The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010

7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010

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NovNov--Dec2010Dec2010

TheTheThe

EvangelicalEvangelicalEvangelicalPresbyterianPresbyterianPresbyterian

Meet Another of our MembersMeet Another of our Members

Ruth (6)Ruth (6) -- Blessings upon BlessingsBlessings upon Blessings

Learning from Anne BradstreetLearning from Anne Bradstreet

Glimpses of KnoxGlimpses of Knox

Novovov--Dec 2010ec 2010ec 20101.501.501.50


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TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian

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Subscriptions 2010

Collected 9.00

BypostwithinUK 10.80BypostoutsideUK14.80Enquiriesto:EvangelicalBookShop(Seebackpageforcontactdetails)

Take NoteTake NoteA Comprehensive Spiritual Review?Comprehensive Spiritual Review?TheChancelloroftheExchequerhas

announcedaprogrammeofseverefinancialcutsinthehopethatBritainwillcomeoutof

whathasbeendescribedastheworst

recessionformanyyears.Knownasthe

CoalitionsComprehensiveSpending

Review,itsetsoutaprogrammetoreduce

thenationaldeficitoverthenextfouryears.

Thenationcertainlyhasamajorfinancial

problemthatneedstobeaddressed.

Alreadythereismuchconcernbeing

expressedabouthowthespendingcutswill

impacttheNorthernIrelandeconomy.That

thereareuncertaintimesaheadisbeyond

doubtandtheprospectofjoblossesand

economichardshipisareality.Sucha

comprehensivereviewwasimperative.

Therearetimestoowhenthechurch

needstohaveacomprehensivereview,not

justaboutspending,butfundamentally

aboutitsspirituality.Asweapproachthe

endofanotheryearitisoftengoodtoreflect

andtakestockofoursituation,notonlyasa

denomination,butascongregationsand

indeedasindividuals.Inthefirstdecadeof

the21stcenturywehaveseenoverall

numbersdeclineandclosedmorechurches

thanwehaveopened.

Asachurchthisisnotauniquepositionto

beintoday,butasevangelicalsclaimingto

holdtoBiblicalandhistoricChristianitywe

mustnotlosethevisiontopreachthe

Gospelandmakedisciplesofallnations.

TakeNote:wherethereisnoprophetic

vision,thepeoplearediscouraged.

Proverbs29.18

Cover PhotographQaqortoq,southGreenland,feltbymanytobethecountrysmost

picturesquevillage.Populationis3000ofwhommanyarestudents.Greenland(pop56,000)isverylargelyEvangelicalLutheran.

The Evangelical Presbyterian

ispublishedbi-monthlybythePresbyteryoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch.

Please visit: www.epcni.org.uk

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AnyonewishingtohelptheChurchsworkmaysendtheirgifttotheFinanceCommittee,C/o:

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PolicyTheviewsexpressedarethoseoftheEditorandContributorswhichareunderstoodtoreflectthetheologicalpositionoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch

Copy Deadline

1stofmonthpriortopublication

Editor

HaroldGibson

Stockbridge2BarronstownCourtDROMOREBT251FB

[email protected]


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TheEditordito rreflectsonthethebleakmid-winterofthesoul.The Souls Winter TimesThe Souls Winter Times

Wearenowintothewinterseason,colderdays,longdarkeveningsandableak

andbarrenlandscape.WhatistrueofnaturecanalsobetrueofChristianexperience.ThePuritansspokeofthesoulswintertimeswhentheheartgrowscold,theoutlookbleakandcommunionandfellowshipwithGodbarren. DarkdaysandcoldheartsofteninvadethelivesofGodschildrenandlifecanbecomebewildering.WeareoftentemptedtoaskWhatishappeninginmylife?JohnFlavelurgedhiscontemporariestoexercisethefaithofadherencewhenyouhavelostthefaithofevidence.Early Signsarly SignsInnaturethefirstsignsofwinterareusuallytheappearanceoffrostfollowedbycoldicydays.Inthespiritualrealmfrostandiceoftenformsinthesoulofachurchmemberandeversograduallytheybecomecoolertomatterseternal.Churchattendancebecomessporadic,absencefromtheprayermeetingbecomesthenormandexcusesforavoidingfellowshipwithGodspeoplecomeinawidevarietyofexplanations;thevoiceofChristisnolongerheeded,theattractionsoftheworldbecomemoreappealingandthesoulgetscolderandcolder.Theiceofwinter.WilliamCowperexpressesitsowellwhenheasksthequestionWhereistheblessednessIknew,whenfirstIsawtheLord?HowcanthishappentoapersonwhoonceshowedmarksoftruesavingfaithinChristandwhonowseemsfullofunbeliefanddistantfromGod?Facing Realityacing RealityWeneedtorealizethatunbeliefcanovertaketheheartofanyprofessingChristian.EvenamongthedisciplesofJesusthereweretimeswhentheydidnotbelieve.TaketheaccountoftheresurrectioninLuke24:Marytoldthedisciplesthegoodnewsbuttheydidnotbelieveher(v11).InPaulsletterswereadofthosewhooncewerekeypeopleinthechurchbutforsooktheGospelbecauseoftheloveoftheworld.SpiritualdeclensionisarealityandcaninvadethelifeofaChristianso

easily.InPsalms42and43thePsalmistexperiencesaperiodofbeingdowncastandinturmoilofsoulandasksthequestionofhimselfWhyareyoucastdown,Omysoul?butinaskingthatquestionhebeginstogetafreshholdonGod. ItwasSamuelRutherfordwhosaidthatgracegrowsbestinwinter.AnotherPuritansaidWemustlearntospinoutcomfort,peace,joyandcommunionwithChristinourtroubles.Whenthebleakmid-winterofspiritualdeclinesetsinonusitisvitalthatweturntotheScripturesforthatcomfort,peace,joyandcommunionwithGodthatsobadlyneedstoberestored.C.H.SpurgeonwritesDownmen,however,mustnotdespair,forGodisyetalive,andheistheFriendofthe

friendless.IftherebenooneelsefoundtoholdoutahandtohimwhohasfallentheLordshandshallnotfailtobringdeliverancetothosewhotrusthim.1EricAlexanderincommentingonPsalm89remindsus:Whenthereiswinterinhissoul,thePsalmistisstillabletocryaloudoftheLordsgreatfaithfulness.

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Restoring our Soulestoring our SoulRemembranceisonewayofrestoringourjoyandfellowshipwiththeLord.DavidsaysMysouliscastdownwithinme,thereforeIrememberyou.(Ps42.6)MurdochCampbellasksWoulditbepresumptuoustosaythatthethreeplacesnamedintheversearetypicalofcertainChristianexperiences?

3Davidrecalls

thelandofJordan,Hermon,andMountMizar,placesofcherishedmemoryforhim.

WhenwearefacingthewintersoulexperienceweneedtorecallthosespecialtimesandplaceswhenGodtouchedourlives,metourneedandbroughtusthrough.WerememberGodsfaithfulnesstous.Heisfaithfulinhispromisesandheistheoneonwhomwecandepend.InPsalm43thePsalmistasksforGodslightandtruthtoleadhim.AgainitistotheWordofGodthatwemustturn,asCHSpurgeonsays:Asallnaturerejoicesinthesunshine,evensothesaintstriumphinthemanifestationoftheloveandfidelityoftheirGod,which,likethegoldensunbeam,lightsupeventhedarkestsurroundingswithdelightfulsplendour.4

TherestoringofthesoultocommunionwithGodleadstoworship.ThePsalmistspeaksofgoingtothealtarofGod,toGodmyexceedingjoy.ThisinturnleadstopraiseandtoarenewedhopeinGod.RecallingGodsfaithfulnessbringscomforttooursoulssothatwecanknowthatpeacewhichpassesallunderstandingandbeabletorejoiceinallcircumstances.EricAlexanderwritesInallhisdealingswithme,evenwhenitiswinterinmysoul,IamabletosingofthefaithfulnessofGod.IcandothatbecauseIknowthatGodwillneverdoanythingoutofstepwithhistruenature.Hedoesnotchangelikeshiftingshadows,saysJames(Jas1.17).5

WhenwefeelthechillofwinterinoursoulsmightourexperiencebelikethosetwodisciplesontheEmmausroad,whosaidDidnotourheartsburnwithinuswhileheopenedtoustheScriptures?1SpurgeonsPracticalWisdom,BannerofTruth,2009,p782OurGreatGodandSaviour,EricAlexander,BannerofTruth,2010,p46.3FromGracetoGlory,MeditationsontheBookofPsalms,MurdochCampbell,BoT,1970,p79. 4TheTreasuryofDavid,CHSpurgeon.5Ibid;Alexander,p49

Daylight Christian Prison Trustaylight Christian Prison TrustCEO: Rev Dr John ScottEO: Rev Dr John Scott

Daylightseekstoseeprisoners'livestransformedbytheGospelofJesusChristbypartneringwithchurches,individualsandtruststoprovidespiritualandpracticalsupporttooffendersbothinsideandoutsideofprison.

