The Evangelical Presbyterian - July-August 2010

7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - July-August 2010

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JulJul--Aug2010Aug2010

TheTheThe

EvangelicalEvangelicalEvangelicalPresbyterianPresbyterianPresbyterian

Meeting our MembersMeeting our MembersMeeting our Members

Ruth (4)Ruth (4)Ruth (4) --- False StartFalse StartFalse Start

Christians and FacebookChristians and FacebookChristians and Facebook

Moderators AddressModerators AddressModerators Address

Jululul--Aug 2010ug 2010ug 20101.501.501.50


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TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian

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Subscriptions 2010

Collected 9.00

BypostwithinUK 10.80BypostoutsideUK14.80

Enquiriesto:EvangelicalBookShop(Seebackpageforcontactdetails)

Take NoteTake Note

The Powerlessness of Manhe Powerlessness of ManTherecentimagesofPresidentObama

standingontheshoreoftheGulfofMexico

facingoneofthegreatestenvironmental

disastersintheworldhasleftthemost

powerfulmanonearthpowerless.Hehad

promisedtodoallhecouldtostoptheflow

ofoilleakingfromafracturedpipebutithas

justkeptgushingoutandcontaminatingthe

ocean.Hehasbeenpowerlesstostopit.

TheaftermathoftheGeneralElectionin

theUnitedKingdomleftallthreeofthemajor

politicalplayersimpotent.Nopartywas

electedwhocouldcommandanoverall

majoritytoformagovernment.Britainended

upwithacoalitiongovernmentforthefirst

timeinageneration.AfterafewdaysofdiscussionsanddealingsaConservative/

Liberalcoalitionwasformed.Neitherparty

hadthepowerbyitselftogovern.

Eventssuchastheseshouldbea

solemnremindertoourworldleadersthat

theyaresubjecttoahigherpower.The

powersthatbeareordainedofGodandheistheultimaterulerofthisworld.Itwasa

lessonthatmanyoftheOldTestament

Kingsandrulerswereslowtolearnanditis

sotoday.TheWestminsterConfessionof

FaithremindsusthatGod,theworlds

supremeLordandKing,hasordainedcivil

authoritiesanswerabletohimselftobeover

thepeople.(23.1)

TakeNote,PowerbelongsuntotheLord.

(Ps62.11)

Cover Photograph

Springhill,Moneymore,Magherafelt,

CoLondonderry.A17thcenturyPlantationhome,withwalledgardens,parklandandpaths.ANationalTrustproperty.

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AnyonewishingtohelptheChurchsworkmaysendtheirgift

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Policy

TheviewsexpressedarethoseoftheEditorandContributorswhichareunderstoodtoreflectthetheologicalpositionoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch

Copy Deadline

1stofmonthpriortopublication

Editor

HaroldGibson

Stockbridge2BarronstownCourtDROMOREBT251FB

[email protected]


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Howdowewalktherazoredge,avoidingculturalgluttonyandculturalanorexia?HowdoweengagetheworldmeaningfullywithoutceasingtoliveChristianly?Striving for the Prizetriving for the PrizeThebattlefortruthwillalwaysbeastruggle.Paultellsusinthischaptertowatchoutforthosedogs!TheChristianlifeisoneofconstantstriving,facingmany

battlesandstormsandwecanexpectthisifweseektoupholdBiblicaltruthandorthodoxy.Therearetimeswhenweallfeelthatwearegettingnowhereandofnotbotheringanymore.WinstonChurchill,onareturnvisittohisoldschoolEton,wasinvitedtoaddressthepupils.Itwasamuchanticipatedvisitandasthisgreatoratortookthepodiumhesaid:Never,never,never...giveupandsatdown. IfwearereallytoengageinthegreatstrugglefortruththatPaulisspeakingaboutherewemustbepreparedforseriousspiritualconflict.Ifwewantaneasytimethenallweneedtodoistowithdrawfromthefrontline,moveawayfromthebattle.SatandoesnotcaremuchaboutabelieverwhoisfarawayfromtheLord,

infactheishappyifyouarethere. JMBoice,shortlybeforehisdeathsaid:thechurchisbeingenticedtodotheLORDSworkintheworldsway.AlltoooftenthechurcharmsitselfwiththeweaponsoftheworldinsteadofGodsarmour.RCSproulwritesInafatalpursuitofrelevance,thechurchhasoftenbecomemerelyanechoofthesecularcultureinwhichitlives,havingadesperatedesiretobewithitandacceptabletothecontemporaryworld.Whatisdemandedbytimessuchasoursisachurchthataddressesthetemporalwhileatthesametimeremainingtetheredtotheeternal.3

Inthedaysoftheearlychurch(Acts2)weseetheuseoftheLordsweapons,theApostlesdoctrineandprayer.Whatfollowed?Wonders,signsandtheLordaddingdailytothechurchthosewhowerebeingsaved.Ourmissionistoministerredemptiontoadyingworld,thatisthechurchwearecalledtobe. Forgettingwhatisbehind,reachingforwardtowhatisahead,presson!1Philippians,AnExpositionalCommentary,JamesMontgomeryBoice,BakerBooks,p197.2ConnectedChristianity,engagingculturewithoutcompromise,ArturoG.AzurdiaIII,ChristianFocus.

3Tabletalk,April2010,Thetimes,theyarea -changing.

Newcastle Christian Schoolewcastle Christian School

isseekingtoappointaHEADTEACHEREADTEACHER

NCSisanew,privateschoolinNewcastleuponTyne,providingadistinctively(Reformed)ChristianeducationforYears1to8(5-13year-olds).

WeareseekingaHeadteacherwho: IspassionateaboutChristianeducation IscommittedtotheReformedfaith Hasthecharacterandgiftsnecessary Hasproventeachingskillsandrelates forleadership welltoyoungchildren.

Initialsalarywillbe30,000,10,000ofwhichiscontingentonfundraisingForfurtherinformation,ortoapplyforthepost(letterandCVrequired)

e-mail:[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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InPart4ofhisseriesonRuthRev Andrew Lucasev Andrew Lucas,Omagh,givesusguidanceininterpretingGodsprovidenceforourlivesfromRuth3

False StartFalse Start

SinclairFergusonhasdescribedthebookofRuthasoneofthegreatestshortstorieseverwritten,andwhenyouconsiderthegroundthatwehavealreadycovered,youcanunderstandwhy.Wehavehadfamine,emigration,familytragedy,adramaticconversion,bitterrecriminationsandthedawningofaromance,andallinthespaceofjusttwochapters.NowinthismonthsarticlewearegoingtolookatRuth3,achapterthathelpsustointerpretGodsprovidenceinourlives.1 The Best and the Worsthe Best and the WorstWearegoingtolookattwothings.Firstly,noticethatwehave-Thebestof

motives,buttheworstofmethods.HaveyoueverreadPrideandPrejudicebyJaneAusten,orseenoneofthefilmsbasedonthebook?Ifyouhave,youwillknowthatoneofthemostamusingcharactersisMrsBennett.Hergreatestdesireistoseeherdaughtersmarriedandmarriedwell.Butasthestoryunfolds,itsoonbecomesapparentthatMrsBennettposesthegreatestthreattoherdaughtersmarriageprospects,byherill-plannedschemesandoutspokenness.NowwehavesomethingsimilarinRuth3asNaomitriestobringRuthandBoaztogether.A - Best of motives.ItisimportanttonoticethatNaomihasthebestofmotives. Listentoherassheexplainsherreasoningin3.1:Mydaughter,shouldInotseekrestforyou,thatitmaybewellwithyou?(ESV).WhatdoesNaomiwant?Shewantstoseeherdaughter-in-lawsettled.SheknowsthatwhilstRuthremainsunmarried,herfutureisinsecure,especiallybecauseRuthisaforeigner.Sowhilstsheisstillaroundtohelp,NaomiwantstodowhatshecantofindRuthagoodhusband.Thesearegoodmotives.B - Biblical principles .Itisalsoimportanttorealisethat,toacertainextent,NaomiisguidedbyBiblicalprinciples.Shesaysin3.2:IsnotBoazourrelative,withwhoseyoungwomenyouwere?See,heiswinnowingbarleytonightatthethreshing

