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Transcript of The Evangelical Presbyterian - July-August 2010
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TheTheThe
EvangelicalEvangelicalEvangelicalPresbyterianPresbyterianPresbyterian
Meeting our MembersMeeting our MembersMeeting our Members
Ruth (4)Ruth (4)Ruth (4) --- False StartFalse StartFalse Start
Christians and FacebookChristians and FacebookChristians and Facebook
Moderators AddressModerators AddressModerators Address
Jululul--Aug 2010ug 2010ug 20101.501.501.50
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Take NoteTake Note
The Powerlessness of Manhe Powerlessness of ManTherecentimagesofPresidentObama
standingontheshoreoftheGulfofMexico
facingoneofthegreatestenvironmental
disastersintheworldhasleftthemost
powerfulmanonearthpowerless.Hehad
promisedtodoallhecouldtostoptheflow
ofoilleakingfromafracturedpipebutithas
justkeptgushingoutandcontaminatingthe
ocean.Hehasbeenpowerlesstostopit.
TheaftermathoftheGeneralElectionin
theUnitedKingdomleftallthreeofthemajor
politicalplayersimpotent.Nopartywas
electedwhocouldcommandanoverall
majoritytoformagovernment.Britainended
upwithacoalitiongovernmentforthefirst
timeinageneration.AfterafewdaysofdiscussionsanddealingsaConservative/
Liberalcoalitionwasformed.Neitherparty
hadthepowerbyitselftogovern.
Eventssuchastheseshouldbea
solemnremindertoourworldleadersthat
theyaresubjecttoahigherpower.The
powersthatbeareordainedofGodandheistheultimaterulerofthisworld.Itwasa
lessonthatmanyoftheOldTestament
Kingsandrulerswereslowtolearnanditis
sotoday.TheWestminsterConfessionof
FaithremindsusthatGod,theworlds
supremeLordandKing,hasordainedcivil
authoritiesanswerabletohimselftobeover
thepeople.(23.1)
TakeNote,PowerbelongsuntotheLord.
(Ps62.11)
Cover Photograph
Springhill,Moneymore,Magherafelt,
CoLondonderry.A17thcenturyPlantationhome,withwalledgardens,parklandandpaths.ANationalTrustproperty.
The Evangelical Presbyterian
ispublishedbi-monthlybythePresbyteryoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch.
Please visit: www.epcni.org.uk
Finance
AnyonewishingtohelptheChurchsworkmaysendtheirgift
totheFinanceCommittee,C/o:RevJSRoger16HuntingdaleBALLYCLAREBT399XB
ThechurchcanbenefitfromtheGift Aidschemefromtaxpayersdonations.Pleaseaskfordetails.
Policy
TheviewsexpressedarethoseoftheEditorandContributorswhichareunderstoodtoreflectthetheologicalpositionoftheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch
Copy Deadline
1stofmonthpriortopublication
Editor
HaroldGibson
Stockbridge2BarronstownCourtDROMOREBT251FB
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Howdowewalktherazoredge,avoidingculturalgluttonyandculturalanorexia?HowdoweengagetheworldmeaningfullywithoutceasingtoliveChristianly?Striving for the Prizetriving for the PrizeThebattlefortruthwillalwaysbeastruggle.Paultellsusinthischaptertowatchoutforthosedogs!TheChristianlifeisoneofconstantstriving,facingmany
battlesandstormsandwecanexpectthisifweseektoupholdBiblicaltruthandorthodoxy.Therearetimeswhenweallfeelthatwearegettingnowhereandofnotbotheringanymore.WinstonChurchill,onareturnvisittohisoldschoolEton,wasinvitedtoaddressthepupils.Itwasamuchanticipatedvisitandasthisgreatoratortookthepodiumhesaid:Never,never,never...giveupandsatdown. IfwearereallytoengageinthegreatstrugglefortruththatPaulisspeakingaboutherewemustbepreparedforseriousspiritualconflict.Ifwewantaneasytimethenallweneedtodoistowithdrawfromthefrontline,moveawayfromthebattle.SatandoesnotcaremuchaboutabelieverwhoisfarawayfromtheLord,
infactheishappyifyouarethere. JMBoice,shortlybeforehisdeathsaid:thechurchisbeingenticedtodotheLORDSworkintheworldsway.AlltoooftenthechurcharmsitselfwiththeweaponsoftheworldinsteadofGodsarmour.RCSproulwritesInafatalpursuitofrelevance,thechurchhasoftenbecomemerelyanechoofthesecularcultureinwhichitlives,havingadesperatedesiretobewithitandacceptabletothecontemporaryworld.Whatisdemandedbytimessuchasoursisachurchthataddressesthetemporalwhileatthesametimeremainingtetheredtotheeternal.3
Inthedaysoftheearlychurch(Acts2)weseetheuseoftheLordsweapons,theApostlesdoctrineandprayer.Whatfollowed?Wonders,signsandtheLordaddingdailytothechurchthosewhowerebeingsaved.Ourmissionistoministerredemptiontoadyingworld,thatisthechurchwearecalledtobe. Forgettingwhatisbehind,reachingforwardtowhatisahead,presson!1Philippians,AnExpositionalCommentary,JamesMontgomeryBoice,BakerBooks,p197.2ConnectedChristianity,engagingculturewithoutcompromise,ArturoG.AzurdiaIII,ChristianFocus.
3Tabletalk,April2010,Thetimes,theyarea -changing.
Newcastle Christian Schoolewcastle Christian School
isseekingtoappointaHEADTEACHEREADTEACHER
NCSisanew,privateschoolinNewcastleuponTyne,providingadistinctively(Reformed)ChristianeducationforYears1to8(5-13year-olds).
WeareseekingaHeadteacherwho: IspassionateaboutChristianeducation IscommittedtotheReformedfaith Hasthecharacterandgiftsnecessary Hasproventeachingskillsandrelates forleadership welltoyoungchildren.
