the evangelical presbyterian - july-august 2012

7/29/2019 The Evangelical Presbyterian - July-August 2012

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A Tale of Two CitiesA Tale of Two CitiesA Tale of Two Cities

The Sanctity of MarriageThe Sanctity of MarriageThe Sanctity of Marriage

The Compromised ChurchThe Compromised ChurchThe Compromised ChurchHandling Stress at WorkHandling Stress at WorkHandling Stress at Work

TheTheThe

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Take NoteTake NoteThe Sanctity of MarriageThe Sanctity of MarriageThe Sanctity of Marriage

ThetotaldisregardforthelawofGodbythe

UK Coalition Government has becomemore apparent in recent monthsas it pro-posestoredefinemarriage.Whilethishasbeen put out for consultation this is ratherdisingenuous as some Government minis-ters have made it plain that marriage willchange regardless of the viewsexpressedbysociety.Ifthatsthecasewewonderwhytimeandmoneyhasbeenspentonfindingout what people thinkwhen their opinionsaregoingtobeignoredanyway!

JohnMurray,inhisexcellentbookonChris-tian ethics, Principles of Conduct remindsus that marriage is a creation ordinance.The fullest revelation we possess on thequestionofmarriage, thatbyour Lordandthe apostlePaul, appeals to Genesis 2.24as the definitive word of institution. Mar-riage was instituted by God at creationalongwith the Sabbath and the ordinanceof labour.TheBible teachesand ourCon-fessionofFaithunderlines thatmarriageistobebetweenonemanandonewoman.

Welive in dayswhenmarriage is seenasoutdatedandwhenmanyleadingfiguresinoursocietyenterintoirregularrelationships;cohabitation arrangements and civil part-nerships.Forthatreasonpressureisputon

churches to approve and give equality tosame-sexunions.ToresistthesepressuresChristiansare vilifiedasPuritanicalorVic-torianyetneitherthePuritansorQueenVic-toriadeclaredthatthiswaswrong,itwasGod.

With over half a million people havingsigned the Coaltion4Marriage petition,clearlyaconsiderablenumberof people inournationholdtothetraditionalandBiblical

viewofmarriage.Take Noteake Note: Gods law is perfect. (Psalm19.7)Menmeddlewithitattheirperil.

Cover PhotographCover PhotographCrowdsonCuretusStreet,ancientEphesus,namedafterthePriestsof

Artemis. Earthquakes after Paulstime necessitated restoration andsome change. The famousCelsusLibrary(centre)is2ndcentury.(p16)

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The EditorThe EditorThe Editor

A Tale of Two CitiesA Tale of Two Cities

Inthisyearofnotableanniversaries,thebirthofCharlesDickensin1812isone

of those being celebrated. Much has been written about the man and hisinfluence on society through literature. Many of us are familiarwith hisworks,whether through studies at school and college or through film and televisionadaptationsofhiswritings.Thetitlesthathechoseareinthemselvesintriguing,wethinkofGreatExpectations,BleakHouseandATaleofTwoCities,storiesthatdepict materialism, concern for the disadvantaged and poor and death andresurrection.ThereisnothingtosuggestthathewasaChristianthoughhedoesquotefromScriptureattimesandhewasclosetohissisterwhowastrulyandwonderfully converted.

1Weborrowthetitleforthisarticlefromoneofhiswell-

knownbooksbecauseitremindsusthattheBiblesetsbeforeusastoryoftwo

cities,theworldlycityand theheavenlycity.JohnBunyan inPilgrimsProgressspeaksofthecityofdestructionandthecelestialcity.The Worldly Cityhe Worldly CityWeliveintheworldlycity,atpresent.YettheBibleteachesusthatChristiansarecitizensofanothercity,webelongtotheKingdomofGod.Tocoinawell-wornphrase,weareINtheworldbutnotOFtheworld.TheapostleJohntellsusDonotlovetheworldorthethingsintheworld.(1John2.15)WhilewearenottotakeupamonasticlifestyleChristiansaretobeseenasdifferentandtobesaltandlightinsociety.LivinginthispresentworldisachallengetothechurchandatemptationtoeveryChristian.Lookingforthechurchintheworld todayismorelikely to result in finding theworld in the church.Weare reminded of Demas,describedbyPaulasbeinginlovewiththispresentworldanddeserting! Christiansareingreatdangerofbeingseducedbythisfallenworld.Demas,afaithfulandpassionatefollowerofChrist,endsupasadeserterof thefaithandhislifeisawarningtousall.CJMahaneyinhisbookWorldlinessremindsusAlove for the world begins in the soul. He continues: Affections grow dim.Excitementlessensforparticipatinginthelocalchurch.Eagernesstoevangelize

startstowane.Growthingodlinessslowstoacrawl.

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Worldlinessformanyisdefinedbytheplaceswegoto,themusicwelistento,thewaywedressandthepossessionswepursue.AsMahaneyagainpointsoutworldliness does not consist in outward behaviour but the real location ofworldlinessisinternal.Lookcarefullyat1John2.15,worldlinessisdefinedasthecravingsofsinfulman,the lustofhiseyesandtheboastingofwhathehasanddoes.Worldliness,accordingtotheBible,isaheartproblem.JohnCalvintellsusthatourheartsareaperpetualfactoryofidols!

Godliness andworldliness arebecoming increasingly hard to distinguish inChristianlivingtodayyetJamestellsusthatoneofthefeaturesofreligionthatispureandundefiledbeforeGodistokeeponeselfunstainedfromtheworld.(1.27)HeaddsalittlelaterthewarningthatfriendshipwiththeworldisenmitywithGod.

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HowarewetocopelivinginaworldthatishostiletoGodandtoChristianity?WecanonlydothatbymaintainingaclosewalkwithJesusChrist.JohnBodeputsitsowellinhishymn:

Oletmefeeltheenearme:Theworldisevernear:Iseethesightsthatdazzle,

ThetemptingsoundsIhear;Myfoesareevernearme,Aroundmeandwithin,ButJesus,drawthounearer,Andshieldmysoulfromsin.

AsMahaneyputs it: crowdoutworldlinessby fillingyouraffectionswith thecrossofChrist.Resistthebaitoftheworldbygazingatthewondrouscross.DwellwherethecriesofCalvaryarelouderthantheclamouroftheworld.LivingforChristinthisworldlycityisbutpreparationfordwellingintheheavenlycity.Forhere,wehavenolastingcity,butweseekthecitythatistocome.(Heb13.14)

The Heavenly Cityhe Heavenly CityJesusspoketohisdisciplesandtoldthemthathewasgoingtoprepareaplaceforthem,ahouseofmanymansions.Hebrewsspeaksofacitywhosedesignerand builder is God. Glorious things are said of this city. (Ps 87.2) ThroughoutScripturethepromiseofheavenandallitsgloryforallwhotrustandbelieveinJesus is constant. It is a place where righteousness dwells. There is a riverwhose streamsmake glad the city of God. (Ps 46.4) The apostle Paul writesWhatnoeyehasseen,norearheard,northeheartofmanimagined,whatGodhaspreparedforthosewholovehim.Theprospectofheavenisglorious:

O,thesightofheavenisglorious!Maninrighteousnessisthere.Oncethevictim,nowvictorious,Jesuslivesingloryfair.

Entranceintotheheavenlycitywillendtheconflictswefaceintheworldlycity.Thebattlewith sin, theworld, the fleshand thedevilwillbeover. Behold, thedwellingplaceofGodiswithman.Hewilldwellwiththem,andtheywillbehispeople,andGodhimselfwillbewiththemastheirGod.(Rev21.4)Therewillbenomoredeath,crying,mourningorpainfortheformerthingshavepassedaway.

ItwastheprospectofthegloryandthejoythatencouragedJesustoendurethecrossanddespiseitsshame.Sowetoomustpresson,ascitizensofheavenbutlivingasambassadorsforChristinthispresentage.JohnMacArthurwrites,IhaveactuallyheardChristianssaytheydontwanttogotoheavenuntiltheyhaveenjoyedallthattheworldcandeliver.

