The Evangelical Presbyterian - May-June 2004

7/28/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - May-June 2004

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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 AvenueLisburn

BT28 3JNGiftAid: Under the GiftAid scheme the Church can benefit by Income Tax return onany donation from someone who pays tax.Contact the Honorary General Treasurer for further details.

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

CONTENTSEditorial: Passionate about the Passion. 1

The Regions Beyond: Eastern Europe for Christ. 2A New Day Dawning: (Rev. 21:-9-11)The Bride shown off. S. Atkinson 7Apologies (3): The Bible. M. Trimble 11

YPA Project 2004 -African ChristianTextbookS. S. Garland 14Church News 16Books etc. 17Heavenly Wisdom for Earthly Use. 20

On Course with Christiana (3) - Beware of the Dog! S. Atkinson 21

Cover Photo:

Strangford Lough (Photo by Robert Johnston)


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Mel Gibson has got the media talkingdue to his passion about the Passion of

Christ. His graphic depiction of thecrucifixion in The Passion of the Christhasbeen deemed anti-semitic andgratuitous in its violence.

Should we not make the importantannouncement? The Jews conspired

with the Romans to gratuitously mock,bruise, and cruelly crucify. These arethe facts of history.

It is not being anti-semitic to tell whathappened, any more than it is beinganti-German to depict the Second

World War. Remember the Romanswere not known for their gentleness orcompassion. In days before video

nasties, seeing people being eaten aliveby lions was considered entertainment.Should we expect these Roman soldiersnot to have some sport with thiscriminal?

So has Holywood gone soft onviolence? Is it alright when Terminatorblasts people away, or Aragorn cuts the

head of the demon Lurtz, but pleasedont tell us about the horrors ofcrucifixion.

Maybe give us gratuitous sodomy. Well

even accept pervasive adultery, butdont bring religion into it. No religion

please, were Holywood (tho it wasOK when Holywood made money outof the religious public with thosebiblical epics of former generations).

Without passing comment on the rightsand wrongs of depicting images ofChrist, I simply think it is the epitomeof hypocrisy to hear such Californiancries when little or nothing is said aboutgratuitous perversion.

But then there is another thing thatcomes to mind. Rocky 5 - Star Wars 3.

Yes, it sounds like a football score butits just those endless sequels inHolywood. We might be inclined to ask

- Will Holywood desire Gibson tomake The Passion - the Sequel?

Of course we know the sequel iscrucial. The cross was not the end.

Were passionate about the Passion notbecause of the violence, but the victory.He rose triumphant over death, and wepassionately want to proclaim his

victory that sinners may know thesequel: the power of his resurrection.

Editorial: Passionate about thePassion?


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Eastern Europe

for Christ

-The Last 12Months-

Anniversary of the Lydia HomeDuring the year under review the LydiaHome in Tirgu Mures celebrated its 10thanniversary. In the light of EEFCs vitalrole in the founding and initial funding

of the Home, our Council were asked tosend representatives to the anniversaryceremony. Rev Bill Scott was theCouncils first choice, but due to priorcommitments overseas he was unable toattend. Our thanks go to AndrewBurrows, Janet MacInnes and AnneBrodie who travelled to Romania on

behalf of EEFC, conveying both ourgreetings and an anniversary gift for thework of the Home.

Rev Levente HorvthRev Levente Horvth (who visited EPCin May 1993) is to speak at a series ofpublic meetings in the UK, scheduled forthe 22nd October to 3rd November 2004.

To date he is booked for venues inLondon, Aberdeen, Inverness, Lewis andEdinburgh. He will not only promote the

work of EEFC, but will also speak about

Bonus Pastors work with addicts. Rev.Horvth has helped to establish severalimportant works in Romania, includingKoinonia Publishing(publishing Christianbooks in Hungarian and Romanian),Bonus Pastor Foundation(which works withalcoholics and their families), andGenesius(student outreach).

We aim to show our new EEFC video atthese meetings. There will also be copiesof our new and colourful Handbook ofInvolvement, which aims to give you anoverview of the work of EEFC, as well

as our partner organisations. It is ourhope that through all these means thework of EEFC will become betterknown, and will expand further, to theglory of God.

EEFC CampsEEFC chairman Rev. John MacPhersonsummarizes the last 12 months:

It is with deep gratitude to God that wethank him for another fully-staffed,accident-free series of five EEFC camps


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in Hungary, Romania and Ukraine.Positive reports were received from theleaders of all five camps, and althoughGod alone knows what spiritual work

was accomplished, there has been asense of the Spirits working in different

ways at each camp. Our warm thanksare due to those who faithfully pray forthe work, encourage those who engagein it and provide financial support forit.