Initialsalarywillbe30,000,10,000ofwhichiscontingentonfundraisingForfurtherinformation,ortoapplyforthepost(letterandCVrequired)
e-mail:[email protected]
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InPart4ofhisseriesonRuthRev Andrew Lucasev Andrew Lucas,Omagh,givesusguidanceininterpretingGodsprovidenceforourlivesfromRuth3
False StartFalse Start
SinclairFergusonhasdescribedthebookofRuthasoneofthegreatestshortstorieseverwritten,andwhenyouconsiderthegroundthatwehavealreadycovered,youcanunderstandwhy.Wehavehadfamine,emigration,familytragedy,adramaticconversion,bitterrecriminationsandthedawningofaromance,andallinthespaceofjusttwochapters.NowinthismonthsarticlewearegoingtolookatRuth3,achapterthathelpsustointerpretGodsprovidenceinourlives.1 The Best and the Worsthe Best and the WorstWearegoingtolookattwothings.Firstly,noticethatwehave-Thebestof
motives,buttheworstofmethods.HaveyoueverreadPrideandPrejudicebyJaneAusten,orseenoneofthefilmsbasedonthebook?Ifyouhave,youwillknowthatoneofthemostamusingcharactersisMrsBennett.Hergreatestdesireistoseeherdaughtersmarriedandmarriedwell.Butasthestoryunfolds,itsoonbecomesapparentthatMrsBennettposesthegreatestthreattoherdaughtersmarriageprospects,byherill-plannedschemesandoutspokenness.NowwehavesomethingsimilarinRuth3asNaomitriestobringRuthandBoaztogether.A - Best of motives.ItisimportanttonoticethatNaomihasthebestofmotives. Listentoherassheexplainsherreasoningin3.1:Mydaughter,shouldInotseekrestforyou,thatitmaybewellwithyou?(ESV).WhatdoesNaomiwant?Shewantstoseeherdaughter-in-lawsettled.SheknowsthatwhilstRuthremainsunmarried,herfutureisinsecure,especiallybecauseRuthisaforeigner.Sowhilstsheisstillaroundtohelp,NaomiwantstodowhatshecantofindRuthagoodhusband.Thesearegoodmotives.B - Biblical principles .Itisalsoimportanttorealisethat,toacertainextent,NaomiisguidedbyBiblicalprinciples.Shesaysin3.2:IsnotBoazourrelative,withwhoseyoungwomenyouwere?See,heiswinnowingbarleytonightatthethreshing
floor.(ESV)Nowfirstly,NaomiobviouslyregardsRuthsencounterwithBoazasprovidentialandofcoursesheisright.Butsecondly,thefactthatheisalsotheirrelativeisimportant,becauseasweshallseenexttime,itmeansthathehascertainlegalobligationstowardsthem,assetdowninScripture.SoasNaomisendsRuthtoBoazsheisguided,toacertainextent,bytheseBblicalprinciples.C - W orst of methods.SoNaomihasthebestofmotivesandisguidedbyBiblicalprinciple,butitisatthispointthatthingsbegintounravel.Theproblemisthemethodsheemploys.In3.3-5,shetellsRuthtomakeherselflookpresentableandtogotoBoazwhenhehasretiredforthenight,andtolieathisuncovered
feet.Canyouseetheproblem?Naomiistakingahugeriskhere.NowtherehasbeenalotofdebateamongstcommentatorsaboutNaomisactions,butwhilstIdonotthinksheisencouragingRuthtoseduceBoaz,sheistakingahugeriskwithherdaughter-in-lawsreputationandpersonalsafety.Anyonecouldhave
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spottedRuthenteringthethreshingfloor,cometothewrongconclusionandspreadthenewsfarandwide.Naomiisalsotakingariskregarding Boazhimself.Canshebesurethathewillacthonourably,whenhefindsayoungattractivewomanlyingathisfeet?Therearejustsomanydangershere. NowwecanlearnfromNaomiatthispoint.Sometimeswecanhavethebest
ofmotivesfordoingwhatwearedoing.Sometimesweareguided,toacertainextentbyBiblicalprinciplesindoingit.Butthenweruinthingsbyemployingunbiblicalandquestionablemethods.ItisnotthatNaomiisbarkingupthewrongtreehere.Sheisbarkinguptherighttree.HerhunchthatGodhasprovidentiallybroughtBoazintoRuthslifeiscorrect,butthenshetakesmattersintoherownhands.DerekThomastalksaboutNaomirunningaheadofprovidenceatthispoint,andwecandothesame.Werunaheadofprovidenceandinourimpatiencewetakemattersintoourownhands,employingquestionablemethods.Asaresult,wegetourselvesintodifficulties.Goodmotives,goodguidingprinciples,butbadmethods.TheexampleofNaomihereunderlinestheoldsaying,Theendnever
justifiesthemeans,whichissomethingthatweneedtoremember.2 Stronger and Strongertronger and StrongerSowearetostrivetohavegoodmotives,goodprinciples,andgoodmethods.Secondly,noticethatwehaveastrongtemptation,butanevenstrongercharacter. WeweretalkingearlieraboutPrideandPrejudiceandyoumayrememberthatformostofthestory,ElizabethBennetthasaverylowopinionofMrDarcy.Sheregardshimasaproudandarrogantman,whotreatsothersdreadfully.ButthatopinionchangesradicallywhenhersisterLydiarunsoffwithMrWickhamandDarcytakesituponhimselftofindthem. NowagainwehavesomethingsimilarhereinrelationtoBoaz.Itsnotthathistruecharacterhasbeenhiddenfromus.Onthecontrarywehaveknownthatheisaworthymanfromthebeginning.(2.1)Butwenowseehimoperatinginanincrediblydifficultsituationandthecharacterofthemanshinesout.Consequentlywecanlearnfromhim.A - Strong Temptation.Forexamplein3.6-8hefacesaverystrongtemptation.Thinkaboutwhatisgoingonhere.Boazhasbeenworkinghard.Hehashadagood
mealandafewglassesofwine,whichisntasin,andheretiresfortheevening.Duringthenight,hisuncoveredfeetgetcoldandheawakeswithashudder.Ashiseyesadjusttothedarkness,hecanmakeouttheformofayoungwomanlyingathisfeet.ItsRuth!Sheisyoungandwehavereasontobelievethat heisalreadyattractedtoher,andtheyarealoneinthedark.Whatishegoingtodo?Well,ourtextmakesitclearthatBoazstandsfirm.Canyouseehowthecharacterofthemanshinesouthere?ThesameistrueofRuth,whoimmediatelyclarifieswhysheisthere.(3.9)NowIamsurethatBoazisjustasmuchamanasanyotherandhasthesamelongingsasothermen,butasSinclairFergusonhassaid,Boazdoesnotmistaketemptationforanopportunity,andasaresult,hestandsfirm.
B - Good Understanding .AnotherthingtonoticeaboutBoazisthathehasagood understandingofandapproachtowards,providence.WeallstruggleattimestounderstandGodsprovidenceinourlivesdontwe?ButlookatBoaz.Hecould
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havesaidsomethinglikethistohimself:Shelikesme.Ilikeher.Providencehasthrownustogether.Therefore,itmustbeGodswill.Nowyoucouldunderstandthatcouldntyou?ButBoazunderstandsthatyoudontinterpretScriptureinthelightofprovidence,butprovidenceinthelightofScripture.ToquoteFergusonagain:ScriptureprovidesthelensesthroughwhichweinterpretandrespondtoeveryprovidenceofGod.
C - High View of Scripture.Boazdoesntsimplyactonthebasisofevents,butheaskshimself,WhatdoesScripturesay?andthatshowsushishighviewofScripture.AutomaticallyhestartstothinkBiblicallyandthatsamazingwhenyourememberthathehasjustwokenup!Ittakesawhileformybraintogetup-and-runningfirstthinginthemorning,butBoazisawakeandalert,andbeingguidedbytheScriptures(see3.11-13).HedoesnttouchRuth.Heacknowledgeshisresponsibilitiesandiswillingtocarrythemout.Butinaddition,herecognisesthatsomeoneelsehasapriorclaimandBoaziswillingtodefertohim.Despiteeventsandhisownfeelings,BoazsubmitstotheauthorityofScripture.
Wecanfindourselvesinsituations,whereeventsseemtobeleadingusinaparticulardirectionandsometimesouremotionscanbeinvolvedaswell.Perhapswedesperatelywanttogointhedirectionthateventsseemtobeleading,butinthosecircumstances,weneedtobelikeBoaz.Howevercleartheleadingmaybe,howeverstronglywemayfeelthatthisistherightdirectionforourlives,wemustaskthequestion,WhatdoesScripturesay?WemustallowScripturetohavethefinalsay.JustimaginewhatwouldhavehappenedifBoazhadignoredScriptureandsimplygonewithhisfeelings. Butasweclose,weneedtoask,WhatisBoazssecret?Howcomehedoesntcrumpleinthefaceofoverwhelmingtemptation?HowcomehehasScriptureathisfingertips?HowcomehecansubmittotheauthorityofScripture,evenwhenitclasheswithhisownfeelings?Ithinktheanswerissimple.HelovestheLordandtakeshisrelationshipwiththeLordseriously.Thereisnothinghalf-heartedaboutBoazsreligion,andtobelikehim,wedontsimplyneedtoknowtheScriptures,butweneedtonurtureourrelationshipwiththeGodwhostandsbehindtheScriptures.EverythingshouldflowfromourloveforChrist.WeshouldstudyScripture,becausewewanttoknowmoreabouthimandwhatpleaseshim,
andifthatspiritgovernsourlives,wewillbebetterabletotakeourstandwithmenandwomenlikeBoazandRuth.Amen.
