The Evangelical Presbyterian - May-June 2010

7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - May-June 2010

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MayMay--June2010June2010

TheThe

EvangelicalEvangelicalPresbyterianPresbyterian

Meeting our Members

Ruth (3) - Faith in Action

Recruits for Nigeria

Who is this? - A Vital Doctrine

May-June 20101.50


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TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian

2

Subscriptions 2010

Collected 9.00

BypostwithinUK 10.80BypostoutsideUK14.80

Enquiriesto:EvangelicalBookShop(Seebackpageforcontactdetails)

Take NoteTake NoteSigns in the SkyManywillremember15April2010fora

longtime,especiallythosewhohadplans

totravelbyaironthatday.Flightsacross

theUKandEuropewerecancelledand

thousandsleftstrandedasthethreatof

volcanicdustfromaneruptioninIceland

madeitunsafetofly.

Aseventsunfolded,thesituationwas

describedbybroadcastersonTVandradio

asunprecedented.Withmoderntechnology

itwaspossibletotracetheplumeofcloud

risinghighintotheskybutwhatwasmost

apparent,andyetunmentioned,wasthe

inabilityofmankindtotakecontrolofthe

circumstances.

OurthoughtsturnedtoPsalm33:Letall

theearthfeartheLord;letallthepeoplesof

theworldreverehim.God,itseemedwas

farfromthethoughtsofthemediaandthe

worldatlargeexceptforinsuranceclaims

andanactofGodclause.

TheskyinScripturehasalwaysbeena

significantsignintheover-rulinghandof

God:theheavensdeclarehisglory(Ps.19),

theskywillberolleduponedaylikeascroll

(Is34),andthesameLordJesus,our

Saviour,whowastakenupintotheclouds

willonedaycomebackinlikemanner(Acts1).

Whilemanywereleftearth-boundon15

Apriladayiscomingwhenthedeadin

Christwillrisefirstandthosewhoarealive

willbecaughtupinthecloudstomeetthe

Lordandtobewithhimforever.

TakeNote:Encourageoneanother

withthesewords.(1Thess.4.18)

Cover Photograph

CastleEspieWildfowlandWetlands

Centre,StrangfordLough,Comber,CoDown.Thevisitorcentrewithcafeandtheoutdoorwalksmakeitaveryworth-whilevisit.

The Evangelical Presbyterian

ispublishedbi-monthlybythePresbyteryoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch.

Please visit: www.epcni.org.uk

Finance

AnyonewishingtohelptheChurchsworkmaysendtheirgift

totheFinanceCommittee,C/o:RevJSRoger16HuntingdaleBALLYCLAREBT399XB

ThechurchcanbenefitfromtheGift Aidschemefromtaxpayersdonations.Pleaseaskfordetails.

Policy

TheviewsexpressedarethoseoftheEditorandContributorswhichareunderstoodtoreflectthetheologicalpositionoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch

Copy Deadline

1stofmonthpriortopublication

Editor

HaroldGibson

Stockbridge2BarronstownCourtDROMOREBT251FB

[email protected]


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The Editorhe EditorconsidersarecentattackonavitaldoctrineWho is This?Who is This?

ThebookofEcclesiastestellsus,thereisnothingnewunderthesun.PhilipPullman,thewellknownatheistwriter,hasrecentlylaunchedhislatestbookwiththeoutrageoustitleTheGoodManJesusandtheScoundrelChrist.InhisbookPullmansuggeststhatamancalledJesuslived2,000yearsagobutthatChrist,astheSonofGod,wastheinventionofthedisciplePaul.(HowsomeonewhodoesnotbelievethereisaGodcanwriteabookwiththenamesofJesusandChristinthetitleisbeyondbelieftome!). InarecentwebinterviewMarkDriscollaskedRCSproul:Whatisthebiggestupcomingtheologicalbattlefacingthechurchtoday?Dr.Sproulanswered:The

PersonofChrist.WeshouldnotbesurprisedattheanswerbecausethepersonofChristhasalwaysbeenattheheartoftheologicaldiscussionandcontroversy. AsJesusrodeintoJerusalemonPalmSunday,amidstalltheshoutsofHosannawearetoldthatallthecitywasmovedsaying,Whoisthis?.AndthecrowdssaidThisistheprophetJesus,fromNazarethofGalilee.(Matt21.10 -11).ThewholesceneisrepletewithMessianicsymbolismandasMarkRosspointsout:BlindmenandchildrencanseeclearlythatJesusistheSonofDavid,bringingsalvationtohispeople.Butthechiefpriestsandthescribesremainblindtoitall.

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Christianhistoryshowsusthatsuchblindunbeliefhaspervadedthechurchforgenerations.Inthe4thcenturyAriusarguedthatJesusChristwasnotGodbutamerecreature.ThisheresythreatenedthechurchforthirtyyearsbutGodraisedupAthanasiustocombatit.IrishPresbyterianhistoryinthe18thand19thcenturiesrecordstheriseofArianismandthebattlefortruthconcerningthedeityofChrist.GodraisedupHenryCooketochampionBiblicalorthodoxyagainstNewLightthinking.Oneofthecentralissuesof1927leadingtotheformationoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchwasthedeityofChrist.

2ThistimeGod

raisedupJamesHunterandJimGriertodefendChristiantruth.

ItseemsthatmodernistsandliberalshavealwayssoughttosuggestthatPauldidnotteachthatJesuswaseternallyGodandPullmanhasimbibedthistheology.BBWarfield,inhismagnificentarticleTheChristthatPaulPreachedwritesWhatwearegivenisnotmerelyhowPaulthoughtofChrist,buthowPaulpreachedChrist.

3PaulpresentsgreatfactsaboutJesusinRomans1which

determinestheGospelthathepreachedthepowerofGoduntosalvation.The Gospel of Godhe Gospel of GodItisimportanttonotethatPauldescribesitastheGospelofGod.Heisstating

attheoutsetthatthismessageisnotsomethingthathasbeendevisedbyhisowncleverthinkingorimagination.PaulwantshisreaderstoknowthatthisisamessagefromGodhimself.ItdidnotoriginatewithPaulbutitwaspromisedbeforehandthroughtheprophetsintheHolyScriptures.TheOldTestamentisfull


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ofChrist.RememberhowthetwodisciplesontheEmmausroadmetwiththerisenChristandbeginningatMosesandalltheProphets,heexpoundedtotheminalltheScripturesthethingsconcerninghimself.PaulemphasisesthatitisGodsGospel,heownsit,itoriginatedwithhim,hedesigneditandPaulisapreacherandcommunicatorofthisGospel.

The Son of Godhe Son of GodPaulbringsustotheveryheartoftheissueandhespellsoutthefocalpointoftheGospel.ItconcernsGodsSon,JesusChristourLord.HeusesallthreetitlesgiventotheSaviourandpointsustothedivineandhumannatureofGodsSon:BornoftheseedofDavidaccordingtothefleshanddeclaredtobetheSonofGodwithpoweraccordingtotheSpiritofholiness,bytheresurrectionfromthedead. OurShorterCatechismteachesusthattheLordJesusChristwho,beingtheeternalSonofGod,becameman,andsowas,andcontinuestobe,Godandman,intwodistinctnatures,andonepersonforever.4Warfieldcomments:

WhetherwelookathimfromthepointofviewofGodorfromthepointofviewofman,heisGod.ThisistheJesusthatPaulpreachedregardlessofwhatPhilipPullmanwantstheworldtobelieve.The Power of Godhe Power of GodPauldeclaresthatheisnotashamedoftheGospelofChristbecauseitisthepowerofGoduntosalvation.ThisisanamazingstatementfromPaul,livinginaworldthatdespisedthemessageoftheGospel.YethewaspreparedtofacewhatevercamehiswayandtobeconsideredafoolforChristintheeyesoftheworldbecausehehadamessagetoproclaim.