3Theworldispassingawayalongwithits

desires,butwhoeverdoesthewillofGodabidesforever.(1John2.17)Lovingthe thingsof thisworldand doing thewill of God are not compatible. RichardBaxterwrote:Aheavenlymindisajoyfulmind;thisisthenearestandtruestwaytolivealifeofcomfort.Becareful,donottrytoliveasacitizenofthisworldandas

acitizenofheaven.RememberDemas.Itdoesntworkandgenerallyendsinruin.1OutoftheShadows,FaithCook,EP,p43,FannyBurnett,CharlesDickensFavouriteSister.2Worldliness,editedbyCJMahaney,Crossway,2008.3TheGloryofHeaven,JohnFMacArthur.ChristianFocus,1997


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Herbertis23yearsofage.Hehasrecentlystartedanewjobwithafirmoffinan-cialconsultantshavinggraduatedtwoyearspreviouslyfromuniversitywithade-greeineconomics.Heisdelightedtogettheworkashehasbeeninandoutofallkindsofjobsoverthepasttwoyears.ThefirmhasarrangedaneveningdinnerforalltheemployeesfollowedbyentertainmentinawellknownBelfastclub.Her-bert,aftertalkingtodifferentmeninhischurch,feelsitwouldbeappropriateforhimtoattendthemealbuttowithdrawfromthegatheringwhenevertheclubbingbegins.Cyril,aChristianworkcolleague,doesntagree.Theresnothingwrongwithstayingon,Cyriladvises.Theworldposesnothreattous:wearestronger

thantheworld,andbywithdrawingyouareconveyingtheimpressionthattobeaChristianisbothboringandunsociable. Cyrilsadvice,whichiswidespreadthroughoutevangelicalismatthepresenttime,isnothingnew.TherewerefalseteacherswhohadinfiltratedthechurchinThyatira,whoweresayingessentiallythesamething.DescribedinRevelation2.20astheteachingofthatwomanJezebeltheessentialmessagewasthesame.Dontwithdrawfromtherevelryoftheworld.Showtothepagansthatyoureascoolastheyare.The Townhe TownThyatirawasatownrenownedforitstradeguilds.Thosewhoworkedatthevari-ousindustriesbasedinthetownwereexpectedtobelongtoaguildandtopartici-pateinalltheguildactivitieswhichinvolvedboththerecognitionofapagangodandvariousformsofsexualimmorality.Therewerewoolworkers,linenworkers,makersofoutergarments,dyers, leatherworkers, tanners,potters,bakers andbronzesmiths,Lydia,asellerofpurplecloth,whowemeetinPhilippi(Acts16)originatedfromThyatira.

The Churchhe ChurchTherearesomegoodthingshappeninginthechurchascanbeseenfromverse19: I know yourworks, love, service, faith,and your patience (perseverance),andasforyourworksthelastaremorethanthefirst.HereisachurchthatwasactiveinservingChristandwasmakingsomeprogressintermsofserviceandministry.However,allwasnotwell.The Problemhe ProblemTherearethosewhohadinfiltratedthechurchwhowereteachingerror.InsteadofencouragingtheLordspeopletoleadholylivesandtokeepthemselvespure

theyweresuggestingthat itwasOKtogetinvolvedwiththetradeguildsandtoparticipateinboththeidolworshipandthesexualwaywardnessassociatedwiththem.TheSaviourusesthenameJezebeltorefertothesefalseteachers.Somethinkthatthisisareferencetoafalseprophetessofthatnamewhohadcomein

The 7 ChurchesThe 7 ChurchesJesus speaks to his church todayJesus speaks to his church todayRev 2.18Rev 2.18--2929The Compromised ChurchThe Compromised Church

Rev Gareth Burke, StranmillisRev Gareth Burke, StranmillisRev Gareth Burke, Stranmillis


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tothechurchbutIthinkitmorelikelythatJesuswasusingthisnameasacatchallexpressiontorefertothesefalseteachers.JezebelwasthewifeofKingAhab(1Kings16.31)andwasrenownedforherloveofthefalsegodBaal.Shewasalsoawomanofcorruptdisposition.ThenameJezebelcanbereadilyappliedtothosewhoaresuggesting that thebelieversshouldnt get tooworriedabout in-volvementwiththeworld.

The Futurehe FutureTheSaviourhasgiventimetoJezebelandherfollowerstorepent.Failuretolis-tentoJesushasconsequencesand,assuch,theirfuturewillbeoneofjudge-mentanddoom(verse22and23).ForthosewhoarefaithfultotheLordandcon-tinuetoservehimwhilstremainingapartfromtheworldtheSaviourgivesatwofoldpromise.ThereisthepromiseofultimatelyrulingwithChristatthetimeofhisSecondComing(verses26and27).ThistruthissomewhathardtofullygraspbutistaughtelsewhereinScripturemostnotablyin1Corinthians6.2.Thereisalsothepromiseoffutureglory(verse28).Toreceivethemorningstar(verse28)isto

receiveChristhimselfforheissodescribedinRevelation22.16.PostscriptostscriptInlookingatthedifferentchurchesthatwehaveconsideredsofaritisinterestingtonotethedifferentattitudetoerrorthatisfoundineachcongregation.Forexam-ple,Ephesus,whilstloveless,exercisesstrongdiscipline.Thyatira,bywayofcon-trast,doesnot seem to be prepared todiscipline these false teachers in theirmidst.Thishasledsometosuggestthatwemustnotstrivetoexpelerrorfromthechurchforthedesiretohaveapurechurchisunattainable,and,itisthereforepointless tostriveafter such.HarryBuis states: But despite the evils found inthesechurches,itissignificantthatChristnevercounselstruebelieverstoleaveinordertofoundapurechurchoftheirown.ThisissimplytoreadtoomuchintothispassageandtofailtoapplytheimportantReformationprincipleofcomparingScripture with Scripture to this portion. A casual reading of theEpistles aloneshowstoustheimportanceofdisciplinewithinthechurch.(1Cor5) DrMarkRossofErskineSeminaryinarecenteditionofTableTalkmakesthefollowingaptcommentinconsideringMatthew18:Whenlostsheepcontinueintheirrebellionaftermanypatient,persistentappeals,theyareatlastputoutfrom

thechurch,fortheLordsforgivenessisnotendlesstolerationofsin.Hisgloryisnot everlasting indulgence.His character ofmercy and steadfast love includesHisjustice,forHewillbynomeanscleartheguilty. Churchdisciplineisnotsomethingweapproachwithanysenseofeaseorjoy.Itisalwayspainfulanddistressing.ButthispassageremindsusthatwecannotignoreitasourcallinganddutyasleadersinChristschurch.SeeagaintheSav-ioursattitudetosininhisChurch:IndeedIwillcastherintoasickbed,andthosewho commit adultery with her intogreat tribulation, unless they repent of theirdeeds.Iwillkillherchildrenwithdeath,andallthechurchesshallknowthatIam

Hewhosearchesthemindsandhearts.(Verses22-23) Solemnwordsofwarningtoacompromisedchurch.


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John BentonJohn BentonJohn Benton

Handling Stress at WorkHandling Stress at Work

As the recessionbites and job insecurity increases, how dowe cope?An ICMsurveyshowedthat72%ofpeopleenjoytheirjobs.Yes,theycomplain aboutthem,buttheyalsolikethem.TheBibletellsusthatworkisgoodbecauseGodisaworkerandwearemadeinhisimage(Genesis1.26-27).So,beingproductiveinsomeway,whetheritisathomeasamother,involuntaryworkorinpaid employ-ment,ispartofwhatitistobeabalancedhumanbeing.Ifwehaveouruseful-nesscurtailedthroughillnessorredundancy,wefeeldiminishedaspeople.

