Evangelical Presbyterian

Nov-Dec 2004

75p

Evangelical Presbyterian is published by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Editor: Rev. Stephen Atkinson 1 Lord Wardens Dr Bangor, Co Down BT19 1YF (E-mail: sgt.atkinson@ukonline.co.uk) Subscriptions: Annual subscription (six issues) Surface post: UK 5.70 Rep. of Ireland and Overseas 8.10 Subscriptions enquiries to: Evangelical Book Shop 15 College Square East Belfast, BT1 6DD

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CONTENTS

Editorial: A Final Word 1 Obituary 2 Sons of Encouragement I. Hamilton 3 The Regions Beyond: Scripture, Africa, Livingstone and us E. Brown 5 A New Day Dawning: Life in the City (Revelation 22:1-5) S. Atkinson 9 Books etc. 14 Heavenly Wisdom for Earthly Use 16 On Course with Christiana (6) - The Valley of the Shadow S. Atkinson 17

Cover Photo:

Inters Camp at the Martyrs Stake, Wigton. (Photo by Catherine Riddell)

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It is with a good deal of sadness that I write my last Editorial for the Evangelical Presbyterian. I have just taken up a new post with Christian Witness to Israel as the Deputation Secretary for Ireland. Call it mid-life crisis, or new direction in my lifes calling, I must now hand over the reins of this prestigious magazine to another, and that fills me with much sorrow.

It is a gift of God to mankind that human beings act like their Maker in being creative. I have enjoyed immensely the creative aspect of this magazine. As all editors would concur there is a responsibility upon the editor to fill up the blank spaces. If the regular reader ever wondered why the Evangelical Presbyterian editors name was cropping up so often, I give a simple answer - lack of other willing contributors!

So with 20-30 white pages in front of me on a bi-monthly basis there was the pressing need to be creative! But what a joy then to find from some correspondence received that there was some measure of appreciation for that creativity. If I was honest I would say

that most of the articles were amended sermons!

My heart now goes out to the new editor, Mr Harold Gibson. He has the unenviable task of repeated emailing of contributors, chasing up promised articles and I trust meeting the deadlines with better efficiency than myself.

I have a great interest in literature, good books and magazines, for I owe a great personal debt, before God, to the writings of godly men. I would hope that the pages of this magazine would continue to be a blessing to those who read; that guidance may be given, warnings may be sounded, good reading encouraged, and prayerful interest roused for worldwide missions.

I would like to express my gratitude to those who assisted, and encouraged me over the past three years of my editorship. Behind the scenes, as it were, a number of folks regularly proof-read the preliminary copy and taught me an immense amount concerning consistency of expression, good grammar and eye-pleasing layout. I

Editorial: A Final Word

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OBITUARY Mrs Matilda May Buick Stranmillis

On the evening of 24th August 2004 Mrs May Buick passed from this life into the presence of Jesus Christ, her Saviour. For many years Mrs Buick had been a faithful member of Stranmillis Church and, although often in pain, she regularly attended the evening services until a very short time before her death.

Prior to joining Stranmillis Mrs Buick, along with her husband, had been members of Orangefield Presbyterian Church, were for many years she had helped Mr Buick carry out his duties as Church officer. Mrs Buick had also lovingly cared for several family members during times of prolonged illness. These qualities of faithfulness to Christ's church and concern for others remained with her all her days.

Since the death of her husband Billy over eight years ago Mrs Buick had been faithfully cared for by her devoted son Mervyn. His care and love for his mother was exemplary. Although Mrs Buick was often in considerable discomfort she maintained contact with a wide circle of friends who appreciated her regular phone calls and visits. Indeed the large number of people who attended her funeral service was a significant tribute to her and her kindness.

We assure Mervyn of our thoughts and prayers at this time.

Gareth Burke

now have at least something of an eye for the printed word - so much so that I bought a copy of Eats shoots and leaves! (I trust you are aware of that title Harold, if not, buy it).

