was appointed to oversee the work. Thegrowing population of Bangor and thescarcity of Reformed witness in the areawere factors in the decision.

Bangor Mission ChurchThe opening meeting of the new churchtook place on Sunday 6 March 1994 at3.00 pm in Hamilton House with Rev DW H Thomas as the speaker. TheseSunday afternoon meetings continueduntil 22 October 1994 when regularmorning and evening services and aweekly Prayer Meeting were introduced.

Rev Jeff Ballantine was installed asMinister at a meeting on Wednesday 4January 1995 when Rev N E Reid gavethe charge to the Minister, speaking

from 2 Peter 1:1-4, and Rev A AWoolsey the Charge to theCongregation, basing his address onActs 2:41-47. The Ballantine familymoved to Bangor in April 1995, and inOctober the church relocated to theBangor Gymnasium Hall further alongHamilton Road which remained thevenue until the opening of the newchurch.

During part of the summer of 1995 theChurch took the opportunity to beginan annual Holiday Bible Club for about20 children each evening at the nearbyGroomsport caravan site. This was tobe a significant association withGroomsport. The Sunday School wasformed in October 1995. Throughoutits early years the church engaged indoor-to-door outreach and conductedservices in two residential homes.

A Church BuildingDuring the first eight years of its life thecongregation, conscious of theimportance of a building for its ownidentity, searched diligently for suitable

The story of

GroomsportEvangelicalPresbyterian Church


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premises or a site on which to build.Opportunities arose and the churchinvestigated four different leads, two of

which raised strong expectations of ahappy conclusion. Then, towards theend of 2000, interest focused on a sitein Groomsport on the opposite side ofthe road from the Caravan Park whichhad been the venue of the annualHoliday Bible Club. Clearly, it was anideal, high profile site, and the absenceof evangelical witness in Groomsportmade it a particularly desirable field of

witness. A short time later, Mr DavidDonnelly, the owner of the site and ofthe Caravan Park, with whom we haddeveloped a good relationship, mostgenerously made a gift of the new siteto the Church. Prayer had led him tothe decision.

So the long, patient and sometimesdisappointing search came to a

conclusion. The local Council grantedplanning permission and although therewas yet another twist in the story whensome local residents generated acampaign of objection to the Councilsconsent, the formal document arrivedon 14 June 2002 and building workbegan in the autumn. The Office-bearers of the EPC Crumlincongregation liberally supplied themoney for building from the MackeyMemorial Fund. The Church held itsfirst Lords Day services in the newChurch building on 2 May 2004.

Minister and Office-BearersIn the meantime the work consolidatedand grew. In January 2001 Presbytery re

-appointed Rev Ballantine for anotherthree years, and in September 2001 thecongregation elected Mr Dobbin Kelly

as its first Ruling Elder. At the eveningservice of 14 May 2002 Les Fullerton,Brian Magee, Kevin Scott and AlanThomson were installed as thecongregations first deacons. TheGroomsport Church is still a MissionChurch, but the congregationanticipate achieving full congregationalstatus in the near future according tothe good hand of our God.

Official OpeningMore than 250 people gathered for theofficial opening on the afternoon ofSaturday 8 May 2004. The Minister,Rev Jeff Ballantine, led the meeting, MrDobbin Kelly provided the narrative,and Rev Dr A A Woolsey preachedfrom 1 Kings 8 on Solomons prayer.

The YPA choir contributed two itemsof praise. During the meeting theChurch presented Bibles to Mr DavidDonnelly, to the architect, and to thebuilders foreman in sincereappreciation of their part in providingsuch an attractive building with somany superlative facilities. After themeeting the congregation servedrefreshments.

Now unto him that is able to do exceedingabundantly above all that we ask or think,according to the power that worketh in us,

Unto him be glory in the church by ChristJesus throughout all ages, world without end.

Amen.


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A Cornish RevivalLife and Times of Samuel WalkerTim Shenton

Evangelical Press

400 pages 16.95

Reviewer: Joe Hutton

I found this book a very enjoyable andinformative read as well as anencouragement for the believer by

showing how God can performremarkable wonders through hispeople, even when the tide of evilseems so great.

The author, Tim Shenton, begins bypresenting the reader with a stark viewof the depths of depravity which life inEngland and in Cornwall in particularhad sunk into in Walkers day. His

opening chapter, A County of LawlessBarbarians, paints a grim picture ofmid 18th century life in Cornish townswhere petty criminals were floggedopenly in the streets and hangings wereregarded as fashionable entertainment.

Throughout the book he also describeshow much the Established church hadforgotten God and its calling, though I

feel sadly he mistakenly remainednaively faithful to it when perhapsseparation (which he strongly opposed)would have been better.

While disagreeing with some of hisviews of the Methodists, thedisagreements he had with them and ofhis churchmanship, he was a true Man

of God. Rev. Walker labouredfaithfully in the Parish of Truro for allof his ministry and his faithful love andcare for the people under his care is ashining example to all. Ignoring all carefor himself and sometimes to thedetriment of his health he loved theLord and his word and work and dearlyloved those in need of Christ with aburning passion.