Camp Report: Mahanaim 2003

Across the border in Romania, we onceagain ventured up the slopes of theCarpathian mountains to the Mahanaimcampsite, which nestles in the hills farbeyond civilisation, and beyondelectricity and water supplies. Our bus

from the tiny train station to thecampsite composed of a very large, veryuncomfortable open-topped cattletruck, in which we endured a fortyminute white-knuckle ride around hairraising bends over numerous potholes.Mahanaims wild atmosphere andbeautiful scenery combined with thelack of home comforts make this camp

a place to get completely away from itall, and washing in the river is an addedexcitement. Also, being withoutelectricity necessitates the nightlycampfire gathering which affords manyopportunities to chat and to talk morepersonally to the campers.

We caught some spells of blisteringheat, but dramatic thunderstorms andlashing rain prevailed. Despite this, weadmired the lack of complaints from the

campers, and indeed football matchesand outings were made more interesting

with the added mud factor. Also, wewatched and took part in the ongoingbuilding work on the campsite, which isin the process of creating new toilet,shower and kitchen facilities. Thisproject is necessary in order to comply

with EU health regulations, and willimprove the campsite enormously forfuture years.

This years theme, The TenCommandments, promptedsurprisingly personal discussions ingroups and one-to-one. Many campersopened up about severe familyproblems, loneliness, relationshipproblems, lack of leadership in churchesand other complex issues. It was a

privilege to have the confidences ofthese young people, and to be a part ofdiscussing the liberating gospel of Christ

with them.

The Work ExpandsAlmost every year EEFC is asked to runmore and more camps: the demand

never abates. In the last couple of years,our supply of UK leaders hassignificantly increased, making newcamps more of a possibility. This year

we are delighted to see the workexpanding, in the form of a brand newcamp in Hungary, called Berekfrd.

The camp is for the young people fromthe town of Nyregyhza, and will be ledby Tams Spi. We do not need topersuade Tams of the value of EEFCcamps: he attended the Hejce camp in


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his youth (a church camp, not an EEFCone) and was converted there; he went

on to be the leader of the EEFC Hejcecamp. Now he wants to reach childrenfrom his home town. Young people arebeing invited from local schools andchurches. Please pray for this new campin particular.

Interview with Tams SpiPlease introduce yourself and explain how youcame to be involved in working in partnershipwith EEFC.

Im from the town of Nyregyhza, inthe North-East of Hungary, withapproximately 120,000 residents. Iattended university in Miskolc, where Igot in close contact with the Hungarian

organiser and initiator of the HejceEEFC English Bible Camps, Mr DnielSzab.

In 1988 he invited me to take part inthis summer camp for the first time. Asa Christian who was interested in theEnglish language I was amazed at thepossibility. The venue (the Victors

Camp in Hejce) was already known tome. Before, I attended church youthcamps here at least once, where Ibecame a Christian, at the age of 17. Inthis way I arrived at my first EEFCCamp as a born again Christian. Since Ihad a very good relationship withDniel and the Victors (our hosts) and I

was keen to look around with open

eyes for ways in which to help in thecamp, he asked me from the outset tohelp with some practical things at thecamp. Since then I attended the camp

year by year.

How did you find being a leader of the Hejce

Camp?

Year by year, Dani had become moreand more involved in the generalmanagement of the Reformed Church,and so he had less and less time to takepart in the everyday life this camp. So

with the strong help of the Victors, Ibecame more and more involved in theorganisation throughout the whole year,and took part as the manager andoverseer of the camp from theHungarian side. I have to underline thatthe spiritual leadership has always beenin the hands of the Victors, which Ialways liked and accepted.

To be the managing leader of the camphas always been challenge to me. Iwanted to meet the requirements and atthe same time enjoyed doing somethingspecial and unique. And to do it as aministry for the Lord among youngsters(as well as with British Christians)enhanced my readiness and zeal. SurelyGod blessed and used us in these

camps. This is not our work and notour result, only His. Praise be to Himfor these camps!

It was not always easy. The load and thepressure of being responsible for many,many things at the same time was verytiring. To make everyone happy and tokeep everything in order at the sametime is almost impossible. However, Iknow that there have always been manyprayers behind us, ensuring the goodfruits and protecting us from evil.


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Please tell us about the new camp.

In many ways it is going to be the same

as the Hejce Camp, but withdifferences too. This camp tries tofocus on one local church school andthe related reformed congregation ofour town. Obviously, the ultimatepurposes are to be the same always:proclaim the gospel of our Lord JesusChrist, draw many to Him and teachEnglish. Again, its not me or

somebody else who is important atthese camps, but God only.

Camps Publicity VideoYou can now get your very own campsvideo and see the work with your owneyes! In the summer, Mary Gillies

ventured off to Eastern and Central

Europe to manage the production ofour first ever recording of the camps.