Keswick at PortstewartJuly Bible Week Saturday 10 Friday 16 July 2010
Bible study 11.00am Monday- FridayDerek Thomas: First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi
Craig Dyer, Developmentofficer,ChristianityExploredPaul Williams, ChristChurch,Fullwood,Sheffieldwillsharetheeveningmeetingsat7.30pm.
www.KeswickatPortstewart.org
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Meet one of our MembersMeet one of our MembersJean Lucas, CrumlinJean Lucas, Crumlin
GenerationsoftravellersontheBelfast
RoadfromBangorhavebecomefamiliarwiththeboldpresentationofJohn3.16onthebarntwoandahalfmilesfromtheoutskirtsofBangor.ItbelongedtoJeanGrahamsgrandfatherandtheMinisterofBangorMethodistChurchaskedhimtodisplaythetextin1932.MrGraham
maintaineditandononeoccasionwhenthebarnwasdamagedinastormtheneighboursmadecontributionstowardsrestoringthetext.ItisknowntohavebeenthemeansofatleastoneconversionaRomanCatholicmanwhobecamealong
servingmissionary.Jeansparentshousewaslocatednearbyonthefamilyland.The Discipline and Instruction of the LordThe Discipline and Instruction of the LordJeansgrandparentswereconvertedthroughFaithMissionPilgrimsandherfatherundertheministryofWPNicholsonwhenhepreachedonMySpiritshallnotalwaysstrivewithman(Gen6.3)atRavenhillPresbyterianChurchinFeb-Mar1923.LocaltheologywasliberalasJeangrewupandsheremembersbeingtoldatCrawfordsburnPrimarySchoolthattheFeedingoftheFiveThousandwasjustalessonontheneedtoshare,astheboyhaddone.InheryouthshewasawareofherfatherinregulardisputewiththeChurchoveritspreachingandteaching. ThroughthewitnessofherhomeJeangrewupknowingthatsheneededJesusChristasherSaviour.Shestillrecallsrealisingthattheonlywaytoescapethisneedwasnevertohavebeenborn!AsachildsheoftenaskedJesusintoherheart.HermothersdissatisfactionwiththeChurchsteachingandevangelismledhertoinvolvementintheBangorChristianWorkersUnionandshesentthechildrentotheirweeknightChildrensMeetingsandtheSaturday-SundayOpenAirs.Irresistible GraceIrresistible GraceBythetimeshewasinForm2inBangorSecondaryJeansmusicalgiftshaddevelopedandwiththemherambitiontobeasinger.ShedidsoloperformancesatSchoolandwhenshewasaboutthirteenoneoftheclassesaskedtheirteachertobringJeantosingtothem.ButunderlyingthiswashernowdecisiverejectionoftheinfluenceofherChristianhome.Shedesiredeverythingthatwascontrarytoitpursuitslikethecinemaanddancinghadcaptivatedherdesiresbutherhomewasstillarestraint.Summinguptheconflictshesaid:IcannotstandthisChristianitybutIdolovemyparents.Lookingback,Luke19.14expressedthestrengthofherdetermination:Iwillnothavethismantoreignoverme.
ButGoddrewJeantohimselfwhenshewasfourteen.Afewweeksbefore,onthewayhomefromafriendshouseinthedark,shelookedupatthenightskyandsawsomethingofthegreatnessofGod.Itbroughtherundersuchstrongconvictionofsinthatshedespairedofeverbeingsaved.Sheweptoveritwithhermother.
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DecembercameandthefamilytookJeanouttobuyheraherringbonetweedcoatforChristmas.Onthewayhomehermothertookillanddeterioratedrapidly.Asshewasdyingofheartfailure,just46yearsold,sheseveraltimesexpressedherlovefortheLordandprayed,Lord,Savemychildren.FromthatmomentJeanbegantocallonthenameofthe
Lordandsooncametofaith.ShelatersawthetruthofCSLewissfamousinsight:Godwhisperstousinourpleasures,butshoutstousinourpain.(TheProblemofPain)Serving in Church and Familyerving in Church and FamilyJeancontinuedforatimeinthesameChurchbutitdidnot satisfyhernewhungerfortheWordofGod.ShecompensatedbylisteningtoRevBillyGrahamtapesandattendingFaithMissionconventionsbutcouldnotidentifywithitssecondblessing.ShereadlargesectionsofBoettnersRomanCatholicismasherfirstChristianbook.Sheknewshehadtomovetoa
newChurchandchoseanevangelicaldenominationwhereshestayedfor15years andbecameamember.ShewasinoneoftheChurchsoutreachteamsanditjusthappenedthatAllisterLucaswasinthesameteam!Theymarriedin1975. Jeanleftschoolwhenshewasfifteen.AfteraninitialspellasaDentalNurseshetrainedasaGeneralNurseinBangorHospital,1973-75.AftershewasmarriedshemovedtoHarland&WolffasanIndustrialNurseuntilfamilyresponsibilitiestookover.AllisterandJeanhavefourchildrenGlyn,wholivesinScotland,Graham,KyleandJoanne.Eachhasprofessedfaith.Andelevengrandchildrensofar! WhenonholidayintheYorkshireDalesin1990AllisterandJeanhadsomeexposuretoreformedpreachingandrecognisedthatthiswaswhattheywerereallylookingfor.JeanwasdoingnightsasarespitenurseatthetimeanddecidedtogototheCrumlinEPCPrayerMeetingbeforeworkreportshadindicatedthatitcouldbetheirspiritualhome.DrAndrewWoolseywasgoingthroughNehemiahatthetimeandonJeansfirstvisithadreachedChapter5whereNehemiahtackledtheexploitationofthepoor.Exactlythepreachingshewanted!SheandAllisterbeganattendingandjoinedin1992.AllisterbecameaDeaconin1993.
InMarch1998AllisterandJeanemigratedtoOntario,Canada.GlynhadspentsometimethereandduringvisitsAllisterwasverytakenwiththefarmingpotential .AsitturnedouttheyfounditbesttoleasetheirlandandtosetupaBedandBreakfastbusiness.In2006familytiesbroughtthemhomeagain andhappilybacktoCrumlinEPCwhereJeanhasbeenaSundaySchoolteacher,andservesontheLadiesFellowshipCommitteeandasChurchOrganistsince2008. AmongJeansinterestsareclassicalmusic,quilting,cookingandreading.She likesBibleCommentariesandgeneralmaterialtoincreaseherBibleknowledge.ShereadstheEnglishClassicstoo,mentioningGeorgeEliotinparticular.
WethankGodforsuchaninstructiveconversionandforthelifeofservicethathasfollowed.MayitencourageustoprayforourchildrenthattheywillstrivetoenterbythenarrowgateandthatthecallofGodwilldrawthemthroughit.
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Noonecouldhaveforetoldthejourneythatlayaheadformewhichbeganone
SundayeveninginOctober1983whenIattendedtheeveningserviceatStranmillisEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch.DerekThomaswastheministerandhewaspreachingthroughtheGospelofMark.Thiswaselectrifyingpreachingtome,exposition,application,challengeandaboveallheartwarming.ThisfirstvisitwasbutthefirstofmanyandIbecamearegularSundaynighteratStranmillis. IwasraisedinmainstreamIrishPresbyterianismandwillalwaysbethankfulfortheSundaySchoolconnectedwithFirstDromorewherewewerefaithfullytaughttheScripturesandreceivedagoodgroundingintheShorterCatechism.Iandmanyofmyclassmatesweretocometofaithinourmidtolateteens.