floor.(ESV)Nowfirstly,NaomiobviouslyregardsRuthsencounterwithBoazasprovidentialandofcoursesheisright.Butsecondly,thefactthatheisalsotheirrelativeisimportant,becauseasweshallseenexttime,itmeansthathehascertainlegalobligationstowardsthem,assetdowninScripture.SoasNaomisendsRuthtoBoazsheisguided,toacertainextent,bytheseBblicalprinciples.C - W orst of methods.SoNaomihasthebestofmotivesandisguidedbyBiblicalprinciple,butitisatthispointthatthingsbegintounravel.Theproblemisthemethodsheemploys.In3.3-5,shetellsRuthtomakeherselflookpresentableandtogotoBoazwhenhehasretiredforthenight,andtolieathisuncovered

feet.Canyouseetheproblem?Naomiistakingahugeriskhere.NowtherehasbeenalotofdebateamongstcommentatorsaboutNaomisactions,butwhilstIdonotthinksheisencouragingRuthtoseduceBoaz,sheistakingahugeriskwithherdaughter-in-lawsreputationandpersonalsafety.Anyonecouldhave


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spottedRuthenteringthethreshingfloor,cometothewrongconclusionandspreadthenewsfarandwide.Naomiisalsotakingariskregarding Boazhimself.Canshebesurethathewillacthonourably,whenhefindsayoungattractivewomanlyingathisfeet?Therearejustsomanydangershere. NowwecanlearnfromNaomiatthispoint.Sometimeswecanhavethebest

ofmotivesfordoingwhatwearedoing.Sometimesweareguided,toacertainextentbyBiblicalprinciplesindoingit.Butthenweruinthingsbyemployingunbiblicalandquestionablemethods.ItisnotthatNaomiisbarkingupthewrongtreehere.Sheisbarkinguptherighttree.HerhunchthatGodhasprovidentiallybroughtBoazintoRuthslifeiscorrect,butthenshetakesmattersintoherownhands.DerekThomastalksaboutNaomirunningaheadofprovidenceatthispoint,andwecandothesame.Werunaheadofprovidenceandinourimpatiencewetakemattersintoourownhands,employingquestionablemethods.Asaresult,wegetourselvesintodifficulties.Goodmotives,goodguidingprinciples,butbadmethods.TheexampleofNaomihereunderlinestheoldsaying,Theendnever

justifiesthemeans,whichissomethingthatweneedtoremember.2 Stronger and Strongertronger and StrongerSowearetostrivetohavegoodmotives,goodprinciples,andgoodmethods.Secondly,noticethatwehaveastrongtemptation,butanevenstrongercharacter. WeweretalkingearlieraboutPrideandPrejudiceandyoumayrememberthatformostofthestory,ElizabethBennetthasaverylowopinionofMrDarcy.Sheregardshimasaproudandarrogantman,whotreatsothersdreadfully.ButthatopinionchangesradicallywhenhersisterLydiarunsoffwithMrWickhamandDarcytakesituponhimselftofindthem. NowagainwehavesomethingsimilarhereinrelationtoBoaz.Itsnotthathistruecharacterhasbeenhiddenfromus.Onthecontrarywehaveknownthatheisaworthymanfromthebeginning.(2.1)Butwenowseehimoperatinginanincrediblydifficultsituationandthecharacterofthemanshinesout.Consequentlywecanlearnfromhim.A - Strong Temptation.Forexamplein3.6-8hefacesaverystrongtemptation.Thinkaboutwhatisgoingonhere.Boazhasbeenworkinghard.Hehashadagood

mealandafewglassesofwine,whichisntasin,andheretiresfortheevening.Duringthenight,hisuncoveredfeetgetcoldandheawakeswithashudder.Ashiseyesadjusttothedarkness,hecanmakeouttheformofayoungwomanlyingathisfeet.ItsRuth!Sheisyoungandwehavereasontobelievethat heisalreadyattractedtoher,andtheyarealoneinthedark.Whatishegoingtodo?Well,ourtextmakesitclearthatBoazstandsfirm.Canyouseehowthecharacterofthemanshinesouthere?ThesameistrueofRuth,whoimmediatelyclarifieswhysheisthere.(3.9)NowIamsurethatBoazisjustasmuchamanasanyotherandhasthesamelongingsasothermen,butasSinclairFergusonhassaid,Boazdoesnotmistaketemptationforanopportunity,andasaresult,hestandsfirm.

B - Good Understanding .AnotherthingtonoticeaboutBoazisthathehasagood understandingofandapproachtowards,providence.WeallstruggleattimestounderstandGodsprovidenceinourlivesdontwe?ButlookatBoaz.Hecould


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havesaidsomethinglikethistohimself:Shelikesme.Ilikeher.Providencehasthrownustogether.Therefore,itmustbeGodswill.Nowyoucouldunderstandthatcouldntyou?ButBoazunderstandsthatyoudontinterpretScriptureinthelightofprovidence,butprovidenceinthelightofScripture.ToquoteFergusonagain:ScriptureprovidesthelensesthroughwhichweinterpretandrespondtoeveryprovidenceofGod.

C - High View of Scripture.Boazdoesntsimplyactonthebasisofevents,butheaskshimself,WhatdoesScripturesay?andthatshowsushishighviewofScripture.AutomaticallyhestartstothinkBiblicallyandthatsamazingwhenyourememberthathehasjustwokenup!Ittakesawhileformybraintogetup-and-runningfirstthinginthemorning,butBoazisawakeandalert,andbeingguidedbytheScriptures(see3.11-13).HedoesnttouchRuth.Heacknowledgeshisresponsibilitiesandiswillingtocarrythemout.Butinaddition,herecognisesthatsomeoneelsehasapriorclaimandBoaziswillingtodefertohim.Despiteeventsandhisownfeelings,BoazsubmitstotheauthorityofScripture.

Wecanfindourselvesinsituations,whereeventsseemtobeleadingusinaparticulardirectionandsometimesouremotionscanbeinvolvedaswell.Perhapswedesperatelywanttogointhedirectionthateventsseemtobeleading,butinthosecircumstances,weneedtobelikeBoaz.Howevercleartheleadingmaybe,howeverstronglywemayfeelthatthisistherightdirectionforourlives,wemustaskthequestion,WhatdoesScripturesay?WemustallowScripturetohavethefinalsay.JustimaginewhatwouldhavehappenedifBoazhadignoredScriptureandsimplygonewithhisfeelings. Butasweclose,weneedtoask,WhatisBoazssecret?Howcomehedoesntcrumpleinthefaceofoverwhelmingtemptation?HowcomehehasScriptureathisfingertips?HowcomehecansubmittotheauthorityofScripture,evenwhenitclasheswithhisownfeelings?Ithinktheanswerissimple.HelovestheLordandtakeshisrelationshipwiththeLordseriously.Thereisnothinghalf-heartedaboutBoazsreligion,andtobelikehim,wedontsimplyneedtoknowtheScriptures,butweneedtonurtureourrelationshipwiththeGodwhostandsbehindtheScriptures.EverythingshouldflowfromourloveforChrist.WeshouldstudyScripture,becausewewanttoknowmoreabouthimandwhatpleaseshim,

andifthatspiritgovernsourlives,wewillbebetterabletotakeourstandwithmenandwomenlikeBoazandRuth.Amen.