We made a short ten-minute one forthose wanting a flavour of what thecamps are about. Theres also a thirty-minute version, which we will use forthe training day, or for those wanting tofind out more. Those swithering about

whether to come to camp or not arenow able to see exactly what they willbe letting themselves in for. And ourprayer supporters will be betterequipped to understand the work. Toreceive a copy (on CD, video or DVD!)please contact Andrew Johnstone:01324 826862, [email protected].

Bucsin ProjectThe Bucsin campsite is in the easternCarpathians, where we have been

running EEFC camps for over 10years, in partnership with ChristianEndeavour (CE) Romania. This year we

received an extremely generousdonation of 15,000 from a smallgroup of Christians who had heardabout the work. The money will help toestablish a modern campsite, which willbe used by CE to hold camps in thesummer (camps for children, students,orphans, children of addicts, deaf

children and language camps), as wellas for other diaconal work throughoutthe year. We trust that God will use thisstrategic site for His glory.

PrayerWe are grateful to our prayer secretaryEwen Morrison for continuing toproduce high quality monthly prayernotes. If you would like to receive themthen please [email protected].

New English TeachingResources

We are currently expanding andupgrading our teaching resources. This

involves a lot of work, and again, helpfrom our supporters is required. Overthe next few years, we will go fromhaving 3 sets of resources to 6 setsone for each camp.

Cheap FlightsAs Hungary enters the EU on the 1stMay 2004, the cost of flying to Hungary


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CAMP LEADER DATES

Hejce Marc Ellis 16th24th July 2004

Hdmezvsrhely Andrew Johnstone 24th31st July 2004

will be halved, and so the cost ofattending camps will be significantly

reduced. We hope that this will make iteasier to persuade more people tocome out to the camps!

Rev John MacPhersonconcludes:Finally, our thanks are due to ourmany friends in Hungary, Romania andUkraine, who offer our volunteers suchgenerous hospitality, and whoappreciate the co-operation offeredthem in their camps programmes. Wetrust that God will bless them in theirmany efforts in the work of the Gospel,and thank God that we are privileged to

play a very small part in this ministry.

Keeping up to DateFor any general information regardingEEFC, please contact the secretary:

John Johnstone, 77 Forest Avenue,Aberdeen, AB15 4TN, 01224 324630,[email protected].

We aim to regularly update our website(www.eefc.org.uk) with useful

information and news.


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John saw many strange and wonderfulthings from that island of Patmos, but I

wonder if this sight didnt cause areaction quite apart from the rest. Hesaw the bride of Christ, the believingpeople of God in corporate form - thatunknown number of those who havebeen born again of the Spirit of God

and have come to know Jesus Christ.

In these verses 9-11, and beyond, wehave John focusing on certain aspects

of this wonderful sight. He is shownthe various beauties, dimensions, anddescriptions of what is trulyindescribable. What he continues to dois to focus his eyes of the variousaspects of this sight and bring out itsrespective beauty from various angles.

I remember being in the home of anelderly gentleman who had seriouslyimpaired vision. He was a keen readerand he showed me his magnifying

The closing chapters of Scripture withall their mystery reveal to us some ofthe most glorious themes concerningthe 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 Bride shown off. (Revelation Chapter 21:9-11 )

byRev Stephen Atkinson

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled withthe seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying,Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife. And hecarried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, andshowed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem descending out ofheaven from God, having the glory of God. And her light waslike a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.


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equipment and how a simple bookletwith small print could be put up onscreen and magnified greatly. Similarly,

pictures were able to be seen in greaterdetail. With the equipment you couldpan around and see things that perhapsyou missed in viewing the overall view.

I believe that is what is happening here.John has already been shown the bride,but now he is shown again from ahigher perspective. He is taken to ahigh mountain where he can see better.

There he is able to consider thedimensions and see the beauty moreclearly.

1. This Beautiful Bride is worthyof display.Remember that the Holy Spirits

purpose in presenting this vision was toencourage the persecuted believers inall ages. This glorious sight was setbefore us as an impetus to fight thegood fight of faith.

Sometimes people get so bogged downin the prophesies of Revelation thatthey fail to see the wood for the trees.

The book is not simply predictive; it iswonderfully pastoral. Look up, saints.Set your mind on things above. Wehave a living hope, imperishable, keptin heaven - for you; you who believe inthe Lord Jesus Christ as your saviour.

You are in this vision. This Bride is theblood bought body of Gods redeemedpeople. And here is this Bride ondisplay! You, my believing brother andsister, are here on display for theapostle John! Now that is a wonderful

thing but remember also that this angelthat sets this sight before John isprobably the same angel that set before

John the Great Harlot (Revelation 17:1)If so, then what a contrast!