What is Stress?hat is Stress?Butthoughworkisgood,statisticsshowthatstressaffectsaboutoneinfiveoftheworking population. Somesayworkplace stress is the single biggest cause ofillnessintheUK.Pressureitselfisnotbad.Itisgoodtobestretchedalittleandrise to the challenge.But sometimespressure becomes too intense. Stress isbasicallyanxietywhichresultsfromdemandsmadeonusbeinggreaterthanourresources.SirMichaelMarmotsresearchamongcivilservantsshowedthattheloweryouare in theworking hierarchythehigher theriskofheartdiseaseandshorterlife.Hesaysthatthisisbecausestressiscausedbyhighdemandsonpeoplewhohavelowcontrolandlowsupportintheirjobs. Computershaveacceleratedthepaceofwork.Smartphonescanmean thatyourcompanywantsyoutobealwayskeepingupwithyouremails.Inareces-sion,firmscutstaffandemployeesareexpectedtodotheworkoftwoorthree.Wecanthinkthatpressureandstressareproductsofmodernsociety.Butthatisnotso.Backinaslowerageofagricultureandmanuallabourtherewereotherthings to worry about.Would theweatherwreck the harvest,etc.?Martha gotstressedinofferinghospitality(Luke10.40).EventheLordJesusknewwhatitistobedeeplydistressedandtroubled(Mark14.33)ashecontemplatedwhatwas

beingaskedofhimonthenightbeforehewouldbecrucified.SodontthinkthestressesofmodernlifearebeyondScripturesabilitytoaddress.Signs of too much Stressigns of too much StressLong-termorchronicstresscanleadtodepressionandburnout,andcanevenincreaseyourriskofhavingaheartattackorastroke.Itisimportant,therefore,toknowthedangersignals.

PhysicalsignsThesecanincludemusculartension,lossofappetiteforfoodorsex,overindulgenceinsugaroralcohol,highbloodpressure,headachesandcontinuallyfeelingtired.

EmotionalSignsWecanbecomeangry,impatientandirritable.Orwemayloseourconfidence,feelvictimisedandwithdrawfrompeople.

ThisarticlefirstappearedintheMarch2012issueofEvangelicalsNow

andisreprintedherewiththeirkindpermission


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IntellectualSignsWefinditdifficulttoconcentrate.Makingdecisionsaboutevenfairlytrivialthingsseemstobeimpossiblycomplicated.

SpiritualSignsThesemight include inabilitytoprayorreadScripture, lossofpurposeorhope,

doubtingGodsgoodness.IntheincidentwhichLukerecounts,itappearsMarthaisangrywithJesus.Causes of Workplace Stressauses of Workplace StressWe can picture ourselves as a spring with weights dangling on the end. Theweightsareourpressures.Wearedesignedtocarrysomeweights;toextendaswedosoandthengobackintoshapewhentheweightsarere-moved.Lifeshouldbeasequenceofcyclesofextensionfollowedbyrelaxation.Ourproblemsarise:1)whenthespringbecomesweakbybeingextendedfortoolong;2)whentheweightsaretooheavy;3)whenhelpincarryingtheweightsisremoved.Hereare

fourcommonweightswecarry.ChangeChangemovesusoutofourcomfortzone.Itbringsusintotheunknownandcanmakeusanxious.Atworkitmightbecausedbythethreatofredundancyoryourcompany being taken over or a new computer systemor a line manager whodoesnotmakehis/herexpectationsclear.Itbringsstress.

DemandsIncreasingworkload,deadlinesandanever-ending todolistcancausestress.Wemaybegivennewtaskswhicharebeyondusorforwhichwehavereceived

notraining.Insomesituationswemightbeabletotalkthesethroughwithmanag-ers.Butsometimesitseemsimpossibletoraisethesubjectofourproblems.Wefeelbullied.Wemaycoverupproblems,causingmoredifficultiesandmorestress.

Driven-nessSelf-expectation isoneof theprimaryfactorsinstressbecause itisnot justan-otherweight.Itmultipliestheeffectsofthetwoprecedingweights.Certaintypesofpeopleexperiencethisdriven-ness.Theseincludethesupermanwhomissescoffeebreaksandrushesaroundtryingtobeintwoplacesatoncebecausehe/shethinkstheycanalwaysworkfaster;theperfectionistwhoviewsanythingless

than perfect as a failure; the people-pleaserwho fears criticism and doesnotwanttoletpeopledown.

SpiritualAttackWemustnotforgetthespiritualdimensionhere.Christiansareinvolvedinaspiri-tualbattle (Ephesians6.13).Oftenwhenwearefacingsomedifficulty,thedeviltakestheopportunitytohaveanextragoatusinsomeway.Ways Forwardays ForwardJesusdidntvalueMarthalessforherdashingaround,buthedidspotherneednottogetstressedoutbyhisarrivalandhetriestocalmherdown(Luke10.42).Howcanwedothatpracticallyforourselves?

RespectGodsPatternsofWorkandRestTheworkingweekintheUKisthreehourslongerthantheEuropeanaverage.The


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pressure is towork ever longerhours.Resist that.Genesis tellsusGodmademorningandevening.Hehasgivenusthedaytoworkandthenighttorest.GodhasgivenustheweeklySabbath;acompletedayeachweekawayfromwork.Trytosticktothosepatterns.Theextendedspringneedstorelaxbackoritwillloseitsbounce.

FindyourPersonalWorthinGodsLoveDameCaroleBlackdid researchintoworkingpeopleandshewrites: Formostpeople,theirworkisakeydeterminantofself-worth,identityandstandinginthecommunity.Thinkingthatway,wewillputextrapressureonourselvestoperformsoastobeesteemedbyothers.But,Christian,yourworthasapersonisnotfirstofalldependentonyourlevelsofperformanceatwork.Godlovesyouandvaluesyou.Christdiedforyou.Youdonthavetoproveanythingtoanyone.YouareachildofGod.

TrytoOrganiseyourWorkinaBetterWayItmaynotbepossible.Butitmaybe.Godhasgivenusourmindsandwedobet-

terwhenweusethem.Itmaybethatalittletimeatthebeginningofwork,tothinkaboutwhatneedstobedone(writealist?)andthentoprioritisewhatmustbedonetodayandwhatcanbeleftuntiltomorrow,wouldreallyhelp.Dontfallintoputtingoffthedifficulttaskswhileyoujustdothetasksyouenjoy.

ImproveRelationshipsinyourWorkplaceMuchstressatworkiscausedbybadornon-existentrelationshipsbetweenpeo-plewhowork together. Its notahappyplacetobe.Youcannotaskforadvicewithoutbeingsneeredat.Thatonlyaddstothestress.Butwherepeopleworkasateam,thingsaredifferent.A1994studyofsocialworkteamsfounditwasnot

the intensity of thepressureswhichdetermined levelsofemployee stress,butrather the effectiveness with which teams, led by their managers, coped withthesepressures.AsChristianswearecalledtobepeacemakers.Areyousome-onewhohelpsbuildgoodrelationshipsinyourworkplace?

PrayaboutyourWorkingLifeMuchstress iscausedbyuncertainty.Will Imeetthedeadline? Isthecompanyfailing?ButwehaveasovereignGodwhoworksallthingsforourgood.Learntotrusthimatwork.Philippians4.6-7.

RecognisewhoyourRealBossis

Wedonotworksimplyforourcompanyorearthlyboss.WeworkfortheLordJesusChristwholovesus,understandsusandisinultimatecontrol(Colossians3.23-24).

GrasptheBiggerPictureofWorkStresscancome ifwe thinkourwork is pointless.Buteveryhonourable work,howeverhumble,needstobeseenasco-operationwithGodforthetransforma-tionoftheworldhehascommittedtoourcare(Genesis1.28).Thisappliesaliketoindustryandcommerce,topublicservicesandtheprofessions,andtofull-timecaringormotherhood.

AuthorsNote:InwritingthispieceIamindebtedtothebookletManagingWorkplaceStressChristianPerspectivebyDr.AdrianMiles,publishedbyTransformWorkUK,andalsototheleafletAbriefinsight intostressbyBeverleyShepherdfromCrusadeforWorldRevival.