AllisterandJeanLucas,Crumlin,hostabi-monthlyPrayerandSupportGroupforDaylightCPFintheirhome.Allareencouragedtocome,Pleasenotethedetails.

Prayer Meeting for Daylight CPTrayer Meeting for Daylight CPTMonday 22 November 20108.00 pm129MeadowlandsANTRIMBT414EY(OppositeJunction1Retail) 028 9442 8631

Ministers and Office BearersPlease attend the Annual Half Day of PrayerSaturday20November9:30-12:30,Stranmillis


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IntheconcludingarticleofhisseriesonRuth,(4.13-22),Rev Andrew Lucasev Andrew Lucas,Omagh,showsthatthestoryofBoazandRuthispartofafargreaterstory

thestoryofourredemptionthroughJesusChrist.

Blessings upon BlessingsBlessings upon Blessings

Well,wehavealmostreachedtheendofourjourney.WehavefollowedNaomiandherdaughter-in-lawRuthontheironjourneybacktothelandofIsrael.WehavealsofollowedthetwistsandtheturnsofRuthandBoazsblossomingromance.Despitetheunexpectedappearanceofamysteryman,whoseemsintentondashingallourhopesforthem,eventuallythatobstacleisremovedandthewayisnowopenforthetwoofthemtobetogetherforever.Allthatremainsisforustodointhisfinalarticle,istoconsiderthelastsectionin4.13-22.1 Blessings For ThemBlessings For ThemAndtherearetwothingsthatweneedtonotice.Firstly,noticethatthereareblessingsforthem.DoyourememberEdwardFerrars?HesthemaninJaneAustensnovelSense&SensibilitywhoisobviouslymeantfortheleadcharacterElinorDashwood,butunfortunatelyheisalreadysecretlyengagedtoLucySteele. Beingthegentlemanthatheis,EdwardfeelsunabletobreakhiswordtoLucy,eventhoughitmeansbeingseparatedfromElinorforever.WhenEdwardsmotherfindsoutaboutthissecretengagement,shethreatenstodisinherithersonunlesshebreaksthingsoff.ButagainEdwardfeelsunabletodothisandsticksbyLucy,sohismothertransferseverythingirrevocablytoheryoungersonRobert.Nowfacedwiththeprospectoflifewithapennilessclergyman,LucydropsEdwardlikeastoneandrunsoffwithhisbrother.PoorEdward,hetriedtodotherightthing,butendedupwithnothing.Butofcoursethestorydoesntendtheredoesit?HegoestovisittheDashwoods,whohaventheardaboutthechangeinhiscircumstancesandwhenheexplains,Elinorshopesarerevived.EdwardapologiesforallthehurthehascausedherandasksElinortomarryhim,andofcoursesheaccepts.Everythingisasitshouldbeandtheylivehappilyeverafter. NowaswecometothesefinalversesinthebookofRuth,wefindthateverythingendswellandthethreeleadcharactersareblessed.Firstly,thereis

Boaz.Fromthemomentthatwefirstmethim,Boazhasbehavedimpeccably.Heisaworthyman(2.1),whoateverypointinthestoryisgovernednotbyhisemotions,butbytheWordofGod.Hedoeswhatisright,evenwhenhisdesireswouldleadhiminanotherdirection,butnowtheLordblessesthisgodlymanwithagodlywife.BoazrecognisedRuthsspiritualqualitiesveryearlyon(2.12-13)andnowshebecomeshissoulmate.Butthereismore!TheEldershadprayedfortheLordsblessinguponBoazandhisnewwife(4.11-12),andtheLordheardthem,becausewereadin4.13,SoBoaztookRuth,andshebecamehiswife.Andhewentintoher,andtheLORDgaveherconception,andsheboreason.(ESV).SoBoazgainsagodlywifeandason!TheLordhastrulyblessedhimand

withthat,thisgodlymanleavesthestageforever. Secondly,thereisRuth. HowRuthscircumstanceshavechangedduringthese fourchapters!ShewasfirstintroducedtousasaMoabite,inahighlyquestionably


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marriagetoNaomisson.Thatunionwasshort-livedandunfruitful,becauseherhusbanddiesleavingherachildlesswidow.Whilsthersister-in-lawOrpahmakesthesensiblechoiceandreturnstoherownpeople,RuthbindsherselftoIsraelsGodandreturnswithNaomi,toalandwhereshecanexpectonlyalienationandpoverty.Buttherearevarioushintsalongthewaythathersituationmaychangeforthebetter(1.8,2.12-13)andlookathernow!NotonlyhasBoazactedasher

protectorandbenefactor(2.8-9,14-16),butnowthisredeemerbecomesherhusband.Butagainthereismore,becauseasRobertLHubbardJrpointsout,theLordstepsoutfromtheshadowsforthesecondtimeinourstory(thefirstbeing1.6)andblessesRuth.Wereadin4.13,andtheLORDgaveherconception,andsheboreason.(ESV)SothisforeignerjoinstheranksofwomenlikeSarah,RebekahandRachel.Ruthnowhasahusband,ahomeandnowachild,andwiththatshetooleavesthestage. SobothBoazandRuthhavebeenblessedbytheLord.ThethirdpersontobeblessedisNaomi.Itisperhapssurprisingthatsheisthelastofthethreetobe

mentionedanditmaybeanindicationthatshehasbeenthecentralfigureinourstoryallalong,butwhetherthatistrueornot,Naomiisgreatlyblessed.Doyourememberhowshedescribedherselfuponreturningtoherhomeland?Shesaid,DonotcallmeNaomi;callmeMara,fortheAlmightyhasdealtverybitterlywithme.Iwentawayfull,andtheLORDhasbroughtmebackempty.WhycallmeNaomi,whentheLORDhastestifiedagainstmeandtheAlmightyhasbroughtcalamityuponme?(1.20-21ESV).ButnowourfinalpictureofNaomi,isofawomansurroundedbyherrejoicingneighbours(4.14-15,17),withhergrandsonrestinginherlap(4.16)! Nowfriends,letsjuststepbackforamomentandponderthescenepresentedtousinthisfinalsection.Wehaveagodlymanwhodoeswhatisrightdespitehisfeelings;wehaveapaganwomanwhomakesacostlychoiceandbindsherselftotheLord,andwehaveanolderwomanwhopassesthroughdifficultprovidences,andyetallthreeareblessedbytheLord.CanyouseethattheLordisnomansdebtor,butliberallyshowershisservantswithgifts?Friend,perhapsyouthinkthatbecomingaChristianistoocostly.PerhapsyouareaChristianandyourefacedwithachoicewheretheWordofGodwantsyoutogooneway,butyouwanttogoanotherwayandyouarewonderingwhatyoushoulddo.Perhaps,youhavebeen

goinginthewrongdirectionandthroughpainfulprovidencesyouhavebeenbroughtbackontotherightpath,andyouarehurting.Friends,whateveryourcircumstancesmaybe,canyouseethattheLordlovestoblessthosewhofaithfullyfollowhim?Heisnotahardtaskmaster,butlavisheshisgraceuponhischildren.(Eph2.4-7)2 Blessings For Us.Blessings For Us.Sothereareblessingsforthem.Secondly,noticethatthereareblessingsforus.HaveyoueverseenthecartoonfilmAntz,whichfollowstheupsandthedownsofanantcolonyandinparticular,oneoftheworkerantscalledZ-4195orZforshort?Attheveryendofthefilm,whenZhasdefeatedthebaddiesandwonthe

heartofPrincessBala,thecamerapansoutandsuddenlyyourealisethateverythingthathashappened,hashappenedinCentralParkinNewYork.Nowyouwerentawareofthatatthetime,butnowyoucanseethatthestoryofZandhisfriendswaspartofafarbiggerstory.