There, John has a very different sightdisplayed before him; one of filth,blasphemy, and spiritual adultery. But

what does he see now? He sees a sightthat is clean, pure and undefiled. Hesees the fully sanctified and nowglorified saints as a corporate entitynow married to Christ. We may noteone point of difference between whathe sees in v1, and v9. He sees the bride.Now this is termed the bride, the wifeof the Lamb. Now, because, It isdone, the Bride is married - and there

will be no divorce!

As we groan our way through this life,seeing ourselves falling again and againat the same hurdles, facing inneraccusations that come from hell as to

whether we are Christians at all, mysinning, but believing friend, the Lord

would have you see this sight! Come, Iwill show you the Bride.

Here is the exhibit; the fruit of Christssaving work. He looks and he issatisfied. Should we not therefore lookand rejoice? He loved the church andgave himself for her, to make her holyand to present her to himself a radiantchurch, without stain, or wrinkle, orany other blemish. Those blemishes

and wrinkles and multitude of sins thatyou are aware of, he says, I willremember, no more.


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When this perishable clothes itself withthe imperishable and death isswallowed up in victory, the Bride is

worthy of display. And remember toothat she is Wife - Hallelujah!

As husbands and wives in this life wewill let each other down, and hurt eachother, while at the same time we aregrieved that we do. So with ourHusband, we grieve Him with ourmany failures. But John sees that thereis a perfection to the relationship. Then

we are displayed as the Wife of OneHusband. I am His and He is Mine istrue now, but gloriously true then.

2. A Community in Communionwith God.

This city is the community of the twice

born now perfected and glorified. It isthe Holy City; a holy community. Inthis life that holiness is imperfect butthen the holiness is complete. What a

wonderful thing to consider - acommunity of Christ-like people; acommunity which exudes the aroma ofChrist in every interaction from person

to person.How much pain we cause each otherbecause of our sin. How much of our

words and thoughts are taken wrongly.But then all our interaction will besinless as a perfectly holy community.

There will be a harmony presentlyunknown. We regularly sing thePsalmists comment - How good andpleasant it is when brothers dwell inunity. But how little do we experiencethat goodness and pleasantness?

However, then it will be heavenly toenjoy such; as each one has a Christ-like interest in the other. There will be a

mutually serving community of the newhumanity.

Jerusalem the Golden, with milk and honey blestBeneath thy contemplation, sink heart and voiceoppressed.I know not O I know not what social joys arethere.What radiancy of glory, what light beyond compare.

This hymn speaks of social joys.Have you ever given thought to thatphrase? This city is a holy social entity.

There is a corporate holiness, but also amutually interactive goodness one tothe other.

So you see this vision is not totally

beyond our understanding. There arecertain factors which we can appreciate,and this is one of them. This is a visionof life in heaven as the glorified church;a community in communion with God.

The hymn quoted above continues toremind us that this glorified people hasa radiancy of glory. This is what is

revealed to John. John had already beenshown how the Lord dwelt with Hispeople and wiped away tears. Now

John has the picture enlarged andmagnified. Gods presence has an effectupon this community. It shines andradiates with shekinah glory like acrystal jewel.

I remember taking a visit to the CrownJewels in the Tower of London. Imnot greatly taken by sparkling jewellerybut there was an amazing radiance


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coming from the jewels particularly asthey were suitably displayed underappropriate lighting. The value was

beyond imagination. The jewelsthemselves were so well set; some dark,some light, some opaque, some clearand flawless.

This city of redeemed humanity has avalue beyond our comprehension. Wetalk of being bought with the blood ofChrist but can we begin to comprehendthe purchase price? Gods pricelessjewels are his own beloved people, settogether in city, shining, not with anexternal light upon, but an inner light

within, and that light is somethingbeyond compare; it is the Light of alllights.

This holy city that John sees is shiningwith the glory of God. She shines witha radiance so unspoiled, so undiluted,so unflawed, because it is the abidingpresence of God in the midst of hispeople. Married to Christ, now inconsummate union this Wife radiates,and does so perspicuously, as clear ascrystal.

John speaks of it as being like a jasper.This stone was clear like the diamond,transparent, and brilliant. Gods glory

will radiate brilliantly from within hispeople, in a visible, transparent manner.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we trulyneed to meditate much more on these

glorious truths, visions and ultimaterealities. The New Day truly is dawning.

I remember seeing someone on TVwho was made to look older. By

extensive makeup he was actually beingmade able to see what he would looklike in 10 years, 20 years, 30 years. And

of course increasingly it was not such apleasant sight. In fact it was quitefrightening as he saw for himself, onhimself, the fruit of human decay.