Weliveinalargelygodlesssociety,ourcultureisnotGod-fearingandthechurchisoftenthescornandridiculeoftheworldaroundus.WhenevertheGospelisfaithfullypreacheditarousesoppositionandcontempt.Whenweareconfrontedwithatheists,scoffersandapathyletusrememberthatwehavethissamemessagetodeclareaccompaniedbythealmightypowerofGod.PaultreasuredtheGospelbecauseinitarighteousnessfromGodisrevealed,arighteousnessthatisbyfaithfromfirsttolast,justasitiswritten,therighteouswilllivebyfaith.

IntheeyesoftheworldChristiansmayberegardedasfoolsbutintheeyesofGoditisthefoolwhosaysinhisheartThereisnoGod.(Ps14.1) Whatbetteranswertothequestion,Whoisthis?,thanthewordsofthehymn:

BeautifulSaviour!Lordofthenations!SonofGodandSonofMan!Gloryandhonour,Praise,adoration,nowandforevermoresublime.

1LetsStudyMatthew,MarkE.Ross,BannerofTruth,p201,2009.2TheOriginandWitnessoftheIrishEvangelicalChurch,WJGrier,Belfast1945.3BiblicalDoctrines,BBWarfield,BannerofTruth,p235,1988.4TheShorterCatechism,Q21.


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Rev Andrew Lucasev Andrew Lucas,Omagh,writesPart3ofhisseriesonRuthThreethingsweneedtoknowaboutfaith.

Faith in ActionFaith in Action

ThereformerMartinLutheroncedefinedfaithinthisway:Faithisaliving,daringconfidenceinGodsgrace.Itissosureandcertainthatamancouldstakehislifeonitathousandtimes.Now,aswepickupourstoryagain,atthebeginningofchapter2,thereareatleastthreethingsthatweneedtonoticeaboutfaith.1 Stepping out in Faithtepping out in FaithSomeyearsago,mypreviouscongregationwentforaweekendawaytoaChristiancentreintheValeofAvoca,CountyWicklow.Oneoftheactivitiesorganisedovertheweekendthatreallystandsoutforme,wastheZip-Line.To

gettothisthingyouhadtoclimbupatelegraphpole,whichswayedwhenyoureachedthetop.Thenholdingontoabar,youlaunchedyourselfoffthetopandshotdowntheline. ALackofencouragement.Nowaschapter2openswefindRuthmakingasimilarsteporleapoffaithandshedoessodespitelackinganyrealencouragement.Inv2weread,LetmegotothefieldandgleanamongtheearsofgrainafterhiminwhosesightIshallfindfavour.Andshesaid,Go,mydaughter.(ESV)NowRuthdoesntknowwhatweknow.ShedoesntknowaboutBoazwhoisintroducedtousinv1.Allsheknowsisthattheyhavetoeatandratherthansittingaround,shetakestheinitiativeandstepsoutinfaith,hopingthatsomewhereoutthere,theremightbealandownerwillingtoallowhertogleaninhisfields. NowitisinterestingthatitisRuthandnotNaomiwhotakestheinitiative,andneitherdoesNaomioffertogowithherdaughter-in-law,eventhoughsheiswellabletohelp.Perhapssheissocaughtupinhersorrowsrightnow,thatshejustcantthinkaboutsuchthings.Perhapsthereisevenanelementofpridehere.NaomiwasonceawealthycitizenofBethlehemandperhapsshecantbringherselftogleaninthefieldswiththeotherpaupers.Buteitherway,itisRuthwho,

withnorealencouragement,stepsoutinfaith. BPotentialdangers.Andshedoessodespitetheveryrealdangersthatawaither.ItistruethattheLordhadmadeaprovisionforthepoor,allowingthemtogleaninthefields,butnoteverylandownerwashappytoabidebythelaw.Alsoasayoungwomanonherowninthefields,Ruthisvulnerable.ItisinterestingthatBoazhastoinstructhislabourersnottotouchher(v9).ButRuthfacesanevengreaterdanger,becauseassoonassheopenshermouthandpeoplehearheraccent,theywillknowthatsheisaforeignerandworstofall,thatsheisfromMoab(v6).Butshestillstepsoutinfaithandsheisanexampletous.

SometimesintheChristianlifewefindourselvesatthetopofthetelegraphpoleandthereisonlyonewaydown,andattimeslikethisweneedthedaringconfidencethatLutherspokeabout.Yes,wecanlistnumerousreasonswhywe


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shouldstayinourcomfortzones,especiallyifnooneisofferingencouragementandapparentdangersawaitus,butsometimeswejusthavetostepoutinfaithlikeRuth,trustingthataswedoso,theLordwillbethereforus.Ithasbeensaidthatifyouwanttowalkonwater,youhavetogetoutoftheboat,Ruthdoesthathereandwecantoo.

2 The Rewards of Faithhe Rewards of FaithSowehavesteppedoutinfaith.Butwhatelsecanwelearnaboutfaithhere?Well, secondly,wehaveTheRewardsofFaith.Theissueofbankerspayhasbeenmuchdiscussedinrecentmonths,especiallythehugebonusesgiventoexecutivesinthebanksbailedoutbythetaxpayer.Iwillleaveyoutodecidewhethertheydeservesuchrewards. Butaschapter2unfoldsandRuthstepsoutinfaith,wefindtheLordblessingthisyoungMoabiteconvert.Weseethisinatleasttwoways.

ATheLordsprovidenceinherlife.Inv3Ruthgoesandstartsgleaningandweread,shehappenedtocometothepartofthefieldbelongingtoBoaz,whowasoftheclanofElimelech.(ESV)Whatastrokeofluck!Ruthendsupinthefieldbelongingtotheworthymanintroducedtousinv1.Butthereisanotherluckybreakinv4,becauseBoazarrivesonthescene.Certainlyfortuneissmilingonthisyoungwoman,butwhilsttheseeventshaveanappearanceofgoodfortune,thisisreallytheLordsdoing.IainMDuguidwrites,Therewerenoangelicvisionstodirecthertotherightfieldorvoicesfromheaventoguideher.Nevertheless,asshetrustedintheLord,hedirectedherstepsunwittinglytoexactlytherightlocation. Nowaswethinkaboutourownlives,thisisincrediblycomforting,isntit?Therearetimeswhenwehavetostepoutinfaith,despiteeverythingthattellsustostaywithinourcomfortzones,andaswedothat,thewayaheadmaynotbeatallclear,buttheLordwillguideus.RuthdoesntknowwhatisgoingtohappenandshedoesntrealisethattheLordisguidingher,butitistruenonetheless.Shetrustshimandhehonoursthatbyguidingherjusttotherightspot,atjusttherightmoment.TheLordsprovidenceisamazing,isntit?

BTheLordsgenerosity.WehavealreadybeengivenanindicationofBoazscharacterinv1,andashespeaksforthefirsttimeinv4,itissignificantthat thesearewordsofblessing.Hereisagodlylandowner,whoobviouslycaresabout hisworkers.NowBoazisnotswayedbytheapparentracialprejudiceofhisforeman(v6),butgivesRuthpermissiontogleaninhisfields,guaranteeinghersafety.(v8-9)SotheLordhasansweredherprayers,butinactualfacthedoesfarmore.BoazisclearlyimpressedwiththisyoungMoabitewoman(v12)andhavingfedher atmealtime(v14),heinstructshisyoungmentodeliberatelydropsheavesforherandbytheendofthedayshehasgleanedaboutanephahofbarley.(v17)

NowcanyouseetheLordsgenerosity?ThatmorningRuthwassimplyhopingtofindalandowner,whowouldallowhertogleaninhisfields.NowtheLordgrantsthatdesire,buthealsogivesheralotmorebesides.Hebringsherintocontactwithagodly,caringandgenerousman,who,unbeknowntoher,has