Furthermore, I would like to thank the Presbytery of the EPC for the confidence they placed in me to administer this worthy project in recent years.

I trust I can be permitted to use my Editors prerogative one final time as I

make a plea on behalf of Christian Witness to Israel. It is a mission with which the EPC has had historic interest. Can I ask you then, the readership of EP, for your interest and prayer for me and my family in my new work.

May the Lord continue to bless all our labours for him in the ingathering of Jew & Gentile, One Flock under One Shepherd.

With sincere thanks,

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The church of Christ is full of unsung heroes. They do not, on the whole, possess the kind of spiritual gifts that get them noticed and give them a name. They are, at least in my experience, rarely the most intellectually able or theologically articulate Christians in a congregation. And yet, they give their congregations a spiritual lustre that is nothing less than a divine benediction. Perhaps you are already wondering just who these people are; let me tell you - they are the spiritual seed of Barnabas, the proto-typical Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36).

The grace of encouragement is a precious and much-to-be-prized grace. It is a grace that owes its origin, as all graces do, to the indwelling presence of the Divine Encourager, the Holy Spirit. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is called the Paraclete, the One who comes alongside to minister the grace of Christ to his needy, wounded, limping servants. To be an encourager, is to be the Holy Spirit's chosen instrument to minister God's grace to his often-beleaguered saints. This is surely

a grace to which all Christians should aspire. It may not, and probably will not, get you a name; it will, however, make you a precious instrument for good to your fellow believers.

Why are sons (and daughters) of encouragement so rare in our churches (granted that your church may be an exception)? A number of reasons spring to mind.

Encouragers Put the Needs of Others First The first is, too many of us are taken up with ourselves, our needs, our concerns, our problems, our struggles. Encouragers, by definition, think more about the needs of others than about their own needs. Encouragers are not free of personal struggles and trials; but they put the needs of others before their own needs. They heed the apostolic command to look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4). In doing this, they display the selflessness of the Saviour.

SONS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

lan Hamilton

(Cambridge Presbyterian Church)

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Encouragers Minister the Consolation of Christ

A second reason is that too many of us are primed to search out weaknesses and flaws in other Christians, rather than being primed to minister the consolation of Christ. Encouragers have Christ-like sight and a Christ-like heart. They are not blind to the sins and weaknesses in fellow Christians, but they recognize that love builds up.

This, no doubt, can become an excuse to neglect the grace of rebuke. But the rebukes that make their God-ordained mark on our lives are those rebukes administered by the church's encouragers - it is the wounds of friends that are most taken to heart. Too often in the church, those who are most eagle-eyed at pointing out what is wrong are the very people who should never do the pointing out. Our Lord Jesus memorably impressed this on us with his teaching on specks and planks (See Matt. 7:3-5).

Encouragers Minister Christ's Sympathy Thirdly, encouragers appear to be few in the church because we do not take as seriously as we should the present High-Priestly ministry of our Saviour. As he exercises his heavenly ministry from the throne of grace, our Lord Jesus sympathises with our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15). He never forgets that we are dust. He knows

perfectly our flaws and failures, but he deals with us compassionately and mercifully. There is a tender humanity about our majestic Saviour. Encouragers are often our great High Priest's means of ministering his divine sympathy to our bruised and lacerated souls.

You do not need a degree in theology to be an encourager. You do, however, need a Christ-like spirit. You do not need to be a gifted speaker or an extrovert personality to be an encourager. You do, however, need a humble spirit, that doesn't wait for others to do good to you before you do good to them.

Indeed, the grace of encouragement only grows in the fertile soil of humility. A kind and thoughtful word, a few lines on a note (not an e-mail!), an assurance of prayer, an unexpected visit, a smile, a thoughtful enquiry after some major event - none of these require you to have read Calvin, Owen, Edwards or Lloyd-Jones. They do require you to have drunk deeply of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

May it please the Lord to adorn our churches with encouragers. Our fellowships will be the sweeter and more wholesome.