Keswick at PortstewartJuly Bible Week Saturday 10 Friday 16 July 2010

Bible study 11.00am Monday- FridayDerek Thomas: First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi

Craig Dyer, Developmentofficer,ChristianityExploredPaul Williams, ChristChurch,Fullwood,Sheffieldwillsharetheeveningmeetingsat7.30pm.

www.KeswickatPortstewart.org


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Meet one of our MembersMeet one of our MembersJean Lucas, CrumlinJean Lucas, Crumlin

GenerationsoftravellersontheBelfast

RoadfromBangorhavebecomefamiliarwiththeboldpresentationofJohn3.16onthebarntwoandahalfmilesfromtheoutskirtsofBangor.ItbelongedtoJeanGrahamsgrandfatherandtheMinisterofBangorMethodistChurchaskedhimtodisplaythetextin1932.MrGraham

maintaineditandononeoccasionwhenthebarnwasdamagedinastormtheneighboursmadecontributionstowardsrestoringthetext.ItisknowntohavebeenthemeansofatleastoneconversionaRomanCatholicmanwhobecamealong

servingmissionary.Jeansparentshousewaslocatednearbyonthefamilyland.The Discipline and Instruction of the LordThe Discipline and Instruction of the LordJeansgrandparentswereconvertedthroughFaithMissionPilgrimsandherfatherundertheministryofWPNicholsonwhenhepreachedonMySpiritshallnotalwaysstrivewithman(Gen6.3)atRavenhillPresbyterianChurchinFeb-Mar1923.LocaltheologywasliberalasJeangrewupandsheremembersbeingtoldatCrawfordsburnPrimarySchoolthattheFeedingoftheFiveThousandwasjustalessonontheneedtoshare,astheboyhaddone.InheryouthshewasawareofherfatherinregulardisputewiththeChurchoveritspreachingandteaching. ThroughthewitnessofherhomeJeangrewupknowingthatsheneededJesusChristasherSaviour.Shestillrecallsrealisingthattheonlywaytoescapethisneedwasnevertohavebeenborn!AsachildsheoftenaskedJesusintoherheart.HermothersdissatisfactionwiththeChurchsteachingandevangelismledhertoinvolvementintheBangorChristianWorkersUnionandshesentthechildrentotheirweeknightChildrensMeetingsandtheSaturday-SundayOpenAirs.Irresistible GraceIrresistible GraceBythetimeshewasinForm2inBangorSecondaryJeansmusicalgiftshaddevelopedandwiththemherambitiontobeasinger.ShedidsoloperformancesatSchoolandwhenshewasaboutthirteenoneoftheclassesaskedtheirteachertobringJeantosingtothem.ButunderlyingthiswashernowdecisiverejectionoftheinfluenceofherChristianhome.Shedesiredeverythingthatwascontrarytoitpursuitslikethecinemaanddancinghadcaptivatedherdesiresbutherhomewasstillarestraint.Summinguptheconflictshesaid:IcannotstandthisChristianitybutIdolovemyparents.Lookingback,Luke19.14expressedthestrengthofherdetermination:Iwillnothavethismantoreignoverme.

ButGoddrewJeantohimselfwhenshewasfourteen.Afewweeksbefore,onthewayhomefromafriendshouseinthedark,shelookedupatthenightskyandsawsomethingofthegreatnessofGod.Itbroughtherundersuchstrongconvictionofsinthatshedespairedofeverbeingsaved.Sheweptoveritwithhermother.


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DecembercameandthefamilytookJeanouttobuyheraherringbonetweedcoatforChristmas.Onthewayhomehermothertookillanddeterioratedrapidly.Asshewasdyingofheartfailure,just46yearsold,sheseveraltimesexpressedherlovefortheLordandprayed,Lord,Savemychildren.FromthatmomentJeanbegantocallonthenameofthe

Lordandsooncametofaith.ShelatersawthetruthofCSLewissfamousinsight:Godwhisperstousinourpleasures,butshoutstousinourpain.(TheProblemofPain)Serving in Church and Familyerving in Church and FamilyJeancontinuedforatimeinthesameChurchbutitdidnot satisfyhernewhungerfortheWordofGod.ShecompensatedbylisteningtoRevBillyGrahamtapesandattendingFaithMissionconventionsbutcouldnotidentifywithitssecondblessing.ShereadlargesectionsofBoettnersRomanCatholicismasherfirstChristianbook.Sheknewshehadtomovetoa

newChurchandchoseanevangelicaldenominationwhereshestayedfor15years andbecameamember.ShewasinoneoftheChurchsoutreachteamsanditjusthappenedthatAllisterLucaswasinthesameteam!Theymarriedin1975. Jeanleftschoolwhenshewasfifteen.AfteraninitialspellasaDentalNurseshetrainedasaGeneralNurseinBangorHospital,1973-75.AftershewasmarriedshemovedtoHarland&WolffasanIndustrialNurseuntilfamilyresponsibilitiestookover.AllisterandJeanhavefourchildrenGlyn,wholivesinScotland,Graham,KyleandJoanne.Eachhasprofessedfaith.Andelevengrandchildrensofar! WhenonholidayintheYorkshireDalesin1990AllisterandJeanhadsomeexposuretoreformedpreachingandrecognisedthatthiswaswhattheywerereallylookingfor.JeanwasdoingnightsasarespitenurseatthetimeanddecidedtogototheCrumlinEPCPrayerMeetingbeforeworkreportshadindicatedthatitcouldbetheirspiritualhome.DrAndrewWoolseywasgoingthroughNehemiahatthetimeandonJeansfirstvisithadreachedChapter5whereNehemiahtackledtheexploitationofthepoor.Exactlythepreachingshewanted!SheandAllisterbeganattendingandjoinedin1992.AllisterbecameaDeaconin1993.

InMarch1998AllisterandJeanemigratedtoOntario,Canada.GlynhadspentsometimethereandduringvisitsAllisterwasverytakenwiththefarmingpotential .AsitturnedouttheyfounditbesttoleasetheirlandandtosetupaBedandBreakfastbusiness.In2006familytiesbroughtthemhomeagain andhappilybacktoCrumlinEPCwhereJeanhasbeenaSundaySchoolteacher,andservesontheLadiesFellowshipCommitteeandasChurchOrganistsince2008. AmongJeansinterestsareclassicalmusic,quilting,cookingandreading.She likesBibleCommentariesandgeneralmaterialtoincreaseherBibleknowledge.ShereadstheEnglishClassicstoo,mentioningGeorgeEliotinparticular.

WethankGodforsuchaninstructiveconversionandforthelifeofservicethathasfollowed.MayitencourageustoprayforourchildrenthattheywillstrivetoenterbythenarrowgateandthatthecallofGodwilldrawthemthroughit.


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Noonecouldhaveforetoldthejourneythatlayaheadformewhichbeganone

SundayeveninginOctober1983whenIattendedtheeveningserviceatStranmillisEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch.DerekThomaswastheministerandhewaspreachingthroughtheGospelofMark.Thiswaselectrifyingpreachingtome,exposition,application,challengeandaboveallheartwarming.ThisfirstvisitwasbutthefirstofmanyandIbecamearegularSundaynighteratStranmillis. IwasraisedinmainstreamIrishPresbyterianismandwillalwaysbethankfulfortheSundaySchoolconnectedwithFirstDromorewherewewerefaithfullytaughttheScripturesandreceivedagoodgroundingintheShorterCatechism.Iandmanyofmyclassmatesweretocometofaithinourmidtolateteens.