ComingtoworkinBelfastinthelate1960sforthemotorfirmofREHamiltonbroughtmeintothebusinessworldwithitsmanychallengesandtemptationsthepulloftheworldandthehandofGod.LookingbackInowseeGodshandatwork,leadingandsendinghispeopleacrossmypath.OnewasRevHarryTadley,aReformedPresbyterianMinister,whowastobringaninfluenceintomylifethatIdidnotfullyappreciateatthetime.IfirstmetHarry,thenamaturestudentattheRPCollege,atalunchtableinthePresbyterianHostel.HewouldofteninvitemetospecialmeetingsaddressedbymensuchasIainMurray,AdamLoughridge,MartynLloyd-Jones,WJGrier,GeoffThomasandSinclairFerguson.ThisinturnintroducedmetoReformedliteratureandespeciallytothevolumesofDrLloyd-JonesonRomansthatwerebeginningtoappear.Idevouredthemandeagerlyawaitedthepublicationofthenextvolume.TheEvangelicalBookShopbecamealunchtimestoptwoorthreetimesaweek!AnotherdelightfulChristianImetwasRobertBell,thenIrishSecretaryofScriptureGiftMissionandanElderinCrescentChurch.HeinvitedmetomonthlylunchtimeBusinessmensmeetingsintheYMCA.AgainanotherlittleoasisinthemidstofcitybusinesslifethatprovidedChristianfellowship.(Italsoprovedtobeprofitabletobusinessaswell!)
IbecameamorefrequentvisitortoStranmillis,notjustforthepreachingaseventsunfolded,andin1995Imarriedoneoftheirmembers,PatriciaLyons.Webothhadgivenmuchthoughtandprayerastowherewemightsettleinchurch.Myhomechurchwasgoingthroughatraumaticperiodofconflictandhavingstrongconvictionsregardingtheunbiblicalpositionofwomenintheministryandeldership,wedecidedtostaywithStranmillisandIcameintomembershipin1996.IwaselectedaDeaconinJune1999andanElderinNovember2000. Presbyteryappointedmeaseditorofthismagazinein2004andelectedmeasitsModeratorfor2010-11.Iamgratefulfortheopportunitiesgiventomeand
forthefaithfulservantsofGodthathecontinuestosendacrossmypath.MrsCousinshymnremindsusofthehandthatguidedandtheheartthatplanned.IamtrulythankfultoGodforhisgraceandwisdom,forthefriendshipsandthefellowshipofthepeopleofGodintheEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch.
The Hand that GuidesThe Hand that GuidesHarold Gibsonaro ld Gibson,Editor,tellshisownstorySunday-NightertoModerator
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All Lands to God!All Lands to God!
Musa and Pamela GaiyaManyfriendsgatheredinStranmillison13May2010tosayFarewelltoMusaandPamelabeforetheirreturntoNigeriaon29May.RevDrPaulBaillie,ChiefExecutiveofMissionAfrica,broughtgreetingsfromthemission.MusaandPamelagaveanoutlinepresentationoftheworkthatlayahead.
RevDrSidneyGarlandpreachedfromHebrews11.23-28:ByfaithMoses...
God'speopleandtheirchildrenarecalledtoserveinadangerousworldbyfaith
God'speoplearecalledtotakerisksbyfaith God'speoplearecalledtosay'no'tocertainhindrancesbyfaith
God'speoplearecalledtolivebyfaith,lookingtoGodfortheirreward
TherewasopportunitytosayfarewelltoMusaandPamelapersonallyduringsupperservedbytheladiesofStranmillis.WecontinuetoupholdtheminprayerastheysettlebackintotheirworkandfamilylifeinNigeria.
Sidney and Jean GarlandAwelcomehomeserviceon3June2010in
StranmillismarkedthereturnofSidneyandJeanGarlandafter23yearsofmissionaryserviceinNigeria.RevGarethBurkeledthemeetingandRevStephenCarson,amemberoftheMissionAfricaCouncil,spokeonbehalfonthemissionandledinprayer.JeangaveaPowerpointoverviewoftheirserviceinNigeria,23Yearsin23Minutes,recallingsomeofthehighsandlowsoftheir
experience.SidoutlinedhisfutureplansforACTS.HeisnowtobebasedinNorthernIreland,buthopestovisitNigeriaseveraltimesannually.MissDebbieGarlandreflectedontheirchildhoodinNigeriaandpaidawarmtributetoherparents.MrBurkepreachedfrom1Corinthians15.58:...Besteadfast,immovable,alwaysaboundingintheworkoftheLord,knowingthatyourlabourisnotinvainintheLord..Manyremainedforsupper,kindlyprovidedbytheStranmillisladies.
Ricky and Angie FitzsimmonsTherewillbeaFarewell Service,onThursday1July2010,8.00pm,inStranmillisforRicky,AngieandNoahwhoaresoontoleaveforJos,NigeriawithMissionAfrica.
A Farewell and A Welcome HomeA Farewell and A Welcome Home
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BIG WORDS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Hi!
Do you know what was special
about 20th June this year?
It was Fathers Day a day for
telling your dad how special he isandhow much you love him.
Here are some of the special things
about your dad:
You belong to him
He loves you
He will always be your dad
You can talk to him about everything
He is firm with you (for your own good)
Everything he has belongs to you
ADOPTIONthis means
being made a
child in Godsfamily
If you had lived in New Testament times, youwould have called your dad
The amazing thing is, God says some people cancall Him Abba
http://uk.wrs.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTf2mwVxFMfhYAhVFWBQx./SIG=132bfi7di/EXP=1276291376/**http%3a/www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/holidays/fathers-day/best-dad-clipart.gif -
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How can that be?
Boys and girls who trust Jesus to be their Saviour
from sin are adopted into Gods family.
He becomes their Abba or Father.They become His children.
The Bible says:
But as many as received Him, to them Hegave the right to become _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ of God,to those who believe in His name.John 1: 12Sadly, some human dads are not very good dads.
God is the Perfect Father.
If you are adopted into Gods family
You belong to Him forever
He loves you with perfect love
You can talk to Him as a child to its Father
He will discipline you (because He loves you)
All His riches belong to you
WHAT LOVE!
I thank God that I have been adopted intoHis family. What about you?
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AreyouaworldlyChristian?Beforeyouanswer,considerthewarningofJames:DoyounotknowthatfriendshipwiththeworldisenmitywithGod?ThereforewhoeverwishestobeafriendoftheworldmakeshimselfanenemyofGod (James4.4).ThesearestrongwordsfromGodandthusimportantforustoconsider.A Friendship?Friendship?Ifalltheactivitiesyoudidinadayweredocumentedandtimedwhatproportionofthemwouldbespentonthingsthenon-Christianalsopartakessuchaswatchingtelevision,browsingFacebook,playingsports,ortalkingtofriendsonthephone?
Noneofthesethingsarewrongorsinfulinthemselves,buttheyareonlymeanttosweetenourpassagetoheaven.DotheseactivitiestakepreferenceoverholyactivitiessuchasBiblereading,privateandcorporateprayer,orattendanceatthemeansofgrace?Areworldlyactivitiespushingthesethingstothesidesotheyaregivenlittleornotime?IfyouwereforbiddentowatchTV,usetheInternetortalkonyourphoneforafewdays,whatwouldyourreactionbe?Ifyourreactionisnegativethenitmaybefearedthatyouareoverlytrustingandbeingsupportedbythesethings.Inotherwords,youareinfriendshipwiththem.