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certainlegalresponsibilitiestowardsNaomiandherself.Tocapitall,thisisalsothebeginningofaromance,becausewithoutrealizingit,Ruthhasjustmetherfuturehusband.TheLordissogoodisntheandheoftenexceedsourexpectations. NowofcourseRuthsexperiencedoesntgiveusablanketpromise,whereGodalwaysgivesusthedesiresofourheart.ItisinterestingtonotethatRuths

desiresareconsistentwithGodsrevealedwill,andweshouldnotexpecttheLordtogiveuswhatwewant,ifwhatwewantisatoddswithhisWord.Butwiththatqualification,theexampleofRuthistremendouslyencouraging.Steppingoutinfaithcanbescary,butifourdesiresaregodlyandconsistentwiththeWord,thenwemaywellfindthattheLordhonoursthatstepoffaithandrichlyblessesus. 3 The Restoration of Faithhe Restoration of FaithSothereissteppingoutinfaithandtherearetherewardsoffaith.Butasweclose,noticethatinthethirdplacewehaveTheRestorationofFaith.AsRuthstruggleshomewithaboutanephahofbarley,Naomiisfullofquestions(v18-19)

andwhenshehearseverything,sheexclaims,MayhebeblessedbytheLord,whosekindnesshasnotforsakenthelivingandthedead!(V20ESV).Nowourtimeisgone,butrememberthatNaomireturnedhomeabitterwoman.SheisangryattheLordsdealingswithherandsheiscaughtupinherownsorrows.Butasherdaughter-in-lawstaggersthroughthedoor,weigheddownbythebarley,thepennydropsandatlonglastNaomibeginstoseethattheLordhasntdesertedherafterall.Farfromit.Hehasalwaysbeenthereforher,butnowsheseesitforherselfandherfaithisrevived. Nowperhapsasyoureadthisarticle,youarearelativelynewconverttoChristandyouareintimidatedbythelifeoffaith.Orperhapsyouareanoldsoldierandbecauseofvarioustrialsorbackslidings,yourfaithhasbeguntowane.Perhapsyouareevenalittlebitter,becauseofGodsprovidenceinyourlife.Well,whateveryoursituation,likeRuth,stepoutinfaithandyoumayjustfindthattheGodwhohasalreadyrichlyblessedyouinChrist(Rom8.32),willfarexceedyourexpectationsandwillshowerhisgiftsofgraceuponyou.Amen.

The Ballyclare Open House PosterSaturday 17 March 2010 saw the annualOpen

House event hosted by the Ballyclarecongregationwiththeaimofreachingouttothefamiliesofthemanyyoungpeoplewhocometothe weekly church activities. 140 children andparents sat down with youth leaders from thecongregationtoadeliciousmeal.

The after-dinner programme concluded with amessage byRev Robert Johnston,Knock, fromJoshua 24.15: Choose for yourselves this daywhomyouwillserve-anapttopicfortherun-up

toaGeneralElectionOur prayer is that lasting relationships will beformedandthatGodwillusethemtoextendhisKingdominBallyclare.


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Meet one of our MembersMeet one of our MembersHelen Fullerton, GroomsportHelen Fullerton, Groomsport

HelengrewupinBelfast,ontheUpperNewtownardsRoad,almostoppositeour

KnockchurchandattendedtheKnockSundaySchoolinthelate50sandearly60s. Growing Uprowing UpHerparents,JamesandEllaBailiebeganmarriedlifeinNewtownardsandattendedGreenwellStreetPresbyterianChurchwhereJameswasSundaySchoolSuperintendent.SoontheymovedtoBelfasttobringJamesclosertohisworkasSecretaryoftheUlsterUnionistParty;helaterbecameSuperintendentoftheUnionistChiefWhipsOffice.ThefamilyworshippedatKirkpatrickMemorialwhereJamesservedasanElder.JamesandEllahadthreegirls,Jennifer,SandyandHelen.HelenwenttoPenrynPrepSchool,BelmontRoad,andthentoStrathearn.

Helenleftschoolatseventeen.Shewasquiteagiftedswimmerandcompetedatclubgalas.Herothergreatinterestatthattimewasballetanditverynearlybecamehercareer.ShewasabouttogoforinterviewtoChesterBalletSchool,butanoutbreakofsmallpoxintheChesterareamadeherparentscallitoff.InsteadshejoinedHenriSolomon,Photographers,WellingtonPlaceBelfastandforthenextthreeyearstrainedinfieldassignmentssuchasweddingsandinphotographictechniquesincludingthedarkroom.ThishelpedtoqualifyherforhernextjobasadarkroomtechnicianintheX-raydepartmentofArdsHospital.Into the WorldInto the WorldThefamilyhadmovedtoRosepark,Dundonaldin1966andalthoughHelenwasonlyfourteenshetooktheopportunitytomakeacompletebreakwithChurch,aclearpointertoherearlyandstronglydevelopingoppositiontospiritualthingsandtothecourseherlifewouldtake.Progressivelyshewentintotheworld,givingherselfovertopopandrockmusic,todancingandtothewholesceneofwhichtheywereapart.Fortwodecadestheywereaverystronginfluenceinherlife.To Portavogie and Faith in Christo Portavogie and Faith in ChristIn1989LesandHelenmovedfromtheHolywoodArchesareaofeastBelfast,wheretheyhadlivedforaboutfiveyears,toPortavogie.TheywereattractedbytheopennessandquietnessofthecountrysideanditwasverymuchlikehometoLeswhoworkedinhorticultureandlandscaping.Themovewastoproveprovidentialintermsofsavinggraceinaremarkableway.BythattimeDaniel,AdamandJohnwereattheBBandAnchorBoysstageandaneighbouraskedHelentosendthemtotheseorganisationsandtotheSundaySchoolinalocalChurch.Thatinitselfwasawitnessfromoneneighbourtoanotherandlaterplayedavitalpartinthesequenceofevents.LesandHelenwenttoChurchonorganisationoccasions.

On20April1993twoyoungPortavogiemenlosttheirlivesinalocalfishingboattragedy.TherewasamemorialserviceintheChurchtheboysattendedonthefollowingSunday,andHelenfeltanimperativedesiretogo.WithLesshemadeherwaytothefront,totheonlyseatsavailable.TheopeninghymnspoketoHelen:


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Iwassinkingdeepinsin,farfromthepeacefulshore,Verydeeplystainedwithin,sinkingtorisenomore,ButtheMasteroftheseaheardmydespairingcry,Fromthewatersliftedme,nowsafeamI.

Loveliftedme!Loveliftedme!Whennothingelsecouldhelp,Loveliftedme!

TheMinisterpreachedfromLuke13.6-9theParableoftheBarrenFigTree.Thevineyardownerplantedafigtreeandthreeyearsinsuccessioncamelookingforfruitbutfoundnone.AstheMinisteremphasisednofruitHelenrecognisedthatthestorywasanaptparableofherownlife.TheboysstayedonforSundaySchoolandwhenLeswenttopickthemupHelencametotheLordinrepentance.Sheobtainedforgivenessandexperiencedthewonderfultransformationoflife

thatcomingtoChristbrings.Shebecameaboldevangelistintractdistributionandinotherways.Evenhertasteinmusicchanged.HerfirstChristianbookwasJohnBlanchardsstudyonMarksGospel, ReadMarkandLearn.HerfavouritehymnhasbecomeManofSorrows,especiallyverse2:

Bearingshameandscoffingrude,Inmyplacecondemnedhestood;Sealedmypardonwithhisblood:Hallelujah!WhataSaviour!

Leshasanengagingstorytotelltoo.Hewasconvertedin1975butpartlythroughlackofChristianfellowshipandteachinghedriftedaway.ButtheLordlosesnonethattheFatherhasgivenhimandheusedtheonsetofaheartattack

whenLeswasoutdrivingin1991torestorehim.Growth in Grace and Servicerowth in Grace and ServiceAfterayearLesandHelenmovedtoanotherdenominationwhichtheyfelthadamoreconsistentevangelicalwitness.TheyworshippedthereforfouryearsandHelenbecameaSundaySchoolteacherandaleaderinthechildrenswork.Then,in1997,someonegaveLesatapeofRevSamuelWatsonpreachingfromRomans9.LesandHelenwerebothdelightedwiththisreformedexpositionandmadeenquiriesaboutMrWatsonsdenomination.TheyfirstattendedBangorEPCintheBoroughGymnasiumon4January1998whenRevJeffBallantine

waspreachingonPsalm46.Theystayed,andjoinedthecongregationinNovember1999.LeswaselectedandordainedtotheEldershipinJune2006.

