Top Banner
1 1 Sep Sep-Oct 2011 Oct 2011 Sep Sep Sep- - - Oct 2011 Oct 2011 Oct 2011 £1.50 £1.50 £1.50 The The Evangelical Evangelical Presbyterian Presbyterian Norman & Angela Reid Retire Norman & Angela Reid Retire “I am” the Good Shepherd “I am” the Good Shepherd The New Evangelical Book Shop The New Evangelical Book Shop To Free the Slaves To Free the Slaves
24

The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

Nov 04, 2014

Download

Documents

EPCIreland

The Evangelical Presbyterian is published bi-monthly by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

The views expressed in this magazine are those of the Editor and Contributors which are understood to reflect the theological position of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Please Visit: www.epcni.org.uk
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

11

SepSep--Oct 2011Oct 2011

SepSepSep---Oct 2011Oct 2011Oct 2011

£1.50£1.50£1.50 TheThe EvangelicalEvangelical

PresbyterianPresbyterian

Norman & Angela Reid RetireNorman & Angela Reid Retire

“I am” the Good Shepherd“I am” the Good Shepherd

The New Evangelical Book Shop The New Evangelical Book Shop

To Free the SlavesTo Free the Slaves

Page 2: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

The Evangelical PresbyterianThe Evangelical Presbyterian

22

Subscriptions 2011 Collected £ 9.00 By post within UK £11.00 By post outside UK £15.00

Enquiries to: Evangelical Book Shop (See page 23 for contact details)

Take NoteTake Note The Moral Collapse of SocietyThe Moral Collapse of Society

The summer of 2011 will be remembered

for many things and not all of them pleas-

ant. The hacking scandal at the News of the

World, the mass murder in Norway and the

riots in London and other cities in the UK.

From the Prime Minister, the national press

and the ordinary citizen in the street there

has been a general call for a return to moral

standards in the nation. This all sounds good

and very pious but how is morality to be

measured? What is the criteria for measur-

ing a return to morality and how will we

know when we have arrived at an accept-

able level of morality?

The nation once looked to the church for

moral guidance but have you noticed the

almost total silence of UK church leaders in

all this mayhem?

The church in many respects has lost most

of its authority because it has rejected clear

Biblical teaching on morality. The 2011

General Assemblies of the Presbyterian

Church in the US (PCUSA) and, nearer to

home, the Church of Scotland have moved

towards the ordination of homosexuals to

the ministry.

The implications for evangelicals in mixed

denominations that have fraternal links with

PCUSA and CoS are immense. The foun-

dations of truth are being destroyed, God‘s

Word is clear, light can have no fellowship

with darkness.

Take Note: If judgement begins at the

house of God what will be the outcome of

those who do not obey the Gospel of God?

Cover Photograph The new interior of the Evangelical Book Shop, refurbished July-August 2011. Please refer to John Grier‘s article on page 22, to the books on offer, 23, and photographic record of the official re-opening on back page.

The Evangelical Presbyterian is published bi-monthly by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Please visit: www.epcni.org.uk

Follow us on

Finance Anyone wishing to help the Church‘s work may send their gift to the Finance Committee, C/o:

Rev J S Roger 16 Huntingdale BALLYCLARE BT39 9XB

The church can benefit from the Gift Aid scheme from taxpayers‘ donations. Please ask for details.

Policy The views expressed are those of the Editor and Contributors which are understood to reflect the theological position of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Copy Deadline 1st of month prior to publication

Editor Harold Gibson ‗Stockbridge‘ 2 Barronstown Court DROMORE BT25 1FB

[email protected]

Page 3: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

33

SepSep--Oct 2011Oct 2011

The EditorEditor identifies the human condition as the cause of the recent riots.

Whatever Happened to Sin?Whatever Happened to Sin?

Death, destruction, burning and looting brought fear and panic to the streets of London and other cities in Britain in August. The Economist described the events in Britain as a ―moral malaise‖. The Prime Minister described pockets of Britain as being ―frankly sick‖. Peter Oborne, in a searching article in The Daily Telegraph called for ‗a moral reformation‘ in the nation. The recognition of a moral decline in our society is to be welcomed but the means by which such reformation can be brought about needs an assessment of the root cause of the problem. Better housing, more jobs and a good environment that all can enjoy is something we would all welcome, but they alone will not solve the issues of human behaviour. Fundamental to all the underlying issues that caused such outrageous behaviour is the nature of the human condition. Is it really because young people have nothing better to do and jobs are scarce and the future looks bleak? Not, according to the reports of some who have appeared in court to face charges of rioting and looting. A soldier and a model with promising careers are just two who have been charged with stealing. Many others aged 14 and under face prosecution. The former New York Chief of Police says young thugs and gang members should be made to ‗fear‘ the prospect of serious punishment for crime. His words echo those of the Apostle Paul, ―For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain.‖ (Rom 13.3-4) Murder and theft are two things that are forbidden in God‘s law—you shall not kill and you shall not steal (Ex 20), and if we are to bring about the moral reformation that this nation needs the remedy must be spiritual and not social. A paragraph in John Stott‘s Basic Christianity recently caught our attention:

The history of the last hundred years or so has convinced many people that the problem of evil is located in human beings themselves, not merely in human society. The nineteenth century saw a flourishing of liberal optimism. It was widely believed that human nature was fundamentally good, that evil was caused by ignorance and bad housing, and that education and social reform would enable people to live together in happiness and goodwill. But this illusion has been shattered by the hard facts of history. Educational opportunities have spread rapidly throughout the world, and many welfare states have been created. But our human capacity to get it wrong seems undaunted. The persistence of conflict on the world stage and the widespread denial of human rights, together with a general increase of violence and crime, have forced thoughtful people to acknowledge that a hard core of selfishness exists in each and every one of us. Much that we take for granted in a ‗civilised‘ society is actually based upon the assumption of human sin. A promise is not enough; we need a contract. Doors are not enough; we have to lock and bolt them. The payment of fares is not enough; tickets have to be issued, inspected and collected. Law and order are not enough; we need the police to enforce them. All this is due to sin. We cannot trust one another. We need protection against one another. It is a terrible indication of what human nature is really like.‖

These insightful words of a man whose funeral service was taking place in central London while rioting, burning and looting was happening in other areas of the city give the answer to the moral dilemma the nation faces.

Page 4: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

The Evangelical PresbyterianThe Evangelical Presbyterian

44

Rev Samuel WatsonRev Samuel WatsonRev Samuel Watson,, Finaghy, proceeds with the ‗I am‘ sayings of John‘s Gospel. Here he shows us why Jesus can call himself ―The Good Shepherd‖.

“I am the Good Shepherd”“I am the Good Shepherd”

The life of a Palestinian shepherd was very hard. Constant vigilance, fearless courage and patient love for his flock were absolutely necessary. His equipment was very simple. He had his scrip—a bag made of animal skin in which he carried his food. He had his sling—both for offence and defence; incidentally, he had no sheep dog, so, to call back a straying sheep he slung a stone just in front of it‘s nose as a warning to turn back. He had his staff—a short wooden club with a bulge at the end often studded with nails with which he defended himself and his flock against wild beasts and robbers. He had his rod—like a crook with which he could catch and pull back any sheep which was beginning to stray. At evening, when the sheep were going into the fold, he held his rod across the entrance; and every sheep had to pass under it (Lev 27.32); and, as they did, he quickly examined it for any kind of hurt or injury. We keep sheep largely for killing; but in Palestine they were largely kept for their woollen fleece. So they were often with the shepherd for years and therefore known individually, often by name. Sheep are peculiarly helpless animals. Unlike goats (who can look after themselves much better), they are not good foragers or good finders of water. And if they roll onto their back, they cannot get up without help. They can also be so stupid and exasperating. It is against this background that Jesus said ―I am the good Shepherd‖. Greek has a number of words to convey the idea of goodness. The one used here refers to what is beautiful as well as what is good (we get ‗calligraphy‘—beautiful handwriting—from this word). So we are being told that there was something at­tractive, noble and worthy about Jesus' goodness. In him there is more than efficiency and fidelity; there is a certain loveliness. In Hebrews 13.20-21 Jesus is called the ―great‖ Shepherd and in 1 Peter 5.4 the ―Chief‖ Shepherd. In John 10.11-16 we are directed to consider him as the ―Good‖ Shepherd? How is he so?

1 He Died for His Sheep (10.11b,15b)1 He Died for His Sheep (10.11b,15b) Sheep are so helpless that the shepherd must look to all their needs. But Jesus passes over all that and goes straight to one unexpected thing: ―the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep‖. In thinking of the welfare of his sheep, the shepherd normally thought of what he could do by his life, not of what he could do by his death. Jesus' attitude was quite different. He put his death in the forefront. That is what the Good Shepherd did. He did not merely risk his life, but laid it down. And there are three aspects of his death indicated here. (a) It was Spontaneous: His death was no accident or tragedy, but was planned before the foundation of the world. It was this for which Christ was born, and it was toward this to which his life deliberately moved. He was not forced to come to this earth or to die. Nevertheless, he both came and died voluntarily for our salvation. (b) It was Substitutionary: Jesus‘ death had more than merely exemplary significance as a display of love! The fact is that the sheep are in mortal danger; that in their defence the shepherd loses his life; that by his death they are saved.