An Enemyn EnemyOurpassagesaysthatifwearefriendswiththeworldthenGodisourenemy.Thatsafrighteningthought.Jesustellsuswhythisis:Noonecanservetwomasters,foreitherhewillhatetheoneandlovetheother,orhewillbedevotedtotheoneanddespisetheother.(Matt6.24)IfweareChristspossessionthenheisourMaster.Whentheworldtakespossessionoftheheart,itbecomesatraitortoGod.Itmakesusunfaithfulinourcallings.WenolongersolelytrustinGodandrelyuponHissupport,butratherwelooktothebankbalanceorthehelpofpeople.WhentheloveoftheworldenteredintoJudas,itissaidthatthedevilenteredhim.IstheresomethingworldlyinusleavingadooropenforSatan?Topreventthiswe
needtoseriouslyconsiderourways,tosearchoutthemotiveswhywepartakeinallthatwedo.Wemustwatchandpray(Matt26.41)overallourdealingswiththeworldlestwefallintotemptationandfallawayfromourfirstlove(Rev2.:4)A True FriendTrue FriendGodhasgivenusthesewordstohelpusgraspthegravityoftryingtolodgetheloveofChristandtheloveoftheworldinthesameheart.Friendshipwiththeworldwillleadtodestruction.YetisChristnotabetterfriend?HeleftthesplendoursofheaventosufferforrebellioussinnerslikeusandtoreconcileusuntohisFatheristhatnottruefriendship?MeditatinguponChristwillhelpusappreciatethatthe
worldsbestisutterlyworthless.SoareyouaworldlyChristian? Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if therebe any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Ps 139.23-24)
Christopher Dohertyhristopher Doherty ,Stranmillis,asksusthistimeifwedonotknowtheimplicationsoffriendshipwiththeworld.
Do you not Know!Do you not Know! -- 44
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Thh 1 Fitzsimmonsitzsimmons PrayforRickyandAngiesFarewellServicetonightinStranmillis Frr 2 Elliottslliotts RememberBilly&LynnElliottastheycareforDanielatthistimeSaa 3 Campsamps PrayforJuniorsstartingtodayatBushmills,IntersatColeraineSuu 4 1 Pulpit Supplyulpit Supply PrayforvisitingpreachersinourpulpitsoverthesummerMoo 5 2 Finaghyinaghy PrayforGodsblessingonourCDministryathomeandoverseas Tuu 6 3 Gordonsordons PrayforDavid&OlwynastheyvisitGyero,NigeriainJulyWee 7 4 Indiandia PrayforthetrainingofvillagemissionariesatChhaparaThh 8 5 CSSMSSM-Beacheach PrayforCSSMandBeachMissionsastheywitnessforChristFrr 9 6 Stranmillistranmillis PrayfortheweddingsofEmma&Ross,Suzanne&TrevorSaa 100 7 Senior Campenior Camp PrayforSeniorCamp,startinginCarrigart,DonegaltodaySuu 111 8 Knocknock Prayforblessingduringourweekofoutreach16-20AugustMoo 122 9 Portstewartortstewart RemembertheKeswickatPortstewartmeetingsthisweekTuu 133 100 Page 16age 16-1 Pray for Key Prayer Point 1 overleafWee 144 111 Ministersinisters PrayforthoseonholidaythattheywillhaverestandrefreshmentThh 155 122 South Africaouth Africa PrayforincreasedCentralFundgiving,forbetterfinancialmanagementFrr 166 133 Richhillichhill PrayforthosewhopreachatourserviceseachSundaySaa 177 144 Omaghmagh PrayforthecontactsmadeatOmaghShowandforoSuu 188 155 Crosscollyerrosscollyer Prayforthosewhoattendedcamp,thatGodwouldsavethemMoo 199 166 Fitzsimmonsitzsimmons PrayforRicky&AngieFitzsimmonsastheyprepareforNigeriaTuu 200 177 Holidayoliday PraythatthoseonholidaywillfindfellowshipintheGospelWee 211 188 Page 16age 16-2 Pray for Key Prayer Point 2 overleafThh 222 199 EPC MinistryPC Ministry ContinuetoprayforourneedformoreMinistersandstudentsFrr 233 200 Elderlylderly PrayforourelderlymembersinhospitalandinnursinghomesSaa 244 211 Christian Insthristian Inst PrayfortheworkofCIasitseekstoupholdGodslawinsociety Suu 255 222 Crumlinrumlin Prayforourvacancy,thatGodwouldleadandguideustohismanMoo 266 233 South Africaouth Africa PrayfortheReidsandtheworkofDumisani Tuu 277 244 ACTSCTS PrayforthecontinuedworkandgrowthofACTSinAfricaWee 288 255 Perueru PrayfortheinfluenceofLimaEvangelicalSeminaryinSouthAmericaThh 299 266 Page 16age 16-3 Pray for Key Prayer Point 3 overleafFrr 300 277 Gaiyasaiyas PrayforMusa,Pamelaandfamily,stillinthesettlingbackstageSaa 311 288 Walk with Godalk with God PraythatwemaywalkclosewithGoddaybydaySuu 299 Sun Schoolsun Schools PrayfortheboysandgirlswhowillresumeSSinSeptemberMoo 300 EPCEWPCEW ContinuetoprayforthewitnessinEnglandandWalesTuu 311 CWIWI PrayforJewishvisitorstoourwebsite,thattheymayseethetruth
Prayer Diary: JulPrayer Diary: Jul--Aug 2010Aug 2010
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ThefollowingcommendthemselvesasmattersforspecialprayeratthepresenttimeatourChurchServices,PrayerMeetings,andforfamilyandpersonalprayer.TheyappearinthePrayerDiaryonTuesday,WednesdayorThursdaysothatourPrayer
Meetingscancoverthembetweenthematleastonceamonth.
Key Matters for PrayerKey Matters for PrayerJulJul--Aug 2010Aug 2010
1 The Summer Outreach Teamhe Summer Outreach TeamOuroutreachteamworkedinCrumlinin2008andinCrumlinandSomertonRoadin2009.TheLordhasgiventhemincreasedopportunitiestowitnesstoyoungpeopleandhasdevelopedthegiftsoftheteammemberstodoit.In2010theteam iswideningitsprogrammetocompriseCrumlin,KnockandFinaghyduringthreeseparateweeksinAugust.ItisatremendouscommitmentforthemandthethreeChurches.ItiscertainlyakeymatterforprayerduringJulyandAugust.Readthearticleonpage18andusethePrayerLetterwhichfocusesonthemainitems.
PrayforRobertPeacockandtheteammembersthateachwillbesanctifiedandusefulfortheMaster(2Tim2.21).Prayalsoforthechildrenandparents.2 Evangelical Book Shopvangelical Book ShopTheBookShopisnowabletoproceedwitharefurbishmentprogrammeandplanstocarryoutthesubstantialpartoftheworkinJulyandAugust.PleasethankGodformakingthispossibleandprayforhisblessingupontheproject.Prayforthehugeamountofpreparationtobedone,themovementofstockinandoutoftheareasbeingworkedon,theprogress,efficiencyandsafetyoftheworkitselfandforthosewhohaveaspecialresponsibilityforit.Praytoothattherewillbeagood
responsetoourrequestforvolunteerstohelpwiththemovementofstockseepage20.Theweeksofrefurbishmentwillbedifficultforbothstaffandcustomersastheycopewiththedislocation,especiallyinthekeyperiodthefirsttwoweeksinAugust.Pleaseprayforallconcerned,especiallytheManagerandstaff. WewillbegladtohavepremisesthataremoreinlinewithretailstandardstodaybutpraythattheLordwillusethegreaterattractivenessandfacilitiestoincreasetheshopsroleinextendinghiskingdomthroughtheWordandreformedliterature. 3 Summer Activitiesummer ActivitiesThe Summer CampsPleaseobtainaCampsPrayerLetter,useitdailyandprayaftertheCampstoo. Juniors 3-10 July Bushmills Leader: Rev Gareth BurkeInters 3-10 July Coleraine Leader: Shaun GastonSeniors 10-17 July Carrigart Leader: Rev Robert BeckettHoliday Bible Clubs Groomsport 26-30 July Stranmillis 30 August-3 SeptemberBallyclare 16-20 August Crosscollyer St 6-10 SeptemberOmagh, Richhill Somerton Road (Youth Outreach)In Addition PleaserememberourChurcheswhodoopen-airworkamongchildrenduringthesummer,ouryoungpeoplewhoservewithorganisationslikeCSSMorBeachMissionsandthosewhogofurtherafield.