(First printed in Banner of Truth magazine November 2003 - used by permission.)

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Africa and Scripture

Old Testament missionary vision for the continent of Africa is expressed among its references, first to the Mediterranean regions of Egypt, Cyrene and Libya, and then to Ethiopia, sometimes designated by the regional name of Cush. The Ethiopians were representative of the little known peoples to the south, who in every sense, were different and far removed from Israel (Ps 68:31, Ps 87:4; Is 45:14; Dan 11:43).

Bible times saw the first-fruits of fulfilment in various people well-known to us. When Jeremiah was cast into the cistern where he sank in the mud, Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian interceded for him with Zedekiah and secured permission

to lift him out with ropes (Jer 38:7-13, 39:15-18). Simon of Cyrene, the capital of Cyrenaica (part of modern Libya) carried Christs cross (Mark 15:21); he had two sons Alexander and Rufus, the latter probably the Rufus of Romans 16:13. Acts 8 relates the conversion of the Ethiopian Chancellor. There were visitors from the Cyrenian area of Libya at Pentecost (Acts 2:10), and Greek Jews from Cyrene preached at Antioch (Acts 11:20-21). Apollos, the able and eloquent Jew from Alexandria in Egypt, ministered at Ephesus and Corinth. The infant Saviour Himself spent some time in Egypt out of Egypt have I called my son. (Matt 2:15, Hos

Scripture, Africa,

Livingstone, and Us

E C Brown

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11:1)

Africa: A Brief History During the two millennia before Christ cities grew up along the North African coast, and sea trade became increasingly important. The Roman Empire took control of North Africa about 30 BC and over the next three centuries extended its influence into the Nile valley and north-eastern Ethiopia. Christianity came into these areas too and strong churches grew up in North African countries during the first two centuries AD. Clement (d 215) and Origen (d 254) both of Alexandria, Tertullian (d 215) and Cyprian (d 258) both of north Africas other centre of learning, Carthage, Augustine of Hippo (354-430), and Athanasius of Alexandria (d 373), are prominent among the Church Fathers. The heretic Arius (d 336) was also from Alexandria.

The following fifteen hundred years saw the emergence of various kingdoms and empires across northern and central Africa, including the Muslim conquest of northern Africa in the 8th century. Part of this development was the Bantu (the people) migration. Around the beginning of the AD era farmers of the Bantu group of languages and cultures migrated from the Cameroon region in the west into central Africa. Over the next millennium, they gradually moved south, populating the

remainder of the continent.

Africa: David Livingstone

Africa has been a powerful focus of the churchs mission, particularly since the 19th century and the work of Africas foremost, but not first, missionary, David Livingstone (1813-1873). He was converted when he was 19 and soon after decided to become a medical missionary in China. He was greatly disappointed when the Opium Wars effectively closed the door, but at that time he heard Dr Robert Moffat, a missionary at Kuruman, over 500 miles north of Cape Town, South Africa, speaking about the smoke of a thousand villages in vast Central Africa where the Gospel had never been preached. He felt Gods call and set sail for Africa in 1840 as a missionary of the London Missionary Society, beginning work at Kuruman. He married Mary Moffat in 1845.

Leaving the normal mission work at Kuruman in 1841 Livingstone undertook three great missionary treks into the centre of the continent taking him from the south coast almost to the equator. His first trek as an emissary of the London Missionary Society was T shaped. He went north through the centre of Africa, turned west to Luanda on the coast of Angola, and then eastward, back across the continent, to Mozambique on the opposite coast. He reached it in 1856, discovering the Victoria Falls