ComingtoworkinBelfastinthelate1960sforthemotorfirmofREHamiltonbroughtmeintothebusinessworldwithitsmanychallengesandtemptationsthepulloftheworldandthehandofGod.LookingbackInowseeGodshandatwork,leadingandsendinghispeopleacrossmypath.OnewasRevHarryTadley,aReformedPresbyterianMinister,whowastobringaninfluenceintomylifethatIdidnotfullyappreciateatthetime.IfirstmetHarry,thenamaturestudentattheRPCollege,atalunchtableinthePresbyterianHostel.HewouldofteninvitemetospecialmeetingsaddressedbymensuchasIainMurray,AdamLoughridge,MartynLloyd-Jones,WJGrier,GeoffThomasandSinclairFerguson.ThisinturnintroducedmetoReformedliteratureandespeciallytothevolumesofDrLloyd-JonesonRomansthatwerebeginningtoappear.Idevouredthemandeagerlyawaitedthepublicationofthenextvolume.TheEvangelicalBookShopbecamealunchtimestoptwoorthreetimesaweek!AnotherdelightfulChristianImetwasRobertBell,thenIrishSecretaryofScriptureGiftMissionandanElderinCrescentChurch.HeinvitedmetomonthlylunchtimeBusinessmensmeetingsintheYMCA.AgainanotherlittleoasisinthemidstofcitybusinesslifethatprovidedChristianfellowship.(Italsoprovedtobeprofitabletobusinessaswell!)

IbecameamorefrequentvisitortoStranmillis,notjustforthepreachingaseventsunfolded,andin1995Imarriedoneoftheirmembers,PatriciaLyons.Webothhadgivenmuchthoughtandprayerastowherewemightsettleinchurch.Myhomechurchwasgoingthroughatraumaticperiodofconflictandhavingstrongconvictionsregardingtheunbiblicalpositionofwomenintheministryandeldership,wedecidedtostaywithStranmillisandIcameintomembershipin1996.IwaselectedaDeaconinJune1999andanElderinNovember2000. Presbyteryappointedmeaseditorofthismagazinein2004andelectedmeasitsModeratorfor2010-11.Iamgratefulfortheopportunitiesgiventomeand

forthefaithfulservantsofGodthathecontinuestosendacrossmypath.MrsCousinshymnremindsusofthehandthatguidedandtheheartthatplanned.IamtrulythankfultoGodforhisgraceandwisdom,forthefriendshipsandthefellowshipofthepeopleofGodintheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch.

The Hand that GuidesThe Hand that GuidesHarold Gibsonaro ld Gibson,Editor,tellshisownstorySunday-NightertoModerator


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All Lands to God!All Lands to God!

Musa and Pamela GaiyaManyfriendsgatheredinStranmillison13May2010tosayFarewelltoMusaandPamelabeforetheirreturntoNigeriaon29May.RevDrPaulBaillie,ChiefExecutiveofMissionAfrica,broughtgreetingsfromthemission.MusaandPamelagaveanoutlinepresentationoftheworkthatlayahead.

RevDrSidneyGarlandpreachedfromHebrews11.23-28:ByfaithMoses...

God'speopleandtheirchildrenarecalledtoserveinadangerousworldbyfaith

God'speoplearecalledtotakerisksbyfaith God'speoplearecalledtosay'no'tocertainhindrancesbyfaith

God'speoplearecalledtolivebyfaith,lookingtoGodfortheirreward

TherewasopportunitytosayfarewelltoMusaandPamelapersonallyduringsupperservedbytheladiesofStranmillis.WecontinuetoupholdtheminprayerastheysettlebackintotheirworkandfamilylifeinNigeria.

Sidney and Jean GarlandAwelcomehomeserviceon3June2010in

StranmillismarkedthereturnofSidneyandJeanGarlandafter23yearsofmissionaryserviceinNigeria.RevGarethBurkeledthemeetingandRevStephenCarson,amemberoftheMissionAfricaCouncil,spokeonbehalfonthemissionandledinprayer.JeangaveaPowerpointoverviewoftheirserviceinNigeria,23Yearsin23Minutes,recallingsomeofthehighsandlowsoftheir

experience.SidoutlinedhisfutureplansforACTS.HeisnowtobebasedinNorthernIreland,buthopestovisitNigeriaseveraltimesannually.MissDebbieGarlandreflectedontheirchildhoodinNigeriaandpaidawarmtributetoherparents.MrBurkepreachedfrom1Corinthians15.58:...Besteadfast,immovable,alwaysaboundingintheworkoftheLord,knowingthatyourlabourisnotinvainintheLord..Manyremainedforsupper,kindlyprovidedbytheStranmillisladies.

Ricky and Angie FitzsimmonsTherewillbeaFarewell Service,onThursday1July2010,8.00pm,inStranmillisforRicky,AngieandNoahwhoaresoontoleaveforJos,NigeriawithMissionAfrica.

A Farewell and A Welcome HomeA Farewell and A Welcome Home


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BIG WORDS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Hi!

Do you know what was special

about 20th June this year?

It was Fathers Day a day for

telling your dad how special he isandhow much you love him.

Here are some of the special things

about your dad:

You belong to him

He loves you

He will always be your dad

You can talk to him about everything

He is firm with you (for your own good)

Everything he has belongs to you

ADOPTIONthis means

being made a

child in Godsfamily

If you had lived in New Testament times, youwould have called your dad

The amazing thing is, God says some people cancall Him Abba
http://uk.wrs.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTf2mwVxFMfhYAhVFWBQx./SIG=132bfi7di/EXP=1276291376/**http%3a/www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/holidays/fathers-day/best-dad-clipart.gif


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How can that be?

Boys and girls who trust Jesus to be their Saviour

from sin are adopted into Gods family.

He becomes their Abba or Father.They become His children.

The Bible says:

But as many as received Him, to them Hegave the right to become _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ of God,to those who believe in His name.John 1: 12Sadly, some human dads are not very good dads.

God is the Perfect Father.

If you are adopted into Gods family

You belong to Him forever

He loves you with perfect love

You can talk to Him as a child to its Father

He will discipline you (because He loves you)

All His riches belong to you

WHAT LOVE!

I thank God that I have been adopted intoHis family. What about you?

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AreyouaworldlyChristian?Beforeyouanswer,considerthewarningofJames:DoyounotknowthatfriendshipwiththeworldisenmitywithGod?ThereforewhoeverwishestobeafriendoftheworldmakeshimselfanenemyofGod (James4.4).ThesearestrongwordsfromGodandthusimportantforustoconsider.A Friendship?Friendship?Ifalltheactivitiesyoudidinadayweredocumentedandtimedwhatproportionofthemwouldbespentonthingsthenon-Christianalsopartakessuchaswatchingtelevision,browsingFacebook,playingsports,ortalkingtofriendsonthephone?

Noneofthesethingsarewrongorsinfulinthemselves,buttheyareonlymeanttosweetenourpassagetoheaven.DotheseactivitiestakepreferenceoverholyactivitiessuchasBiblereading,privateandcorporateprayer,orattendanceatthemeansofgrace?Areworldlyactivitiespushingthesethingstothesidesotheyaregivenlittleornotime?IfyouwereforbiddentowatchTV,usetheInternetortalkonyourphoneforafewdays,whatwouldyourreactionbe?Ifyourreactionisnegativethenitmaybefearedthatyouareoverlytrustingandbeingsupportedbythesethings.Inotherwords,youareinfriendshipwiththem.