His life was also a great inspiration toother ministers with whom he cameinto contact and he made a great andlasting impression on them for theirgood and the glory of God. TheWesleys esteemed him so highly that inall their travels in Cornwall they did notvisit Truro, believing that good man ofGod, Rev. Walker was serving God so

well in the Gospel they could safelyleave the work there to him.

I would heartily commend the book toall; there is much in it that we can learnnot least of all by seeing the greatcompassion Walker had for dying menand women to win them for Christ.

He had a true pastors heart with an eyealways for the glory and honour of theGod he loved and loved to serve. Whenmany around him paid lip-service toChristianity, he lived it out in full andbrought honour on King Jesus as aresult.

A good book to take on holiday and totake time to read thoughtfully.

Books etc.


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The Rise of EvangelicalismThe Age of Edwards, Whitefield andthe WesleysMark A NollIVP (Apollos)

316 pages 16.99

Reviewer: Mervyn LangtryThis work is the first of a five volumeseries charting the history ofevangelicalism from the 1730s to theend of the twentieth century. Thewriter of this first volume, Mark Noll,is Professor of Christian Thought atWheaton College, Illinois.

The book presents a coherent narrativeof the origins, development anddiffusion of evangelical movementsfrom the 1730s to the 1790s. It focuseson Britain and North America but linksto Europe, Africa and Australia as well.

In addition, it sets out the definition ofevangelicalism which will unite allfive volumes. This stresses conversion,reliance on Scripture, activism and thecentrality of the cross of Christ.

People, movements, events and ideasare covered in an easily digestibleformat which many will find bothchallenging and rewarding. Biographical

sketches of key figures such asJonathan Edwards, the Wesleys,George Whitefield, Selina, Countess ofHuntingdon, John Newton andHannah More are included along withother less well known characters.

A very worthwhile, indeed gripping,book.

The God of All ComfortRoger Ellsworth

Evangelical Press

288 pages 8.95

Reviewer: Stephen AtkinsonMy daughter is presently workinglaboriously through the theories andpostulations of scholars for A levelR.E. Deutero-Isaiah is the commonlyaccepted title as one of the portions forher study.

We dont find Roger Ellsworth usingthis title or engaging in such sillycontroversies. He speaks of the last 27chapters of Isaiah as a book within abook, not a Second Isaiah, but Isaiahsbook of comfort. The authortherefore brings before us nottheoretical dreams but theologicaldirection from God to his wounded

people, who would suffer the judgmentof his exile, but who would not sufferhis abandonment.

The book is set out as devotionalmaterial for 27 days, and would bemost useful for a detailed time in theWord (perhaps over the summer?).Each day has a planned schedule forthe reader which includes prayer, note-

gathering, and personal questioning.Two quotes will suffice to give us ataster: What a terrible thing sin is! Butwhat a wonderful thing forgiveness is!We cannot erase the handwriting of sin,but God can (p56). And later in thebook he dispels an age old problem -Chastisement is not God getting evenwith his people for their sins. He did


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that on the cross. It is God helpingthem to be what they ought to be fortheir own well-being (p94).

This is good comfort for Gods churchis these days of his judgment anddispleasure, and maybe a usefulspringboard for a few pastors to engagein a Comforting series of sermons.

Growing UpPeter Jeffrey

Evangelical Press

48 pages 2.95Reviewer: Ian Atkinson (aged 14)Growing up is a book all about a boycalled Ben and his experiences in hispre-teenage and teenage years. Itincludes every day scenarios for peopleof that age group. Each of the differentchapters are single events in Bens life.

The first chapter is called Ben and hisgrandfather. It is all about how hisgrandfather has a heart attack and goesto hospital. It contains many lessonsfor us to learn about our Christian livesand what happens at death.

I think the main aim of this book is toteach young people such lessons andhow to act when these situations

approach us. All the chapters in thebook have scripture passages alongwith the newly learned lesson. Forexample in chapter 3, Ben thesportsman joins a successful footballteam and receives trophies and medalsfor taking part in the team, but duringthe summer he finds out that in thefollowing year all the games are to be

played on Sundays rather thanSaturdays. He is stuck between going tochurch to worship or to continue

playing in this team, which has provedenjoyable for Ben. He tries to do bothbut soon realises it wont work.

His mum asks him the importantquestion of Who do you love more,God or football? He says he wouldrather do both and blames God forchanging the day of the matches. Hesoon realises that none of his friends

on the team are Christians and afterhaving an important conversation withhis dad understands that God loveshim far more than he can imagine andhe willingly goes to church instead ofplaying football.

I think this book offers manyimportant lessons and is easy tounderstand for young Christians

around the age of 13-14.(Editors comment: Please be aware that thisbooklet is written from a Baptistic perspective,and has two chapters on Baptism.)