SincethenHelenhasbeenincreasinglyinvolvedinthelifeofthecongregation,whichbecameGroomsportinMay2004.SheisamemberofCommitteeoftheLadiesFellowshipwhichstartedin2006andisaLeaderandTreasurerofLittleJewels,theWednesdaymorningmeetingfortoddlers.ShealsohelpswiththeannualHolidayBibleClub.ToHelen,thegreatdistinctiveofourChurchisitsreformedpreachingandhearingitweekbyweekcontinuestomakethe80milestheytraveleachLordsDaysoverywellworthit.

IntheirPrayerDiary,onDay25eachmonth,theKnockcongregationareaskedtoprayfor:AllthosewhohavepassedthroughtheSundaySchool,etcbuthavenotprofessedfaith.Nowweknowthatithasbeenansweredatleastonce!


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All Lands to God!All Lands to God!

About Ricky and Angie Fitzsimmonsbout Ricky and Angie FitzsimmonsTheywerebothborninBelfastintoChristianhomes.AngiehasonesisterandRickyhasabrotherandasister.RickybecameaChristianat15yearsoldwhilstAngiewassavedwhenshewas5yearsold.TheyarebothactivemembersofStranmillisEPC.Rickystudiedconstructionengineering

andmanagementatUniversityofUlster,Jordanstown,andAngiestudiedlinguisticswithcounselling,alsoatJordanstown.AngieworkedparttimeasanadministrationassistantbutisnowcurrentlyafulltimemumlookingaftertheirsonNoahwhowasbornin

September09.RickyworksasanestimatorforaconstructioncompanycalledMcLaughlin&Harvey.Their Call to Serveheir Call to ServeRickywenttoNigeriain2003asaGAPer.Hecamehomefeelingchallengedaboutlong-termserviceespeciallyinhisownfieldofconstruction.ShortlyaftertheirmarriageinJune2007theLordimpressedthesamecallonAngieforlong-termserviceandmadeitveryclearinApril2008thathewantedthemtoservefulltime.BothRickyandAngiehadtheopportunitytoserveinJosontheStranmillisEPCteamin2008.GodreaffirmedacallingonboththeirheartsduringandafterthistripandinthefollowingJanuarytheywereacceptedbyMissionAfricatoserveinNigerialong-term.

Their Ministryheir MinistryTheywillbeservinginJos,Nigeria.Rickywillbeinvolvedinvariousconstructionprojectsthatthemissionwillbeundertaking.TheseincludetheWritersRetreatandStudyCentreatACTSandvariousFulanieducationcentres.Healsohopestohelpoutwithsomeofthemorepracticalaspectsoftheday-to-dayrunningofthemission.AngiehopestoworkinACTSinitiallyhelpingtocomputerisethestocktohelpmodernisethesystem.ThiswillhelpACTSorderanddistributebooksmoreeffectively.ShewillalsobelookingafterNoahandhopestofindotherareasofministrymoreakintoherdegree.Theybothhopetospendtime

learningHausaandtobecomeinvolvedinalocalchurch.Message from Ricky and Angieessage from Ricky and AngieAsweheadoutwithMissionAfricatoJosinAugust,pleaserememberusinprayer

Recruits for NigeriaRecruits for Nigeria


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asweseektoservetheLord.Wearebothconsciousofourweaknessesandunworthiness,andsoaredependingonyourprayersofsupportandthehelpofGod.

WeknowtheLordwillsupplyallourneeds.Wepraythathemayimpressthisworkonyourheartandleadyoutoalsosupporttheworkpractically.TheLordyourGodiswithyouwhereveryougo.(Josh1.9)

Prayer Pointsrayer Points

Adjusting and settling into life in Jos:thatwewouldbeabletomakeahomeandthatNoahwouldntbetooupsetbythechange.Also,thatwewouldntmissfamilyandfriendstoomuch,butthatwewouldrelyonGod.

Church life:Praythatwewouldfindasuitableplacetoworshipandthatwewouldbeabletogetinvolvedinthedifferentaspectsofthechurchquickly.

Construction projectsthattheWritersRetreatandStudyCentrewouldcommencelaterthisyear.PraythatmoreplotsoflandforFulanieducationcentreswouldbecomeavailableandthatfundingwouldbetheretoenablebuildingtocommence.

AngieasshelooksafterNoahinthehouse,theinitialadministrationworkshewillbeinvolvedinandthatshewouldfindothersuitablerolesofministry.

Service:thatGodwoulduseusinJosineachavenueofserviceandthatwewouldbringglorytoHisName.

Mission Africa was founded 120 yearsagoandwasformerlyknownastheQuaIboe Fellowship. Historically most of ourworkhasbeeninSouthEastNigeria, butnow we are also working in NorthernNigeria, Chad and Burkina Faso. ChurchPlanting and Evangelism remain veryimportant areas of focus for themission,along with Theological Education andMedicalwork.Africahassomanyneedsandweespeciallywanttohelpthosewhoareoppressedandmarginalised.Wehelppeople suffering with HIV/AIDS, streetkidsandwomenwhoareexploited.Asaninterdenominational evangelical mission,

we want to share the love of Jesus withthe people of Africa; reaching theunreached; loving the unloved anddisciplingnewbelievers.Burkina Faso Nigeria Chad


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BIG WORDS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Hi!

In the story of Pilgrims

Progress, two travellers are

arrested in the town of Vanity

and brought to appear in court.

The judge is called Judge

Hate-good and he lives up to his name.He stands up for the evil mob,

listens to the lies of the cruel

witnesses and has Faithful, agood man, burned to death.

That is not JUSTICE!

God is called the Judge of all men. But He is very

different from Judge Hate-good. God hates evil and loves good

He knows the truth about everyone & everything

He punishes all that is wrong and

Rewards only those who are perfect

That is JUSTICE!

JUSTIFIED

this means

counted rightin Gods sight


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Imagine you have been called to court to appear in front

of God the Judge.

The Judge sees every sin you have ever committed in

your life and the ones you will commit in the future He must punish everyone of those sins

He cannot let you go free

But now see what is happening:

God says

You are perfect in His sight He will not punish you

You can go free

How can this be?

You have been

JUSTIFIED.This is a gift from God to you.

One day the courtroom scene will not be pretend.You really will stand in front of God the judge. If

you stand there in all your sin, you will be sent to

HELL. If you have been JUSTIFIEDthrough faith

in JESUS, you will be welcomed into HEAVEN.