Now closing in on mid-forties it is notdifficult for me to realise Im not asyoung as I used to be. While some mayrun the marathon as senior citizens,thats the exception. Its not verypleasant for the natural man to lookahead at his bodily decay. Thats whyhe doesnt. He lives for today.

But why doesnt the Christian lookahead more often? Were not looking atdecay. Were not looking at a

weakening and ageing. The best is yetto come and indeed it will only bebeginning. We have a glorious future, asplendid Christ-like future, both in ourcommunion with one another, andmore importantly our unbrokencommunion with our merciful andgracious God.

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor haveentered into the heart of man, the things whichGod has prepared for those who love him. ButGod has revealed them to us through hisSpirit. (1 Corinthians 2:9)


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The TextConsider the text of the Old

Testament. This was written over aperiod from around 1400400 BC.

The earliest complete manuscripts areto be found in the Leningrad libraryand are dated at AD 10081009. Thisis obviously some time after the initial

texts would have been written, but letus consider how the texts were passedon.

The texts we have are described as

Masoretic texts. The Masorites weregroups of scribes in the period AD 500to AD 900 coming from selectedfamilies, the most notable being the

ApologiesPart 3 - The Bible

Michael Trimble

In the first article we made the argument for a moral absolute behind the orderof the cosmos. In the second we made the argument for intelligent design andobviously therefore a Designer. However, we are still a long way from the Godof the Christian faith and we must move from what is called general revelation tothe particular special revelation of God in the Bible.

Sadly the Bible is no longer held in high regard in our society. Writers such asRichard Dawkins view religion as merely superstition, and expect that in courseof time theology and other humanities will no longer be taught at Universities.Even so called theologians such as the Jesus Seminary group in Americachoose which bits of the Bible they will accept. Whilst there is truth inSpurgeons exclamation Defend the Bible? I would sooner defend a lion we doneed to be able to articulate our defence of the book that is so pivotal to ourfaith. This is what Francis Schaeffer would have termed pre evangelism. Thisarticle will consider the reliability of the Biblical text, the canon of Scripture and

the uniqueness of its contents.


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books that were accepted in practice.

It seems that the development of the

canon was a progressive thing. WalterKaiser in his book The Old TestamentDocuments describes a succession of

writing prophets. He notes how thewriter of Chronicles declares the historyof David was written in the books ofthe prophets, Samuel, Nathan and Gad.He further comments how in Second

Chronicles the history of Solomon waswritten by the prophets Nathan, Ahijahand Iddo and how the reign ofRehoboam was chronicled by theprophet Shemaiah and Iddo. Hecontinues to affirm that Abijahshistory was written by Iddo and

Jehoshaphats written by the prophetJehu, followed by the reign of Hezekiahby Isaiah and so on.

He also illustrates how Daniel, whichwas written in the 6th century BC,accepts the writings of Jeremiah 75years previously as being the word ofthe Lord. Similarly Jeremiah had viewedthe words of the prophet Micah 125years earlier also as the word of theLord. Thus, the Old Testamentdeveloped with progressive recognitionof books being inspired as theyemerged.

A similar situation is observed in theNew Testament with the Apostle Peterin his second letter classing the writings

of the Apostle Paul along with otherScriptures.The uniqueness of the Bible.

The Bible is the word of God. God hasspoken to us in the Bible revealing

himself to us. The Bible is truth.Often where there has been no outsideevidence to back up statements in theBible the secular world has dismissedits writings as mere myth.

But archaeologists discovered that theCity of Ur really existed. They foundexternal confirmation that the tribe of

the Hittites were real people.Solomons chariot city of Megiddoactually existed and there are manyother examples where archaeology hashad to acknowledge the Bibleshistorical accuracy.

Another example of the uniqueness ofthe Bible is in fulfilled prophecy.

Consider the prophet Isaiah predictingthe fall of Jerusalem and the taking ofthe inhabitants into captivity. Thenthere is the writing of the prophet

Jeremiah predicting the return fromcaptivity and the prophet Danielpredicting the rise of the empires ofRome, Greece and beyond.

In particular there are many propheciesabout one person, the Messiah who

was to come as Gods promised Kingand the Saviour of mankind; but we

will consider these in more detail in ourfourth and final article when we look atthe person of Christ.

(to be continued)


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ACTS is now publishing or reprintingmany books, but each time a book isprinted it costs money (and ties up thatmoney for months or years). As aresult, ACTS are really getting stretchedto the limits financially.

We thank God that Jean's book is beingwell received and almost every day weare getting encouraging comments onhow people have enjoyed reading it.