Page 5: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

55

SepSep--Oct 2011Oct 2011

He died for them—not only "on their behalf," but "in their place." Christ willingly died in our place, taking our punishment, so that we might be set free from sin and its penalty to serve God. (c) It was Specific: Jesus' death was particularly directed to the redemption of the sheep. We do not know precisely who comprise his sheep but Jesus does know them and died for them. The result of this is that he literally paid the penalty for their sins and theirs only, with the further result that they are now fully justified with and accepted by God.

2 He Cares for His Sheep (10.122 He Cares for His Sheep (10.12--13)13) Jesus contrasts the attitude of the hired help. Although a true shepherd will not normally die for sheep, he will certainly run into danger for them and put up a fight for them. But the man whose interest is in his life rather than the sheep in his care will think of his own skin and take no risks. When he sees the wolf coming he simply runs away. That one wolf could do considerable damage to the flock. Quite apart from the sheep that he seized and tore, his coming would scatter the remainder, and in due course they would have to be found and brought back. So typically the hired man did less than the shepherd who owned the sheep. And Jesus was saying that this arises from the nature of the case: the man whose interest is in pay will always react differently from the man whose interest is in sheep. It was second nature to a real shepherd to think of them before he thought of himself. But the false shepherd came into the job simply and solely for the pay he could get out of it; and was more committed to his own well-being than to the well-being of the sheep. So ―when he saw the wolf coming‖—when there was danger to his own skin, he retired forthwith and abandoned the sheep to their devices—simply because he was ―a hired hand and cared nothing for the sheep‖. Jesus was the good shepherd, who so loved his sheep that for their safety he would risk, and one day give, his life. And if he was prepared to do that, we can be sure he is prepared to do whatever else is necessary for our spiritual well-being.

3 He knows His Sheep (10.143 He knows His Sheep (10.14--15a)15a) Jesus repeats his words ―I am the Good Shepherd‖ and he then adds ―I know my own and my own know me‖. Palestinian shepherds knew their sheep very well—so well, indeed, that they would respond to his call and follow him, while they would not respond to the call of other people (10.5). Jesus likens the mutual knowledge between him and his sheep to that between him and his Father (10.15). There is no possibility of mistake in that knowledge. The Father and the Son know each other intimately. And Jesus is saying that the mutual knowledge of the Good Shepherd and the sheep is something like that. That is not to say that the sheep know the Shepherd as well as the Son knows the Father. It is the reciprocal knowledge that Jesus is stressing. It is not only that Jesus knows us, but that we know him. And there is great comfort in this. Jesus knows us all intimately—with all our differences, needs and circumstances. He knows our past with all it‘s failure and sin—yet he still loves us and shepherds us as his own—prepared to have a close and intimate relationship with us to give us confidence for the future. Since he knows us and desires us to know him too, we can trust him for all that comes our way and be assured that if we follow him he will lead and guide us aright. Jesus goes on to say again ―I lay down my life for the sheep‖. Knowing us as we really are—he still is prepared to give himself for us—to go to the ultimate for us.

Page 6: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

The Evangelical PresbyterianThe Evangelical Presbyterian

66

4 He Gathers His Sheep (10.16) 4 He Gathers His Sheep (10.16) He goes on to speak of ―other sheep‖ not of the ―fold‖ of Judaism. Now and then in the Gospels there are glimpses of the wider application of the Gospel—as here. The death of Jesus was for people every­where, not only for Jews. And he says ―I must bring them too‖. Here is a compelling necessity. He had come on a mission of salvation, which meant dying for sinners and effectually bringing them to himself. These ―other sheep‖ would be on the same footing as those already in the fold. ―They will hear my voice‖ indicates that they will be in the same intimate relationship to the Shepherd as those already following him. Some in the early NT Church reckoned that when Gentiles were converted they must also be cir­cumcised and become Jews. But Jesus was saying no such thing. For him the important thing was that these sheep would hear his voice. And when they did ―there will be one flock, one shepherd‖. The unity that links all believers is a unity that arises because of their relationship to the one Shepherd—all the sheep hear, answer and obey one shepherd. The unity is not ecclesiastical but a unity of faith —of commitment and loyalty to Jesus Christ. Are you one of those ―other sheep‖? Do you know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd? Can you, with David, say with assurance ―The Lord is my Shepherd‖? It is a terrible thing to be lost in the world without the Shepherd‘s love, protection and care. Finally, the ―other sheep‖ must be gathered in. Here is the tremendous missionary task of the Church. Jesus generally uses those who are his to engage in gathering in the whole flock. Are you following the Shepherd in this regard too?