An Enemyn EnemyOurpassagesaysthatifwearefriendswiththeworldthenGodisourenemy.Thatsafrighteningthought.Jesustellsuswhythisis:Noonecanservetwomasters,foreitherhewillhatetheoneandlovetheother,orhewillbedevotedtotheoneanddespisetheother.(Matt6.24)IfweareChristspossessionthenheisourMaster.Whentheworldtakespossessionoftheheart,itbecomesatraitortoGod.Itmakesusunfaithfulinourcallings.WenolongersolelytrustinGodandrelyuponHissupport,butratherwelooktothebankbalanceorthehelpofpeople.WhentheloveoftheworldenteredintoJudas,itissaidthatthedevilenteredhim.IstheresomethingworldlyinusleavingadooropenforSatan?Topreventthiswe

needtoseriouslyconsiderourways,tosearchoutthemotiveswhywepartakeinallthatwedo.Wemustwatchandpray(Matt26.41)overallourdealingswiththeworldlestwefallintotemptationandfallawayfromourfirstlove(Rev2.:4)A True FriendTrue FriendGodhasgivenusthesewordstohelpusgraspthegravityoftryingtolodgetheloveofChristandtheloveoftheworldinthesameheart.Friendshipwiththeworldwillleadtodestruction.YetisChristnotabetterfriend?HeleftthesplendoursofheaventosufferforrebellioussinnerslikeusandtoreconcileusuntohisFatheristhatnottruefriendship?MeditatinguponChristwillhelpusappreciatethatthe

worldsbestisutterlyworthless.SoareyouaworldlyChristian? Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if therebe any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Ps 139.23-24)

Christopher Dohertyhristopher Doherty ,Stranmillis,asksusthistimeifwedonotknowtheimplicationsoffriendshipwiththeworld.

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Thh 1 Fitzsimmonsitzsimmons PrayforRickyandAngiesFarewellServicetonightinStranmillis Frr 2 Elliottslliotts RememberBilly&LynnElliottastheycareforDanielatthistimeSaa 3 Campsamps PrayforJuniorsstartingtodayatBushmills,IntersatColeraineSuu 4 1 Pulpit Supplyulpit Supply PrayforvisitingpreachersinourpulpitsoverthesummerMoo 5 2 Finaghyinaghy PrayforGodsblessingonourCDministryathomeandoverseas Tuu 6 3 Gordonsordons PrayforDavid&OlwynastheyvisitGyero,NigeriainJulyWee 7 4 Indiandia PrayforthetrainingofvillagemissionariesatChhaparaThh 8 5 CSSMSSM-Beacheach PrayforCSSMandBeachMissionsastheywitnessforChristFrr 9 6 Stranmillistranmillis PrayfortheweddingsofEmma&Ross,Suzanne&TrevorSaa 100 7 Senior Campenior Camp PrayforSeniorCamp,startinginCarrigart,DonegaltodaySuu 111 8 Knocknock Prayforblessingduringourweekofoutreach16-20AugustMoo 122 9 Portstewartortstewart RemembertheKeswickatPortstewartmeetingsthisweekTuu 133 100 Page 16age 16-1 Pray for Key Prayer Point 1 overleafWee 144 111 Ministersinisters PrayforthoseonholidaythattheywillhaverestandrefreshmentThh 155 122 South Africaouth Africa PrayforincreasedCentralFundgiving,forbetterfinancialmanagementFrr 166 133 Richhillichhill PrayforthosewhopreachatourserviceseachSundaySaa 177 144 Omaghmagh PrayforthecontactsmadeatOmaghShowandforoSuu 188 155 Crosscollyerrosscollyer Prayforthosewhoattendedcamp,thatGodwouldsavethemMoo 199 166 Fitzsimmonsitzsimmons PrayforRicky&AngieFitzsimmonsastheyprepareforNigeriaTuu 200 177 Holidayoliday PraythatthoseonholidaywillfindfellowshipintheGospelWee 211 188 Page 16age 16-2 Pray for Key Prayer Point 2 overleafThh 222 199 EPC MinistryPC Ministry ContinuetoprayforourneedformoreMinistersandstudentsFrr 233 200 Elderlylderly PrayforourelderlymembersinhospitalandinnursinghomesSaa 244 211 Christian Insthristian Inst PrayfortheworkofCIasitseekstoupholdGodslawinsociety Suu 255 222 Crumlinrumlin Prayforourvacancy,thatGodwouldleadandguideustohismanMoo 266 233 South Africaouth Africa PrayfortheReidsandtheworkofDumisani Tuu 277 244 ACTSCTS PrayforthecontinuedworkandgrowthofACTSinAfricaWee 288 255 Perueru PrayfortheinfluenceofLimaEvangelicalSeminaryinSouthAmericaThh 299 266 Page 16age 16-3 Pray for Key Prayer Point 3 overleafFrr 300 277 Gaiyasaiyas PrayforMusa,Pamelaandfamily,stillinthesettlingbackstageSaa 311 288 Walk with Godalk with God PraythatwemaywalkclosewithGoddaybydaySuu 299 Sun Schoolsun Schools PrayfortheboysandgirlswhowillresumeSSinSeptemberMoo 300 EPCEWPCEW ContinuetoprayforthewitnessinEnglandandWalesTuu 311 CWIWI PrayforJewishvisitorstoourwebsite,thattheymayseethetruth

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ThefollowingcommendthemselvesasmattersforspecialprayeratthepresenttimeatourChurchServices,PrayerMeetings,andforfamilyandpersonalprayer.TheyappearinthePrayerDiaryonTuesday,WednesdayorThursdaysothatourPrayer

Meetingscancoverthembetweenthematleastonceamonth.

Key Matters for PrayerKey Matters for PrayerJulJul--Aug 2010Aug 2010

1 The Summer Outreach Teamhe Summer Outreach TeamOuroutreachteamworkedinCrumlinin2008andinCrumlinandSomertonRoadin2009.TheLordhasgiventhemincreasedopportunitiestowitnesstoyoungpeopleandhasdevelopedthegiftsoftheteammemberstodoit.In2010theteam iswideningitsprogrammetocompriseCrumlin,KnockandFinaghyduringthreeseparateweeksinAugust.ItisatremendouscommitmentforthemandthethreeChurches.ItiscertainlyakeymatterforprayerduringJulyandAugust.Readthearticleonpage18andusethePrayerLetterwhichfocusesonthemainitems.

PrayforRobertPeacockandtheteammembersthateachwillbesanctifiedandusefulfortheMaster(2Tim2.21).Prayalsoforthechildrenandparents.2 Evangelical Book Shopvangelical Book ShopTheBookShopisnowabletoproceedwitharefurbishmentprogrammeandplanstocarryoutthesubstantialpartoftheworkinJulyandAugust.PleasethankGodformakingthispossibleandprayforhisblessingupontheproject.Prayforthehugeamountofpreparationtobedone,themovementofstockinandoutoftheareasbeingworkedon,theprogress,efficiencyandsafetyoftheworkitselfandforthosewhohaveaspecialresponsibilityforit.Praytoothattherewillbeagood

responsetoourrequestforvolunteerstohelpwiththemovementofstockseepage20.Theweeksofrefurbishmentwillbedifficultforbothstaffandcustomersastheycopewiththedislocation,especiallyinthekeyperiodthefirsttwoweeksinAugust.Pleaseprayforallconcerned,especiallytheManagerandstaff. WewillbegladtohavepremisesthataremoreinlinewithretailstandardstodaybutpraythattheLordwillusethegreaterattractivenessandfacilitiestoincreasetheshopsroleinextendinghiskingdomthroughtheWordandreformedliterature. 3 Summer Activitiesummer ActivitiesThe Summer CampsPleaseobtainaCampsPrayerLetter,useitdailyandprayaftertheCampstoo. Juniors 3-10 July Bushmills Leader: Rev Gareth BurkeInters 3-10 July Coleraine Leader: Shaun GastonSeniors 10-17 July Carrigart Leader: Rev Robert BeckettHoliday Bible Clubs Groomsport 26-30 July Stranmillis 30 August-3 SeptemberBallyclare 16-20 August Crosscollyer St 6-10 SeptemberOmagh, Richhill Somerton Road (Youth Outreach)In Addition PleaserememberourChurcheswhodoopen-airworkamongchildrenduringthesummer,ouryoungpeoplewhoservewithorganisationslikeCSSMorBeachMissionsandthosewhogofurtherafield.