The positive messages are coming froma wide variety of people (e.g. a historyprofessor at the University of Jos, amedical doctor in Ethiopia, atheological student at TCNN who is

HIV positive, and Jean's dressmaker -who kept asking for more to give to herfriends and her daughter). Like othersshe told us that she was not able to put

the book down, but kept reading itright through the night. This book isurgently needed. Already we are gettingrequests from all over the Africancontinent. According to what we aretold by missionaries in other Africancountries, there is a surprising lack ofanything comparable.

Right now we need prayer for Jean andour missionary doctor friend Dr MikeBlyth as they work hard on bringingout the International Edition. They

want to make the book less focused onNigeria, though the African stories willremain, and they also want to update

the book, especially so that it includesmore information on Anti-Retroviraldrugs which are gradually becomingmore available in Africa.

YPA PROJECT 2004

Sid & Jean Garland(African Christian TextbookS)

The YPA Missionary project for 2004 is to assistACTS (Africa Christian TextbookS) to produce thenew International Edition of Jean Garland's book,

AIDS is Real and it's in our Church.


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This year the YPA project achieves anumber of things all in one go:

1. The YPA project is a way of assistingACTS who are the publishers of thebook. It gives ACTS money up front topay for the printing. When the booksare sold, ACTS will continue to use thefunds to keep the book in print or toprint other good books in the future.

2. By assisting in this way, the YPAproject is encouraging Sid Garland andPamela Johnston, from the EPC, whoboth work with ACTS.

3. The YPA project is a way of helpingto fight the terrible AIDS epidemic in

Africa where 30 million people arealready infected. The book helps to get

information and awareness into thehands of people who can make adifference, especially ministers andother leaders in the church.

4. By joining the fight against AIDS,the YPA project is encouraging EPC

missionary Jean Garland who is heavilyinvolved in AIDS awareness and careministries.

5. By supporting this book, the YPAproject is also helping to spread themessage of the gospel of salvation bygrace alone. The good news is woveninto the book, and it is a messageequally needed by those who are HIVpositive and by those who (like the

Pharisees) trust in themselves that theyare righteous and despise others (Luke18:9).

So once again we would like to thankthe YPA committee and all theirmembers and supporters for acceptingthis project. Your interest and supportin our work is greatly appreciated.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Sid and Jean Garland

Photo of

Jeans book


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EPC MINISTERS &

OFFICE-BEARERSCONFERENCE 2004

The Ministers & Office-Bearers Conference for 2004 was held in Knock EPCon 26th-27th March. The guest speaker was Rev Steven Curry of BallymoneyBaptist Church. The theme of the conference was Perseverance in the Christian

Ministry.

On the Friday Mr Curry delivered to the ministers clear and practicalexpository addresses from 2 Corinthians 12, and Acts 2 concerning Godssufficient grace and the importance of fellowship. The Saturday morning wasattended by a goodly number of Office-Bearers and Mr Curry continued toexhort and encourage from Psalm 46, and Hebrews 12. The addresses on both

Friday and Saturday were complemented by times of discussion. Mr Curry,having just recently returned from a period of ministry in Albania, gave amoving few minutes of report concerning the situation there, comparing it tohow things were in his teenage years.

The hospitality of the Knock ladies on the Friday and Saturday was mostappreciated and the new facilities in the Knock church were put to good use.

BANGOR EPCAt the time of going to press the BANGOR EPC BUILDING PROJECT isnearing completion. The date of official opening is Saturday 8th May 2004

with the speaker being Rev Dr Andrew Woolsey (Crumlin EPC).

The new church building is situated approximately three miles from Bangoron the edge of the nearby village of Groomsport.

We are delighted with this development and thank God for the provision hehas made for the future witness to the gospel in this part of North Down.

A fuller report will appear in the next issue of this magazine.


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Shadows of SheolPhilip S Johnston

IVP (Apollos)

288 pages 14.99

Reviewer: Andrew LucasPhilip S. Johnston is presently Tutor inOld Testament at Wycliffe Hall,

Oxford, although previously he didlecture in Belfast. It is the writersstated aim to provide a thorough studyof death and the afterlife in the Old

Testament Scriptures.

The book is comprehensive, but iswithin reach of the average reader andthe writers style is very readable. Thebook is helpfully divided into four parts

with a total of ten chapters, eachconcluding with a useful summary.

Whilst the writer does interact withacademic scholarship and the Hebrewtext, he does so in such a way as toretain the semi-popular style of thebook itself.

Whilst the book may have its uses,particularly in keeping one informed oftrends in modern scholarship, thereviewer found himself disagreeing withthe writers handling of certain textsand his final conclusions. Johnstondoes acknowledge a growingunderstanding of the life hereafter in

the Old Testament, but according tohim, it remains shadowy and unclear.However, the reviewer feels that thatunderstanding was far greater than this

book acknowledges and for that reason,he feels unable to fully recommend it.