Prayer Diary: SepPrayer Diary: Sep--Oct 2011Oct 2011 Each SundayEach Sunday -- WorshipWorship ((Please use the following to stimulate a wider agenda of prayer)

Pray that we will prepare ourselves carefully for the worship of God and that it will be pleasing to him. Pray that we will learn to derive increasing spiritual benefit from the Lord‘s Table.

Each MondayEach Monday——School and College LifeSchool and College Life

Pray for our children and young people as they resume life and studies at schools and colleges. Pray that they will have growing grace to take their stand for Christ with courage in all situations.

Each TuesdayEach Tuesday——Presbytery and EPCPresbytery and EPC

Pray for Presbytery—Moderator, Clerk and Committees as meetings resume in September. Pray that The Evangelical Presbyterian will be a constant means of grace and instruction to us all.

Each WednesdayEach Wednesday——MissionsMissions

Pray for Norman and Angela Reid as they settle down at home again. Remember their work (pages 10-11) and Welcome Home service 15 September 2011. Pray for ACTS and Nigerian missionaries. Pray that God will bless the ministry of the team which visited Uganda in August, and the Moodies.

Each ThursdayEach Thursday——CongregationsCongregations

Pray for all our congregations, Ministers, Elders and Deacons, in their local work and Gospel witness. North Belfast features in this issue (page 16). Remember the need for Ministers and Crumlin vacancy.

Each FridayEach Friday——Youth WorkYouth Work

Pray for the youth work resuming in September—leaders, attendance, regulations, spiritual fruit.

Pray for ongoing contact from Summer Outreach Weeks and Holiday Bible Clubs—and parents.

Each SaturdayEach Saturday——Preparation Preparation

Pray for Ministers, Preachers, Sunday School Teachers, Bible Class Leaders as they prepare. Pray that we and all ―who have ears to hear‖ will truly do so. Pray boldly for conversions.

Page 7: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

77

SepSep--Oct 2011Oct 2011

Numerous national commemorations were held in March 2007 to mark the two hundredth anniversary of the Act abolishing the British slave trade, concluding with a service of thanksgiving. The Archbishop of Canterbury led a ―walk of shame‖ followed by public apologies for the cruelties inflicted by the trade. Among other events, a replica of an infamous slave ship, the Zong, was escorted up the Thames by a Royal Navy frigate. This was to remind the nation of one particular act of wickedness in 1783 when the Zong had lost its way during a transatlantic crossing. One hundred and thirty-three slaves were thrown overboard, to enable the slave owner to claim their worth on his insurance. In all these commemorations the name of William Wilberforce was honoured and rightly so, with that of John Newton a close second. Was Zachary Macaulay‘s name ever mentioned? Probably not. And yet a contemporary could say that slaves ―would be more indebted to Mr Macaulay than to any man living‘ if slavery itself were abolished by parliament. William Gladstone, four times British prime minister, added that Macaulay was ‗the secret, unseen ally of Wilberforce, the pillar of his strength.‖ But Zachary only described himself as ―a brand plucked from the burning.‖ Certainly, God had shaped and prepared this man in unusual ways. Born in 1768, Zachary was the son of an impoverished Presbyterian minister from Cardross near Glasgow, and one of twelve children. At fourteen he was sent to Glasgow to earn his living in a merchant business. Soon losing whatever religious impressions he had imbibed from childhood, he became a sceptic, drinking heavily and a gam-bler. Two years later he found himself in a measure of disgrace and his father felt it best that Zachary should make a fresh start, sending him to far-off Jamaica. Here Zachary found employment first as a book keeper on one of the vast sugar plantations and then as an under-manager. Jamaica had a slave population of 200,000 and the sugar industry provided Britain with a rich source of income. But Zachary was horrified at the cruelty that he witnessed. To hear the piteous cries of a weak, exhausted slave being whipped to force him to work harder in the burning sun appalled the young man. Worse still, his duties sometimes meant that he must carry out the punishment himself. How could he do that? A fearful choice lay before Zachary. Either he must return home or else steel his emotions against the sufferings he was witnessing in order to survive himself: he chose the latter. Gradually he became accustomed to the crack of the whip as it lashed his fellow human beings into further servitude. Sometimes brought to the verge of the grave by violent tropical fevers, he re-mained hardened and careless. By the time he returned to England four years later he was a coarse and callous young man, his emotions crushed, his con-science hardened. Not wishing to go back to Scotland, he went to his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Thomas Babington in Rothley, Leicestershire. The result