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The Editor will award a Book Token for the winning entry

MaJu2Suo

Across1Close(4)3AwomanofMoab(5)4Bundlesofcornorbarley(7)7BegottenofObed(5)8Ruthtotakeofthevessels(5)10 SonofNaomi(7)14 Relatedbymarriage(14)16 Gatherearsofcorn(5)17 Formermannerofchanging(9)20 Ruthhadone(3)21 Dothisaftergleaning(4)24 Largerthantown(4)26 NumberofElders(3)28 Harvestworkers(7)30 Orpahwentbacktothese(4)32 Nameforbitterness(4)

33 Shefoundgracehere(4) 34 AnotherwomanofMoab(4) 35 Notrich(4)

Down2 Atease(4)3 FatherofJesse(4)4 Measuresofbarley(3)5 SonofRam(9)6 Havingameal(6)9 Population(11) 11 Beginningbarleygathering(7) 12 Theylifteditup(5) 13 Rulers(6) 15 Naomitoooldforone(7) 18 Consume(3) 19 Terrafirma(6) 21 Purchase(3) 22 NaomiwastoObed(5) 23 Closer(6) 25 Pharezbornofher(5) 27 Weallhavethis(4) 29 Partofharvesting(4) 31 Plural(3)

Clues by Jim Leckey

1 PleasepostyourentrytotheEditortoarrive,weekcommencing1August.(Not

before!Validentriesmustbeposted)2 MarkyourenvelopeCrossword.3 TheEditorwillselectthefirstcorrectentryfromthebagasthewinner.

The2010seriesofCrosswordsistestingourknowledgeofsixmajorBiblecharacters.

No1wasMoses,No2Elijah,No3David.Ruthiscertainlyamorecompactstudyjust4chapters.TheseriesonRuth,pages5-7,willgiveyouagreatdealofhelptoo.

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TheCrumlinOutreachWeek,whichtookplacefrom3-7Aug2009,continuedwith

thesameformatasthepreviousyearbutthereweresomerealdifferencesthatillustratehowtheoutreachinCrumlinhasdevelopedthroughGodswillandtheworkofHisHolySpirit.Werepeated2008sactivitieswithFootballClubandCraftClubforprimariesfrom2.00-4.00pmandTeenClubfrom7.30-9.30pm.Primaries Football and Craft ClubsPrimaries Football and Craft ClubsWewereblessedbyamazingafternoonattendanceswithatotalof216childrenpresentatsomepoint.Thehighestdailyattendancewas133.Thisgaveusgreat

opportunitytoshareGodsWordthroughtalksonJohntheBaptist

proclaimingJesusastheMessiah,theProdigalSon,Nicodemus,thePhilippianJailorandZacchaeus.WeweregreatlyencouragedbyhowwellthechildrenlistenedandteammemberswereveryawareofGodshelpinrunningtheirprogrammesuccessfullywithsuchlargenumbers.

Anadditionalblessingthisyearwastheincreasedcontactwithparents.Afewstayedwiththeirchildrenduringactivitiesandtalkswhileotherswerehappytostayinthehallofthechurchandtalktoleaders,andtohavecoffeewiththemontheFridayafternoon.Someparentsenquiredaboutouractivitiesduringtheyear.Teen Clubeen ClubIntheeveningTeenClubatotalof121youngpeoplewerepresentatsomepointandthehighestattendancewas65.WewereencouragedingivingouttheinvitationsinCrumlinthatmanyoftheyoungpeoplerememberedusandwere

friendly.Weplayeddifferentindoorandoutdoorgamesin2009andfollowedthemupwithashorttalkandsomefood.BytheFridaynighttheyoungpeoplewerequitestillduringthetalkandwewereabletoexplaintheGospelveryclearly.Questionsandconversationsgaveusfurtheropportunity. AnoutreachteamalsospentaweeklastyearinSomertonRoadandwewereverymuchencouragedbytheopportunitiestospeaktoyoungpeoplethere.Godhasdefinitelybeenusingourownyoungpeopleasawitnessforhim.2010 in Crumlin, Knock and Finaghy010 in Crumlin, Knock and FinaghyPleaseprayfortheoutreachweekswhichareplannedforAugust2010inCrumlin(2-6August),Knock(9-13)andFinaghy(23-27August).AOutreachPrayerLetterisavailable.WeareveryawarethatwithoutGod'spresenceandhelpwewouldallbecompletelyoutofourdepth.

Youth Outreach 2010Youth Outreach 2010Michael Ewartichael Ewart ,Ballyclare,givesusanoverviewandasksustopray.

Some of the team for

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Should Christians be on Facebook?Should Christians be on Facebook?

Isometimeswonderifthedevildoesnttakegreatpleasureinirony,inwatchingusturnourselvesinsideoutwhilemissingthepoint.WhileIamonFacebook,andthereforeatleastholdtoatentativeconvictionthatsuchisallowableforChristians,thereareanynumberofreasonstoraiseconcernsoverit.Privacyandthelackthereof,however,wouldlikelybethelastoneIwouldraise.WithFacebooksverypublicandcontroversialannouncementofitschangeinpolicywithrespecttoprivacy,that,however,iswhathasmanyChristiansconcerned.How,Iwonder,canapersontakeatechnologythatexiststosaytothewatchingworld,HereIam.Comeseeaboutmecomplainthattheworldiscomingtoseeaboutthem?Anyone

whowishesmoreprivacycanfindsucheasilyenough.DontuseFacebook. Ifyoualreadydo,stop.Weareinamoraluproarforallthewrongreasons.WeareaghastattheownersofFacebookfordaringtochangetheirpolicy(which,remember,theoriginalpolicyheldoutasattheirdiscretion)ratherthanbeingappalledatourselvesforimplicitlybreakingthe8thCommandment.WethinkbecauseweareauserofFacebookthatsuchmakesusanownerofFacebook,andsodemandthisanddemandthatfromtherealowners. Thatsaid,herearesomeveryrealconcernsIhaveaboutFacebook.First,hasitbecomeagodtous?WhenGodcommandsthatwehavenoothergodsbeforeHimHedoesntmeanrankedhigherthanHim,butratherHemeansinHispresence.IfFacebookistooneedfulforyou,youmayneedtostop.Second,hasitbecomeagravenimage?Haveyouconfuseditsrealitywithrealreality?Doyoureallythinkyouhave200friends?Third,haveyoutakentheLordsnameinvain?Thatis,haveyou,inweakermoments,putabadfacepubliclyonyourChristianwitness?Areyoulaughingatyouroldsinswiththatoldbuddyfromcollegeorhighschool? Fourth,isFacebookgivingmethepeaceoftheLord,oragitatingme?(Andpleasenotetheveryrealdifferencebetweenthatpeacethatpassesunderstanding

andthatpeacewereceivewhenwefeedahabit,whenwegetafix.)AmIjumpywhenIdontgettologon?AmImorekeyedupafterIveloggedoff?Fifth,amIhonoringthoseinauthorityoverme?Wives,areyoufailingtohonoryourhusbandsbecauseyouretoobusyreadingaboutyourfriends?Children,areyoufailingtohonoryourparentsbecauseyouretoobusysendingflair? Sixth,isthistechnologyhonoringtolife?Thecyberworldcanbeabarrenwasteland,notbecauseitisfilledwithpornographyandgambling,butbecauseitisntreal,becauseitisGnostic.Seventh,areyoulovingyourspouseonFacebook?Istherushofnostalgiafromfindinglonglostfriendsencouragingyoutobe

dissatisfied?Areyousecretlylookingforthatoldgirlfriend?Areyoualreadycaughtupinadulterysimplybywishingyoucouldbesixteenagain?OrdoyounotknowthatFacebookcanalltooeasilydevolveintorelationalpornography?Theallureofpornisthatyouthinkyoucanhavethejoysofthesexualunionwithouthaving

R C Sproul JnrC Sproul Jnr asks;Whataboutalltheprivacyissuesthatareinthenewsthesedays?DrSproulisateachingfellowofLigonierMinistriesandfounderofHighlandMinistries.