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on the way. He returned home in the same year finding that his missionary travelogues had made him a figure of national and international acclaim. The publication of his Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa followed in 1857. Returning to Africa he led his government-sponsored second trek, 1858-1863, to the east-central localities of the Zambezi River and Lake Malawi (Nyasa). It was a geographical success, but through a combination of disagreements and set-backs, including the death of his wife on the Zambezi in 1862, he returned home in 1864 a much less popular figure. Still, the Royal Geographical Society supported his third expedition, again to the eastern side of the continent, to explore the Congo and Zambezi rivers and to locate the head waters of the Nile. He arrived at southern Lake Tanganyika in 1867. He was often out of contact for extended periods and one of these prompted the New York Herald to dispatch Henry Morton Stanley in 1869 to find him. Stanley succeeded on 10 November 1871 at Ujiji at the northern end of Lake Tanganyika, greeting him with the legendary question, Dr Livingstone, I presume?

Livingstone declined to return home with Stanley but turned westward towards the interior where, weakened by illness, he died on his knees at Chitambos village in Zambia on 30 April or 1 May 1873. His two African

attendants buried his heart in the village and led the party that carried his body with his papers on an eleven month journey of 1000 miles to Zanzibar, from where it was transported to England for burial at Westminster Abbey. Livingstone never discovered the source of the Nile but recorded information to guide succeeding explorers. He paid high tribute to his African colleagues, especially the Makololo people of modern Zambia, acknowledging their faithful service to be indispensable to his work.

Livingstone sought the evangelization of Africa, learned its languages, preached the Gospel to its people, prayed, saw conversions and gave medical treatment. He vigorously and effectively opposed the slave trade in central and east Africa, graphically describing its cruelties in his despatches. He used to say, Cannot the love of Christ carry the missionary where the slave trade carries the trader? He never saw great numbers coming to Christ. That was not quite his calling. He was a pioneer, opening up the country for missionaries who would follow. He said: I am immortal till my work is accomplished. And though I see few results, future missionaries will see conversions follow every sermon. May they not forget the pioneers who worked in the thick gloom with few rays to cheer, except such as flow from faith in the precious promises of

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God's Word.

Africa and Us

Livingstone quickly became the means of inspiration for a flood of missionary activity in Africa. Stanley himself continued the work of exploration after Livingstones death and was instrumental in organising missions to Uganda and the Congo. Millions of Africans from the regions that Livingstone and Stanley opened up subsequently came to faith and there are now many mission agencies working in the continent.

Today, members of our Church are missionaries in three countries of Africa. Norman and Angela Reid have been working among the Xhosa people in Dumisani Theological Institute, King Williams Town, South Africa, since

1999. Sidney and Jean Garland have been in Nigeria since 1987 and now lead ACTS (Africa Christian Textbooks) at Jos along with Pamela Johnston who joined them in 2003. Andrew and Eunice Moody went to Goli, Uganda, in 2004 and are engaged in the work of Christian Literature, translation, pharmacy and antenatal care. They each issue regular prayer letters, have e-mail addresses and are easily contactable by telephone. It is a privilege for us as a church to participate in the fulfilment of Scriptures missionary vision for Africa, and to enter into Livingstones labours. We must be diligent participants in this work, acquiring the available information, understanding it, keeping up to date, and supporting it faithfully. Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God.

(Ps 68:31)

Norman Reid Graduates

We congratulate Rev Norman Reid, MA, on graduating in Dogmatics at North West University, Pochefstroom, 15 September 2004. His 3-year thesis was The Unity of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith in Holy Scripture, a subject that has been a focus of thought for Norman throughout his ministry. He did a great deal of the work while on furlough in 2003. His academic success means that all three full-time members of Dumisani staff are now qualified to teach the Institutes Degree programme (Bachelor of Theology) at Honours level.

The graduation was a prestigious event, honouring 150 Masters Graduates from seven disciplines, including Theology, although Norman was the only Dogmatics Graduate.