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The Editor will award a Book Token for the winning entry
MaJu2Suo
Across1Close(4)3AwomanofMoab(5)4Bundlesofcornorbarley(7)7BegottenofObed(5)8Ruthtotakeofthevessels(5)10 SonofNaomi(7)14 Relatedbymarriage(14)16 Gatherearsofcorn(5)17 Formermannerofchanging(9)20 Ruthhadone(3)21 Dothisaftergleaning(4)24 Largerthantown(4)26 NumberofElders(3)28 Harvestworkers(7)30 Orpahwentbacktothese(4)32 Nameforbitterness(4)
33 Shefoundgracehere(4) 34 AnotherwomanofMoab(4) 35 Notrich(4)
Down2 Atease(4)3 FatherofJesse(4)4 Measuresofbarley(3)5 SonofRam(9)6 Havingameal(6)9 Population(11) 11 Beginningbarleygathering(7) 12 Theylifteditup(5) 13 Rulers(6) 15 Naomitoooldforone(7) 18 Consume(3) 19 Terrafirma(6) 21 Purchase(3) 22 NaomiwastoObed(5) 23 Closer(6) 25 Pharezbornofher(5) 27 Weallhavethis(4) 29 Partofharvesting(4) 31 Plural(3)
Clues by Jim Leckey
1 PleasepostyourentrytotheEditortoarrive,weekcommencing1August.(Not
before!Validentriesmustbeposted)2 MarkyourenvelopeCrossword.3 TheEditorwillselectthefirstcorrectentryfromthebagasthewinner.
The2010seriesofCrosswordsistestingourknowledgeofsixmajorBiblecharacters.
No1wasMoses,No2Elijah,No3David.Ruthiscertainlyamorecompactstudyjust4chapters.TheseriesonRuth,pages5-7,willgiveyouagreatdealofhelptoo.
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TheCrumlinOutreachWeek,whichtookplacefrom3-7Aug2009,continuedwith
thesameformatasthepreviousyearbutthereweresomerealdifferencesthatillustratehowtheoutreachinCrumlinhasdevelopedthroughGodswillandtheworkofHisHolySpirit.Werepeated2008sactivitieswithFootballClubandCraftClubforprimariesfrom2.00-4.00pmandTeenClubfrom7.30-9.30pm.Primaries Football and Craft ClubsPrimaries Football and Craft ClubsWewereblessedbyamazingafternoonattendanceswithatotalof216childrenpresentatsomepoint.Thehighestdailyattendancewas133.Thisgaveusgreat
opportunitytoshareGodsWordthroughtalksonJohntheBaptist
proclaimingJesusastheMessiah,theProdigalSon,Nicodemus,thePhilippianJailorandZacchaeus.WeweregreatlyencouragedbyhowwellthechildrenlistenedandteammemberswereveryawareofGodshelpinrunningtheirprogrammesuccessfullywithsuchlargenumbers.
Anadditionalblessingthisyearwastheincreasedcontactwithparents.Afewstayedwiththeirchildrenduringactivitiesandtalkswhileotherswerehappytostayinthehallofthechurchandtalktoleaders,andtohavecoffeewiththemontheFridayafternoon.Someparentsenquiredaboutouractivitiesduringtheyear.Teen Clubeen ClubIntheeveningTeenClubatotalof121youngpeoplewerepresentatsomepointandthehighestattendancewas65.WewereencouragedingivingouttheinvitationsinCrumlinthatmanyoftheyoungpeoplerememberedusandwere
friendly.Weplayeddifferentindoorandoutdoorgamesin2009andfollowedthemupwithashorttalkandsomefood.BytheFridaynighttheyoungpeoplewerequitestillduringthetalkandwewereabletoexplaintheGospelveryclearly.Questionsandconversationsgaveusfurtheropportunity. AnoutreachteamalsospentaweeklastyearinSomertonRoadandwewereverymuchencouragedbytheopportunitiestospeaktoyoungpeoplethere.Godhasdefinitelybeenusingourownyoungpeopleasawitnessforhim.2010 in Crumlin, Knock and Finaghy010 in Crumlin, Knock and FinaghyPleaseprayfortheoutreachweekswhichareplannedforAugust2010inCrumlin(2-6August),Knock(9-13)andFinaghy(23-27August).AOutreachPrayerLetterisavailable.WeareveryawarethatwithoutGod'spresenceandhelpwewouldallbecompletelyoutofourdepth.
Youth Outreach 2010Youth Outreach 2010Michael Ewartichael Ewart ,Ballyclare,givesusanoverviewandasksustopray.
Some of the team for
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Should Christians be on Facebook?Should Christians be on Facebook?
Isometimeswonderifthedevildoesnttakegreatpleasureinirony,inwatchingusturnourselvesinsideoutwhilemissingthepoint.WhileIamonFacebook,andthereforeatleastholdtoatentativeconvictionthatsuchisallowableforChristians,thereareanynumberofreasonstoraiseconcernsoverit.Privacyandthelackthereof,however,wouldlikelybethelastoneIwouldraise.WithFacebooksverypublicandcontroversialannouncementofitschangeinpolicywithrespecttoprivacy,that,however,iswhathasmanyChristiansconcerned.How,Iwonder,canapersontakeatechnologythatexiststosaytothewatchingworld,HereIam.Comeseeaboutmecomplainthattheworldiscomingtoseeaboutthem?Anyone
whowishesmoreprivacycanfindsucheasilyenough.DontuseFacebook. Ifyoualreadydo,stop.Weareinamoraluproarforallthewrongreasons.WeareaghastattheownersofFacebookfordaringtochangetheirpolicy(which,remember,theoriginalpolicyheldoutasattheirdiscretion)ratherthanbeingappalledatourselvesforimplicitlybreakingthe8thCommandment.WethinkbecauseweareauserofFacebookthatsuchmakesusanownerofFacebook,andsodemandthisanddemandthatfromtherealowners. Thatsaid,herearesomeveryrealconcernsIhaveaboutFacebook.First,hasitbecomeagodtous?WhenGodcommandsthatwehavenoothergodsbeforeHimHedoesntmeanrankedhigherthanHim,butratherHemeansinHispresence.IfFacebookistooneedfulforyou,youmayneedtostop.Second,hasitbecomeagravenimage?Haveyouconfuseditsrealitywithrealreality?Doyoureallythinkyouhave200friends?Third,haveyoutakentheLordsnameinvain?Thatis,haveyou,inweakermoments,putabadfacepubliclyonyourChristianwitness?Areyoulaughingatyouroldsinswiththatoldbuddyfromcollegeorhighschool? Fourth,isFacebookgivingmethepeaceoftheLord,oragitatingme?(Andpleasenotetheveryrealdifferencebetweenthatpeacethatpassesunderstanding
andthatpeacewereceivewhenwefeedahabit,whenwegetafix.)AmIjumpywhenIdontgettologon?AmImorekeyedupafterIveloggedoff?Fifth,amIhonoringthoseinauthorityoverme?Wives,areyoufailingtohonoryourhusbandsbecauseyouretoobusyreadingaboutyourfriends?Children,areyoufailingtohonoryourparentsbecauseyouretoobusysendingflair? Sixth,isthistechnologyhonoringtolife?Thecyberworldcanbeabarrenwasteland,notbecauseitisfilledwithpornographyandgambling,butbecauseitisntreal,becauseitisGnostic.Seventh,areyoulovingyourspouseonFacebook?Istherushofnostalgiafromfindinglonglostfriendsencouragingyoutobe
dissatisfied?Areyousecretlylookingforthatoldgirlfriend?Areyoualreadycaughtupinadulterysimplybywishingyoucouldbesixteenagain?OrdoyounotknowthatFacebookcanalltooeasilydevolveintorelationalpornography?Theallureofpornisthatyouthinkyoucanhavethejoysofthesexualunionwithouthaving
R C Sproul JnrC Sproul Jnr asks;Whataboutalltheprivacyissuesthatareinthenewsthesedays?DrSproulisateachingfellowofLigonierMinistriesandfounderofHighlandMinistries.