ThisarticlefirstappearedonLigonierwebsite,www.ligonier.org
http://www.ligonier.org/http://www.ligonier.org/http://www.ligonier.org/http://www.ligonier.org/http://www.ligonier.org/


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tohavearealrelationshipwitharealperson.TheallureofFacebookismuchthesame.Eighth,areyoustealingfromyouremployerbynotgivingafulldaysworkbecauseyouaremoonlightingatFarmville,orasaMafiaDon?Or,simplybecauseyouarespendingyourhoursatworkatplay? Ninth,areyoulying?Thatis,istheyouyoupresentonFacebooktherealyou?

Thistechnologyhasaninsidiouscapacitytobothhiderealityandfoolusintothinkingwearebothshowingandseeingit.WhyareourupdatesallaboutourvictoriesIjustmadecookiesforthefamily;Mysonjusthitthegamewinninghomerun;ratherthanourfailuresIjustshoutedatmylittlegirl;Ileftmycomputerontheairplaneanditsgone?Keepaparticularlycloseeyeonthisone.Andtenth,isFacebookencouragingcontentmentorresentment?Areyoucovetingyourneighborsfriendcount?Areyoujealousofhowmanylikesthereareforhispostscomparedtoyours?Andareyoucontentwiththereallifeyouareshuttingoutwhilehunchedoveryourkeyboard?

Pleasedontmisunderstandthislittlethoughtexperiment.IsuspectwecouldwalkthroughtheTenCommandmentsinlightofourchurch,andfindmanyofthesametemptations.Thatdoesntmeanyoushouldstayawayfromchurch.Itdoesmeanweoughttobedeliberateenoughtoknowwhatwearedoing,andwhywearedoingit.Anddeliberatebeginsbyaffirmingthatourownheartsarenotjustdesperatelywicked,butdeceitfulaswell.Wedontneedtoprotectourprivacy.Weneedinsteadtoexposeoursinstothelight,thelightofScripturethatwemightrepentandbelieve,thatHisfacemightshineuponus.

Evangelical Book Shopvangelical Book Shopvangelical Book Shop

WeplantorefurbishtheshopJuly-Augustthisyearandtheworkwillrequireustomoveoutofourgroundfloorduringthefirst10-14daysinAugust.

So we need a team of

VOLUNTEERSVOLUNTEERS

who,betweenthem,will Packmainlybooksandsomeitemsofequipmentintoboxes

Placetheminvans,carsandtrailers

TransportthemtoatemporarydestinationinBelfastThe move out will be in the last week in July, especially near the end of the week

The move back, unpacking and placement on shelves will be in mid August

Itwillallbeco-ordinatedanddirectedbytheManagerandstaffoftheshopThis is physical work. Can you help us with any aspect of it including theprovision of transport? If you can please contact John Grier or, in his absence,another member of staff at the shop028 9032 0529


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Freedomisaverytopicalsubject."Iwantmyrights"isafamiliarcommentand

oftenmadewithlittleregardfortheconsequencesforothers.AsChristianswehavetheprivilegeofspiritualfreedom.Wearenolongerslavestosin:"Doyounotknowthattowhomyoupresentyourselvesslavestoobey,youarethatonesslaveswhomyouobey,whetherofsinleadingtodeath,orofobedienceleadingtorighteousness?".(Rom6.16)UnlikethedevoteesofotherreligionswearenolongerinthebondageofSatanorofhumantradition.ThisisafreedomtobeprizedbecauseitwasboughtatagreatpricebythecrossofChrist.Wehavenotearnedit;itisthegiftofGod. IntheGalatianchurches,Christianfreedomwasbeingmisused:"Foryou,

brethren,havebeencalledtoliberty;onlydonotuselibertyasanopportunityfortheflesh,butthroughloveserveoneanother".(Gal5.13)InGalatiaithadbecomeafreedomtosininfightingandbickering!ThesenewbelievershadgreaterfreedomthantheOTsaintsbuttheyhadtolearntoexerciseitresponsibly.Wemustneverturnlibertyintolicense.Ourfreedomisgovernedbywiseandbenignrulesbutthecynicismofourfallennaturesuggeststhatregulationsarenotcompatiblewithtruefreedom.Theverywordrulewouldseemtothreatenourfreedom.Sowhatistheanswertothisproblem?Weneedtolookmoredeeplyintothemeaningoffreedom.Freedom and the Lawreedom and the LawOurunbelievingworldiswithoutabsolutestandardsofgoodnessandtruthandmanyseektoliveastheyplease!Thisistheatheistsdreamlivingwithoutfearofpunishmentorpangsofconscience!Butisthatreallyfreedom?Itisthefreedomofthejungle,thesurvivalofthefittestorthelawoftheseawherethestrongerdevourtheweaker!Itwouldbeanightmarishexistencealivinghell!Aworldwithoutfearofpunishmentwouldbeaworldofnothingbutfear!Freedomdoesnotimplyabsenceoflawbutitsobservance.Truefreedombeginswhenthelawisobserved.Weknowthisfromourdailylives.Thelawprotectsusandknowledge

thatevildoerswillbeheldtoaccountbringssecurityandpeaceofmind.Freedom and the Ten Commandmentsreedom and the Ten CommandmentsChristiansunderstandthattheirlivesareboundedbybeneficentburdensomeyokearoundournecksbutaframeworkforblessedness.JustasgravityanchorsussafelytoearthsothemorallawofGodrestrainsusfromharmfulwaysoflife."Thereforethelawisholy,andthecommandmentholyandjustandgood."(Rom7.12)Themorallawdefinesandsafeguardsourfreedom! Thefirst3commandmentsaregiventosecureourfreedomfromfalseworship

andthefourthourfreedomtoworshipGodonadayofbenefittobodyandsoul.Thefifthcommandmentdefendsourfreedomfromtyranny,thesixthourlife,theseventhourchastity,theeightourprosperity,theninthourreputationandthetenthoursecretthoughts.

Freedom! How do we View it?Freedom! How do we View it?Derek Johnstonerek Johnston,Omagh,answersthequestionfromGalatians5.13


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SotheMoralLawprotectsusfromtheslaveryandmiseryofsin.Itisaheaven-sentformulaforhappinessinthisworld.Wearenotsavedbyattemptingtokeepitbutwhenwearesavedwedelightincreasinglyinthegracetodoso."GreatpeacehavethosewholoveYourlaw,andnothingcausesthemtostumble."(Ps119.65)BelievershaveafeltenjoymentofGodslove.ThewordsofChristmakethisveryclear:"HewhohasMycommandmentsandkeepsthem,itishewho

lovesMe.AndhewholovesMewillbelovedbyMyFather,andIwilllovehimandmanifestMyselftohim."(John14.21)TheCommandmentshaveavitalparttoplayintheChristianlife.Theyareourruleoflife,thepathweshouldwalk,theairwebreathe,theelementsinwhichwearetolive!"MoreoverbythemYourservantiswarned,andinkeepingthemthereisgreatreward."(Ps19.11)Freedom and the Holy Spiritreedom and the Holy Spirit EverybelieverhastheHolySpirit.Heistheauthorofourgracesandnourishesourspirituallives.Butheisnotourruleoflife.SomeChristiansmakethismistake. IwouldcallthemshiftyChristiansfortheyareemotionalandpronetowhimsand

