7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
1/24
1
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
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
2/24
TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian
2
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
Finance
AnyonewishingtohelptheChurchsworkmaysendtheirgifttotheFinanceCommittee,C/o:
RevJSRoger16HuntingdaleBALLYCLAREBT399XB
ThechurchcanbenefitfromtheGift Aidschemefromtaxpayersdonations.Pleaseaskfordetails.
PolicyTheviewsexpressedarethoseoftheEditorandContributorswhichareunderstoodtoreflectthetheologicalpositionoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch
Copy Deadline
1stofmonthpriortopublication
Editor
HaroldGibson
Stockbridge2BarronstownCourtDROMOREBT251FB
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
3/24
3
NovNov--Dec2010Dec2010
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.
2
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
4/24
TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian
4
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
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
5/24
5
NovNov--Dec2010Dec2010
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
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
6/24
TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian
6
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.
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
7/24
7
NovNov--Dec2010Dec2010
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)
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
8/24
TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian
8
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.
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
9/24
9
NovNov--Dec2010Dec2010
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.
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
10/24
TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian
100
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
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
11/24
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
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
12/24
TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian
122
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.jpg7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
13/24
133
NovNov--Dec2010Dec2010
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
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
14/24
TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian
144
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
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
15/24
155
NovNov--Dec2010Dec2010
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
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
16/24
TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian
166
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.
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
17/24
177
NovNov--Dec2010Dec2010
The Editor will award a Book Token for the winning entry
SOc2
Suo
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.
B1
L A2
M E3
L E S S4
D5
A V I D6
E N P O7
L D I O
A8
R K I N S9
E A10
G
U L11
U S T S12
S13
I X U R14
T E T U T15
R E E
I L N S16
H P
F17
A R E F18
O U R F19
O O T E D
U S20
R I R N
L21
O T22
T23
A24
N G25
E L S I T
A H M A H T A
T26
A B E R N A C L E S27
I N
I I E R I O28
F F E N C E
M29
O T H E R I N L A W S E
E H T E E30
F31
B32
S33
L A C K A E34
A R35
V E O
N A36
R I S E D
P37
O S S E S S I O N L D38
A Y
The EP Crossword: JohnThe EP Crossword: John
1 2 3 4 5
6
7 8 9
10 11 12 13
14 15
16 17
18 19
20 21
22 23
24 25 26
27
28 29
30 31
32 33
34 35
36 37
Jul-Aug2010Winner:BettyGlover,Groomsport
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
18/24
TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian
188
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.
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
19/24
199
NovNov--Dec2010Dec2010
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!
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
20/24
TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian
200
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.
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
21/24
211
NovNov--Dec2010Dec2010
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.
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
22/24
TheEvangelicalPresbyterianTheEvangelicalPresbyterian
222
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.
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
23/24
233
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
7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - November-December 2010
24/24
"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
15CollegeSquareEastBELFASTBT16DD
[email protected] 028 9032 0529Evangelical Book ShopEvangelical Book Shop
Manager: John Grieranager: John Grier
Top Related