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Labrador to Savage IslandLabrador to Savage IslandReflectingontheTitanic,theheroiceffortstobringtheGospeltoitsdrowningpassengersandtheopportunitiesforwitnessthestorystillprovides,haspromptedustotakeanotherlookatDPThompsons

Stories of the Ships of Christ, or Maritime Missionary AdventurethroughouttheWorld.Theyaretalesof theseaandof theriversand lakesof thegreatAfricancontinentfromthemid18thtoearly20

thcenturies.TheachievementsoftheseChristianmarinerswasindeedgreat.Labradorabrador

AmissiontotheEskimos(astheInuitwerethenknown)ofLabradorwasthevi-sionofJohnChristianEhrhardt,aDutchsailor.ThreeLondonmerchantsprovidedashipandEhrhardt, with fourMoravianmissionariesset sail intheHopefromLondonin1752.EhrhardtandothersweremurderedbytheEskimosandthepro-

jectabandoned,butJensHavenofSaxonyfeltGodscalltotakeitupagain.AfterpreparationinGreenlandhesailed,withsevenothers,fromLondonin1771intheJerseyPacket.UnderGodsgoodhandaseriesofmissionstationswereopened,supplied by annual visits of thePacket. In succeeding years other ships tookover, themost famous beingTheHarmony, aname borneby five ships in all.LatercamethethreeHarmonyIIvesselsandonlythelastwasasteamship. In1892 theRoyalNationalMission toDeepSeaFishermen sent ahospitalshipfromYarmouthtothefishermenandcoastalcommunitiesonthe1,000milelongcoastofLabrador-Newfoundland.The shipwas thefamousAlbertandonboardwasWilfred TGrenfell, Doctor andmastermariner. TheAlbert took 19days inreachingStJohns,Newfoundland, havingnearly run intoherfirst ice-berginheavyfogafewdaysbefore.ThecrewfoundStJohnsonfireandsobeganGrenfellsmission.Hetreated900patientsinhisfirstsummerandmanyprofessed Christ through attending the services in the Alberts on-boardChurch.Hefoundedorphanages,hospitalsandschoolsalongthecoastandonhisdeathin1940theNewfoundlandgovernmentcommemoratedhislifesworkwiththeissueofaspecialpostagestamp.Hewasalsoknighted.

Terra del Fuegoerra del FuegoIn1850CaptainAllenGardiner,under the auspicesoftheSouthAmericanMissionarySociety, ledagroupofsevenpioneermissionar-ieswhodisembarkedatPictonIslandoffthesouthernpointoftheAmericanconti-nent.Theirburdenwastoreachthemainlandnativepopulation.TheSocietywas tosendavesselwithprovisionsbutitwasunabletoprocureonewiththeresultthatthepioneersdiedonebyoneofstarvation.InaletterfoundafterhisdeathGardinerpleadedthattheworkshouldcontinuefromabaseintheFalklandis-lands.ThisplanwasputintoeffectusingthenearbyKeppelIslandbutsoonafter

asettlementwasmadeinTerradelFuegoin1859themissionariesweremur-deredduringaLordsDayeveningservice.Tenyearslater,amissionarygroupwhichincludedGardinersonlyson,establishedtheworkwhichgrewyearbyyear.ConsiderabletransformationoflifetookplacethroughtheGospel.Tobecontinued

Labrador

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A Voice from the PastA Voice from the PastGilbert TennantGilbert TennantSonofthunder,ServantofGod The EditorThe EditorThe Editor

GilbertTenantwasborninCoArmaghon5February1703,theeldest

son of William Tennant. In 1717 the family emigrated to Pennsyl-vania.Gilbertwaseducatedathomebyhisfather,aPresbyterianminister,andbyallaccountshewasacleverpupil,wellgroundedintheclassicsandHebrew.HelaterstudiedatYaleandreceivedhisMasterofArtsin1725.HewaslicensedasapreacheroftheGospelbutremainedinhisfirstchurchforashorttime. In 1727 his father establishedwhat became knownas The LogCollege, atheologicalschoolthatwastoplayaninfluentialpartintrainingyoungmenfortheministry,manyofwhomweremightilyusedbyGodinthefirstGreatAwakeninginAmerica.Gilberthadhelpedhis fatherbuild the logcabin.The influenceof the

LogCollegecannotbeunderestimated.ForArchibaldAlexanderandthosewhojoined with him, it was an important symbol in the first American PresbyterianSeminaryestablishedin1812inPrinceton,NewJersey.TributewaspaidatthecentennialoftheSeminaryin1912byJohnGrierHibbenwhosaidatthebackofPrincetonSeminarywasPrincetonCollege and backofPrincetonCollegewastheLogCollege,andbackoftheLogCollege,theschoolhouseonthehillsofScotlandandofUlsterinIreland.1 GilbertTennantmovedtoNewBrunswickhavingacceptedacalltoacongre-gationinthattown.Hewasagiftedevangelisticpreacher,describedbyGeorge

WhitefieldasaneminentDissentingminister!WhitefieldrecordsinhisJournals:God,Ifindhasbeenpleasedgreatlytoownhislabours.RevivalwassweepingthroughtheareaatthisperiodandagainWhitefieldrecordsforussomethingofthepoweroftheGospel.IwenttothemeetinghousetohearMr.GilbertTennantpreach, and never before heard such a searching sermon. He convinced memoreandmorethatwecanpreachtheGospelofChristnofurtherthanwehaveexperiencedthepowerofitinourownhearts.Beingdeeplyconvictedofsin,byGodsHolySpirit,athisfirstconversion,hehaslearnedexperimentallytodissecttheheartofanaturalman.Hypocritesmusteithersoonbeconvertedorenragedathispreaching.Heisasonofthunder,anddoesnotfearthefacesofmen. With revival continuing in the colony the demand forministers to serve re-sulted in the choiceofLogCollege graduates.TheNewBrunswickPresbyteryhadpowertolicenseitsownministersbutthismetwithoppositionresultinginaruling by the Synod requiring graduates ofother thanuniversity colleges tobeexaminedbefore a license to preach couldbe granted. Thiswasablow to theLog College.Gilbert Tennant responded by preaching a sermon entitled TheDangerofanUnconvertedMinistry.Thisinevitablyledtodivisionandmuchbit-ternessyetTennantwasamanofstrongconvictionandzealousfortruthandin

1758wasinstrumentalinhealingthedivisionbetweenthePhiladelphiaandNewYorkPresbyteries.Hediedon23July1764,andformanyisrememberedasafearlesssonofthunderandafaithfulservantofGod.

1PrincetonSeminary,Vol.1,DavidB.Calhoun,BannerofTruth,1994.


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Two pillows, two sleeping bags and a quilt in case

were cold! announced Connie, dropping a heap ofbedding at the tent door. Philip had unrolled the

camping mats and together they laid out their beds

for the night, complete with toys, books and

torches.

It might only be the bottom of the garden, but it

was still exciting to camp out on their own. Dad

had shown Philip how to use the camping stove

and now they carefully warmed up milk to make

hot chocolate for supper.

They were just finishing and had tucked the milk

and chocolate tin under the flysheet when Dad came out to readand pray with them.Sleep tight, you two, he finished. Now, lasttrip to the bathroom, then I dont want to hear a sound until

morning! There was plenty of sound, of course. Everyone knows it

is impossible to settle down in a tent without lots of wriggling and

wrestling, laughing and losing things! But eventually brother and

sister fell asleep, cosy in their sleeping bags.

Philip sat up suddenly, knowing something had wakened him, but

not sure what. Connie had heard it too and, silently, they moved

together to unzip the tent door. Philip went first and the pounding

of his heart gave way to a silent intake of breath as he gazed at

the moonlit scene. Look, Connie, he whispered. Its beautiful! A

bright half-moon flooded the lawn with light, showing up each

buttercup and daisy, petals closed in the cool night air. For amoment he forgot about the mysterious noise as he feasted his

eyes on the countless stars above.

CONNIE and PHILIP...


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Then Connie stifled a giggle, tugged his sleeve and

pointed. An amazed grin spread across Philips face ashe too saw what had disturbed their sleep. A short

distance from where they stood, a hedgehog had

pushed over the chocolate tin at the edge of the tent. Now it

snuffled softly as it gorged on a pile of powder, spilled on the

damp grass. The children watched in silence.

Oh, that was the sweetest thing ever, breathed Connie when

their four-legged friend had finally moved off and disappeared

into the shadows under the compost heap. I know, agreed Philip.

I wish Mum could have been here. You know how she loves nature.

And it seemed sort of magical with the moon and all. Well have to

tell her in the morning. And you know what shell say, added

Connie. Isnt God wonderful!