ThisarticlefirstappearedonLigonierwebsite,www.ligonier.org
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tohavearealrelationshipwitharealperson.TheallureofFacebookismuchthesame.Eighth,areyoustealingfromyouremployerbynotgivingafulldaysworkbecauseyouaremoonlightingatFarmville,orasaMafiaDon?Or,simplybecauseyouarespendingyourhoursatworkatplay? Ninth,areyoulying?Thatis,istheyouyoupresentonFacebooktherealyou?
Thistechnologyhasaninsidiouscapacitytobothhiderealityandfoolusintothinkingwearebothshowingandseeingit.WhyareourupdatesallaboutourvictoriesIjustmadecookiesforthefamily;Mysonjusthitthegamewinninghomerun;ratherthanourfailuresIjustshoutedatmylittlegirl;Ileftmycomputerontheairplaneanditsgone?Keepaparticularlycloseeyeonthisone.Andtenth,isFacebookencouragingcontentmentorresentment?Areyoucovetingyourneighborsfriendcount?Areyoujealousofhowmanylikesthereareforhispostscomparedtoyours?Andareyoucontentwiththereallifeyouareshuttingoutwhilehunchedoveryourkeyboard?
Pleasedontmisunderstandthislittlethoughtexperiment.IsuspectwecouldwalkthroughtheTenCommandmentsinlightofourchurch,andfindmanyofthesametemptations.Thatdoesntmeanyoushouldstayawayfromchurch.Itdoesmeanweoughttobedeliberateenoughtoknowwhatwearedoing,andwhywearedoingit.Anddeliberatebeginsbyaffirmingthatourownheartsarenotjustdesperatelywicked,butdeceitfulaswell.Wedontneedtoprotectourprivacy.Weneedinsteadtoexposeoursinstothelight,thelightofScripturethatwemightrepentandbelieve,thatHisfacemightshineuponus.
Evangelical Book Shopvangelical Book Shopvangelical Book Shop
WeplantorefurbishtheshopJuly-Augustthisyearandtheworkwillrequireustomoveoutofourgroundfloorduringthefirst10-14daysinAugust.
So we need a team of
VOLUNTEERSVOLUNTEERS
who,betweenthem,will Packmainlybooksandsomeitemsofequipmentintoboxes
Placetheminvans,carsandtrailers
TransportthemtoatemporarydestinationinBelfastThe move out will be in the last week in July, especially near the end of the week
The move back, unpacking and placement on shelves will be in mid August
Itwillallbeco-ordinatedanddirectedbytheManagerandstaffoftheshopThis is physical work. Can you help us with any aspect of it including theprovision of transport? If you can please contact John Grier or, in his absence,another member of staff at the shop028 9032 0529
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Freedomisaverytopicalsubject."Iwantmyrights"isafamiliarcommentand
oftenmadewithlittleregardfortheconsequencesforothers.AsChristianswehavetheprivilegeofspiritualfreedom.Wearenolongerslavestosin:"Doyounotknowthattowhomyoupresentyourselvesslavestoobey,youarethatonesslaveswhomyouobey,whetherofsinleadingtodeath,orofobedienceleadingtorighteousness?".(Rom6.16)UnlikethedevoteesofotherreligionswearenolongerinthebondageofSatanorofhumantradition.ThisisafreedomtobeprizedbecauseitwasboughtatagreatpricebythecrossofChrist.Wehavenotearnedit;itisthegiftofGod. IntheGalatianchurches,Christianfreedomwasbeingmisused:"Foryou,
brethren,havebeencalledtoliberty;onlydonotuselibertyasanopportunityfortheflesh,butthroughloveserveoneanother".(Gal5.13)InGalatiaithadbecomeafreedomtosininfightingandbickering!ThesenewbelievershadgreaterfreedomthantheOTsaintsbuttheyhadtolearntoexerciseitresponsibly.Wemustneverturnlibertyintolicense.Ourfreedomisgovernedbywiseandbenignrulesbutthecynicismofourfallennaturesuggeststhatregulationsarenotcompatiblewithtruefreedom.Theverywordrulewouldseemtothreatenourfreedom.Sowhatistheanswertothisproblem?Weneedtolookmoredeeplyintothemeaningoffreedom.Freedom and the Lawreedom and the LawOurunbelievingworldiswithoutabsolutestandardsofgoodnessandtruthandmanyseektoliveastheyplease!Thisistheatheistsdreamlivingwithoutfearofpunishmentorpangsofconscience!Butisthatreallyfreedom?Itisthefreedomofthejungle,thesurvivalofthefittestorthelawoftheseawherethestrongerdevourtheweaker!Itwouldbeanightmarishexistencealivinghell!Aworldwithoutfearofpunishmentwouldbeaworldofnothingbutfear!Freedomdoesnotimplyabsenceoflawbutitsobservance.Truefreedombeginswhenthelawisobserved.Weknowthisfromourdailylives.Thelawprotectsusandknowledge
thatevildoerswillbeheldtoaccountbringssecurityandpeaceofmind.Freedom and the Ten Commandmentsreedom and the Ten CommandmentsChristiansunderstandthattheirlivesareboundedbybeneficentburdensomeyokearoundournecksbutaframeworkforblessedness.JustasgravityanchorsussafelytoearthsothemorallawofGodrestrainsusfromharmfulwaysoflife."Thereforethelawisholy,andthecommandmentholyandjustandgood."(Rom7.12)Themorallawdefinesandsafeguardsourfreedom! Thefirst3commandmentsaregiventosecureourfreedomfromfalseworship
andthefourthourfreedomtoworshipGodonadayofbenefittobodyandsoul.Thefifthcommandmentdefendsourfreedomfromtyranny,thesixthourlife,theseventhourchastity,theeightourprosperity,theninthourreputationandthetenthoursecretthoughts.