To Free the SlavesTo Free the Slaves——Zachary MacaulayZachary Macaulay

Faith CookFaith Cook

Page 8: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

The Evangelical PresbyterianThe Evangelical Presbyterian

88

was life changing. Not only did Thomas treat the younger man with courtesy and forbearance, but he introduced him for the first time to the life-changing power of the Christian gospel. At last, humbled and renewed, Zachary too became a new man through faith in Jesus Christ. In later years he would write: ―I never think of him [Thomas] but my thoughts are drawn to that Saviour with whom he first brought me acquainted.‖ Rothley Temple where Jean and Thomas lived was a stately country home set amid woodlands, and here Zachary was introduced to many of Thomas Babing-ton‘s friends. William Wilberforce, Henry Thornton, Granville Sharp, Thomas Clarkson and others often visited Babington. These men, united in spiritual life and determination to right the social ills of the day, would form the nucleus of what became known as the Clapham Sect, because most lived on or near Clap-ham Common, south of London. Their conversations were always on an ambi-tious agenda of social reforms that would change the face of British life, and above all, on abolishing the iniquitous slave trade. One project dominated their plans: how to re-establish a haven for freed slaves on the west coast of Africa—an initiative begun by Granville Sharp but that had already faced disaster. Thomas Babington was quick to appreciate that young Zachary Macaulay, still only twenty-two years of age and now much changed by the grace of God, might be an in-valuable asset in that endeavour. Amazingly intelligent and with a tireless zeal and ability for detail, he could be trained and used to forward their great cause. His four years of personal experience in Jamaica gave Zachary an insight and understanding which few of the others possessed. At last it was decided that for a trial period Zachary should work in Sierra Leone as an assistant to the governor. Performing astonishingly well, Macaulay soon found himself appointed as Governor and under his direction the infant col-ony was established as a viable project, despite further disasters. Returning from Sierra Leone in 1799, Zachary married Selina Mills, the girl with whom he had fallen in love three years earlier. Nine children were born in quick succession, the eldest, Thomas Babington Macaulay, destined to be far better known than his father as the great Lord Macaulay, national poet and historian. Zachary now became Wilberforce‘s ‗secret agent‘, amassing file after file of facts and figures relating to the iniquity of the slave trade. These he fed to Wilber-force as bullets in his artillery to be fired at his parliamentary opponents as he presented bill after bill demanding the abolition of the slave trade. Whenever he needed a fact to plead in the cause of the brutalised slaves wrenched from their African villages and treated like animals, he could say with confidence ―Look it up in Macaulay,‖ for this imperturbable and determined man was indeed a walking encyclopaedia for the Clapham Sect. After he had presented more than a dozen anti-slave trade Bills to Parliament, Wilberforce triumphed at last when the Bill became law in 1807. But the job was only half done. First the legislation had to be policed, with rogue traders caught and punished. Here Zachary Macaulay worked ceaselessly often in serious personal danger, for when the slave merchants tracked down the identity of their real enemy, they did all in their power to destroy him, if not physi-

Page 9: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

99

SepSep--Oct 2011Oct 2011

cally, at least in reputation. Macaulay alone among the Clapham friends retained the vision that slavery itself could be abolished by a British government and gave himself to this goal in ceaseless endeavour. We read: ―In that service he sacrificed all that man may lawfully sacrifice—health, fortune, repose, favour and celebrity…‖ Editing a magazine called the Anti-Slavery Reporter, Macaulay toiled often by a flickering gas lamp, while others slept, compiling shocking facts and figures to keep the public constantly aware of the issues. Even more importantly, God had been at work in a powerful tide of spiritual revivals that had swept the country from north to south during the early nineteenth century, changing the priorities of many. Gradually the tide of opinion began to turn. With Wilberforce now elderly and retired from Parliament, Thomas Fowell Buxton became the front man in the House of Common. He too relied heavily on Macaulay. Although others such as James Stephen and Thomas Clarkson were active in the campaign, many slave owners now saw the silent figure, always pre-sent in the public gallery of the House of Commons taking copious notes, as mas-ter-minding the campaign. During this period Zachary faced painful bereavements. His faithful wife Selina and two of his daughters were taken in death. Added to this he had to cope with grinding poverty when his family business collapsed through the ambition and folly of his business partner. Weeks of fever accompanied by the fear of blindness clouded his last years, yet despite all he could write: ―Defeat I regard not. Let us do our duty and leave the issue to him who orders all events.‖ Triumph came at last in July 1733 as the Act declaring slavery illegal was passed. Zachary‘s work was done. He died in May 1738 just after his seventieth birthday. Knowing that death was imminent, he wrote his last will. With little of material worth to leave, he penned these words:

I desire with all humility and reverence to commend to the mercies of my God and Saviour the soul which he hath redeemed by his precious blood and in some feeble measure, I trust, restored to his image which sin had so miserably defaced and polluted. On his mercy alone I place all my hope that my transgressions may be pardoned.

Despite his request for no eulogies, no compliments, the country realised his massive contribution and a monument was set up in Westminster Abbey to mark Zachary Macaulay‘s tireless toils for the liberation of the needy and oppressed slaves.

Norman and Angela ReidNorman and Angela ReidNorman and Angela Reid Norman and Angela concluded their missionary service in South Africa mid-June 2011.

We thank them for their 13 years of diligent service at Dumisani and in the Free Church in South Africa and for communicating so effectively throughout the period.

Their Welcome Home meeting is to take place

Thursday 15 September 2011, 8.00 pm, at Finaghy

Page 10: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

The Evangelical PresbyterianThe Evangelical Presbyterian

1010

All Lands to God!All Lands to God! Norman and Angela Reid Norman and Angela Reid retired from missionary service in South Africa in June 2011. Norman looks back on the thirteen years ...

There are so many things that spring to mind as we reflect on the past 13 years. There are joys and sorrows, successes and disappointments. So many new people entered our lives during that period. The Lord has used them to make an impact on our lives and hopefully we contributed something to their lives as well. Our time in South Africa involved serving three different communities - Dumisani. the Free Church in South Africa, and the wider community in and around King William's Town. We made many good friends in these

three communities. Looking back, we hope that we made a difference for the kingdom of God among these people.

DumisaniDumisani At Dumisani Theological Institute we had the privilege to teach perhaps 200 students over those 13 years. Many students were keen to learn the Word of God and how to communicate it to their communities. Sadly some were only looking for qualifications on paper to satisfy church authorities rather than heart preparation for ministry. But in general, most students were genuinely looking for spiritual foundations. Dumisani is uniquely placed in the Eastern Cape to provide theological education and is becoming increasingly accepted and recognised by most churches in the area. We are building on decades of goodwill and the evident results of the benefit of our work among the churches. I greatly enjoyed teaching my allotted subjects, especially Systematic Theology which I taught at both basic and degree

level. It was worth all the hassles and frustrations of life in a strange place just to watch students grasp the great basic Biblical truths and get excited about them. South Africa is still a deeply divided community but we were often able to get past the black/white, rich/poor barriers and relate to one another as brothers and

sisters in Christ sharing in the spiritual blessings that are ours in Christ. I remember when I arrived in 1997 there were four men in my diploma class. Now as I look at those 4 men today, I find that all have continued faithfully in the ministry. They have sent many others to Dumisani to get similar training and one has returned to further his studies at degree level. Of course we cannot say the same for all our students, but there certainly has been a cumulative effect in producing the respected institution that Dumisani has become.

Free Church in South AfricaFree Church in South Africa Our involvement in ministry with the Free Church in South Africa has been both meaningful and satisfying. Being more pastorally inclined than academically inclined I was happy to be involved in ministering in the different districts of the

Page 11: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

1111

SepSep--Oct 2011Oct 2011

Church. I also enjoyed participating in the courts of the church and my contributions were generally welcomed. It was difficult getting to know the real situation in all areas of the church, eg pastorally, spiritually and especially financially. It took years to get past the barriers - black/white, missionary/native and rich/poor, and to begin relating to one another as brothers on the Lord. Then there was the Xhosa

reluctance to face issues head-on, the reluctance to make decisions and put them into effect—the endless search for consensus—the endless discussion was often frustrating. The African way of doing church finance was hard to cope with. We battled with it for years trying to teach principles of accountability and responsibility. There is some evidence

that a recent series of church finance seminars that we conducted have made an impact. It was requested that they be repeated at the last Easter Convention we attended. The younger members of the church have a modern outlook towards finance and are keen to be accountable to the church membership. This is good news for the future. We believe that there are adequate resources in the local church, however motivation in giving and responsibility in managing the money, are the problems that need to be addressed. We have happy memories of working with the church at Somerset East. The Interim-Moderatorship lasted for five years. We will always treasure the memories of times around the Lord's Table, the singing, the praying of the people, their appreciation for the ministry of the Word and the love they showed us on so many occasions. There is evidence of the blessing of the Lord upon the people there. Though they were 200 kilometres away from us in distance they were always in our hearts. We often think of them still and of the blessings the Lord gave us at those Communion seasons.