Yes, God is wonderful, thought Philip to himself as they lay again

inside their sleeping bags. The breathing beside him told him

Connie was fast asleep, but his heart was too full to sleep. He felt

very small and yet very safe as he thought about the vast and

beautiful world that God had made. God made the stars and the

hedgehog, he told himself, but he loves me even more than anyof them. He pulled his sleeping bag over his head and hummed a

tune from church:

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to you,How great you are, how great you are

Wake up, sleepy-head! called Connie five hours later, pulling

down his sleeping bag. Its morning! I told Mum all about thehedgehog and, guess what she said- Isnt God wonderful!

Read more about Connie and Philip next time.

GO CAMPING

Isnt God

Wonderful!


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Church NewsChurch NewsObituarybituaryDr Irene Thompson, Richhillr Irene Thompson, RichhillDr Irene Thompson, the oldestmember of our Richhill Congregation died onWednesday, 2 May at 2.20 pm, in Belvedere Nursing Home Lurgan, after a

prolongedperiodofillness.HerfuneralservicetookplaceinRichhillonFriday,4

Mayat2.00pm. DrThompsonwasinher96

thyear.ShehadservedherLordwithdistinction

formany,manyyears.HerconnectionwithEPCbeganinBotanicAvenue,butinmorerecenttimesshewasafaithfulmemberofRichhill.AlthoughunabletobeatworshipduetoheradvancedyearsDrThompsoncontinuedtotakeakeeninterestinourcongregationallifeandremainedprayerfullyandpracticallyinvolvedintheLordsworkatacongregational,denominationalandworldwidelevel. Irenewas loved by her fellow church members, many of whom benefittedgreatlyfromherwisdomandsanctifiedcommonsense.AtrueChristianladyshedisplayedanindisputableloveforherLordagenuineloveforherfellowbelieversandadeepconcernforthelost.ChristlivedinIreneandIrenelivedforChrist! Although never married this humble, gracious, authentically godly woman

wasamotherintheLordtomany.Shehasrunherraceshehasfinishedher

coursesheisnowwithChristinglory.WeinRichhillwillmisshersomuch.We

thankGodforeveryremembranceofherandcommendhergrievinglovedones

totheLordstendercareandkeeping. BEDr Edwin Kerr, CBE,1926r Edwin Kerr, CBE,1926-2012012DrKerrwenttobewiththeLordon12May2012.HecameintoconnectionwiththeIrishEvangelicalChurchthroughtheYoungPeoplesBibleClasswhichmetfrom1941atLisburnRoadandBotanicAvenue.Itwastherethathereceivedhisinitialgroundinginthereformedfaith. EdwinandGertrudewere foundationmembersofourFinaghycongregationwhichhelditsfirstservicesin1946.Theymovedtothemainlandin1952whereEdwinfollowedadistinguishedcareerinEducationinBirmingham,ManchesterandPaisley.OnretirementtheyreturnedtoNorthernIrelandandweremembersofKnockfrom2000untiltheirmovetoGalgorm,Ballymenain2007. Dr Kerr did a great deal for the Church, denominationally and in arepresentativecapacity.CouncilranaSpeakersTrainingClassfrom1947-1952.Edwinwas one of the teachers, lecturing on Sheol, Hades andGehenna in1952.From1950hewasleaderofthenewPathfindersforBoysuntilhismovetoEnglandin1952.HealsoledtheBoysCamps1950-53,1955-56. The IEC were members of the International Conference of ChristianChurches1949-1959andDrKerrrepresentedusattheThirdPlenaryCongress,1954, held in a large tent in the grounds of Faith Theological Seminary,Philadelphia, where the theme was The Historic Christian Faith. He alsoaddressed the Tuesday evening Youth Rally at the General Assembly of the

FreeChurchofScotlandinMay1956aboutIECyouthwork.HewasSecretaryoftheBritishEvangelicalCouncilforanumberofyearsinthe1950s. WegivethanksforDrKerrs life and forhiscontributionto theworkof theKingdom.WeextendourdeepestsympathytoGertrudeandtothefamily.


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Jul 2012: Pray forJul 2012: Pray forTheIntersCampwhichbeganonFriday11TheJuniorCamp,juststartedyesterday2ChristianInstleadingSanctityofMarriage3TheRichhillcongregation.Pleaseobtaintheinformationfromthearticleonpage22.

4ColinCampbell,NewBookShopManager5SeniorCampbeginningtomorrow6SamuelandValerieWatsonatthebeginningofthechangesretirementbrings

7OurQueenthatshewillknowsavinggrace88TheongoingCrumlinvacancywhichenters

itsfifthyearinAugust2012.9Deliverancefromeveryformofworldliness10ThesafetyofourmissionariesinNigeria11MorereadingofChristianbooksamongus12FEBAandotherChristianbroadcasters13ThenewPeruviangoverningBoardatColegio14

S1515 BeachMissionsaroundourcoastsM16 ACTSpointofsale/inventorycomputerisationT17 ThespiritualusefulnessofthisMagazineW18 TheSpainoutreachteamleavingSaturdayT19 ThewitnessofChurches,Schools,Hospitals

andindividualChristiansinIndia.

F20 IncreasedpremisesfacilitiesinOmagh.S21 Theblessingofpages12-13toourchildrenS2222 GracetonottoliveforourselvesbutforChristM23 Freedom from any undesirable incidents at

theOlympicGames25July-12August

T24 Spiritualandnumericalgrowthamongus.W25 GreatercommunityresponseatGroomsportT26 TheministryoftheBibleWomeninSAfricaF27 GodtosooncallmenintotheMinistryS28 AgoodconclusiontotheSpainoutreachS2929 AllwhoministertheWordeachLordsDayM30 The progress of the Gospel in traditionally

resistantareasoftheworld.

T31 TheplanningoftheStudentworkatStranmillis

Presbytery Day Conferenceresbytery Day Conference

The annual Presbytery Day Confer-encewasheldatBelfastBibleCollegeonSaturday28April2012.TheguestspeakerwasPastorAchilleBlaizewhotookashisthemeJosiahsReformation.

RevGareth Burke conducted pro-ceedings and presented an overviewofhisyearasModeratorbeforehand-ingovertoMrDavidWatson,Modera-torfor2012-13.MrWatsonpreachedastirringsermonfromPsalm50.

Anumberofyounger folkfrom theSpanish outreach team outlined theplannedprogrammefortheirJulyvisit.

Docontinuetoprayforthisoutreach.

AttheafternoonsessionRevBarryGalbraith brought greetings from theReformedPresbyterianChurchofIreland.

Again, all enjoyed a good day offellowshipandBibleteaching.

Photograph:ShaunMcFall

Summer Campsummer CampsJuniors 30 June-7 July Leader MichaelCrawford HeatherWatson

DunluceSchool,BushmillsInters 29 June-6 JulyLeader ShaunGaston

MoyallonCentre,PortadownSeniors 7-14 JulyLeader: RevRobertBeckett

OldPresbyteryYouthHostelRathdrum,CoWicklow

Please obtain the Camps Prayer Diarylease obtain the Camps Prayer Diaryand use it every day of the Camps.nd use it every day of the Camps.


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Aug 2012: Pray forAug 2012: Pray for

W1 John and Julia Grier as they get used toretirementandtheirnewwaysofservice.

T2 ThechildrenwhoattendHolidayBibleClubsaroundourChurches,mostlyinAugust.F3 WaystomaximisetheMagazinedistribution

S4 GospelopportunitiesattheOlympicsS55 OurspiritualbenefitfromtheLordsTable M6 OngoingcommunitypeaceinnorthBelfastT7 OurChurchthatitwillremainuncompromisedW8 The vacancy just beginning at Finaghy, the

SessionandInterimModerator

T9Revivalinthechurchthatwillresultinwide-

spreadconversionsinourcommunities

F10 MinistersandfamiliesholidaytimesS11 PlanninganderectionofthebuildingatKnockS1212 ChurchvisitorsduringtheholidayseasonM13 Personal boldness in seeking and taking

opportunitiestocommunicatetheGospel.