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NowthesameistrueofthestoryofRuthandBoaz,becauseasthestorydrawstoaclose,thecamerapansoutandshowsusthebiggerstory.In4.18-22weread:NowthesearethegenerationsofPerez:PerezfatheredHezron,HezronfatheredRam,RamfatheredAmminadab,AmminadabfatheredNahshon,NahshonfatheredSalmon,SalmonfatheredBoaz,BoazfatheredObed,ObedfatheredJesse,andJessefatheredDavid.(ESV).

Fromthebeginningwehavebeenundertheimpressionthatthisisjustasimplelovestory,wheninactualfact,RuthandBoazarepartofafargreaterstory.GodsprovidenceintheirlivesispartofawiderprovidencebywhichtheLordprovideshispeoplewithaking!NowthatshouldimmediatelymakeusstopandthinkaboutGodsprovidenceinourownlives.Friends,sometimesGodworksinourlivesnotsimplytoblessus,butalsotoblessothers.SinclairFerguson writes,ForGoddoesnotmeantotouchonlyourlivesbywhathedoesinus;hehasthelivesofothersinvieweventhoseyetunborn.Isntthatamazing?Yes,Godisatworkourlives,buthemightalsohaveaneyeonfuturegenerationsas

well.Inactualfact,wehaveanotherexampleofthisintheversesthatwehavejustread,butperhapsyoumissedit?Doesyourfamilyhaveaskeletoninthecloset?Adarksecretthatnoonelikestotalkabout?Well,sodoesBoaz!BoazisadescendantofPerez,whowasbornofthatincestuousunionbetweenJudahandhisdaughter-in-lawTamar(Gen38).WhatadreadfulmomentthatwasinthehistoryofGodspeopleandyettheLordstepsinthemuckandthemireandoverrulesinsuchaway,thatultimatelythisunionnotonlyproducesthegodlyBoaz,butalsoIsraelsgreatestking!IsntGodprovidencetrulyamazing? ButofcoursethestorydoesntendwithDavid.IntheopeningchapterofMatthewsGospelwehaveanothergenealogyinwhichBoazandRutharementioned(Matt.1.5).ButthisisnotDavidsgenealogy,thisisthegenealogyofanotherKing,aGreaterKinganditendswiththesewords,andJacobthefatherofJosephthehusbandofMary,ofwhomJesuswasborn,whoiscalledChrist.(Matt1.16ESV) Canyouseewhatthismeansfriends?ThestoryofRuthandBoazispartofafarbiggerstory,thestoryofredemption,andinthatsensetheirstoryispartofourownstory.AsGodworkedouthispurposesintheirlives,hehadaneyetofuture

generations.RuthneededaKinsman-RedeemerandheprovidedherwithoneinBoaz,butwealsoneedaRedeemerandGodhasprovideduswithoneinhisSon,JesusChrist.ThroughRuthandBoazwehavebeengloriouslyandwondrouslyblessed.Sofriends,aswedrawourstudytoaclose,canIaskyoujustonemorequestion?Friends,doyouknowandlovethisRedeemerandhaveyouexperiencedhissavingpowerinyourlifethroughhiscross?Ihopeandpraythatyoudoandyouhave.Amen.

The Ruth Serieshe Ruth Series The Evangelical Presbyterianhe Evangelical Presbyterian , 20102010

1The Road to Nowhere (Ruth 1.1-5) 4 False Start (Ruth 3)2The Long Road Home (Ruth 1.6-22) 5 Seeing Beyond (Ruth 4.1-12)3 Faith in Action (Ruth 2) 6 Blessings upon Blessings (Ruth 4.13-22)


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Meet one of our MembersMeet one of our MembersMervyn Langtry, FinaghyMervyn Langtry, Finaghy

MervynLangtrywasbornandlivedhisfirstsevenyearsinSandyRow.Hewent

toMcQuistonMemorialPrimaryinDonegallPass,famous,amongotherthings,foritsplaygroundontheroof!ManywillrememberthebuildingbetterasthepremisesoftheCityofBelfastSchoolofMusic1965-2009.MervynsearlyChurchconnectionwaswithBerryStreetPresbyterianandhestillremembersRevGlynOwenpresentinghimwithaBibleasaSundaySchoolprizewhenhewasjustfive. To Finaghy and EPCo Finaghy and EPCIn1964theLangtryfamilyjoinedthemigrationtakingplaceatthetimefromtheSandyRow-LowerDonegallRoadcityareasofBelfastouttoFinaghysuburbia.TheysettledinGlenarmSquarequiteclosetoLocksleyGardensandFinaghy

EvangelicalPresbyterianChurch.ItwaslocationmorethananythingelsethatdeterminedMervynsfirstconnectionwithFinaghyEPC.TragicallyhiscousinhadbeenkilledbyalorryatFinaghycrossroadsandconsequentlyMervynsmotherwasreluctantforhimtocrossthebusyLisburnRoadtothePresbyterianChurch.HecouldwalktheshortdistancetoEPCSundaySchoolbyhimselfandthiswasthedecidingfactor.MervynsfirstteacherwasNaomiHallidayoneofthecurrentmembersoftheFinaghyChurch.HeremembersthatsheexplainedthingssimplyandgentlyenduringqualitiesandgiftsforaSundaySchoolteacherineveryage. Mervynsmother,fromBallymena,soonstartedtocometobothservicesandfeltverymuchathomeinhernewplaceofworship.HisownchildhoodrecollectionoftheChurchwasmorethananythingelsethegodlinessofitspeople.ThememoryofthoselikeMissLottieMcWilliam,SamuelGShanksandSamuelMcGurk arestillfragrantwithhim.HerecallsMissAgnesGalespeakingatanOpenSundaySchoolwhenhewasstillachildandalthoughhehasretainednothingofwhatshesaidthatday,herwinsome,graciouspresencestilllivesvividlywithhim.MervynsfatherhadanElimbackgroundandinthefamilysearlierFinaghyyearsheattendedtheUlsterTempleontheRavenhillRoad.HewasabusdriverandwhenhewasunabletogetacrosstowntohisownChurchbecauseoftheshift

patternofhisworkhetoostartedtocomewithhiswifetoourFinaghyChurch.Hecametolikeitincreasingly,impressedbyRevsCEHunter,NormanReidandSidneyGarlandbothbytheirlivesandtheirministries.Hefollowedhiswifeintomembershipandusedtorendersolosonoccasionsattheservices.ConversiononversionMervynisoneofthecompanyofChristianswhocandateandtimetheirconversionprecisely.InhiscaseitwasSundayevening25April1965at8.15pm.ThefamilywerenotatChurchthateveningforsomereasonandasheoccupiedhimselfathomeMervyncameunderseriousconvictionofsin.Suchwasthesenseand

burdenofitthatheburstintotears.HepouredouthispaintohismotherthatsheandDadweregoingtoheavenandhewouldbeseparatedfromthem.HegavehislifetoJesusChristthereandthenandlearnedfromhisownexperiencethatchildrencanindeedunderstandconvictionofsinandtakethestepoffaith.


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Education and Employmentducation and EmploymentMervyntransferredtoFinaghyPrimarySchoolwhenthe familymovedfromSandyRow.HewentontoMethodistCollegeandthenstudiedHistoryandSocialandEconomicHistoryatQueensUniversityBelfast.HebeganhiscareerintheNorthernIrelandCivilService

intheDepartmentofHealthandSocialServiceswhereheworkedinvariouslocationsincludingLisburn.In1999hejoinedthenewDepartmentforEmploymentandLearningandhasrisentoHeadofManagementDevelopmentforNorthernIreland.WecongratulateMervynonhiscareersuccessandacknowledgetheclarityofhisChristianwitnessthroughoutit.Church Lifehurch LifeMervynhasalwaysfeltacallingtoyouthworkintheChurchanditbecamethe

focalpointofhislifeashegrewup.Since1974hehascontributedasaSundaySchoolteacherandLeaderoftheYouthFellowshipanditsCommitteeatFinaghy.AtdenominationallevelhehasservedontheYoungPeoplesAssociationCommitteeandasConvenerofPresbyteryYouthCommittee.Helooksbackonthetroublesinthe1970sand80sasatimeofincreasedopportunitiesforyouthworkandthankfullyremembersitasaperiodofblessing.ItseemstohimthattheLordusedtherestrictedsecularoptionsforyoungpeopleatthattimetoattractthemtotheChurchwhoseprogrammeremainedactiveandinviting. MervynisfullofappreciationforthesuccessiveministrieshehassatunderatFinaghyandfortheserviceopportunitiestheChurchhasgivenhim.Hisfirstpreachingengagementwaswhenhewasjust17andhehaslabouredfaithfullyinthisrolesince.HebecameaDeaconin1978andanElderin1991whenstillonly33.HealsoconsidersitagreatprivilegetobeoneofFinaghysCommissionerstoPresbytery.OneofitsfirstblessingswasminglingwithsomeofourChurchFatherssuchasRevWJMcDowellandRevCHGarland.HehadmetRevWJGrierbuthadlessopportunityforcontactwithhim.Hewasalwaysstruckbythehumility,godlinessandgenuineconvictionofthesemen.HewasModeratorofPresbytery2000-01,ahumblingexperiencebutoneofgreathonour.Mervyn

hasalsoservedonPresbyterysTrainingoftheMinistryandAdmissions,YouthandFinanceConsultativeCommittees,andiscurrentlyonChurchDevelopment.Family Lifeamily LifeInthelate1970sKaren,wholivedinErinvale,waslookingforaChurchandwalkedintotheFinaghyPrayerMeetinginhersearch.Whatagreatwaytostart!Soonshewasinvolvedintheyouthworkandtherest,astheysay,ishistory!Theyweremarriedin1983.Theirtwochildren,CherithandNathanbothservetheLordactivelyinanotherlocalChurch.Cherithisengagedtobemarried.