In and Around King William‘s TownIn and Around King William‘s Town Within King William's Town itself we had good relationships with the churches. Among the pastors there was a sincere effort to promote the unity of the Spirit and pastors met early every Wednesday morning to pray for the town. Those were special times. There was a great generosity of spirit in understanding and tolerat-ing the different theological positions, and we sought to exalt what Paul called "the things of first importance." (1 Cor 15.3) A united monthly evening service rotated around the churches—a testimony that Christ was not divided. Because of our involvement the profile of Dumisani was raised among the churches of the town and many opportunities to minister to the churches arose. We enjoyed involvement in the wider community and made many good friends. Angela found her work in the Soup Kitchen, the Children's Home and the old age Kingsholme very satisfying, and many old folks in the wider community will miss her visits. Together we are grateful to the Lord and to the Church for the privilege of spend-ing this chapter of our lives among a people whom we grew to love and appreciate.

Mnyameni

Alexandra Road

Page 12: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

The Evangelical PresbyterianThe Evangelical Presbyterian

1212

A BEST SELLER! Part 5 of the John Bunyan story

While preaching in a farmhouse, John Bunyan is arrested for not going to a Church of England church. He spends 12 years in prison.

During these years, many bible-believing ministers were driven

out of their churches. Even ordinary Christians could be

arrested and imprisoned. From time to time, some of John’s

friends found themselves in Bedford jail along with him. How he

helped and encouraged them from the bible! He loved to hear

news about other Christians all over England. Even in his prison

cell, he prayed for them and wrote them long letters.

That wasn’t all he wrote. His quill pen was always busy writing

poetry, sermons and leaflets to help people in the

Christian life. He even wrote a book of poems for

boys and girls.

It was often Mary, his blind daughter, who

brought food for John while he was in

prison. She also helped him to sell his

bootlaces and he loved her very much. Sadly,

she died aged 18 before her father was released.

Then in 1672 the law changed and John was set free. He

became the pastor of the little church in Bedford. They had

no place of worship, but they bought a barn and turned it into

a church building. It was a happy time for John. He was home

with his family and free to preach in Bedford and all around.

But this freedom lasted less than three years. John was

arrested again and spent another four years in prison.

Page 13: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

1313

SepSep--Oct 2011Oct 2011

It was at this time he wrote his most famous book,

“The Pilgrim’s Progress.” It tells the adventures of a man on a

journey. Really it is the story of how a Christian goes to heaven.

When this book was published it was an instant success. Inside

ten years, 100 000 copies were sold.

John was 49 when he was released from prison for the last

time. He had become well known and was often asked to preach

in other parts of England. He travelled around on horseback as

well as looking after the church in Bedford. His last preaching

trip was to London when he was aged 59.

Although it was August, John rode through

thunder, lightning and torrential rain. He

arrived at his friend’s house drenched and

shivering. On the Sunday he preached a

wonderful sermon, returned to his friend’s

house and went to bed. For several days he was very ill and on

the last day of August 1688 he died.

After a hard and busy life, John Bunyan went to be with Jesus

for ever. He was waiting and eager to go. Today God still uses

“The Pilgrim’s Progress” to help boys and girls (and grown ups

too) to be ready for heaven.

Quiz 1. Which jail was John in? 2. What sort of people were being arrested at this time? 3. Who brought food for him? 4. In what year was John set free? 5. What sort of building was turned into a church? 6. How soon was John arrested again? 7. Name the famous book he wrote. 8. What is it about? 9. How did John die? 10. What age was he?