It is only possible when Jesus takes your sin and gives you

His perfect righteousness instead.
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AfterconsideringthepriceChristpaidforustobeunitedtohim,letusnowthinkofthelifestylehewantsustolive.PaulwrotetotheCorinthians: Doyounotknowthatalittleleavenleavensthewholelump?Cleanseouttheoldleaventhatyoumaybeanewlump,asyoureallyareunleavened.ForChrist,ourPassoverlamb,hasbeensacrificed.Letusthereforecelebratethefestival.(1Cor5.6-8)Our Lambur LambPaulisclearlythinkingofthePassover(Ex12)wheretheangelofdeathvisitedthehouseholdsandpassedbythosewithbloodsprinkledonthedoorpostsfor

theywereboughtwithaprice.Thiswasallthatwasrequiredforthemtoavoiddeath.SoitisfortheChristian,forChristisourPassoverlamb.BeingwashedinChristsbloodmeansthatwearejustifiedandrighteousbeforeaholyGod.Our Leavenur LeavenYetnoticeinExodus12thattheIsraeliteswerecommandedtocleartheirhomesoftheleastsignofleaven.Thesprinkledbloodpreservedthepeople,buttheywerealsoobedienttoGodscommandtodiligentlyputawaythecorruptandforbiddenthing.LeavenismostlyusedasanemblemforsinintheBibleand

whenleavenisaddedtobreaditwillcausethewholelumptorise,andsoitiswithsin.Whenleavenhadaplaceamongtheangelsitbroughtamultitudeofthemdowntohell.WhenAdamandEvesinnedthewholehumanracewasleavenedbytheiractions.Our Lifestyleur LifestyleSoifChristhasdiedforus,thenwearehis,andifwearehisthenwecannotliveinsin.Ifweareredeemed,howcanwecontinueaslave?IfwebelongtoJesuswecannotservethedevil,wemustberidofsin.(2Pet1.9)Sodoyouhavealittleleaven?Howaboutinyourthoughts,conversation,orconduct?Maybeitis

asecretsinthatnobodyknowsaboutbutGodknows.ForGod,theveryleastdegreeofsinisobnoxiousandhehatesit.(2Pet2.4-9)Thatlittleleavenwillspreadunlessactionistakenbeforeitaffectsthewholelump.Ifyouaresaved,letyourfocuscontinuallybeonsin-purging.Youwillnotbeabletodothisalone;youwillneedGodshelptosucceed.(Ps139.23-24;Rom8.13).Wemustnotbesatisfieduntileverycrumbhasbeensweptoutofourbodilyhomes.Ifwedonotwatchandprayitwillreappearandspread.Noattainmentmusteversatisfyusuntilweareconformedtohisimagewhoisthefirstbornamongmanybrethren.YouwilltellmeIamholdingupahighstandard.Iam;butthenyouhaveagreathelper. 1

ByclearingouttheleavenitallowstheChristiantocelebratethefestivalwithspiritualjoyandpeace.Isthatnotbetterthankeepingtheleaven?1CHSpurgeon,TheMetropolitanTabernaclePulpit,Vol16,PilgrimPublications,p693.

Christopher Dohertyhristopher Doherty,Stranmillis,asksustoconsiderthelifestyleChristwantsustolive

Do you not Know!Do you not Know! -- 33


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S 1 EPCEWPCEW PrayfortherecentChurchplantatSheffieldandforgoodcontactsS 2 Sunday Schoolunday School PrayfortheboysandgirlswhoattendSundaySchooleachweekM 3 Moodysoodys PrayfortheworkthatAndrewandEunicedoandforJoyT 4 1 Stranmillistranmillis PrayforouryoungercouplesastheyadapttofamilylifeW 5 2 Perueru PrayforGodsspecialblessingonBibleteachingintheschools T 6 3 Electionlection PrayforthenewGovernmentastheytakeoffice,forgoodtoprevailF 7 4 CWIWI PrayforthesummeroutreachinLondonS 8 5 Knocknock PrayfortheparentsofSundaySchoolandFridayClubchildrenS 9 6 Office Bearersffice Bearers PrayfortheEldersandDeaconsinyourcongregationM 100 7 Finaghyinaghy PrayforouryouthworkasthebrightereveningsaffectattendanceT 111 8 Page 16age 16-1 Pray for Key Prayer Point 1 overleafW 122 9 Garlandsarlands RememberSidandJeanastheyadjusttotheirnewsituationT 133 100 Ballyclareallyclare PrayforthegoodnumberofyoungpeopleinourChurchF 144 111 Fitzsimmonsitzsimmons PrayforRickyandAngieastheypreparetogotoNigeriainAugustS 155 122 Groomsportroomsport PrayforourMissionweekend14-16MayandforblessingtofollowS 166 133 Ministersinisters PraythatourMinisterswillbeconsciousofGodshelpandgrace M 177 144 Omaghmagh PrayasweplanourannualoutreachattheOmaghShow,3JulyT 188 155 Studentstudents PraythatmoreofourcontactswouldshowsignsofspiritualinterestW 199 166 Page 16age 16-2 Pray for Key Prayer Point 2 overleafT 200 177 Elderlylderly PraythatourelderlyandhouseboundwillknowGodspresence F 211 188 Richhillichhill GivethanksforcurrentblessingsandincreasedattendancesS 222 199 Somerton Rdomerton Rd Praythatyoungpeoplemaybekeptfromdrugsandbesaved.S 233 200 Outreachutreach PrayforSummerOutreachteamsinCrumlin,KnockandFinaghyM 244 211 Presbyteryresbytery PrayfortheModeratorandClerkintheirongoingdutiesT 255 222 Indiandia PrayforvillageoutreachtoDhumaandPurvanearLakhnadonW 266 233 Crumlinrumlin PraythatGodwouldraiseupaMinisterforourcongregationT 277 244 Page 16age 16-3 Pray for Key Prayer Point 3 overleafF 288 255 Gaiyasaiyas PrayforMusa,PamelaandGraciewhoreturntoNigeria,29MayS 299 266 Crosscollyerrosscollyer PraythatmanychildrenfromtheareawillcometocampthisyearS 300 277 South Africaouth Africa PrayforNormanandAngelaastheysettlebackafterholidayM 311 288 Nigeriaigeria PrayforMissionAfricaandforthesafetyofthemissionariesT 299 Book Shopook Shop PrayfortherefurbishmentworkplannedforJuly-AugustW 300 MERFERF PrayforthemanyArabcontactsandforallwhohavecometofaith

Prayer Diary: MayPrayer Diary: May--Jun 2010Jun 2010


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ThefollowingcommendthemselvesasmattersforspecialprayeratthepresenttimeatourChurchServices,PrayerMeetings,andforfamilyandpersonalprayer.

Key Matters for PrayerKey Matters for PrayerMayMay--Jun 2010Jun 2010

1 Summer Campsummer Camps Juniors 3-10 July Bushmills Leader: Rev Gareth BurkeInters 3-10 July Coleraine Leader: Shaun GastonSeniors 10-17 July Carrigart Leader: Rev Robert BeckettCampshavebeenafeatureofourChurchthroughoutmostofitslife.Boyscampsbeganundercanvasin1939atBrownsBay,IslandMagee,andGirlsfollowedin1953inNewcastle,CoDown.Jointcampstookoverin1979.TheLordhasblessedthisworkthroughtheyears.TherehavebeenregularconversionsandmanyouryoungpeoplehavebeenstrengthenedintheirfaithandboundtogetherthroughBiblestudy,Christianfellowshipandthepracticeofthequiettime.Leadershave

profitedfromthetrainingthecampshavegiventhemandfromtheirpreparationoftalksandrelatedactivities.Givethanksforallthis. AlthoughtherearestilltwomonthstogofromthebeginningofMay,thereisagreatdealofpracticalplanningandpersonalspiritualpreparationtobedone.Prayfortheleaderswhohavethisresponsibility,thatGodwillgivethemallthewisdom,energy,opportunityandnearnesstohimtheyneed.AsktheLordalsotopreparethecampers.Prayaboutpracticalitiesincludingtheapplicationoftheregulationsthatsurroundthisworktoday.UsetheCampPrayerLetterwhenitcomesout.2 The Need for Ministershe Need for MinistersWehavemuchreasonforprayerandthankfulnessaswereviewhowtheLordhasprovideduswithMinisters.ThesupplythroughadmissionfromotherChurcheshasthankfullyfeaturedineverydecadeofourhistory,butourownmember-studentshavemostlycomeinseveraldistinctphases.Thefirstwas1932-1936andthebiggestduringatwenty-yearperiod1967-87whenwetrainedeightstudentsfromwithinourownmembership.Presbyteryhaskeptthismatteronitsagendaregularly,and,forexample,requestedSessionsin1993toencouragepotentiallysuitablementoprayerfullyconsidertheGospelMinistry.TheneedforMinistersisstillwithustofillvacanciesthatariseandtoextendtheworkofthe