VisionisionMervynstressesthatwearecalledtobefaithfulinthegodlessdaysinwhichwelive.HewouldlovetoseeourChurchexpandingwithoutreachintonewareasandfeelsthatweneedtoboldlysetourselvesgoalsandobjectivestoachieveit.


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All Lands to God!All Lands to God!

WithJeanrecoveringafterherrecenthospitalisation,Godopenedadoorforme

tomakeareturnvisitNigeriaSeptember9-29.Itturnedouttobeavisittothreecities.IntheThirdLausanneCongressinCapeTown,DrTimKellerpointedoutthatifwewanttoreach(1)thenextgeneration,(2)themostunreachedpeoples in

theworld,(3)thepeoplewhohavethebiggestinfluenceintheculture,and(4)thepoorestpeopleinthesociety,thenwehavetogotothecitiesbecausethatiswherewewill(predominantly) findthem. OnarrivalinAbujaIproceededtothenew

bookshopthatACTShasrentedintheheartofNigeriasfastgrowingcapital.OnreachingJos,IfounditlesstensethanwhenweleftinApril,butbelieverspleadforustocontinuetoprayforthis

strategiccitywithitsmanychurchandmissionheadquartersaswellasHillcrestSchoolwhereourthreechildrenhadaprivilegedChristianeducation. IwaswarmlyreceivedandwassoonbusyatACTS(AfricaChristianTextbooks)withadministrativeandBoardmeetings.Theysaythatyoudontgetwhatyouexpect,butwhatyouinspect.However,IthankGodforthetrustworthyworkershehasgivenusinACTSandalsoforoursupportiveDirectorsandTrustees.OneofmyjoyswastojointheACTSstaffintheirdailydevotions.Everydayamemberofstaffreadsandexplainsanassignedpassage.Theyhavejustcompletedtheentire NewTestamentinthiswayandtestifytothegreatblessingthishasbeenintheirlives. Inadditiontopreaching,Ihadopportunitytotrainwritersandourmanagementlevelstaff.Praythatstaffwillshareourconvictionoftheimportanceofliteraturetostrengthenthechurch,apracticalconcerntoservethecustomers,anda

Rev Dr Sidney Garland: Visiting Nigerian CitiesRev Dr Sidney Garland: Visiting Nigerian Cities

Lagos

JosAbuja

SJG at the new Lagos Depot


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F i t z s immon s

theologicaldiscernmentthatseeksoutthebestbooks.AsthePuritanwriter,RichardBaxterputitsoaptly:Itisnotthereadingofmanybookswhichisnecessarytomakeamanwiseorgood,butthewell-readingofafew,couldhebesuretohavethebest. AhighlightformewasmyvisittoLagos,withitsteeming16millionpopulation.Isawthebook,Bibleandtractdepotthatweareabouttoopeninco-operationwithRevivalMovementAssociation(EveryHomeCrusade).Thesiteisverycentrallylocatedwithspaceforcustomerparkingandevenforshippingcontainerstoenterandbeoff-loaded.IhopetoreturnfortheopeningoftheLagosandAbujashopsinearlyDecember.Oneofthetreasureswearecurrentlyexpectingisaspecial

printingoftheReformationStudyBible.PraythatNigeriasgrowingdenominationsandBiblecollegeswillhearoftherichresourcesnowontheirdoorstep.

WegivethanksforansweredprayerinthegrantingofaVisaforRicky,Angie

andNoahtogotoNigeria.TheyarebookedtoflyoutonMonday8November.Wepraythattheywillhaveasafejourneyandthattheywillsettleintotheworkandtheirnewenvironmentquickly.Welookforwardtohearingfromthem.Wewishthemgoodhealth,manyopportunitiesandeveryblessingfromGod.

ACTS Staff in front of Bukuru Headquarters

Bible College Lecturers around an ACTS Bookstall


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BIG WORDSSo think about these . . Ask God to make

them come to life in your heart. Then

you willgrow in the grace and knowledge

of our Lord and Saviour,

Jesus Christ.

(2 Peter 3:18).

BIG WORDS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

You will be a STABLE Christian

Hi!

Did you ever have one of

those toys that you can never

knock over? Push it down and

it always stands up again. Itis very STABLE.

We want you to be STABLE as a Christian.

Thats why we have been teaching you

from the Bible.BIG WORDS

Peter says that some things in the Bible are hard to

understand. (2 Peter 3:16). But you need to know them.
http://uk.wrs.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTf2xg5b5M4BUAJnlWBQx./SIG=12sc6i8hm/EXP=1287665376/**http%3a/dir.coolclips.com/clipart/150/vgjm/tf05027/CoolClips_peop0055.jpghttp://edit%2826032%29/http://edit%2826032%29/http://uk.wrs.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTf2xg5b5M4BUAJnlWBQx./SIG=12sc6i8hm/EXP=1287665376/**http%3a/dir.coolclips.com/clipart/150/vgjm/tf05027/CoolClips_peop0055.jpg


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BIG WORDS

TEST TIMEThese are all the from the last 11 magazines.

Can you match each one with its meaning?

Adoption being given a new life

Condemnation counted right in Gods sight

Creation being made a child in Gods family

Incarnation being perfect in Gods sight

Justified sentenced to punishment

Regeneration God making everything from nothing

Repent someone who takes the place ofanother person

Revelation being far from God

Righteous God showing us what He is like

Separation Jesus became a man

Substitute turn away from sin


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Lifeisoftenreferredtoasarace;somewouldevencallittheratrace.YettheBiblerejectsthatthisraceisendless,self-defeatingorapointlesspursuit.PaulwrotetotheCorinthiansDoyounotknowthatinaracealltherunnersrun,butonlyonereceivestheprize?Sorunthatyoumayobtainit.(1Cor9.24)All Run the Racell Run the RaceTheapostleremindstheCorinthiansthatintherace allrunnersrun.Unfortunatelymanyoftheseneverfinishtherace.Manystartoffwellandappeartohavehugepotentialbutlooseenduranceandgiveup.Othersmaygooffcourseandloose

theirway.Thentherearethosewhorunintheotherdirectiontothecityofdestruction!ButnotsotheChristiantheirmotivationistoreachthefinishline.SuretheChristianmaynotalwaysstarttheracewell,butitsnothowyoustarttheracethatmattersitshowyoufinish.Wemustalsorememberthatitisonlythosewhostarttheracecorrectlywhoarequalifiedtoobtaintheprizeatthefinish.InancientGreeceifyoustartedtheracetooearlyortoolateyouweredisqualifiedfromthecontest.Thesameappliestothisrace.OnlythosewhoarebornagainbytheSpiritofGodareeligiblefortheprizeatthefinish.Allotherswillbedisqualified. Few Obtain the Prizeew Obtain the PrizeWhenwritingthisarticle,theCommonwealthGames2010hasbegunandmanyathleteshavebeentrainingforcountlesshourstobethenumberoneintheirsport.Butwhydotheydoit?Theapostlesaysthattheydoittoreceiveaperishablewreath,butweanimperishable(9.25).Justastheseathletesdonottraintoobtainsecondplace,soweasChristiansmusttakethesameattitudefortheapostlehighlightsonlyonereceivestheprize.TheathletetrainswiththedreamofstandingonthepodiumtotheirnationalanthemreceivingaGoldmedal. UnliketheCommonwealthgames,theChristianraceisreallyworthrunning.