For the Love of GodD. A. Carson

IVP

2 volumes 14.99 each

Reviewer: Stephen Atkinson

Many will know and value both thewritten and spoken ministry of DrCarson. These two volumes of dailydevotionals are a bit different from hisusual offerings to us, though the styleremains as substantial and vital as ever.

MCheynes Bible reading calendar is

used as the basis for each devotionallesson which takes you through theBible in a year, and twice through theNew Testament and Psalms. If you

wish you may proceed at half this paceand the two volumes will then facilitatethis approach very well.

It has been conceived not merely as a

devotional guide, but rather forChristians who want to read the Bible,

who want to read all the Bible. ThePreface also rebukes us concerning ourexcuses about sustained Bible study astoo often we sacrifice the importanton the altar of the urgent.

The daily devotionals often begin witha one liner such as Guilt. What ahorrendous burden, and will oftenclose with summary wisdom, Never

Books etc.


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page 18

fixate on the peripheral; do not losefocus on what is primary.

This is for those who desire substanceto their personal Bible study, and not(as is often the case) simply opening adevotional fortune cookie.

Generosity(Big-heartedness as a way oflife)Michael WakelyIVP

144 pages 5.99

Reviewer: Stephen AtkinsonI must admit that the sub-title solditself to me, for several reasons. Firstly,I would like to be this more and more.Secondly, it is greatly lacking in the

world and, of more concern to us, inthe church. Thirdly, those I haveencountered as big-hearted have abeauty from God that is attractive andchallenging to other Christians andevangelistically powerful towards thelost.

The author begins by speaking of thegenerosity of God which overflowedinto creativity of thought and creativeaction. In a burst of expressive energy,not wanting to keep his pleasure andglory to himself, Gods qualities of loveand generosity - his big-heartedness -led him to make creatures that wouldbenefit from and enjoy his nature.

(p.16)

As he gives us a sweep of history, theauthor reminds us that history is a story

of grace - generosity... to the guttersof mans lostness.

There are certain statements with whichwe would disagree theologically, such asThe church was born on the Day ofPentecost... (p32), but overall it is a

very helpful, common sense book thatis easily read, and obviously less easilypractised.

He deals with matters such ascovetousness, contentment, debt,stewardship. While recommending amore simple approach to life, he alsorebukes those who glory in poverty,and dont adequately provide for theirfamily, or their future.

While generally recommending this

book, I would suggest that perhapsthere was too much emphasis onmoney generosity, while more couldhave been said on big-heartedness inother ways such as time, thoughtfulnessand practical help. This kind ofinventive generosity often makes agreater impact upon a selfish worldthan simply throwing cash at a

problem.

Big-heartedness is certainly somethingto be desired. May this book promptyou to study and improve, at all levels, agenerous spirit.

Study guidelines and other helpful titlesfor further reading are included.

Sermons that shapedAmerica


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page 19

Extract from Sermons that shaped America(p.374) -Francis Schaeffer: No little people, No little places.

Jesus commands Christians to seek consciously the lowest room. All of us... aretempted to say I will take the larger place because it will give me more influencefor Jesus Christ. We should consciously take the lowest place unless the Lordextrudes us into a greater one.

The word extrude is important here. To be extruded is to be forced out underpressure into a desired shape. Picture a huge press jamming soft metal at highpressure through a die so that the metal comes out in a certain shape. This is the

way of a Christian.

(Reformed Preaching from 1630to 2001)ed. W. S Barker & S. T. LoganPresbyterian & Reformed

406 pages 11.99

Reviewer: Stephen Atkinson

What a goldmine of reformed sermons!- Cotton, Winthrop, Mather, Edwards,Nettleton, Palmer, Vos, Machen,

Schaeffer, Boice, and Keller amongothers.

Each sermon has a historicalimportance, and is prefaced by a mosthelpful introduction by the editorsgiving pertinent comments on therelevancy of each sermon in shapingthe history of America. Indeed I would

have valued more comment from theeditors, but the 400 page volume mayhave had to extend to two volumes -but why not!

We may not agree with every word, butall have their historical relevance, and

give us understanding of developmentand trend within reformed preaching

and within the American church.Sermons are children of their day inlanguage and shape and we may findthe earlier sermons more difficult toread but there is no misunderstandinggospel truth in reading Tim Kellerssermon after 9/11 from the dust andashes of New York City.

For US readers this is of tremendousvalue in re-learning what makes anation great and for non-US readers tobe taught from this example. Thegreatness of Great Britain, and theawesomeness of America does notcome from wealth, or economicprowess, but historic, reformed,biblical, experiential Christianity that isunashamedly proclaimed withunadulterated clarity.

Learn, re-learn, and pass on.