Church.PleasebringthematterbeforetheLordrememberingourTrainingfortheMinistryandAdmissionsCommitteewhohavespecialresponsibilityforthis.3 Church Financehurch FinancePleaserefertothearticleonpage20explainingthekeyneedofourCentralFundsandhowweshouldrespondtothisneed.Pleasealsorememberourfinancesatcongregationallevelfromwhichmostofourcentralfundingcomes. TheLordhasblesseduswithaspiritofgenerositybutpraythathewillcontinuetoprovidethefundsrequiredtoexpandthework.Wehaverequirements tosupportourMinistersandMissionariesadequately,tofinancebuildingprojectsandevangelismathome,

tohelpwithpracticalmissionfieldneeds.Rememberthe spiritualdimensionofgivingtotheLord.Wearetogivewillingly,cheerfully,andregularly,worshippingGodaswedoso.(1Cor16.1-4)TheMacedonians,whogavebeyond theirmeans,areanenduringexampletheyfirstgivethemselvestotheLord(2Cor8.1-15)


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The Editor will award a Book Token for the winning entry

MachA2Suo

Across1 SonofHaggith(8) 4 BuiltDavidahouse(6)7 BecameservantstoDavid(7)9 Stonesinthis(3)11 CityofPriests(3)12 Tired(5)14 Javelinhitthis(4)15 TorobtheseatKeilah(15)18 Notcold(3)19 Arkdweltwithin(8)21 Onemanthis,otherpoor(4)23 HewasaGilonite(10)

25 Slainwithalion(4)26 Usedtochasten(3)27 Ladgatheredthem(6)29 Priestsworeit(5) 30 Weaponofwar(5) 32 Measurementandsixcubits(4) 33 Apoormanhadone(7) 34 Pillowfromgoatsthis(4)

Down1 AJebusite(7)2 Abnersfather(3)3 Bethlehemite,lotsofsons(5)5 Heshearedhissheep(5)6 Bethlehem(11)8 Lunarphase(7)

10 Giant(7) 13 CaptainofHost(5) 15 Davidsagebeganreign(6) 16 Valley(4) 17 CaredforNabalssheep(9) 19 Youngmenescapedonthem(6) 20 Chosetypeofstones(6) 22 Hiramsentthesetrees(5) 23 Ahiowentbeforeit(3) 24 Jonathanssonlivedhere(7) 27 Withharrowsandsaws(4) 28 Theyshooktheark(4) 29 Garrisonspothere(4) 31 Inahorn(3)

Clues by Jim Leckey

1 PleasepostyourentrytotheEditortoarrive,weekcommencing30May.(Not

before!Validentriesmustbeposted)2 MarkyourenvelopeCrossword.3 TheEditorwillselectthefirstcorrectentryfromthebagasthewinner.

The2010seriesofCrosswordsistestingourknowledgeofsixmajorBiblecharacters.

No1wasMoses,No2Elijah.ForthelifeofDavidyoushouldstudytherelevantsectionsof1Samuel16.1-1Kings2.12whichcontainalltheclues.

A1

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Church NewsChurch News

Obituary: Mr John McKinstry, Crumlinbituary: Mr John McKinstry, CrumlinJohnMcKinstry,anadherentoftheCrumlincongregationpassedawayon7January2010.ThroughouthislifehehadacloseassociationwithCrumlinchurch

butalthoughhewastaughtthetruthfromchildhoodhedidnotcometofaithuntil7yearsagowhenhisbrotherTommycontractedcancer.GodusedthistimeoftroubletobringbothmentoaknowledgeoftheSaviour.Johnsconversionmadeagreatdifferencetohislifeandhehadagoodtestimonyintheareathroughouthisremainingyears.InoneofhislastconversationswithDrAAWoolseyhesaidoftheBible:ThisistheonlycomfortIhave.ItwasthereforefittingthatinthestrangeprovidenceofGodhediedwithhisBibleinhislapandhisBiblenotesforthedayopenatPsalm90.12Teachustonumberourdays,thatwemayapplyourheartstowisdom.TheInterimModeratorpreachedonthistextathisfuneral.ThelargenumberofpeoplepresentwasatokenoftheesteeminwhichJohnwasheld.

Heissurvivedbyfoursisters,Maud,amemberofCrumlin EPC,VioletwholivesinCanadaandGladysandCarolwholiveinEngland.Onapurelypersonalnote,althoughIonlyknewJohnforashorttime,Ifoundhimanendearingcharacter.HewillbemissedbytheCrumlinChurchbutweknowweshallmeetagain. WCJBCJB

MissMayGinnfromourKnockcongregationcelebratedher100thBirthdayon13

th

February.ShecontinuestofinddailystrengthandcomfortinherLordandSaviour,JesusChrist.Althoughherhearingisntquitewhatitusedtobe,shelovestohearthePsalmsbeingreadaloud.Psalm92:13- 14ThosewhoareplantedinthehouseoftheLORDshallflourishinthecourtsofourGod.Theyshallstillbearfruitinoldage;theyshallbefreshandflourishing. RJJJJ

100th Birthday: Miss May Ginn, Knock00th Birthday: Miss May Ginn, Knock


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Groomsport EPCroomsport EPC

Spotlight on Societypotlight on SocietyProposed Bill of Rights for Northern Irelandroposed Bill of Rights for Northern IrelandTheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurchbelievesthereisnoneedforaBillofRightsforNorthernIreland.AspartoftheEUandtheUKwehaveprotectionsalreadyfromvariouslegislationsanddirectives,NorthernIrelandhasfurtheradministrativearrangementsdesignedforthepurposeofensuringequalityandhumanrights. MorealarminglytheproposedBillofRightsappearsdrivenbythosewhoareopposedtoBiblicalChristianity,andthiscomesacrossinthedocumentitself.Itemphasisesdivision,andaddsunnecessaryadministrationandlegislation.WehavealreadyseensomeofitstermssuchastoleranceandmutualrespectusedagainstBiblebelievingchurches.Itsdesignunderminestheabsolutetruth

oftheWordofGod.AssuchwebelievethisBillofRightsisafurtherdeparturefromthesolidfoundationoftheWordofGod.Anysuchmovewillnotbeforthegoodofournationoranyofitspeople.Righteousnessexaltsanation,butsinisareproachtoanypeople.(Prov14.34)

Keswick at PortstewartJuly Bible Week Saturday 10 Friday 16 July 2010Bible study 11.00am Monday- Friday

Derek Thomas: First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MississippiCraig Dyer, Developmentofficer,ChristianityExploredPaul Williams, ChristChurch,Fullwood,Sheffieldwillsharetheeveningmeetingsat7.30pm.

EPC Moderator 2010PC Moderator 2010-111WecongratulateourEditor,Mr Harold Gibsonr Harold Gibson,onbecomingModeratorof

Presbytery.Weassurehimofourgoodwishesandprayersasheapplieshimselftothisdemandingrole.WehopetoprovideanarticleintheJul-Aug2010issue.

Weekend of Special Meetings: 14-16 May 2010 Speaker: Rev Tom McKendry, EMF

Friday 14May8.00pm From the Far Country to the Fathers House Luke15 Saturday15May 8.00pm From Instruction to Destruction Proverbs29 Sunday 16May11.30am From Fear to Faith Psalm34 Sunday 17May7.00pm From Works to Grace Ephesians2 All Welcome!