ideas.TheSpiritguidesusnotbysubjectivefeelingsbutbytheWordofGod.TheSpiritalwayspointstotheWordofGod;Hewillguideyouintoalltruth;forHewillnotspeakonhisownauthority...HewilltakeofwhatisMineanddeclareittoyou.(John16.13-14)Freedom and Legalismreedom and LegalismDoeskeepingtheMoralLawnotamounttolegalism?Certainlynot!Thefactthatsomemayapproachitsrequirementslegalisticallydoesnotnegateitsvalue.Jesussaid:"ifanyonelovesMe,hewillkeepMyword."(John1.23)and"ifyouloveme,keepmycommandments."WeobserveGodslawasourruleoflifebecauseChristcommandsustodosotoshowourloveforhimandbecausethelawisthepatternoflovetoourneighbour:"Lovedoesnoharmtoaneighbour,therefore,loveisthefulfilmentofthelaw."(Rom13.10)WekeepitalsobecauseitistheblueprintofChristianholiness."NowbythisweknowthatweknowHim,ifwekeepHiscommandments."(1John2.3)HewhosaysheabidesinHimoughthimselfalsotowalkjustasHewalked(1John2.6) Obedienceismuchmorethanacourtesy;weoweGodourwhole-hearteddevotionandsubmission.Ourblessednessintimeandeternityisrelatedtoour

attitudetoGodsmorallaw.Weneedtoruntowardsitastowardsthemark:IpresstowardthegoalfortheprizeoftheupwardcallofGodinChristJesus.(Phil3.14)WemustcryouttoGodforgracetoloveitandkeepitmore!ForIdelightinthelawofGodaccordingtotheinwardman.ButIseeanotherlawinmymembers,warringagainstthelawofmymind,andbringingmeintocaptivitytothelawofsinwhichisinmymembers.2(Rom7.22-23)

AsbelieverswemustalwaysregardthemorallawasGodsperfectruleforourlives:ThelawoftheLordisperfect,convertingthesoul;thetestimonyoftheLordissure,makingwisethesimple.(Ps19.7)Righttotheendofourearthlyliveswewillsadlyfallshortofperfection.GodhasgivenushisHolySpirittohelpusgrowingrace,butwemustrespondtothatgrace,strivingtotheutmostofourpowerstomakeprogressinholiness.MayGodhelpustolovehislawandtoappreciatethewonderfulfreedomitbringstous.Initsobedienceistruefreedom.


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JulJul--Aug2010Aug2010Pricediscountsavailable fromEvangelicalBook ShopBelfastUnity & Diversitynity & Diversity:TheFoundersoftheFreeChurchofScotlandSandy Finlayson,ChristianFocus,2010,Paperback,8.997.50ItmaybethatyouareunfamiliarwiththeeventssurroundingtheformationoftheFreeChurchofScotlandinthe19thcentury,andyoumaywonderwhethertherewouldbeanyvalueinreadingabookaboutitsfoundingfathers.Well,ifyoufeelthatway,youshouldgetholdofacopyofUnity&Diversity. ThisbookisatimelyreminderthattheLordblessedtheFreeChurchwithleaderswhosegodliness,confessionalfaithfulness,and visionweresecondtonone.WhetheraretalkingabouttheVisionaryPastorThomasChalmers,thegreattheologianWmCunninghamorthesurprisingsocialreformerJames

Begg,thisveryreadablecollectionofshortbiographiesistrulyinspiringand speakspowerfullytoourownday.Iwarmlyrecommend. RevAndrew J Lucas

Sermons on Genesisermons on Genesis,Chapters1-11,JohnCalvin,Translation: Rob Roy McGregor, Banner,867pp,20.0016.00Tohavethese49sermons,deliveredinGenevabetweenSeptember1559andJanuary1560,inEnglishforthefirsttimeistohavegreattreasure!WhilemanyconsiderCalvinasamightytheologian,hereweseeadowntoearthpreacherwithaheartforGodspeople.

PreachingontheopeningchaptersofScripture,heldinridiculebysomanytoday,CalvindealswiththeTrinity,Creation,theFall,Worship,theFloodandmanyotherrelatedsubjects.HereisexpositorypreachingtotheordinarypeopleofGenevathatweareprivilegedtoshare,beblessedandchallengedbytheWordofGod.Althoughpreachedsome450yearsagotheexpositionisfreshandtheapplication relevant. The EditorJohnny Cornflakesohnny CornflakesAstoryaboutlovingtheunlovedDenise George, ChristianFocus,239pages,7.995.99Thisbookisastoryaboutlovingtheunloved".Theunlovedmaincharacterisahomelessalcoholic,nick-namedJohnnyCornflakes.Thetaleiswell-toldwithsuspense,humour,sentiment,andallthelooseendsarebroughttogether.Itisacompellingbook,easilyread,yetwithsomethingchallengingtosaytoeachoneofusaboutourattitudestothoseonthemarginsofsociety. Themostremarkablethingaboutthisstoryisthatitistrue.Theauthor,nowawell-knownwriterandconferencespeaker,encounteredJohnnyCornflakeswhenshemoved,asanewly-marriedpastor'swife,fromhersheltered,evenpampered

life,inAmerica'sSouthtothechallengesofaninner-cityareaknownasChelsea.Withoutbecomingside-trackedintoirrelevantautobiographical detailswhichwoulddetractfromthisstory,shechartsveryhonestlyherownjourneytowardsseeingpeopleasJesuswantsustoseethem. Ruth Burke

Book ReviewsBook Reviews


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Contagious Christian Living Joel Beeke 6.99 5.75OneofJoelBeekesbestbooksyetProf.EdwardDonnellyThesefourmarvellousaddressesifreadwithgodlysubmission,willchallengeandconvict,edifyandexhortIcannotrecommendthisbooktoohighlyDerekThomasAtonement Gabriel Fluhrer, Ed 9.99 7.50Eightofthemodernchurchsbest-knownpastor-theologiansilluminatetheBiblicalemphasisonChristassin-bearer,inadaywhenthetraditionalevangelicaldoctrineofAtonementisunderattack.

Discovering God in Stories from the Bible Philip Ryken 9.998.50ThisexplorationofGodsunchangingcharacter,asrevealedinthirteenBiblestories,offersustheopportunitytogettoknowHimbetterandloveHimmore.The Betrayal A Novel on John Calvin Douglas Bond 11.25 8.50AnexcitingreadundoingcaricaturesaboutCalvinalongthewayCalvinandhistimesbroughttolifeinapage-turner!JoelBeekeThe Shepherd Leader Timothy Z Witmer 13.9910.50Thefourprimaryministriesofshepherdsknowing,feeding,leading,protectingonchurch-wideandpersonallevels,aneffectiveshepherdingplanforyourchurch.

PracticalandtheologicalinsightsforleaderswholongtobefaithfultoGod.Anne Bradstreet, Pilgrim and Poet Faith Cook 7.99 5.99ThemovingandGod-glorifyingstoryofAmericasfirstpublishedpoet,whoarrivedtherein1630asanearlyPuritanrefugeeinsearchoffreedomtoworshipwithoutpersecution.Astirringandchallengingbiographyforbothmenandwomenofallages.Who Is This Jesus? E M Hicham 5.99 4.50Prohet?Greatteacher?Lunatic?ThisveryreadableyetscholarlybookexaminesthevariousclaimsthathavebeenmadeabouttheidentityofJesus,setsouttheScripturesthatanswerthem,andchallengesthereadertomakearesponse.The Christ of The Empty Tomb James M Boice 8.995.99SixteenEastersermonstoreviveourexcitementatthesignificanceofJesusvictoriousresurrectionfromthedead. Day One Travel Guidesay One Travel Guides Beautifullyillustratedwithmanyphotographsandmaps,thesepopularguidesaredesignedtointroducepeopleandplacesthathavehadanimpactonourChristianheritage.Usethemforexploringthelocations,orjustforgreatsummerholidayreading!Travel through ... Israel, Egypt, Oxford, Cambridge Each10.007.50Travel with ... Biographieswithadifference:John Blanchard,John Bunyan,John Calvin,William Carey,William Grimshaw,FrancesRidley Havergal,John Knox ,CS Lewis,Martin Lloyd-Jones ,RobertMurrayMCheyne,C H William William Each 10 00

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The Evangelical Presbyterian - July-August 2010

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Transcript of The Evangelical Presbyterian - July-August 2010