Wearerunningforourlives.Theraceiswinorlose,lifeordeath,heavenorhell,eternaljoyoreternalmisery.Hellisbehindus,sinischasingus,butthegatesofthecityofrefugearewideopenbeforeus.TheHolySpiritrefreshesuswhenwegetwearywiththeBreadofLifeandLivingWater.Godwillseehisworkthroughtocompletion.(Phil1.6)ThechurchandthecitizensofheavencheerusalongtoreachthatfinishlinewhereJesusstandstowelcome:Welldone,goodandfaithfulservant.Youhavebeenfaithfuloveralittle;Iwillsetyouovermuch.Enterintothejoyofyourmaster.(Matt25.23)

Letusthereforestrivetoenterthatrest.(Heb4.11)

Yourlifeisshort,yourdutiesmany,yourassistancegreat,andyourrewardsure;

thereforefaintnot,holdonandholdup,inwaysofwell-doing,andheavenshallmakeamendsforall!(ThomasBrooks)

Inthesixthandconcludingpartofhisseries Christopher Dohertyhristopher DohertyconsiderstheChristianracehowwerunandhowwefinish.

Do you not Know!Do you not Know! -- 66


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Moo 1 MERFERF PrayforthecontinuedmediaoutreachtomiddleeastcountriesTuu 2 EPCEWPCEW PrayforoursisterchurchinEngland&Wales,forcontinuedgrowthWee 3 1 Indiandia PraythattheLordwilldeliverChristiansfromeverypersecutionThh 4 2 Page 16age 16-1 Please pray for Key Prayer Point 1 overleafFrr 5 3 Stranmillistranmillis GivethanksforanotableincreaseatSundaySchoolSaa 6 4 Crumlinrumlin PrayfortheInterimModerator-SessionastheyseekGodsleadingSuu 7 5 Conversionsonversions PrayforconversionswiththosewhomourchurcheshavecontactMoo 8 6 Richhillichhill PraythatwewouldknowthepoweroftheHolySpiritinourmidst Tuu 9 7 Fitzsimmonsitzsimmons PrayforRicky,Angie&NoahwholeftforNigeria8November Wee 100 8 Page 16age 16-2 Please pray for Key Prayer Point 2 overleafThh 111 9 Lisburn Roadisburn Road PrayfortheParent&Toddlergroup,meetingeachFridaymorning Frr 122 100 Book Shopook Shop PrayforthemanagerandstaffandforagoodChristmasperiodSaa 133 111 Sun Schoolsun Schools Prayfortheforconversionofthegirlsandboyswhocome Suu 144 122 Focus on Godocus on God Praythatwemightbekeptfromthespiritoftheage Moo 155 133 Somerton Rdomerton Rd Prayforfruitfromourrecentyouthoutreachweek Tuu 166 144 Finaghyinaghy PrayfordistributionofourChristmasCDinthedistrict Wee 177 155 Knocknock Prayforourelderlyfolknolongerabletogetouttotheservices Thh 188 166 Ballyclareallyclare PrayforouryoungpeoplesCarolServiceon17December Frr 199 177 Groomsportroomsport Someofourfolkhaveserioushealthproblems.PleaseprayforthemSaa 200 188 Crosscollyerrosscollyer PrayfortheSundaySchool,nowmeetingatthischurch Suu 211 199 Ministersinisters Prayfortheirgoodhealthandblessingupontheirministries Moo 222 200 Omaghmagh PrayfortheongoingworkofourSundaySchoolTuu 233 211 Page 16age 16-3 Please pray for Key Prayer Point 3 overleafWee 244 222 Outreachutreach PrayforourchurchesintheiroutreachovertheChristmasperiod Thh 255 233 South Africaouth Africa PrayfortheregularSundaySchoolteacherworkshopsatDumisaniFrr 266 244 Int Studentsnt Students PrayfortheFridaynightBibleStudy.Givethanksforallwhocome Saa 277 255 YPAPA PrayforouryoungpeopleastheyseektoliveforChrist Suu 288 266 Off Bearersff Bearers PrayforourEldersandDeaconsintheirrespectivecallings Moo 299 277 Hardshipardship Prayforthoseexperiencingjoboreconomichardshipatthistime Tuu 300 288 Perueru PrayfortheplanstoexpandtheLimaColegio,andthefinanceWee 299 Studentstudents Prayforthosewehavecontactwithonaregularbasis Thh 300 Thankshanks Foryourmercyandyourgrace,faithfulthroughanotheryear Frr 311 2011011 PraythatwewouldbefaithfuluntoJesusChristduring2011

Prayer Diary: NovPrayer Diary: Nov--Dec 2010Dec 2010


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ThefollowingcommendthemselvesasmattersforspecialprayeratthepresenttimeatourChurchServices,PrayerMeetings,andforfamilyandpersonalprayer.TheyappearinthePrayerDiaryonTuesday,WednesdayorThursdaysothatourPrayer

Meetingscancoverthembetweenthematleastonceamonth.

Key Matters for PrayerKey Matters for PrayerNovNov--Dec 2010Dec 2010

1 Christmas Outreachhristmas OutreachOurcongregationsengageinvariousoutreachprogrammesovertheChristmasperiodsuchasCarolServices,DistributionofChristmasLiterature,specialguestoccasionsandvisitstoNursing-Residentialhomes.Weknowthatthisyear,forexample,FinaghyplanstorecordaCarolServiceinNovemberandtodistribute1500copiesoftheCDaroundtheirdistrictasChristmasapproaches.Itisalsoaveryspecialtimeforouryouthorganisationswhonormallyhavesocialeventsforthechildrenandyouth,perhapsinvolvingparentsandfriends.SotheChristmas

periodisprobablyoneofourmajoroutreachtimesoftheyear.Pleaseprayfortheseevents,especiallythattheLordwillusethespokenorwrittenWordtoaddtothechurchandbuilditup.Praytoofortheleaderswhohavetheresponsibilityofplanningtheseeventsandforthosewhowillhelptoputthemintoeffect.WemaybefarfromhappyaboutmuchthatgoesonatChristmasinoursociety,butitdoesprovidethechurchwithawonderfulopportunityforevangelism.

3 RsumsumDuring2010wehavebrought16KeyMattersforPrayerbeforeourChurches.MayweaskyoutoreflectoneachandagainbringthesematterstotheLord:

Jan-Feb Presbytery Committees Building ProjectsForeignMissions EvangelicalBookShop

ChurchDevelopment Knock

Mar-Apr Finaghy Easter Outreach Sidney & Jean Garland Our Youth Homecoming

May-Jun Summer Camps The Need for Ministers Church FinanceJul-Aug Summer Outreach Team Evangelical Book Shop Summer ActivitiesSep-Oct Resuming Youth Work Presbytery SessionsNov-Dec Christmas Outreach Mission Exchange Rates

2 Exchange Rates and our Missionsxchange Rates and our MissionsMission Societies in various parts of the world have been suffering financiallyin recent times because of the strength of national currencies against the

British Pound. It affects the field value of Sterling donations to missions andthe salaries of missionaries who are also usually working in an inflationarysituation. South Africa is a case in question and Dumisani has drawn ourattention to it. The Pound is now converting into about 20% fewer Rand thanit did in 2009 and the effect on Dumisanis operation is already quite serious.They thank the Lords people for maintaining their level of financial support,adding but our eyes are on the Lord who has always supplied in the past.Please pray that the Lord will intervene wherever this problem is threateningmissions and missionaries. Pray too about our own current response.


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The Editor will award a Book Token for the winning entry

SOc2

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Across2 Divisionofgarments(9)4 Hewalkedonit(3)7 Bindinghandandfoot(12)10 Onefromthebeginning(8)13-takeupthybed(4)14 Theirswereevil(5)15 Wovenfromhere(3)16 Purchase(3)17 Dothiswithbread(3)20 AppeasementofGodswrath(12)22 Beseech(4)24 Cutoff(5)27 Ointmentsoldforthree(7)28 Penandthis(3)29 AmputatedbyPeter(3)30 SentfromGod(3)

31 Nocloakforthis(3) 32 DeniesFatherandSon(10) 34 Tookthesop(5) 36 LanguagesuchasHebrew(6) 37 NoneotherbutCaesar(4)

Down1 Laydownlifeforthem(7)2 Nathanaelunderneath(7)3 Firkinsinpots(3)5 ChargeagainstJesus(10)6 Lengthofinfirmity(11)8 Lamemanaskedforthem(4) 9 Liftedupinwilderness(7) 11 Nicodemusone(5) 12 Master(5) 18 Maletitle(3) 19 Makethisstraight(3) 20 Lustofeyes,thisoflife(5) 21 Sonofthisislost(9) 22 ThisIleavewithyou(5) 23 Benotthisatmycoming(7) 25 Tocastastonethis(5) 26 Earlyinthistotemple(7) 29 Dothis,hatesthelight(4) 33 Tocastonright(3) 35 We(2)

Clues by Jim Leckey

1 PleasepostyourentrytotheEditortoarrive,weekcommencing7November.

(Notbefore!Validentriesmustbeposted) 2 MarkyourenvelopeCrossword.3 TheEditorwillselectthefirstcorrectentryfromthebagasthewinner.