T14 HelpforallengagedinoutreachatBallyclareW15 ThefurtherdevelopmentofEPCEWT16 Relief from the financial constraints whichlimitthepotentialofDumisaniF17 ABiblicalperspectiveonallouremployment

issues,alwaysrenderingservicetotheLord

S18 Our children and young people who haveheardorarehearingtheGospelatCamp

S1919 CarefulhearingoftheWordandresponsetoitM20 ThecasestheChristianInstituteisfighting.T21 Renewedcommitmentfromusall to live in

increasingreadinessfortheChristsComing W22 ColegiosanAndrs,Lima95thAnniversaryT23 IntroducingACTSthenewbrochureF24 IndianChristiansfacinggrowinginflationS25 EffectivenessofSessionsandDiaconatesS2626 GracetoloveoneanotherasGodlovesusM27 OurPrayerMeetingsandtheSpiritshelp T28 TheprogressiveinfluenceofourBookShopW29 SSteacherspreparingforthenewtermT30 PresbyterymeetingsresuminginSeptemberF31 Theresumptionofouryouthprogrammes

Omagh Ordinationmagh Ordination

On27May2012,averywarmSundayevening,theOmaghchurchwasfulltowitness the ordination and installationofMrKennethCondyasarulingelderinthecongregation.

RevAndrewLucaswelcomedeve-ryonepresentandledtheopeningpartof the service. The Presbytery Com-mission, Rev Jeff Ballantine, RevStephen Roger and Mr. John Griercarried out the act of ordination. Mr.RogerpreachedthesermontakingashistextActs20.28.Theassessoreld-ers,MrDavidWoolseyandMrTrevor

Gillilandalsotookpart. At theconclusionoftheserviceallwere invited tostay forsupper, kindlyprovidedby the ladies of Omagh andablyassistedbysomeofthemen.

We give thanks to God for thismilestone in the life of the congrega-tion and commend Kenneth and theOmaghfellowshiptotheprayersofthewiderchurch.

Photograph:DerekJohnston

Curetes Street, Ancient Ephesusuretes Street, Ancient Ephesus

This was one of the main streets ofEphesus.Therewereshops,fountainsandmonuments onbothsides.Span-ning the first century there were ter-racedhousesontheslopestotheleftof the picture (slope houses) where

wealthy Ephesians lived. PerhapsthesewereamongthosetowhichPaulreferred: ...and taught you publiclyandfromhousetohouse.(Acts20.20)


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Rev Samuel Watson Retiresev Samuel Watson Retires

After35yearsintheministryof theEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch,RevSamuelWatsonretiredattheendofJune2012.Hisfinalsermonswerepreachedon10JuneinFinaghywherehehadbeenministerforthelast 25years.HissubjectswerePauls farewell to theelders inEphesus from Acts 20 and the Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6.BothservicesweremarkedbygoodattendancesandasupperheldinRevWatsonshonouratthecloseof theeveningserviceprovidedasuitableopportunityfortheSessiontoleadfittingtributestoallhisworkinFinaghy.ParticularemphasiswaslaidontheoutstandingqualityofRevWatsonspreaching,hispastoralandadministrativegiftsanddiligenceinallthings.PresentationstoRevandMrsWatsonweremadeand,inresponse,RevWatsonthankedtheofficebearersandcongregationforalltheirsupportthroughouthistimethere.

We take thisopportunity to addour thanks toRevWatson for his lifetime of service in both

Crumlin andFinaghy,not forgetting his contri-butionasInterim-Moderatorinotherplaces,andtoPresbytery,whereheservedfaithfullyasClerkformanyyears.WewishhimandMrsWatsoneveryblessinginretirement.Mervyn Langtry

Christopher Sandamas


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Sowrotetwowisemenfromthepast.Whatdoesourspeechsayaboutus,aboutourwalkwithGod?Thinkaboutthepastweek;haveyousaidanythingthatyouregret?Whatwasitandwhydoyouregretit?Didyouhearanythingthatyouwishyouhadnotheard?GenesisenesisThefirstspeechwereadofinScriptureisinGenesis1asGodcallscreationinto

being.GenesisalsorecordsthatmanismadeintheimageofGodandsurelyourabilitytousespeechisoneaspectof that image.Yet, insteadofcreativegood,our speech is rather more destructive - Verbal cyanide, as Kent HughesdescribesitinhisDisciplinesofaGodlyMan.Helistsgossip,innuendo,flattery,criticism,anddiminishmentofothersascommonpatterns.IsaiahsaiahIsaiahrealisedthesinfulnessofhisspeechbeforeGod.Woetome!I cried. Iamruined!ForIamamanofuncleanlips,andIliveamongapeopleofuncleanlips,andmyeyeshaveseentheKing,theLORDAlmighty(Isaiah6.5).JamesamesJames is justas blunt: If anyone considershimself religiousandyetdoesnotkeep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion isworthless. (James1.26).Worthless religion that is the state of our faith if wecannotdisciplineourtongues.Jamesgivesfurtheradvice;Leteverypersonbequick to hear, slow tospeak, slow toanger...Weall stumble inmany ways. Ifanyone isneverat fault inwhathesays,he isaperfectman,able tokeephiswholebodyincheck....Allkindsofanimals,birds,reptilesandcreaturesofthe

seaarebeingtamedandhavebeentamedbyman,butnomancantamethetongue.Itisarestlessevil,fullofdeadlypoison....WiththetonguewepraiseourLord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in Godslikeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers thisshouldnotbe.Canbothfreshandsaltwaterflowfromthesamespring?JesusesusJesuscuts to theheartof thematter: Foroutof theoverflowof theheart themouthspeaks. Thegoodmanbrings good things outof thegood storedup inhim,andtheevilmanbringsevilthingsoutoftheevilstoredupinhim.ButItell

you that menwill have to give an account on the day of judgement for everycarelesswordtheyhavespokenForbyyourwordsyouwillbeacquitted,andbyyourwordsyouwillbecondemned(Matthew12.34 -37).Ourspeechreflectsourheartsandsooftenitcondemnsus.

Spiritual DisciplinesSpiritual DisciplinesSpeech (Part 1)Speech (Part 1)

Michael Trimble, StranmillisMichael Trimble, StranmillisMichael Trimble, StranmillisWisementalkbecausetheyhavesomethingtosay;fools,becausetheyhavetosaysomething.

(Plato)Bettertoremainsilentandbethoughtafoolthantospeakoutandremovealldoubt.

(AbrahamLincoln)


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ThefocusofthisPsalmofDavidisfundamentallyonDavidsextraordinaryfaithexercisedthroughoutmanyvariedcircumstancesofhislife.AsyoureadthroughityoucannothelpbecaughtupwithDavidspassion,thankfulnessandunwaver-ingfaithinthegreatandawesomeGodofheaven.ThreeareasinparticularjumpoutatusfromthisPsalm.1 Davids Expression of PraiseDavids Expression of Praise (1(1--3)3)Iwillpraiseyouwithmywholeheart.Davidsetsouthisintentionsrightattheverystartof this Psalmof praise.No halfmeasures here.Davidwants to fully

enterintothepraiseofGodandsohedesiresallofhimselftobefullyappliedtothisworthygoalofglorifyingGod.Mind,body,soulandstrengthareallemployedwith the view toexpressing praise tohiscreatorandsustainer.Yesthereweremany other gods around in Davids day but Davids focused intentionwas onbringingworshipanddevotiontotheoneandonlytrueandlivingGod. Davidmakes sure that God comes first in his life. God alone is given theproperplaceinhislife.DavidworshipsGodinawaythatwillbringhonourandglorytohispreciousnamebyenteringintothepraiseandworshipofGodinhisholytemple.2 Davids Extension of Praise (4Davids Extension of Praise (4-5))ThereweremanykingsonearthinDavidsdaybutveryfew,ifany,wereascrib-ing the glory and honour that were due unto Jehovah God. David broke thismouldasisclearlyevidentthroughoutthewholePsalm. WealsoseeDavidsdesirefortheotherkingstojoinwithhimandacknowl-edgetheoneandonlytrueandHolyGod.Howisitwithus?DowereallydesiretoseeallthosepeopleGodhasplacedusincloseproximitywithcoming intoa

personalrelationshipwithJesus?Areweprayingforeveryopportunity toreachouttothemwiththeloveofGodinthestrengthofGod?ArewereallymakingthemostofeveryopportunitymayGodgrantusthegracetobemorefaithfultohiminthisregard.3 Davids Explanation for Praise (5Davids Explanation for Praise (5-8))Davidunderstandsonlytoowellhowhigh,holyandseparateGodisandyethealsoknowsthatGodseesandcomprehendseverythingabouthim. ThisencouragesDavidtofurtherreachouttoGodandacknowledgehiscare

andattentionofallthedetailsofhislife.Davidisfilledwithpraisethatthesover-eignGodofall the universeshould regardhis lowlyposition.David alsohasastrongsenseofthejusticeandmercyofGodandheisencouragedtoknowthatGodwilljudgetheproudandarrogantofheartinHisowntimeandway.