We thank Angela also for her unfailing support and encouragement to Norman throughout the project and congratulate her as she shares in the pleasure of the

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What is it like after death? This is one of lifes greatest questions. Some will ignore the matter, as if it has no relevance. They will live for today and fail to prepare for that great Day of Gods reckoning. Others will seek to know about life after death but only out

of a carnal curiosity. Yet not a few people will seek to consider the revelation of God on the matter. And here we find the glorious answer. God has been gracious enough to give a revelation of life after death. It is of vital, indeed eternal, importance to

The closing chapters of Scripture with all their mystery reveal to us some of the most glorious themes concerning the believers future, and yet also some of the most awful matters concerning those who remain without Christ. In these articles we turn our attention to that - New Day Dawning.

Life in the City (Revelation Chapter 22:1-5 )

by

Rev Stephen Atkinson

And he showed me a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall serve him.

They shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads.

And there shall be no night there: They shall need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign for ever and ever.

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read, mark, and learn from his truth.

In these articles on Revelation 21-22, we have been considering some of these great realities. In the book of Revelation the veil is lifted and God graciously reveals some of his activities throughout history (in earlier chapters), and at the end of history as we know it (in these final chapters).

Mighty truths have been considered by us in chapter 21. We have this wonderful new order as the old things are passed away. John was shown, and we are shown, the Bride, the Holy City, the corporate people of God, saved and now glorified. We made a specific point of the fact that what is shown here and spoken of as a city, is not the place where Gods redeemed live in heaven, but rather is the people. This great city, vast, cube-shaped, beautiful, pure, costly, radiant, is a picture of the whole people of God in living unity, and in living communion with God.

But as we come to chapter 22, we are shown the surroundings and even something of life within the city. We are thankful to God that he shows us this. Living in the day of shadows, with the limitations of our finite language, and finite comprehension, we are encouraged to have a glimpse of the eternal and the glorious, the state and surroundings of believers after their death. We are shown Life in the City.

What is it like to live and work in a city? I must admit I would find it hard to live in London. What is life like in that city? What is it like to live in New York or

Washington? In such cities the pace of life and the concrete jungle would seriously damage my health!

I think we can say clearly that life in this heavenly city is completely different. In these verses we have a city that is like a garden. This is no concrete jungle. There is no pollution, smog, or fast pace of life. This city has a garden! There are no clouds. It is never overcast. (That comes as a relief to people in Northern Ireland!) The picture is of bright and glorious day, and much greenness. (That comes as a delight to those who love the Emerald Isle!) Joking aside, how different is that to our grey cities? But these are figures of things even more wonderful and refreshing.

Hendriksen has a lovely way of speaking about this garden / city scene. He says that ever since Genesis 3, the City, as it were, has been crying for the Garden, and the Garden for the City.

Man was banished from the Garden for his sin, yet was promised a saviour. Genesis brings us those necessary words of curse and dismissal from the Garden, but also the promise of one who would bring the city of Gods people back to their Garden of fellowship with God. In parallel with the first book of scripture, the last book brings us the fulfilment of this promise. The city (Gods people), is brought back to the Garden of communion with the Creator and Redeemer, and take note: this Garden has no serpent!

We shall look at some of the things that

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are in this garden, and learn about life in this city.

1. A River.

We may not appreciate the significance of a river today in our society when we can go to the tap and turn on the water for a drink, or to wash or bathe. It is such a simple operation for us and we rarely consider where our water comes from.

But for first century readers a river was a vital thing. Indeed river signified LIFE. Often in the scriptures river is used to signify eternal life.

From Genesis to Revelation, this river of Gods grace flows through scripture. God is gracious in dealing with his people from the beginning of time to its conclusion. It flows through human history. It is life giving. It is Gods providential activity in the saving and keeping care for his own. And it does not cease in glory - Hallelujah.

Its source

And he showed me a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Rev 22:1)

There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God... God is in the midst of her... God shall help her. (Ps.46:4,5)

In this life dear Christian friend, he is engaged for you. He is ever near, and ever present. Read the surrounding verses in Psalm 46, and see that even when all around us is caving in, there is a river, whose streams make glad the

city of God. His love, immense unsearchable, is being poured out upon you, day and daily, to gladden your heart. This is his ceaseless activity from this river of grace.