The2010seriesofCrosswordsistestingourknowledgeofsixmajorBiblecharacters.

No1wasMoses,No2Elijah,No3David,No4Ruth,No5Peter.NowwemovetoJohn.ThecluesarebasedontheGospelofJohn,Acts3-8,and1,2,3John.

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Jul-Aug2010Winner:BettyGlover,Groomsport


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WhowasAnneBradstreet?ItoowonderedthatwhenafriendfirstsuggestedthatImightwriteonher.SoIwouldinviteyoutotravelwithmeinthecompanyofthiseighteen-year-oldgirlonadangerousvoyageawayfromhercomfortablecountryhomeinLincolnshire,acrosstheAtlanticinasmallsailingvesseltoanewandunknownlandayoungAmerica.Theyearis1630andwemayimagineMassachusettsasAnnefirstsawit,forsheandherhusbandSimonwereamongtheearlysettlerswhoemigratedtotheNewWorldtoescapepersecutionduringthereignofCharlesIandhisdomineeringHighChurchbishop,WilliamLaud. Annesfather,ThomasDudley,wasoneoftheinfluentialgroupofPuritanmenwhoorganisedthisfirstwaveofmigrants.Thousandsmorewouldlatermakethat

samejourneyduringthe1630samassexitknownastheGreatMigration.TheinitialaimofthesefirstsettlerswastosetupacolonyinanewlandwheretheycouldworshiptheirGodaccordingtohisWordandwithoutconstantfearofreprisals. WhenthesmallvesseldockedinSalemHarbourinJune1630afterafour-month voyageAnnewassickenedandhorrifiedwiththesituationthatmethereyes.Highlyeducatedandfromagenteel,evenluxuriousbackground,shefoundherselfsurroundedbyfilth,deprivationanddeathoneveryhand.Littlewonderthatsheadmittedthatherheartroseagainstsuchanewworldandnewmanners.Shewasevenreluctanttojointhemembershipofthenewly-formedchurchinBostonasshestruggledtoacceptheruncongenialcircumstances.Manyofthesefirstsettlersfellsickanddied,fortheirhealthwasalreadyatalowebbafterthelongvoyage.Overtwohundredsuccumbedduringthefirstsixmonths,withsomeofAnnesclosestfriendsamongthatnumber.ThenAnneherself,stillonlynineteen,fellillandassumedthatshetoowasdying.Inherownwords: Twicetenyearsoldnotfullytoldsincenaturegavemebreath; myraceisrun,mythreadisspun,lo,hereisfataldeath. AssheslowlyrecoveredAnnewasquicktoseethathercircumstanceswerepermittedbyGodforherspiritualcorrection.OnelessonfromAnneslifeisthewaythesePuritanmenandwomenlookeduponGodasthefirstcausebehind

everycircumstanceoftheirlives.Annetracedadivinepurposebehindeventrivialevents.IfshewereovertakenwithillnessshesawitasGodshandchasteninganddiscipliningher.Describingthisshewrote:AmongallmyexperiencesofGod'sgraciousdealingswithme,Ihaveconstantlyobservedthis,thathehasneversufferedmelongtositloosefromhim,butbyoneafflictionorotherhasmademelookhome,andsearchwhatwasamiss.InherdistressoverherearlychildlessnesssherecognisedthatGodwasthegiverofalllife:ItpleasedGodtokeepmealongtimewithoutachild,whichwasagreatgrieftomeandcostmemanyprayersandtearsbeforeIobtainedoneaprayerGodabundantlyansweredforAnnewouldeventuallyhaveeightchildren!

Highlygiftedasapoet,Annelivedindayswhenwomenwerenotexpectedtoexcelinanysphereapartfromthehome.Academicworkwouldaddleawomansbrainasonewriterquaintlyexpressedit.Annesonlyanswertoherneighbourscriticaltongueswastowriteherpoetrylateatnightassherockedthecradleof

Learning from Anne BradstreetLearning from Anne BradstreetThesubstanceofanaddressgivenbyFaithCookatStranmillisLadiesFellowship.

AnneBradstreet,PilgrimandPoet,EP,176pp.Saleprice5.99 atEvangelicalBookShop.


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herlatestbaby.SheknewthatGodrequiresustousethegiftshehasgivenusinhisservicetotheutmost:Greatgiftscallforgreatreturns,shewrote.Themorethatanyoneistrustedwith,thelargerhisaccountsstand.ShewouldbecomeAmericasfirstpublishedpoetwithherworkstillreadandstudiedinschoolstoday. AnnefacedalmostconstantillnessatoneperiodofherlifeanddiscoveredthatatsuchtimesofweaknessSatanoftenattackswithhismostviciousassaults.

ButtheLordmayoftendrawnearwithhiscomfort.Aftermuchweaknessandsicknesswhenmyspiritswerewornout,andmanytimesmyfaithweaklikewise,theLordwaspleasedtoupholdmydroopingheart,andtomanifesthislovetome. InAnneBradstreetsexperiencewecantraceanunderstandingofthetruthofPs30.5:Weepingmayendureforanight,butjoycomesinthemorning.Because ofthefallofmanthisworldisblightedandlifebesetwithsorrows.Itcanrightlybedescribedasanightofweeping.Certainlytherearejoys,andoftenmanyjoys,butthesecomeasabonusandnotbyright.Joyinthefullestsenseisreservedforthemorning,laidupinheavenforthebeliever.SuchanoutlookgaveAnneacalmacceptanceofthemanygriefsthatwereherlotduringherlateryears.Anne

learnttoseekspiritualgainoutofloss.Herdearlylovedhusband,Simon,wasoftenawayfromhomeoncolonialbusinessandshemissedhimsorely.ButChristwouldneverleaveherthiswasherconsolation: ThoughhusbanddearbefrommegonewhomIdolovesowell, IhaveamorebelovedOnewhosecomfortsfarexcel. Herdaughter-in-law,Mercy,wifeofhereldestsonSamuel,cametolivewithAnneandSimonintheirAndoverhome.Mercywasfarfromstrongandofherfivechildrenfourdied.Annerebukedherselfforlovingthebabiestoomuch: Farewelldearbabe,myheartstoomuchcontent, farewellsweetbabe,thepleasureofmineeye, farewellfairflowerthatforaspacewaslent,thentaenawayuntoeternity. Andthensheaddssadly: HowoftwithdisappointmenthaveImet whenIonfadingthingsmyhopeshaveset. ButitwasalessonhardtolearnandAnnefacedanotherharshexperiencewhen her homelog-built likemost early settlers homescaught fire one nightafteramaiddroppedacandleand first thecurtainsand then thewholehousewentupinflames.NolifewaslostbutallAnnesearthlypossessionshadgoneincluding probablymany of hermanuscript poems. Simon hastened to have a

newhomebuiltforhisfamilybutthelessonofthedisasterwasnotlostonAnne. Thouhastanhouseonhigherect,framedbythatmightyArchitect withgloryrichlyfurnishd,standspermanentthoughthisbefled. Thebelieveriscalledtobeapilgrimonearth,lookingforabettercountry,that isanheavenly.AnnewasanearthlypilgrimfromherfirsthomeinEngland,butmoreimportantlyshelearntthroughlifesexperiencestobeaspiritualpilgrim.Hercontemporary,SamuelRutherford,expresseditvividly:Buildyournestonnotreehere,foryouseeGodhassoldthewholeforesttodeath,andeverytreewhereonyouwouldbuildisreadytobecutdown.Annebecamehomesickforheaven.Althoughbyherwritingsshehelpedtosetdownaspiritualmindsetforayoung

America,whichdespiteitssecularismisstillevidenttoday,hergreatestcontribution istosettheheartsofherreadersonthatultimatehomelandforbelievers. Oh,howIlongtobeatrest,andsoaronhighamongtheblest! Lord,makemereadyforthatday,Thencome,dearBridegroom,comeaway!