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Howattentiveareyoutotheannouncementsinchurchweekbyweek?Amidst

thewholevarietyofotheritemsishopefullysomethingabouttheCentralFund.Youmaybeperfectlyclearonwhatitisandthatsgreat,butperhapsyoureleftunsure.TheCentralFundisthechannelbywhichtheEPChaspaiditsMinisters.WorkingfromtheprinciplethatthestrongshouldhelptheweakeachofourchurchespaysintotheCentralFund,withsomepayingabovetherealcostoftheirministerandothersnotmeetingthatcostandbeingsubsidised.EachyearatargetissetthroughaninitialproposalfromtheFinanceCommitteeandbeingsubsequentlyagreedbyrespectiveDeaconsBoardsthroughPresbytery.Thereisaminimumtargetof60%ofthecostofaMinisteronpresentfiguresthisisaround19,000butatthislevelacongregationisreceivingasubstantial

subsidy,andnottoomanyofthesecanbefunded! WhatthenshouldbeyourattitudetotheCentralFundwhenyouhearofitintheannouncements?ClearlyitneedstobetheobjectiveofeachandeverycongregationtopaytheirMinisteratasensiblelevelandthroughtheCentralFund,topaytheirownway.TheaveragecostofaMinisterissomewherearound31,000forthisyearwithanewsalaryfigureof22,000andothercostsincludingemployersNationalInsurance,pensioncontributionsandtravelmakingupthedifference.OvertheyearstheFinanceCommitteehasbeenmindfuloftheneedtokeepthesalaryfigureatareasonablelevel,butfinancescanonlybestretchedsofar.ItcaneasilyappearthattheCentralFundisratherboringcomparedwithotherneedsthatseemmoreurgent,butrememberthatGodrequireshisservantstobeprovidedforandthatincallingamanacongregationiscommittingitselftodojustthat.WecanhardlyexpecttheblessingofourHeavenlyFatherupontheworkifwearenotgoingtoberesponsibleinourChristiangiving. OfcoursetheCentralFundisnottheonlycentralfinancialconcernwithintheEPC.EachyearwearecommittedtoprovidingoveroneandaquarterministerssalariestotheworkofmissionthroughtheRevsNormanReidandSidGarland.

Congregationsareexpectedtomeetthiscostfromlocalfunding.HowevernotallcongregationscontributeandashortfallovertheyearshasresultedinmoneybeingtakenfromtheCentralFund.OtherofferingsaretakenforreliefworkthroughtheHelptheNeedyAppealandthereareadditionalfundsraisedasidefromPresbyterythroughtheYPAProjectwhichhastouchedmanymissionneeds. WhatthenshouldyourresponsebetotheneedsofCentralFund?Onewayofcourse,inwhichgivingcanbemademoreefficientisbymakingfulluseofGiftAid.ThisistheschemefortaxpayerswherebytheGovernmentrecognisesthatmoniesgiventocharitiesarenolongeryourincomeandrefundsthetaxpaid

directlytothecharityconcerned.Thisissomethingworththinkingaboutandyourlocaltreasurerwillbedelightedtohelp!Wemustthankallwhohavefaithfullycommittedthemselvestothisneedovertheyears,butitmaybehelpfultothinkthroughyourgivingandtheresponsibilityyouhavebeforeGod.

What is that Central Fund Thing?What is that Central Fund Thing?Rev Stephen Rogerev Stephen Roger,Convener,FinanceCommittee,asksandanswersthequestion.


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Neil Campbell, Stranmillis ,eil Campbell, Stranmillis,reflectson9/11anditsvitalmessagefortoday.BasedonLetsRollbyLisaBeamerandKenAbraham,TyndaleHousePublishersInc,NTSBreports

Lets RollLets Roll

Areyouready?Okay.Letsroll!SpokenbyToddBeamertofellowpassengers,theseareamongthelastwordsheardfromUnitedAirlinesflight93onSeptember11,2001.UA93wasthefourthaircrafthijackedthatday.Thepassengersandremainingcrew(thepilotswerealreadydead)werewellawareofeventsatboththeWorldTradeCenterandthePentagonandthatmanyliveshadbeenlost.Theyweredeterminedthattheiraircraftwouldnotsufferthesamefate.ProbablyledbyToddBeamerandfellowpassengerJeremyGlick,andarmedwithboilingwater,afireaxeandacateringtrolleyseveralpassengersandcabincrewmountedadesperatecounterattackonthehijackers.Theplanwassimple,takebackcontroloftheaircraftormakesureitdidntreachitstarget.Thecockpitvoice

recorderrevealedsomethingofthestrugglethatfollowed.For twominutestheaircraftrolledviolentlybeforedivingintoafieldinPennsylvania.Itisnotclearwhetherthehijackerslostcontroloftheaircraftor,realisingthattheirevilplanhadbeenthwarted,deliberatelycrashedit.WhatisclearisthattheactionsofthepassengersandcrewpreventedanothermajorincidentthatdayandprobablysavedthelivesofmanyinWashington,thelikelytarget. Theeventsof9/11havecausedmanytoquestionGod;hisexistence,hislove,knowledgeandpowertocontrolevents.ToddandLisahadbeenmarriedonly7yearswithtwoyoungboysandathirdchildontheway.Toddwasasuccessfulsalesexecutive.BothwereChristians,activeintheirchurchandwithclearplansandgoalsfortheirlives.Butwritingintheaftermathofherpersonaltragedy,LisaBeamermakesitclearthatGodwasverymuchincontrolandverymuchatthecentreofeventsthatday.Priorto9/11bothToddandLisalivedlivesthatwereordinary,yetbothwereundersoundChristianinfluenceandexample.Althoughunawareofit,bothwerebeingpreparedfor9/11;Toddfortheeventsontheflightitself,LisatobeafaithfulwitnessforGodtomanyintheAmericanGovernmentandnationintheaftermath.BothfoundthatGodspromisesaretrue,outworkingeverythingforgoodforthosewholoveHim,whateverthecircumstances.

ForToddandLisathatdaystartedmuchlikeanyother.Butnoneofusknowswhatadaymaybring.EventsonboardUA93thatdayareasoberremindertoallofustoberightwithGod,tomakesurethatweareontheroadtothetrueGod,tomakeoursalvationsureandtobereadytogiveagoodaccountofourfaith.Areyoufollowingtherightpaththerewerefourhijackers,menwhodiedtrustinginafalsehope,believinginagodwhowouldbepleasedwithmurderanddestruction?Areyoureadyinthemiddleofanormalflightthetwopilotsweresuddenlyfacedwithdeath,withnotimetoprepare?Doyouthinkyouareallrighttherewerethosewho,facedwithgreatdangerandprospectofdeathsuddenlyfoundthey

werenotready,suddenlyfoundtruebeliefinGod?Thethingstheyhadlivedforatthatmomentbecameoflittlevalue.LastlytherewerepeoplelikeToddwhointhemidstofgreatdifficultywereabletowitnessfaithfullytootherstheywerereadyforheavenandwhatevertheoutcomeknewthatGodwouldcareforthem.


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Aseriesofonepagesummariesofthe33ChaptersoftheWestminsterConfession,withcommentwherespacepermits.PleasereadtheConfessionChapteritself!

Section 1ection 1 The Universality of the Day of Judgementhe Universality of the Day of JudgementGodhasfixedadayinwhichhewilljudgetheworldinrighteousnessbyJesusChristtowhomtheFatherhasgivencompleteauthorityandpower.Onthatday,aswellaseveryapostateangel,Christwillbringbeforehistribunaleverypersonwhohaseverlivedontheearth.Eachwillgiveanaccountinpersonofthethoughts,wordsandactionsoftheirlivesandwillthenreceiveagoodorevilverdict.Section 2ection 2 The Purpose and Outcome of the Day of Judgementhe Purpose and Outcome of the Day of JudgementGodspurposeinfixingthatdayistodisplaythegloryofhismercyintheeternalsalvationoftheelect,andthegloryofhisjusticeinthecondemnationofthe

reprobatefortheirwickednessanddisobedience.TherighteouswillthenenterintoeverlastinglifetoexperiencefullnessofjoyandrefreshingfromthepresenceoftheLord.Thewicked,whodonotknowGodandwhodonotobeytheGospel,willbeassignedtotheplaceofeverlastingpunishmentwheretheywillexperienceanguish,separatedfromthepresenceoftheLordandthegloryofhispower.Section 3ection 3 The Certainty of the Day of Judgement and the Uncertainty of its Timehe Certainty of the Day of Judgement and the Uncertainty of its Time Christwouldhaveeveryoneconvincedoftheabsolutecertaintyofthatcomingdaytodeterthemfromsinandtocomfortthegodlyinadversity.ButhehashiddenthetimeoftheSecondComingandtheDayofJudgementthatno-one