Its flow And notice particularly it flows down the middle. This river of grace has direction and purpose. As it comes from the throne, so we learn that his sovereign will is directed to the heart of his people. He is well disposed to us now, and will be so then, eternally.

Do you know this? Do you know the joy of this? Do you presently enjoy the effect of this life giving stream, and ultimately long for this reality?

From before the foundation of the world this river of Gods outpoured love has been flowing. The very plan of creation, redemption and providence, is this river of grace and love. This river is not a motionless stagnant pool from a cold, distant deity. It is an ever flowing, purposeful, fruitful river that is bringing life to men and women today, and unto eternity.

Its purity There is nothing impure in this city. There is nothing impure about Gods plans and purposes. They are all just and holy. And while we may see things a little dimly in this life, yet the pure life giving purposes of God will be crystal clear to us then.

Its necessity

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In him we live and move and have our being. We cannot draw another breath unless he gives the power. We are utterly dependent upon him. So too in glory. But who would we desire more to be dependent upon?

In marriage there is a dependency by the two persons. Dangers may arise if husband or wife sees no need of the other. It is not good for man to be alone. Man is drawn to a certain dependence upon his wife, and the wife to her husband. So in glory, shall we be independent of our Husband Christ? Would we desire to be?

Then also, graciously he makes himself dependent upon us, unbelievably calling us his Body. He, as the head calls us, his fullness. Life, in glory, will be wonderfully dependent upon our Saviour Christ. His necessary river of grace will ever flow to satisfy, refresh, and invigorate.

2. The Tree of Life

Notice that this tree is the fruit and produce of the river. From the life giving purposes of God, comes a wonderful tree - a tree of life.

In Genesis chapter two we read of the tree of life in the Garden. But after the Fall, Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden and prevented from reaching out and taking of the tree of life. If they had done so, they would have lived for ever in their post-fall state. But this was not the fruit of Gods river. The tree of life would be given to those who were pure, and to

be so eternally.

Hendriksen helpfully points out that tree of life is the same as wood of life. It is the same term as is used of the cross. Scripture teaches us Cursed is anyone who is hung on a tree. Thus we see that Jesus Christ became that curse for us, so that the river of Gods grace may produce a tree of life, eternal life in him.

Do you remember the incident of Moses in the desert with the people, finding water, but it was bitter? They had come to Marah. The Lord showed Moses a piece of wood (a piece of a tree). He threw it into the water and it became sweet.

The river of Gods grace has the roots of the Life giving tree of Calvary in it. We are sustained now, and in glory by the saving activity of the Lamb. His death is our life. His cross, his tree, is to us the tree of life, eternal life. We are ever dependent upon it, and upon Gods life giving river purposes.

Furthermore, this tree bears fruit and leaves (Rev. 22:2b). Do you remember Jeremiah crying out, Is there no balm in Gilead? Why is there no healing for the wound of my people? Well we know there is! The fruit of Christs tree, is for the healing of ALL Gods people - and wonderful news for us, healing for the nations.

Does this not also stir us to bear his fruit now, and to bring his healing message to the nations. Did this not give to the early disciples a missionary

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zeal, which is largely lacking among us?

3. The Purity of our Worship

What is to be our life in the city? - ever thankful service, and joyful rule. His servants will serve him. They will reign for ever and ever.

Without curse There is no more curse for the old order has passed away. Let us reflect upon this again. No curse, so no death, or mourning or crying or pain. No curse, so no need of closed gates in this city; the inhabitants, the people of God are secure. The life giving river flowing from eternity to eternity is through the centre of this city, through the centre of His people. None shall snatch them. They are his; he is well disposed to them, in Christ, by that tree of life, and now in this place of purity and peace, there is no curse.