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Glimpses of KnoxGlimpses of Knox

JustbeforeGeorgeWishartwasbaselybetrayedbytheEarlofBothwellintothemercilesshandsofCardinalBeatonin1546,JohnKnoxpleadedthathemightstaywithWishart,butWishartrefused,saying:Nay,returntoyourbairns(pupils)andGodblessyou;oneissufficientforasacrifice.SoWishartwasburntandKnoxwasspared.Galley Slavealley SlaveWhenKnoxwasaslaveontheFrenchgalleysin1547-48hewasmiserablyentreated.Inthesummerof1548hishealthbrokedowncompletely.Hewas

seriouslyillandseemedonthepointofdeath.HisshipthenlayofftheScottishcoast,andoneofhisfellow-prisoners,JamesBalfour,askedhimtolookatthelandtoseeifherecognisedit.HesawthesteepleofthechurchinSt.Andrewswherehehadpreachedhisfirstsermonandsaid,Yes,Iknowitwell...IshallnotdepartthislifeuntilmytongueshallglorifyHisgodlynameinthesameplaceforIseethesteepleoftheplacewhereGodfirstinpublicopenedmymouthtoHisglory.Threatened at St Andrewshreatened at St AndrewsWhentheArchbishopofStAndrewsin1559heardthatKnoxwastopreachinhiscathedralchurch,hecametothetownontheSaturdaynightwith100spearsmentostopKnoxdoingso.ThepictureofthesaidJohnhadformerlybeenburntbyhiscommandment"(Knox'sHistory).TheArchbishopthreatenedthatifKnoxappearedatthepreaching-placehewould"gar(cause)himtobesalutedwithadozenculverins(cannons),whereofthemostpartshouldlightuponhisnose.(Knox'sHistory).EventheProtestantlordsurgedKnoxtodelayforthattime;buthereplied,IbeseechyourHonoursnottostopme...Asforthefearofdangerthatmaycometome,letnomanbesolicitous.MylifeisinthecustodyofHimwhosegloryIseek.SohepreachedonSunday,11June,1559,ontheLordcastingoutthebuyersandsellersfromthetempleinJerusalemandappliedthis

tothecorruptionoftheRomanChurchandtothedutyoftheProtestantlords.Before Mary Queen of Scotsefore Mary Queen of ScotsBeforeMaryQueenofScotshemaintainedthatherChurchtheChurchofRomeisdeclinedmorefromthepurityofreligiontaughtbytheapostlesthantheJewishChurchwhichcrucifiedChristhaddeterioratedfromtheordinancesofMosesandAaron.However,ondepartingfromherhesaid:IprayGod,Madame, thatyemaybeblessedwithinthecommonwealthofScotlandifitbethepleasureofGodaseverDeborahwaswithinthecommonwealthofIsrael.YetKnoxsawthroughMary'scharmandguile.AsElizabethWhitleyputsit:Inthefaithofthe

shabbylittlepreacher,scarcelyuptohershoulderinheight,Marymetarockshecouldneithermovenorsoften.Inthetall,charmingyoungwidow,withthegraciousartlessmanner,Knoxdiscernedaproudmind,acraftywitandanindurate(hard)heartagainstGodandHistruth.

2010marksthe450thanniversaryoftheScottishReformationinwhichJohnKnoxplayedaleadingrole.InourpreviousissuewereproducedKnoxsPrinciplesa1972articletomarkthe400thanniversaryofKnoxsdeath,byRev W J Grierev W J Grier,Editorofthismagazine1928-1981,InGlimpsesofKnox,also1972,MrGrieroutlinessomeofthekeyeventsofKnoxslife.


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ThoughsomeofhisclosestfriendswerecarriedawaybyMary'sguileandlefthimtostandaloneforatime,hewasfirmasarock.InanencounterwithMaryshebrokein,crying:Yeforgetyourself;yearenotnowinthepulpit."Hereplied:"IamintheplacewhereIamdemandedofconsciencetospeakthetruth;andthereforethetruthIspeak,impugnitwhosolist.

Later Ministry at St Andrewsater Ministry at St AndrewsOn5thMay,1571,heleftEdinburghandtookshipatLeithforSt.Andrewswherehisministryhadbegun.HelovedtocalltheCollegestudentsovertohimashewalkedinSt.Leonard'sYardandurgethemtolearnwellandtoknowGodandHisgreatworkinScotland(ElizabethWhitley'sKnox).JamesMelvillehasleftusavividpictureofhiminthoseclosingdays:OfallthebenefitsIhadthatyear(1571),thegreatestwasthecomingofthatmostnotableprophetandapostleofournation,MasterJohnKnox,toSt.Andrews...IheardhimteachtherethepropheciesofDanielthatsummerandthewinterfollowing.IhadmypenandmylittlebookandtookawaysuchthingsasIcouldcomprehend.Intheopeningupof

histexthewasmoderatethespaceofanhalfhour:butwhenheenteredtoapplication,hemademesotogrueandtremblethatIcouldnotholdapentowrite.Hewasveryweak.Isawhimeverydayofhisteaching,go'holyandfairly',withafurabouthisneck,astaffintheonehand,andguidgodlyRichardBannatyne,hisservantholdinguptheotheroxter,fromtheabbeytotheparishkirkandbythesaidRichardandanotherservantlifteduptothepulpit,wherehebehoved(needed)toleanathisfirstentry;buterehehaddonewithhissermon,hewassoactiveandvigorousthathewasliketodingthepulpitinblads(thatis,dashittopieces)andflyoutofit.His Last Day on Earthis Last Day on EarthOnthemorningofMonday,24November,1572hislastdayonearthheinsistedonrisingandputtingonhisdoubletandhose.Hesatinachairforhalfanhourandthenwentbacktobed.HewasvisitedbyhisfriendRobertCampbellofKinzeancleuchtowhomhecommittedthecareofhiswifeandchildren,saying,Imun(must)leavethecareofmywifeandbairniesuntoyou...Aboutmiddayheaskedhiswifetoreadthe15thchapterof1Corinthiansandsaidtoher:Isnotthatacomfortablechapter?Andalittlelater:Now,forthelast,Icommendmysoul,spiritandbody(pointingtothreeofhisfingers)untoThyhands,OLord,

Go,read,hewhisperedtohiswife,whereIcastmyfirstanchor.Shereadthe17thchapterofJohnthegreathigh-priestlyprayerofourLordbeforeHewenttothecrossinwhichHesaid:Thisislifeeternal,thattheymightknowtheetheonlytrueGodandJesusChristwhomthouhastsent...Father,IwillthattheyalsowhomthouhastgivenmebewithmewhereIamthattheymaybeholdmyglory. RichardBannatyne,flinginghimselfuponthebed,said:"Now,sir,thetimethatyehavelongcalledtoGodfor,towit,anendofyourbattle,iscome!Andseeingallnaturalpowernowfails,rememberthosecomfortablepromises,whichofttimesyouhaveshowntousofourSaviourJesusChrist.Heaskedthedying

manforasignthatheheardandthathediedinpeacetowhichherespondedbyliftingoneofhishands.Thenhesighedtwiceandexpiredwithoutastruggle.Hehadfoughtthegoodfightandfinishedthecourseandkeptthefaith.Tousmaygracebegiventofollowinhistrain.


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The Discipline of StudyThe Discipline of Study

TheDutchscholarErasmusquippedWhenIgetalittlemoneyIbuybooks;andifanyisleftIbuyfoodandclothes.Butperhapsyoumayfeelliketheauthorof

Ecclesiastes:Ofmakingmanybooksthereisnoend,andmuchstudyweariesthebody.HowshouldtheChristianapproachthetopicofstudy?Why should we Study?hy should we Study?InRomans12PaulurgesusDonotconformanylongertothepatternofthisworld,butbetransformedbytherenewingofyourmind.Howarewetoachievethis?Theanswerisfoundinthedisciplineofstudy.ChristianphilosopherJPMorelandstatesthatStudyisadisciplinethatstrengthensthemindandenrichesthesoul.RichardFoster,authorofCelebrationofDiscipline,notesthatThepurposeofthespiritualdisciplinesisthetotaltransformationoftheperson.They

aimatreplacingolddestructivehabitsofthoughtwithnewlifegivinghabits.What should we Study?hat should we Study?FortheChristiantheprimaryfocusofourstudyisScripture.Psalm1.1remindsusBlessedisthemanwhomeditatesonthelawoftheLORD,dayandnight.WecanalsousegoodChristianliteratureandbenefitfromthelaboursofothers.Inadditiontowrittenbooks,wecanstudynon -verbalbooks.Psalm19directsustothewondersofcreationsastheydisplayGodsglory.AndinProverbs30weareurgedtoconsiderants,conies,locusts,andlizardsinthepursuitofwisdom.JamesMontgomeryBoiceinterpretsPhilippians4.8:Whateveristruenoble...rightpureadmirableifanythingisexcellentorpraiseworthythinkaboutsuchthingsasguidingustoreflectuponthebestinmusicart,literatureandarchitecture. How should we Study?ow should we Study?RichardFostersuggeststhatstudyinvolvesfoursteps;repetition,concentration,comprehension,andreflection.FosternotesthatMeditationisdevotional;studyisanalytical.Although,ifstudyistobeviewedasaspiritualratherthanmerelyacademicdiscipline,thetwoareclearlycloselylinked.EugenePetersonalsoviewsstudyasafourstagecomprisingreading,meditation,prayerandcontemplation.