wouldbelulledintofalsesecurity,andthatallwouldbevigilant,alwayslookingforward,alwayspraying:Come,LordJesus,comequickly.Amen.ItisnotablethatChapter33touchesontheSecondComingonlyinSection3whereitbindsittotheDayofJudgement.ItpresentsthegreatfactthatthehouroftheLordsreturnisunknownasablessing,sinceitexposestemporalsecurityandstimulatesconstant,forward-lookingwatchfulnessandpreparation.TheConfessionsemphasisisonthepersonalissuesinvolvedeverypersonwillhaveasearchingexaminationatthegreattribunalandwillreceiveapersonalgoodorevilverdict,theimplementationofwhichistheirrevocable,consciousand

everlastingexperienceoftheblissofheavenortheanguishofhell.ItissurelyinstructivethattheConfessionendsonanotethatissostronglyevangelistic,incorporatingthewarningsthatareanintegralpartoftheGospel.

There is in thechurch the ceaselessactivity of theHoly Spirit so that thechurchorganicallyandcorporatelyincreasesinknowledgeuntothemeasureofthestatureofthefulnessofChrist.TheprogressivecorrectionandenrichmentthatthepromiseandpresenceoftheHolySpiritinsureshouldfindembodimentina confessionthatis theprecipitateof thechurchs faith.NoConfessionin thehistory of the churchexemplifiesthismorepatentlythantheWestminsterConfession.It istheepitomeofthemostmaturethoughttowhichthechurchofChristhadbeenleduptotheyear

1646.Butarewetosupposethatthisprogressionceasedwiththatdate?Toaskthequestionistoanswerit.Anaffirmativeistoimpugnthecontinued graceofwhichtheWestminsterConfessionisitselfanexampleatthetimeofitswriting.ThereismorelighttobreakforthfromthelivingandabidingWordofGod(JohnMurray,CW4.242)

Faith and LifeFaith and LifeThe Last JudgementThe Last JudgementCF 33


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R B JonesB JonesGospelMinistryinTurbulentTimesGospelMinistryinTurbulentTimesNoel Gibbard,BryntirionPress,2009,Paperback,12.99

ManypeoplebelievethattheWelshRevivalof1904wasledbyoneman;thiswasprobablycausedbymediacoverageatthetime.Whileitistruethat,intheprovidenceofGod,EvanRobertswasusedtobringaboutthefullblazeofrevival,severalmenwereusedofGodthroughoutWalespreparingthewaybeforeandcontinuingteachingafter.OnesuchmanwasRhysBevanJones.BornintoaChristianfamilyin1869andlivinginindustrialSouthWales,hebecameaChristianattheageoftwelveandlater,afteraperiodinBibleCollege,enteredtheministryatthe

beginningof1893. AlthoughhehadasuccessfulministryRBJonesrealisedheneededacloserwalkwithGodandin1903hadanexperienceoftheHolySpiritwhichcompletelychangedhislifeandministry,andpreparedhimfortherevivalsoontocome.ThepeoplesoonrealisedsomethinghadhappenedtoRB.Therewasanewpowerinhispreaching,moreprominencewasgiventoprayerandevangelism. Hewasnotalone,withoutanycollusionseveralotheryoungministershadsimilarexperiences,becameawareoftheholinessofGodandhiscalltosolemnservice.Inearly1904RBJonesbeganpreachingtoursinSouthandNorthWales,preparingthegroundforthecomingrevivalandalwaysinsistingonthecentralityofpreachingtheword. ForthenextthirtyyearshewasaleadingfigureinChristiancirclesinWales,EnglandandinUSA,LatviaandRussia.HepreachedatmanyconventionsincludingKeswickandLlandrindod(KeswickinWales)andheldmanyevangelisticcampaigns.HebecameeditorandcontributorofaWelshevangelicalmagazine.HeinstigatedanevangelisticoutreachusingaGospelVan,ahorsedrawnvehicletoreachremoteareas.MaybehismostnotableworkwasthefoundingofaBibleTrainingSchoolforthosewishingtogointoChristianwork,bothmenandwomen.

Studentswentontobecomeministersandmissionariesaroundtheworld. ThroughoutthistimehehadtheresponsibilityofbeingaChurchMinisteratvariouschurchesinSouthWalesandfrom1919untilhisdeathin1933hewastheministeratTabernacle,Porth.Heshowed,particularlyduringthelast30yearsofhislifethatitispossibletoburnthecandleatbothendsandthusgivetwicethelightintheserviceofthekingdomofGod.HewrotetoafellowministerinApril1903O,istherenotaneedforustobefilledwiththeSpirit?IbelievethatthereisatideinGodswiseprovidence,andifwearecaughtupinitsfloodwewillbecarriedontogreatsuccessinourwork.ThiswascertainlytrueforRBJones.

YoumayhavetostrugglethroughsomeWelshplacenamesandsomeWelshphrases(usuallytranslatedintoEnglish)butwecanlearnalotaboutevangelicaloutreachandthespiritualbuildingupoftheChurchfromthisbook. Mike Jay

Book ReviewsBook Reviews


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New electronic book tokens are now available for saleand can be exchanged at the shop.The Westminster Assembly Dr Robert Letham 18.9913.99ReadingItsTheologyinHistoricalContext"HavinggreatlyenjoyedBobLetham'sbooksonTheWorkOfChristandTheHolyTrinity,I'mlookingforwardtoreadingthis."JohnGrierI Wish Someone W ould Explain Hebrews to Me! Stuart Olyott 7.50 5.50Ifyou'veeverthoughtthat,thisisthebookforyou...StuartOlyott,eminentBibleteacher,explainsandappliesthebookofHebrewstotheordinaryChristian,assimplyandbrieflyasthesubjectmatterallows.Handbook Of Church Discipline Jay Adams 9.997.50Abookthatcouldcausearevolutioninourchurchesifitweretobeputintopractice,anessentialreadandreferencemanualforeverychurchleaderwhowantstobeafaithfulshepherdoftheLord'sflock.Johnny Cornflakes Denise George 7.99 5.99AStoryaboutLovingtheUnlovedAheart-warmingtalebasedonfact,whichwillstrikeachordwiththosewhoministeronthefringesofsociety,andchallengetheconsciencesoftherestofus.From the Resurrection To His Return Don Carson 2.992.25 Alittlebookwithabigmessage:howtolivefaithfullyintheselastdays,nothangingoninquietdesperation,butboldlyapplyingGod'swordtoalloflife.48ppWhy We Love the Church Kevin DeYoung & 9.99 8.50InPraiseofInstitutionsandOrganizedReligion Ted KluckTheauthorsofWhyWe'reNotEmergenthavewrittenanothergreatbook,thistimepresentingthecaseforlovingyourlocalchurch.

Gospel In Life Tim Keller StudyGuide 7.99 5.99GraceChangesEverything Leader'sPack:DVD+StudyGuide23.9917.998-sessionvideo-basedcoursebyrenownedNewYorkpastorTimKeller,onhowtolivetheGospeloutineverydaylife.How Long, O Lord? Don Carson Halfprice!12.99 6.50ReflectionsOnSufferingandEvil(2ndedition)inthisneweditionofanexcellent,widelyappreciatedstudy,DonCarsonaddressestheissueofevilandsufferingwithsensitivity,pastoralconcernandbiblicalinsight.The Gospel in Genesis Martyn Lloyd-Jones 7.00 5.25FromFigLeavestoFaith9previouslyunpublishedsermonsonGenesischapters3-12.Ifyouveeverasked,WhyamIthewaythatIam?Whyislifesohard?Isthereanyhope?,youllfindanswers in this classic Lloyd-Jones volume

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