Psalm 138Psalm 138Extraordinary FaithExtraordinary Faith

Colin Moore, StranmillisColin Moore, StranmillisColin Moore, StranmillisWeneedabrokenhearttomournourownsins,

butawholehearttopraisetheLordsperfections.(CharlesHSpurgeon)


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The God ofThe God ofRoller Coasters and SatellitesRoller Coasters and Satellites

John Barron, BallyclareJohn Barron, BallyclareJohn Barron, BallyclareHavingsettledintotheyear2012wehavetheunsettlingthoughtofknowingthat

theworldasweknowitwillsoonend.Yes,analogueterrestrialTVwillsoonbeswitchedoff.ByOctoberthelastoftheUK'sTVregionswillpulltheplugon80+yearsofanalogueTV.Whileweare,onoccasion,criticalofsomeofthecontent,most of us will watch TV for news, information or entertainment at some pointeach week. Many have alreadymade the digital switch. Some however, willclingonuntilpushed!OnmydailycommuteIpassthroughanareathatwillonlybe able to receive digital TV via satellite or cable once the switch has beenflicked.Thishas led toanoticeable increase in thenumberofvisible satellitedishesbutitalsogotmethinking...

JohnDevine,fromwhatIknewofhim,wouldn'treallyhavebeenoneforen-gaginginaconversationaboutGod...butthenagain,hewasmyA-LevelphysicsteacherandwhenonestruggleswithphysicsasIdid,certainlyintheearlytermsof hisclass,one clearlydoesn't like to build tooclose a relationshipwith theteacher.MrDevine(orJDaswecalledhim...althoughnevertohisface)wastheNemesisofmanyamathematically-challengedschoolchild.Notonlywasheatall,imposingman,hehadasquint.What'sbadaboutthatyoumightask?Well,JDhadahabitofworkingthroughcalculationsontheboardandthenchoosinganunwillingvictimtoanswersomeseeminglypertinentquestion.Unfortunately,IsatbesideanotherboycalledJohninclass.So,whenJDshouted,Johnexpectingananswertohisimpossiblequestion,itwasdifficulttotellwiththesquintwhichoneofusshouldbreakintothenecessarycoldsweat!Despiteanunforgettabletwoyearsofclassroomanxiety,InowrealiseJDwasagoodteacher(he'slongretirednow).Twoofthemostmemorablethingshetaughtmewerethat,thenum-berofpeopleonarollercoasterhasabsolutelynothingtodowithwhetheritwillbeabletosafelydoaloop-the-loopand;howwecanpointasmalldish,seeminglyintoemptyspaceinthesky,andreceive100'softelevisionandradiochannels. ThosewithsatelliteTVwillprobablytakeforgrantedthatitkeepsworkingbut

behindthescenesthisinvolvesacontinualprocessofperiodiccorrections.Themathematicsinvolvedinkeepingasatelliteinafixedpointrelativetothesurfaceoftheearth,somewhereabout22,400milesout inspace,aremorethanalittlechallenging.JD'sphysicsclassdoesn'tevencompare.We,atbest,canonlyap-proximatetherightanswertokeepitwherewewill. Thethreemathematicalequationsaroundthisarticlegosomewaytoexplain-

inghowthisisachievedbuttheydescribeonlyaverysimplescenario.Evenwithmorecomplexcomputeranalysis,mathematicalmodelscanonlyaccountfortheeffectsofasmallnumber(relativelyspeaking)ofcelestialbodies.Somanyfac-torshavetobetakenintoaccount;thelevelradiationemittedfromsun;theorbit

2r

MsMeG=Fg

T

r=v 2

r

vMs=Fc

2


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ofthemoon;thepassingofameteorandsomuchmore.Ourcollectivemathe-maticalabilityandadvancementincomputingisnotabletoaccuratelycalculatealltheforcesthatwillallowustoputthesatelliteinaperfect,perpetual,geosyn-chronousorbit.Sowe'releftwithacompromise...keepfixingit. God,ontheotherhand,doesn'thavethisproblem.Heholdscountlessbodies

inperfectposition,notonlyinourowngalaxybut,throughouttheentireuniverse.GodspeakstoJob(38.4-7)WherewereyouwhenIlaidthefoundationsoftheearth?TellMe,ifyouhaveunderstanding.Whodetermined itsmeasurements?Surelyyouknow!Towhatisitsfoundationfastened?Orwholaiditscornerstone.Whenthemorningstarssangtogether;AndallthesonsofGodshoutedforjoy?(NKJV).NotonlydoesGodkeeptheearthinorbit,hecandoashewillswithit.Hecanmaketheearthstandstill(Joshua10.13).Hecanturnitbackalittlebittoo(2Kings20.8-11).GodisinfullcontrolofeverythingHehascreated.Awesome!

DespitemytraumaticA-LevelphysicsclassesJDdidleavea lastinglegacy.HetaughtmetothinkofGodwhenIseeasatellitedish(orridearollercoaster).HetaughtmethatGodisincontrol.Hetaughtmethatnoneoflife'scomplexitiesaretoocomplicatedtobringtoGod.So,nexttimeyouswitchonyourfavouritesatellitechannel,offeraquickthankyoutothemenandwomenwhokeepthesatellitesinplacetobringyouyourprograms.ThensitbackinaweatthealmightyGodwhoholdscountlesssatellitesbythepowerofhiswordinperpetualorbit.

The Evangelical Book Shophe Evangelical Book ShopOur New Managerur New Manager

Colin Campbell spent his formative years in theReformedPresbyterianChurchundertheministryofProfEdwardDon-nellyandwasconvertedinhismidteensthroughsoundex-positorypreachingandreadingChristianliterature.

HeattendedBallyclareHighSchoolbeforeleavingNorth-ernIrelandtostudyEnglishLiteratureandReligiousStudiesat theUniversityofWales, wherehe wasPresident of theChristianUnion.Upongraduation,ColinreturnedtoNorthernIrelandandspentfiveyearsinlogisticsbeforejoiningEvan-

gelicalBookShop,wherehehasworkedforalmosttenyears.HeconsidersthistobehiscallingandisexcitedaboutservingChristinhisnewroleasManager.DuringthistimehehasalsocompletedaBAinTheologicalStudiesthroughHigh-landTheologicalCollege.

Colinmet his wife, Bethan, at university before she trained as a nurse atQueen'sUniversity,Belfast.ShethenworkedintheRoyalVictoriaHospitalandcurrentlyworksasahealthvisitorintheSouthEasternTrust.TheyliveinBelfastwiththeirfourchildren:James(13),Ewan(10),Daniel(7)andCallum(5)andaremembersofStranmillisEvangelicalPresbyterianChurch.

Colin's hobbies includewatching football, rugby and cricket, playing five-a-side football,walking, reading and spending timewithhis family.WewishhimeveryblessingfromGodashetakesuphisnewrole.Pleaseprayforhim.