The Dangers of Studyhe Dangers of StudyStudyisahighriskenterprise!ThePhariseeswerewellversedinthestudyofScripture.HowevertheypossessedinformationbutwithoutsubmissiontoGodswill.InJohn5.39-40Jesusrebukesthem:YoudiligentlystudytheScripturesbecauseyouthinkthatbythemyoupossesseternallife...yetyourefusetocometometohavelife.BecomingmoreknowledgeableaboutChristiantruthanddoctrinewithoutbeingtransformedtobemoreChristlikewillonlyresultinpride.ConclusiononclusionWehavelookedatstudy:itsgoal,focus,methodsanditsrisks.Butletmeconcludewithdiscipline.AsChrisEvans,Radio2,commentsItsthemotivationthatgetsyoustarted,butthehabitthatkeepsyougoing!Studymustbecomepartofourdailyroutineifitistobeeffectiveinrenewingourmindsandtransformingourlives.

Michael Trimble,Stranmillis,bringsusfacetofacewiththenecessityofstudyanditsdangers.


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NovNov--Dec2010Dec2010Pricediscountsavailable fromEvangelicalBook ShopBelfastClassic Teachings on the Nature of Godlassic Teachings on the Nature of God 16.9912.99TheHolinessofGod,ChosenbyGod,PleasingGod.

R C Sproul,HendricksonPublishers,3volumesin1,397pages.HerearethreesuperbclassicsinonevolumedealingwiththedoctrineofGod.TheHolinessofGodthatbeganasafivepartrecordedlectureserieshasgrownintoabooknowtranslatedinto13differentlanguages.Sproulsabilitytoexplainthedifficultinthesimplestoftermsmakehimajoytoread.JohnMacArthursaysthathewasbroughtfacetofacewiththeawfulsplendourofGodsmajesticholinessinanewandfreshway. HerearethreebooksinonethatwillteachandinstructusonthenatureofGod andwillultimatelyleadustoworshipandpraisetheonetrueGod. The EditorA Days March Nearer HomeDays March Nearer HomeAutobiography 16.0012.80J Graham Miller,Edited:IainHMurray,BannerofTruth,352pagesThisisadelightfulbooktracingthelifeofafaithfulservantofGodwhoalongwithhiswife,devotedtheirlivestoChristianwork.GrahamMillarleft19ringbindersdetailinghislifeandIainMurrayhasdoneasplendidjobeditingandpublishingoneofthebestautobiographieswehavereadinrecenttimes. GrahamMillarwasborninNewZealand,qualifiedasalawyer,latercalledtotheChristianministryandintheearly1940sbeganmissionaryserviceintheNewHebrides.TheMillersreturnedtoNewZealandinthe1950sandGrahambecameMinisterofPapakuraPresbyterianChurch.Hebecameawell-knownpreacherandhadmanyopportunitiestoministeroverseasincludingvisitstoKeswickandPortstewart.HewasforashortperiodPrincipalofMelbourneBibleInstituteandafterafurtherspellintheNewHebridesheconcludedhisministryaspastorofSt.GilesPresbyterianChurchinSydney.TheesteeminwhichGrahamMillerwasheldbythepeopleoftheNewHebridesisevidencedwhenadayofmourningwasheldinVanuatuathisdeathin2008. Thisisastorybyamanwhosaweachdayasadaysmarchnearerhome.It

willbeanencouragementtoallChristiansmarchinghometoZion. The EditorVoices from the Pastoices from the PastPuritanDevotionalReadings16.5013.20Richard Rushing,Editor,BannerofTruth,418pagesWehighlyrecommendthisvolumeofdevotionalreadingsextractedfromthewritingsofthePuritans.HereisrealfoodforthesoulfrommenwholivedandbreathedGod!TheopeninglineforJanuary1saysDonotbediscouragedatthedifficultiesandoppositionsthatwillriseupbeforeyouwhenyoubeginresolvedlytowalkwithGod.Whatpreparationfortherealitiesoflifeatthe

beginningofanewyear.Eachreadingisjustonepageinlengthandwillproveablessingtoallwhotakeupthisvolumeaspartoftheirdailydevotions.ThreeusefulindicesAuthor,TopicandScriptureReferencegreatlyaddtothevalueofthisbook. The Editor

Book ReviewsBook Reviews


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"Think - The Life of the Mind and the Love of God" :John Pipercontendsthat'thinkingisindispensableonthepathtopassionforGod',andguidesushowtomaintainahealthybalanceofmindandheart,thinkingandfeeling. 8.996.99Rich - The Reality Of Encountering Jesus,byPeter Dickson(Aberdeen):vividlybringsLuke'sGospelintothe21stcentury-"...comeswithahealthwarning:aswelookatJesuswe'lldiscovermuchmoreaboutourselves."RicoTice. 6.995.25Constrained By His Love-BiographyofRobertMurrayMcCheyne,byLJ Van Valen."Thisbookshouldberequiredreadingforeverypastor,desiredreadingforeverybeliever,andinspiringreadingforallwhohungerafterthethingsofGod."Peace&Truth. 15.99only4.95

C H Spurgeon's Forgotten Early SermonsACompaniontoTheNewParkStreetPulpit-28SermonsCompiledfromTheSwordandTheTrowelHardback 15.0011.25365 days with Spurgeon(Volume5)AfurthercollectionofdailyreadingsfromsermonspreachedbyCharlesHaddonSpurgeonfromhisMetropolitanTabernaclePulpit 12.009.00Christmas pictures-DevotionalthoughtsforChristmasbyRoger EllsworthAbriefdevotionalbooktobeusedovertheChristmasperiod.IdealtobegivenasagifttoChristianornon-Christian.Encourageswonder,reverenceandservicebyremindingreadersofthetruthsthatChristmascelebrates. 5.994.50Jungle Doctor's: Fables Monkey Tales Tug-of-War Hippo Happenings Rhino RumblingsJungle Doctor Meets MongoosePaul WhitewasanAustralianmissionarydoctorinAfricawholearnttoclothehisBibleteachinginfables,creatingstorieswithatimelessquality. 4.99each3.75The Christ of ChristmasbyJames Montgomery BoiceTheChristmasstoryismorethansentimental-itispowerful.Itdealswithrealpeople,itinvolvespainanditisonethemoststrikinglyunusualstoriesinallofhistory.DevotionalreflectionstohelpmakeyourChristmasmeaningful. 9.257.50The God Who Is There-FindingYourPlaceinGodsStory,byDon CarsonAnintroductiontotheBibleforthereaderwhowantstoknowmoreaboutrealChristianity.ItwillinspireandequipanyChristianwhodesirestocommunicateChristmoreeffectivelyandcanconfidentlybegiventoanyinquirerseekingtodiscovertheheartofbiblicalfaith.DavidJackman. 8.996.75Samuel Rutherford:inthismodernbiographyKingsley RendellusesRutherfordswritingsandcontemporarymaterialtopresentacomprehensivepictureoftheinfluential17thcenturyreformer.7.99only2.50Stars In Gods Sky-ShortBiographiesofExtraordinaryOrdinaryChristians:VintageFaith Cook-dontmissoutonthistreasure;buy,read,beblessed,andsharewithothers!RogerCarswell.Asuperbgift! 8.955.95Son Of Hamas -agrippingaccountofterror,betrayal,politicalintrigue,andunthinkablechoices,byMosab Hassan Yousef.ThisautobiographicalstoryofaHamasinsiderwhorejectedhisviolentdestinyisaNewYorkTimesbestseller. 8.996.75

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