Wont it be our delight that our worship of him and our service to Him is without curse, without sin, without sorrow to ourselves, and without grief to our Father in heaven? - presenting pure unalloyed worship.

With perfect sight and given light 1John3:2 - Dear friends, now we are the children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is.

Only perfect purity permits such a sight and such a sight will inspire perfect

worship.

Our sight is now dim and so our worship so poor and unworthy. But then we shall have the light of God directly upon us. Now we know in part, but then, face to face.

How we need stirring, even with these thoughts and words. Isaiah 33:17 - Your eyes will see the king in all his beauty. Song of Songs 3:11 - Come out, you daughters of Zion, and look at King Solomon wearing the crown - on the day of his wedding, the day his heart rejoiced.

Is it not that day we long for? Is it not that sight for which we breathe? Is it not in that hope which we shall breathe our last?

When we face that last enemy, and in Christ, defeat him, and awake - what is our joy? - our glory? - our life, in that city?

Ps. 17:15 - And I - in righteousness I shall see you face; when I awake I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

The Bride eyes not her garment, but her dear Bridegrooms face.

I will not gaze at glory, but on my King of grace;

Not at the crown he giveth, but on his pierced hand:

The Lamb is all the glory Of Immanuels land.

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Books etc. Has Science Got Rid Of God? John Blanchard Evangelical Press 160 pages 6.99 Reviewer: Joe Hutton

This is another excellent book from John Blanchard, quite different to Does God Believe in Atheists?, but nevertheless it too will prove to be a very useful volume for the Christian to read and keep for reference.

He deals with the question very well and of course, as you would expect, comes firmly to the fact that you cannot be a true scientist without taking into account the creative work of God and that it is God alone who can meet mans deepest needs and not science.

The book will prove very useful for quotation and reference because he quotes at length (these quotations are shocking) from many of the atheistic scientists of the past and current era, from Darwin to well known atheists like Peter Atkins, Richard Dawkins, Sir Alfred Ayer to name a few.

He exposes the licence these men and many others have to espouse their evil and pernicious teaching that Science Has Murdered God, to quote one of them, and to be allowed to do this without question and with the full support of most of todays media.

John Blanchard uses reasoned argument throughout the book to expose the fact that their comments and beliefs when weighed up against the facts are worthless, but nevertheless dangerous because they are accepted in many schools, colleges and the media as matter of fact.

As well as the above he has provided quotations and references from many eminent scientists past and present who look at science from the proper perspective, that is from the view that God has revealed himself in creation and when any one discusses or studies science they must do so from this standpoint in order to truly understand it.

This book will prove very useful to the Christian and minister of the gospel when seeking to speak with knowledge on this subject.

There is also at the end a very useful Appendix called The Strange Story of Christian Science with a brief account of the life of Mary Baker Eddy.

As one of the reviewers on the back cover says, John Blanchard exposes how world views that dispense with God, lead to chaos and despair. We are reminded to of the great challenge to all of us as Christians to do as Paul did at Mars Hill, bring the people back to the knowledge that God is sovereign in creation, providence and redemption.

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I would heartily commend this book to all and say also, that despite its title and subject, it is very readable and is also encouraging. It leaves the believer with many reasons to lift our hearts in praise, awe and wonder of our omnipotent God and to worship him.

Justification Francis Turretin Presbyterian & Reformed 115 pages 5.95 Reviewer: Stephen Atkinson

RC Sproul writing in the Introduction to this reprint comments that Church history testifies that studied ambiguity is the refuge of the heretic. It is in the light of that, that he commends, and this reviewer also commends, this publishing of Turretin on Justification. The work originally appeared in his Institutes of Elenctic Theology (1688), and only now has been published separately to facilitate wider readership.

The wider readership however will still have to be a theologically informed

readership, and readership prepared to slowly examine Turretins argument and logic. The average reader may consider this to be just a scholars debate, but Sprouls comment reminds us of the importance of theological precision and clarity in the face of the enemy attack upon truth.