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Congregations: RichhillCongregations: RichhillTrinityEPCislocatedinSleepyValley,Richhill,CoArmagh.Althoughanumberof ourpeople live inRichhillvillage,others come from further afield.We areasmall congregation, even by EPC standards. We currently have 25-30 folk at

morningworship(11:30am)and10-16peopleintheevening(6:30pm).Wearenot an aging congregation. Our average age is decreasing. We are a familyfriendlycongregationandweareacongregationintransition.OverthepastyearorsoanumberofourlongstandingmembersleftusbutwethankGodforregularvisitors,anumberofnewfamiliesandincreasingproductivecontactswithpeoplein thevillage.Ourrecentadditionshaveintegratedwellandseemverymuchathome.Theyarearealsourceofblessingandencouragement.WedonthaveourownSessionbutweareverythankfulforandtoour3verydiligentassessorelders. Weareblessedwithabrightmodernmeetinghouseandhall.OursmaywellbethecleanestpremisesinEPCbecausewemeetonceamonthto thoroughly

cleanthem. Thepreachingand livingofGodsWord,forGodsglory,areall importanttous.Weseeourworkon3mainlevels:

teachinganddevelopingthefound

reachingandDVwinningthelost

helpingtheneedy

Ourchurch life reflects thesevery important emphases.Wehavea successfulmotherandtoddlergroupwhichhasbeenrunningoverthe30orsoyearlifeofourcongregation.Ourweeklyoutreach takesplaceonWednesdays.Wetalk to

people,giveoutliteratureandtracts(wepublishedatractonsuicide)andofferacounsellingservice.Weareusuallywellreceived.WemeetonWednesdayeve-nings,at8:00pm,forBibleStudyandprayer.AhandoutisprovidedthepreviousLordsDaytoenableourpeopletoprepareforeachstudy. Wehaveanall-ageSundayschoolwith4childrencurrentlyattendingthejun-iorclassandup to13 youngpeople andadultsat thesenior class.There is apreachingboxwhichtheministerencouragesustouse. OnthefirstLordsDayofthemonthwenotonlymeetforcommunionbuthaveourBacktoBackServicestoencouragefellowshipandenablemoreofourpeo-

pletobeattwoservices.Wemeetat11:30amand1:30pmwithapackedlunchinbetween. The 3

rdweek inAugust isHolidayBibleClubtime. In recent years thishas

endedwith aBBQ thatsopen to thecommunity.Thisevent hasbeenwell at-tendedbythelocalpeople,ashasourFamilyCarolServiceeachDecember.Al-thoughwehavenochildrenswork,atpresent,weareaimingtorecommenceinSeptember.Wearealsoconsideringthepossibilityofstartingayouthclub. WefacemanychallengesbutourconstantaimistopleasetheLordinallthatwedotobecomeincreasinglyeffectiveinhisservicetokeephimatthecentreofourworship,workandwitnesstoknowmoreoftheHolySpiritspresenceand

powerto be a bright, brilliant, consistent Gospel lightto make disciples andtherebyfulfiltheGreatCommission. Please pray with us and for us that our vision will be realised!


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Engaging with Martyn Lloydngaging with Martyn Lloyd-JonesonesTheLifeandLegacyoftheDoctor16.9912.75Edited:Andrew Atherstone-David Ceri Jones. IVPApollos,LargePB,370pages.31yearsafterthedeathofMartynLloyd-Joneshislegacycontinuesto influence the evangelical world.These essays from a range ofauthors seek to bring his life and thought to a newgeneration ofevangelicals. In11well researched chaptersML-J isanalysed onthemajortopicsofRevival,RomanCatholicism,KarlBarth,Preaching,Ministerial Training. Other chapters cover his views onFundamentalism,PentecostalismandtheAnglicansecessioncrisis. Hewasoneofthe20

thcenturysgreatChristianleaders,andin

thisbookwemeethim,wartsandall,yetonewhomGodsopowerfullyusedintherecoveryofexpositorypreachingandGospeltruth.Opinionisdividedonthe

subjectsraisedandmorein-depthreviewscanbereadelsewhere,PeterLewisinEvangelicalsNowandIainMurrayinTheBannerofTruth,(June2012issues).ABibliography, Lloyd-Jones and his writings, and an indexcomplete thebook.Animportantvolumethatshouldbeonyourbookstoreadlistthisyear! EditorLoving the Way Jesus Lovesoving the Way Jesus Loves Phil Ryken,Inter-VarsityPress,2012,224pages,Paperback. 8:996.75Rykens latest book looks at 1st Corinthians 13 often called theBiblesLoveChapter.Itassertsthatthesamelessonsneedtobelearnt by Christians in 2012. Seeing that we fail to love the wayChapter13demands,Ryken,throughstoriesfromChristslife,pointsustoonewhodidloveperfectlyaccordingtothechapterscriteria. ThisrefreshinglookattheloveofChristshouldfillthereaderwithgratitude and amazement that loveless sinners should be shownsuchgrace.RykenencouragesChristianstoimitateChristslove,andthusfulfil1

stCorinthians13,byusingthetoolsGodhasequippeduswith.The

bookisfilledwithinterestingstoriesandiswritteninaneasy,conversationalstyle.Itincludesastudyguidetoexplore.Irecommendithighly. Christopher Doherty

Pastoring the Pastorastoring the Pastor 7.995.99Tim Cooper-Kelvin Gardiner,ChristianFocus,TradePB,208pages.I couldnt put this down! It's in the form of a fictitious collectionofemails,mainlybetweenanewyoungpastorandhisolderandwiserunclewithalifetimeintheministry.Danarrivesathisfirstchurch,confident to the point of arrogance, having memorised ChurchGrowth in Four EasySteps.We follow him through his inevitabledisillusionmentwhen his flockdontsharehis vision forchange toeverythingtheyholddear,tothehumblingrealisationthatGodcanusetheirpastorsweaknesstoshowhisgloryinhischurch.Sometimeshilarious,

sometimesheart-wrenching,withmanyunforgettablecharacters,thestorytouchesonvitalissuesfamiliarinmostchurches,andUncleEldonsguidanceisrichinscripturalwisdom. Itwill help you see yourMinisterand yourchurch throughadifferentlenseverychurchmember(andMinister)shouldreadit! Julia Grier

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Every One A Winner Jonathan Carswell & Emma Newrick 6.99special 1.50TheidealbookforministryduringtheEuropeanCup&Olympics:acollectionoftruestories about sportsmen and women past and present, including cricketer HenryOlonga,sportspresenterDanWalker,rugbylegendJasonRobinsonandrunnerEricLiddell,eachoneshowinghowJesuschangeslives.Defending Inerrancy Norman Geisler & William Roach 13.99 9.99AffirmingtheAccuracyofScriptureforaNewGeneration Adefenceofthetradi-tionalunderstandingofinerrancyforanewgenerationofChristians,dealingspecifi-

callywithrecentchallenges.Francis Schaeffer Mostyn Roberts (EPBitesizeBiographies) 5.99SchaefferwasoneofthefivemostimportantEvangelicalleadersofthesecondhalfofthe20thcentury.Thisisabriefbutexcellentsummaryofhislifeandideas.The Holy Spirit Geoff Thomas 14.9911.50GeoffThomasfollowsthescripturalrevelationoftheSpiritfromGenesistoPentecosttotoday;itwillhelpbelieverstoknowhowmuchtheSpiritofGodlovesthem,andwillhelpthemtolovetheSpiritwithalltheirheartsandwithHim,thewholeTriuneGod.Preaching in the Holy Spirit Al Martin 6.99 4.95ThisshortbutinvaluablebookisapropheticcalltorelianceonGodintheveryactofproclaimingHisWord.Everypreachershouldreadit!The Mysteries of God Maurice Roberts 5.50TheauthorinvestigatestwelveofthegreatmysteriesoftheBible,includingthemys-teryofGod,thegospel,Christsgloriousindwelling,andthelastthings.Churches, Revolutions And Empires Ian J Shaw 19.9914.991789 to 1914Aclear,wellarrangedandup-to-datehistory.The Shorter Catechism Activity Book Marianne Ross 8.99 6.75Withwordsearches,crosswordpuzzlesandcodes,thisbookhelpschildrenexploretheWestminsterShorterCatechism.Highlyrecommendedbythechildrenitwastestedon!At The Mercy Of Kings Linda Finlayson 5.99 4.50ThestoryofQueenMaryofOrange.AgoodaccountofthelifeofKingWilliamswife.Proverbs: Wisdom that Works HB Raymond C Ortlund Jr 20.99 15.99Thislatestadditiontothe'PreachingtheWord'seriesappliesabiblicalworldviewonmoney,sex,powerandallelsetotheroutinesofeverydaylife.Scholarlybutpractical.Prayer - A Biblical Perspective Eric Alexander 5.75 4.25ForallwhowanttolivenearertoGodandtoberefreshedintheircommunionwithhim.A New Testament Biblical TheologyHBG K Beale 32.99 24.50AleadingNTscholarexplorestheunfoldingoftheOTintheNew.Bealeco-editedtheessays,CommentaryontheNewTestamentUseoftheOldTestament(39.9923.99)

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