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page 20

HEAVENLY WISDOMProverbs simply explained

GARY BRADY816pages

Evangelical Press(Welwyn Commentary Series)

12.95

I suppose I could have no better title for my Heavenly Wisdom page than this,

but it is not simply the title that gives it this place. The book truly is a worthycandidate for our commendation.

Wisdom is in short supply in our world, and perhaps we could also say thatsanctified common sense is similarly hard to find in the church, but this book

will serve to advance the cause of promoting wise believers. Solomons wisdomis proverbial, but Solomons proverbs are not always understood, or utilised.

As readers of this magazine will know I place great value on Solomons words,

but I stand rebuked that my knowledge, and my proclamation of the book ofProverbs is less than it ought to be. If that is my experience, Im sure there aremany that may speak similarly, so this book will remedy that widespreadignorance.

At 816 pages it is heavy in the hand, but certainly not in its substance. It is mostreadable and thought-provoking. While not heavy, it is certainly notsuperficial. Indeed I got the impression that the author had more to say, andcurtailed some of his thoughts into nugget form. It is devotional and practical,

rooted in pastoral experience.

No doubt you have your favourite proverbs, and you can use this book as areference tool for individual texts, but as with all of Scripture we should immerseourselves in the whole. Work through Solomons heavenly wisdom guided by acapable and faithful servant of the Lord. What a mine the Lord has given us!

As you come to the close of the book and consider the wife of noble characteryou might find the explanation a little different than you first thought. Theres a

teaser for you!

This is Heavenly Wisdom for Earthly Use.

Practical advice on acontemporary issue.

Heavenlywisdom.jpg


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- (3) Beware of the Dog! -

Christiana and Mercy had left the City of Destruction behindthem, and also left those foolish neighbours who laughed atthem. Soon they reached the Gate. They knocked, and knocked.Suddenly they heard a dog bark. It sounded very near and very

ferocious. They were frightened to knock any more, but theydecided to give one more loud knock.

Whos there?

I am Christiana, wife of Christian who once came through this

Gate and I wish to become a pilgrim too.

Come in, come in, and your children too.

Can my friend Mercy come in? Shes so frightened of that dog.

Yes, she may, the Gate is open to all who knock and seekentrance. And that dog - hes not mine, but belongs to anotherwhose land is close by. He keeps that dog to frighten pilgrims.

The Gate-keeper fed them and soon they were on their way asnew travellers along the pilgrim pathway.

Just like Christian, and Christiana, we are to come to the Lordand ask that we might begin this new life, by entering through

Christ. He is the Gate by which we enter and are saved.

But that dog? - the devil tries to make many afraid to becomeChristians. He is close by, but Satan can only bark, not bite. TheLord Jesus will welcome us into the Christian life if we turn tohim, and trust him as our Saviour, asking him to forgive us oursins, and lead us in the new path of holiness.

Christiana has just entered that Gate. Have you?

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 6DDE-mail: [email protected]. 028 9032 0529 Fax 028 9043 8330

Manager: John Grier

BARGAINS WHILE STOCKS LASTJohn Stott I Believe in Preaching 9.99 4.99

D M Lloyd-Jones God the Father, God the Son 10.99 5.75God the Holy Spirit 12.99 6.70

The Church and the Last Things 11.99 5.99Sermon on the Mount 19.99 9.99

J Douglas MacMillan The Lord Our Shepherd 4.99 3.99

T Hamilton History of Presbyterianism in Ireland 1.95

J M Boice Foundations of the Christian Faith (H/B) 12.50

David Campbell Travel with John Knox 9.99 7.50

The J I Packer Collection 9.99 1.50

NKJV Compact Text BibleBurgundy Bonded Leather $14.99 6.00

Reformation Study Bible (NKJV)Black Genuine Leather 29.95

Eugene Peterson The Message Bible (H/B) 16.99 11.99

Peter Golding Covenant Theology 10.99 8.25He unfolds the Big Picture that is Covenantal Theology,

which gives you a vision of a bigger God.

Iain D Campbell Heroes and Heretics 7.99 5.99A wise and breathtaking panorama of 2000 years of Church historyby a Free Church leader.

F W Krummacher Suffering Saviour 15.95 12.75Devotional meditations on our Lords final hours.Reprint of a classic which has been a favourite since Spurgeon.D M Lloyd-Jones Authentic Christianity Vol.4 (Acts 7) 15.95 12.75More evangelistic sermons from Lloyd-Jones.

Carine Mackenzie JesusThe Real Story 6.99 5.25This beautifully illustrated hardback explains our Lords life to young people.

The Evangelical Presbyterian - May-June 2004

Documents

Transcript of The Evangelical Presbyterian - May-June 2004