While theologically heavy, it is not simply cerebral, since the whole matter concerns how we shall stand before our Maker - will it be with a righteous which is inherent, infused, or imputed?

In the clarifying of issues concerning justification and sanctification, which currently are often blurred, the precision of Turretin is necessary in the area, for example, of the Evangelicals and Catholics Together (ECT) debate, and the New Perspective controversy.

Slow and careful reading will be rewarded.

(Continued from back page)

I would point out that this is written from an Australian Anglican perspective, and while having a universal relevance, it is important to note that the fact of women in preaching ministry is assumed without comment.

I suppose the best piece of wisdom found within comes in the form of a German proverb, The main thing is to make the main thing always remain the main thing. If we do, we shall be Going the Distance.

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The blurb on the back cover reminds us that Christian ministry is not a sprint; its a marathon, a long term race, requiring not just initial enthusiasm and ability, but staying power. Unfortunately, a growing number of Christian ministers dont seem to possess that staying power. 44% of all pastors who have been involved in ministry for more than 15 years suffer from burn out, mental break down or serious illness... Going the distance is about making sure youre not one of those statistics.

Im not sure simply taking a dose of the prescribed medicine will be a solve all, but theres no doubt that this book contains a lot of heavenly wisdom for earthly use. The helpful practical ideas are not rocket science, but sanctified common sense, which nonetheless is often overlooked.

It covers subjects such as burn-out, stress, self care, temptations, family, friendships among other things. Some of his comments are rather earthy and might be considered somewhat crude - Self-care strategies are like All-Bran - you eat it when you dont need it, so you wont need it. Many of the recurring problems in pastoral ministry are identified, and early warnings given. Areas such as unrealistic expectations, and resistance to ministry initiative are helpfully opened up. Inertia is always easier than initiative, but it rarely produces results. There are also earth shattering statements like - Ministry requires money (p206). Perhaps this is new to some.

While it is a book for pastors, pastors will be even more greatly helped if the congregational members read this type of material. If they want their man to go the distance, the advice given here is encouragement, and affirmation, and the protection of the ministers physical well-being. He notes the oft repeated phrase, I love the ministry, its people I cant stand (p.30), but if the advice here is followed things can be different. (Continued on p15)

going the dist.jpg

Practical advice on a contemporary

issue.

Going the Distance

- How to stay fit for a lifetime of ministry -

Peter Brain

258 pages Matthias Media

10.00

- (6) The Valley of the Shadow -

It may be fun to ride on the Ghost Train, but real horror is no joke. As we see all too often on our TV screens, there are things in life that are horrific, and sometimes we have to go through them.

Our pilgrim friends went down into the valleys just as Christian had done before. The first valley, where Christian met Apollyon wasnt too difficult, but the next was no fun ride. They heard groaning, and then the ground began to shake. Soon they heard snakes hissing. Great Heart kept their spirits up, but he told them also to watch their step.

They thought they saw someone in front of them, but whatever it was disappeared. Mercy thought she saw a lion behind them, and indeed they heard something roar. It began to get dark, and a fog came down around them all. Suddenly they noticed a great hole in front of them, and they quickly stopped short of it.

I have been through this valley many times said Great Heart. We must stop and pray to the one who gives light, and he will. And soon light came, and they could continue. Just a little further and they would be out, but they would still need to be very careful.

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

We can learn from this that our enemy the devil will do all sorts of things to frighten us, trip us up, and make us not want to continue as a pilgrim. He might make things appear all dark. We might not know how to go on, and at such times it is good to stop and pray, and ask God for light on our pathway. It is better to stop and pray than stumble and stray.

The Bible tells us our enemy roars like a lion, and he is also depicted as a serpent who hisses his slanders at us - but Jesus Christ has defeated him, and he cannot ultimately harm us.

Yes, there are valleys to go through - but as you go through them you will find yourself On Course with Christiana.

PILGRIMS PROGRESS PART 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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