Freedom! How do we View it?Freedom! How do we View it?Derek Johnstonerek Johnston,Omagh,answersthequestionfromGalatians5.13
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SotheMoralLawprotectsusfromtheslaveryandmiseryofsin.Itisaheaven-sentformulaforhappinessinthisworld.Wearenotsavedbyattemptingtokeepitbutwhenwearesavedwedelightincreasinglyinthegracetodoso."GreatpeacehavethosewholoveYourlaw,andnothingcausesthemtostumble."(Ps119.65)BelievershaveafeltenjoymentofGodslove.ThewordsofChristmakethisveryclear:"HewhohasMycommandmentsandkeepsthem,itishewho
lovesMe.AndhewholovesMewillbelovedbyMyFather,andIwilllovehimandmanifestMyselftohim."(John14.21)TheCommandmentshaveavitalparttoplayintheChristianlife.Theyareourruleoflife,thepathweshouldwalk,theairwebreathe,theelementsinwhichwearetolive!"MoreoverbythemYourservantiswarned,andinkeepingthemthereisgreatreward."(Ps19.11)Freedom and the Holy Spiritreedom and the Holy Spirit EverybelieverhastheHolySpirit.Heistheauthorofourgracesandnourishesourspirituallives.Butheisnotourruleoflife.SomeChristiansmakethismistake. IwouldcallthemshiftyChristiansfortheyareemotionalandpronetowhimsand
ideas.TheSpiritguidesusnotbysubjectivefeelingsbutbytheWordofGod.TheSpiritalwayspointstotheWordofGod;Hewillguideyouintoalltruth;forHewillnotspeakonhisownauthority...HewilltakeofwhatisMineanddeclareittoyou.(John16.13-14)Freedom and Legalismreedom and LegalismDoeskeepingtheMoralLawnotamounttolegalism?Certainlynot!Thefactthatsomemayapproachitsrequirementslegalisticallydoesnotnegateitsvalue.Jesussaid:"ifanyonelovesMe,hewillkeepMyword."(John1.23)and"ifyouloveme,keepmycommandments."WeobserveGodslawasourruleoflifebecauseChristcommandsustodosotoshowourloveforhimandbecausethelawisthepatternoflovetoourneighbour:"Lovedoesnoharmtoaneighbour,therefore,loveisthefulfilmentofthelaw."(Rom13.10)WekeepitalsobecauseitistheblueprintofChristianholiness."NowbythisweknowthatweknowHim,ifwekeepHiscommandments."(1John2.3)HewhosaysheabidesinHimoughthimselfalsotowalkjustasHewalked(1John2.6) Obedienceismuchmorethanacourtesy;weoweGodourwhole-hearteddevotionandsubmission.Ourblessednessintimeandeternityisrelatedtoour
attitudetoGodsmorallaw.Weneedtoruntowardsitastowardsthemark:IpresstowardthegoalfortheprizeoftheupwardcallofGodinChristJesus.(Phil3.14)WemustcryouttoGodforgracetoloveitandkeepitmore!ForIdelightinthelawofGodaccordingtotheinwardman.ButIseeanotherlawinmymembers,warringagainstthelawofmymind,andbringingmeintocaptivitytothelawofsinwhichisinmymembers.2(Rom7.22-23)
AsbelieverswemustalwaysregardthemorallawasGodsperfectruleforourlives:ThelawoftheLordisperfect,convertingthesoul;thetestimonyoftheLordissure,makingwisethesimple.(Ps19.7)Righttotheendofourearthlyliveswewillsadlyfallshortofperfection.GodhasgivenushisHolySpirittohelpusgrowingrace,butwemustrespondtothatgrace,strivingtotheutmostofourpowerstomakeprogressinholiness.MayGodhelpustolovehislawandtoappreciatethewonderfulfreedomitbringstous.Initsobedienceistruefreedom.
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JulJul--Aug2010Aug2010Pricediscountsavailable fromEvangelicalBook ShopBelfastUnity & Diversitynity & Diversity:TheFoundersoftheFreeChurchofScotlandSandy Finlayson,ChristianFocus,2010,Paperback,8.997.50ItmaybethatyouareunfamiliarwiththeeventssurroundingtheformationoftheFreeChurchofScotlandinthe19thcentury,andyoumaywonderwhethertherewouldbeanyvalueinreadingabookaboutitsfoundingfathers.Well,ifyoufeelthatway,youshouldgetholdofacopyofUnity&Diversity. ThisbookisatimelyreminderthattheLordblessedtheFreeChurchwithleaderswhosegodliness,confessionalfaithfulness,and visionweresecondtonone.WhetheraretalkingabouttheVisionaryPastorThomasChalmers,thegreattheologianWmCunninghamorthesurprisingsocialreformerJames
Begg,thisveryreadablecollectionofshortbiographiesistrulyinspiringand speakspowerfullytoourownday.Iwarmlyrecommend. RevAndrew J Lucas
Sermons on Genesisermons on Genesis,Chapters1-11,JohnCalvin,Translation: Rob Roy McGregor, Banner,867pp,20.0016.00Tohavethese49sermons,deliveredinGenevabetweenSeptember1559andJanuary1560,inEnglishforthefirsttimeistohavegreattreasure!WhilemanyconsiderCalvinasamightytheologian,hereweseeadowntoearthpreacherwithaheartforGodspeople.
PreachingontheopeningchaptersofScripture,heldinridiculebysomanytoday,CalvindealswiththeTrinity,Creation,theFall,Worship,theFloodandmanyotherrelatedsubjects.HereisexpositorypreachingtotheordinarypeopleofGenevathatweareprivilegedtoshare,beblessedandchallengedbytheWordofGod.Althoughpreachedsome450yearsagotheexpositionisfreshandtheapplication relevant. The EditorJohnny Cornflakesohnny CornflakesAstoryaboutlovingtheunlovedDenise George, ChristianFocus,239pages,7.995.99Thisbookisastoryaboutlovingtheunloved".Theunlovedmaincharacterisahomelessalcoholic,nick-namedJohnnyCornflakes.Thetaleiswell-toldwithsuspense,humour,sentiment,andallthelooseendsarebroughttogether.Itisacompellingbook,easilyread,yetwithsomethingchallengingtosaytoeachoneofusaboutourattitudestothoseonthemarginsofsociety. Themostremarkablethingaboutthisstoryisthatitistrue.Theauthor,nowawell-knownwriterandconferencespeaker,encounteredJohnnyCornflakeswhenshemoved,asanewly-marriedpastor'swife,fromhersheltered,evenpampered
life,inAmerica'sSouthtothechallengesofaninner-cityareaknownasChelsea.Withoutbecomingside-trackedintoirrelevantautobiographical detailswhichwoulddetractfromthisstory,shechartsveryhonestlyherownjourneytowardsseeingpeopleasJesuswantsustoseethem. Ruth Burke
Book ReviewsBook Reviews
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7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - July-August 2010
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Contagious Christian Living Joel Beeke 6.99 5.75OneofJoelBeekesbestbooksyetProf.EdwardDonnellyThesefourmarvellousaddressesifreadwithgodlysubmission,willchallengeandconvict,edifyandexhortIcannotrecommendthisbooktoohighlyDerekThomasAtonement Gabriel Fluhrer, Ed 9.99 7.50Eightofthemodernchurchsbest-knownpastor-theologiansilluminatetheBiblicalemphasisonChristassin-bearer,inadaywhenthetraditionalevangelicaldoctrineofAtonementisunderattack.
Discovering God in Stories from the Bible Philip Ryken 9.998.50ThisexplorationofGodsunchangingcharacter,asrevealedinthirteenBiblestories,offersustheopportunitytogettoknowHimbetterandloveHimmore.The Betrayal A Novel on John Calvin Douglas Bond 11.25 8.50AnexcitingreadundoingcaricaturesaboutCalvinalongthewayCalvinandhistimesbroughttolifeinapage-turner!JoelBeekeThe Shepherd Leader Timothy Z Witmer 13.9910.50Thefourprimaryministriesofshepherdsknowing,feeding,leading,protectingonchurch-wideandpersonallevels,aneffectiveshepherdingplanforyourchurch.
PracticalandtheologicalinsightsforleaderswholongtobefaithfultoGod.Anne Bradstreet, Pilgrim and Poet Faith Cook 7.99 5.99ThemovingandGod-glorifyingstoryofAmericasfirstpublishedpoet,whoarrivedtherein1630asanearlyPuritanrefugeeinsearchoffreedomtoworshipwithoutpersecution.Astirringandchallengingbiographyforbothmenandwomenofallages.Who Is This Jesus? E M Hicham 5.99 4.50Prohet?Greatteacher?Lunatic?ThisveryreadableyetscholarlybookexaminesthevariousclaimsthathavebeenmadeabouttheidentityofJesus,setsouttheScripturesthatanswerthem,andchallengesthereadertomakearesponse.The Christ of The Empty Tomb James M Boice 8.995.99SixteenEastersermonstoreviveourexcitementatthesignificanceofJesusvictoriousresurrectionfromthedead. Day One Travel Guidesay One Travel Guides Beautifullyillustratedwithmanyphotographsandmaps,thesepopularguidesaredesignedtointroducepeopleandplacesthathavehadanimpactonourChristianheritage.Usethemforexploringthelocations,orjustforgreatsummerholidayreading!Travel through ... Israel, Egypt, Oxford, Cambridge Each10.007.50Travel with ... Biographieswithadifference:John Blanchard,John Bunyan,John Calvin,William Carey,William Grimshaw,FrancesRidley Havergal,John Knox ,CS Lewis,Martin Lloyd-Jones ,RobertMurrayMCheyne,C H William William Each 10 00
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