Martyn Lloyd-Jones(Travel with Series)Philip H Eveson

Day One Publications

128 pages 9.95

Reviewer: Stephen AtkinsonIn addition to their titles on JohnKnox, John Bunyan, Charles Spurgeon,William Booth, and the BritishMuseum, Day One continue theirexcellent series of Travel Guides, andPhilip Eveson presents us with a potted


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photo ofbookcover

WHY BELIEVE THE BIBLEJohn Blanchard

40pages

Evangelical Press

1.50

John Blanchard and Evangelical Press have done us another service in theproduction of popular, attractive and most useful presentations of truth thatconnects with Joe Public. In Why Believe the Bible, Blanchard, with his usual style,

grips you from page one as he unfolds the story of a person who was set up,caught, imprisoned and killed - and why? He translated a book! The man wasWilliam Tyndale; the book was the Bible.

Blanchard continues to display the prejudiced hatred against this book, as well assetting forth its divine origin, thereby being the anvil that breaks all humanhammers. With clear argument he challenges the common dismissals of the Bibleas being irrelevant, corrupt, unscientific and contradictory. Briefly and yet notsuperficially, he sets out clearly that the Bible is the Word of God and cannot bedismissed easily, nor without serious consequence. He quotes R. C. Sproul, If

the Bible is trustworthy, then we must take seriously the claim that it is morethan trustworthy (p30).

As Tyndale and all the reformers discovered, it is a dangerous process to bringvital truth comprehensibly to the modern world: you may be attacked fromwithin, and without. But nonetheless, we must take the Bible, Gods inerrantrevelation to man, and deliver it clearly and perspicuously, leaving men withoutexcuse. Blanchards heavenly wisdom will be of earthly use to those wishingto engage this biblically ignorant age - and does that not mean all of us?

Practical advice on acontemporary issue.

life of MLJ, overflowing with manybeautiful photos and directions forthose wishing to tour these sites of

interest.All these guides deserve the widestcirculation. While we are not in thebusiness of setting up meritorious

Protestant pilgrimages, we have muchto thank God for, and stones ofremembrance, such as these guides

portray, deserve our consideration andmeditation, that we may be stirred toimitation.


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- (4) Fruit Trees -

Christiana, her boys, and her neighbour Mercy had all now comethrough the Gate. As they walked along they noticed a wallrunning along the side the road. Some fruit trees were growingon the other side of the wall, but some of their branches hungover onto their pathway. Christianas boys ran towards them,started to shake them and got some of the fruit and ate it.

Christiana shouted at them but it was too late. You shouldnthave done that. That fruit is not ours, and it might not be safe.

Some time later Christianas boy called Matthew fell sick, andthey had to send for a doctor called Mr Skill. He asked the usualquestions doctors ask: What has he been eating? Christianaanswered Good food, nothing but good food. Well, said thedoctor I think this lad has been eating some other food also.

Then they remembered the fruit trees near the Gate that the boys

had eaten from. Christiana began to get worried and asked, Is itserious? Yes, some have died of this, said Mr Skill. But dont

worry, I have something here that will make him vomit up the

poison. It is made ex carne et sanguine Christi. You know how wedoctors like to use strange language.

The boy took the medicine, and after much sweating and beingsick, he fell asleep, and when he awoke he was much better.

................................................

We are reminded by this incident how careful we need to be, notsimply about eating our normal food, but eating spiritual food.

We need to feed our souls on good things, and not eat the fruiton the other side of the road; the fruit of the ways of the world.

But if we do, Mr Skills advice is to take our sins to Calvary to be

cleansed by the blood of Christ (sanguine Christi). It will make ussick - that is, sick of our sin, and we may even sweat in our souls,but we shall soon wake up in good spiritual health.

Are you On Course with Christiana?

PILGRIMS

PROGRESSPART II

(John Bunyan presented the world with a wonderful picture

of Christian experience in The Pilgrims Progress. Not so

well known is Part II concerning Christiana, Pilgrims wife.

We plan here to retell some of the main parts of the story.)


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Evangelical Book Shop15 College Square East, Belfast, BT1 6DD

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Summer Reading

Trailblazers Biographies for 9-14 year olds. 3.99 2.99 eachAmy Carmichael Rescuer by Night

Robert Murray McCheyne Life is an AdventureBill Bright Dare to be differentJoni Eareckson Tada Swimming against the Tide

Richard D Phillips A former associate of Dr James Montgomery Boice carries onhis rich expository heritage. His titles include:-Chosen in Christ Ephesians Chapter One 8.95 6.75Encounters with Jesus 8.95 6.75Faith Victorious Hebrews Chapter Eleven 8.95 6.75Mighty to Save Miracles of Jesus 7.95 5.75Turning Your World Upside-down Parables of Jesus 7.95 5.95

Peter Brain Going the Distance 10.00An Australian Evangelical bishop advises how to stay fit for a lifetime of ministry.

John Blanchard Has Science got rid of God? 6.99 4.99

Don Carson Basics for Believers (Philippians) 4.99 3.50

Nick Needham 2000Years of Christs PowerVol. 3 Renaissance & Reformation 13.95 11.50Previous volumes each only 10.99

Derek Thomas Praying the Saviours Way(Lords Prayer) 4.99 1.50

Ligon DuncanWestminster Confession into the 21st Century 22.99 17.99(editor)This is the second volume of essays by a galaxy of Reformed scholars onour Presbyterian creed.

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The Evangelical Presbyterian - July-August 2004

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Transcript of The Evangelical Presbyterian - July-August 2004