A BEST SELLER! Part 5 of the John Bunyan story

Page 14: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

The Evangelical PresbyterianThe Evangelical Presbyterian

1414

Starting university can be a daunting experience. Will I make friends or end up very lonely? What should I do with all the hours I‘m not in lectures? How much should I join in with a night out? Can I get into a sports team without taking part in all those drinking games everyone plays? Should I live at home or go into halls of residence? How do I honour my parents, now I‘m an adult with some independence? How do I witness to my Muslim flatmate? But the good news is that you don‘t have to face these daunting decisions on your own! The Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF, in GB) and IFES Ireland help to support Christian Unions in universities and colleges all over the British Isles, so that wherever you‘re going, they can suggest a healthy church in the area who‘ll be able to support you as a Christian student. Most of the churches near universities in the UK and Ireland will then send their students to be part of the mission community in the university: the Christian Union (CU), which tries to give everybody at university a chance to hear and respond to the glorious good news of Jesus. Even if you are continuing to live in your own house with family or staying in Northern Ireland in the EPC, I would encourage you to get stuck in to your CU. CUs can create fantastic opportunities for students to reach students and tell them about Jesus, that churches normally don‘t have. Over the course of my three years at Nottingham, not only has every single student been offered a Gospel to read for themselves, but around seven thousand of them have come along to evangelistic events, with many others hearing the Gospel as Christian students engage with them in their courses, societies and houses. And as a result of the powerful Word of God, over a hundred students have started to profess Christ as Lord and Saviour during my time at university here—and that‘s just at one university! As you start out, you may be discouraged to find just a few Christians who don‘t believe exactly what you do, or a large group with a different style of singing… and you struggle to get along with them. Please don‘t be put off! Whether it‘s the biggest CU mission in the country, or the faithful struggles of five people to let their college know about Jesus in some small way, God can use anyone‘s weakness for his glory to bring others to know him. So, whether you‘re going off to uni, college or tech, or have been there a year or two already, do head along to your CU (or try it again!) and see how God can use people who feel completely inadequate to do amazing things through the power of the Gospel. Check it: http://www.uccf.org.uk/freshers/ (GB) or http://www.ifesireland.org/students/new-to-university-.php (Ireland & NI). To hear more exciting stories and prayer requests throughout the year from the student scene in the UK (and in particular Nottingham), do get in touch with me and I‘ll add you to my prayer letter list—[email protected]

Freedom! Freedom! Life at University, College or TechLife at University, College or Tech

Peter Grier, Somerton RoadPeter Grier, Somerton Road

Peter is a volunteer Relay worker partnering with UCCF in the Midlands of England

Page 15: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

1515

SepSep--Oct 2011Oct 2011

In this Psalm we find David fleeing from Saul and taking refuge in a cave. David‘s life is threatened and as a result he turns to God to rescue him from his plight.

David‘s PetitionDavid‘s Petition David begins this Psalm with the passionate plea that God would have mercy on him. He repeats the request to express his urgency. Ultimately, it was God that his soul took refuge in for protection. As David trusted in God, he realized he was under the shadow of God‘s wings. This pictures the divine care he sought being compared to the care of a mother bird for her young. God Most High is a divine name which emphasizes that God is lifted up above all his creation, over all circumstances, and that he alone is Sovereign and rules over all. God can be trusted and David could testify to this from his own past experiences.

David‘s Persecutors David‘s Persecutors Detailing his persecutors, David lamented, ―I am in the midst of lions and ravenous beasts.‖ David knew these men had the power to destroy him so he turns to God and declares ―Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.‖ This God-centered focus on divine supremacy was the strength of David‘s life through every adversity, a sure anchor for his soul in the midst of trouble. David requested God to reveal his sovereign glory by coming to the rescue of his servant.

David‘s PraiseDavid‘s Praise Still looking heavenward, David steadied his heart in God alone. Twice he said, ―My heart is steadfast‖, underscoring the firm resolve of his soul to trust in God. Rather than complaining about his difficulties, he declared, ―I will sing and make music in worship of almighty God.‖ David roused his own heart, ―Awake, my soul!‖ as if to say, ―Let not my soul be sluggish or dull toward God.‖ David vowed in his heart to awaken before dawn to begin his day in praise to God. Looking beyond the con-finement of the cave in which he was hiding, David vowed, ―I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations and the peoples.‖ Once he was delivered from his trouble, David‘s worship of God would act as a public witness to the goodness and glory of the God he served. Repeating the earlier refrain, David concluded, ―Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.‖ This was an appeal for God to demonstrate his sover-eignty by intervening in David‘s life, reversing his plight and turning back his enemies. Such a rescue, a deliverance, would display God‘s glory over all the earth.

ConclusionConclusion No matter what difficulty we find ourselves in as believers, we must take our refuge in God alone, calling upon him for mercy and deliverance. God is our savior who delights in rescuing us, not only from our sin but also from our suffering and sorrow. As C H Spurgeon once said,‖ As sure as God puts his children in the furnace, he will be in the furnace with them.‖ May our hearts like David‘s even in the midst of trial be awakened to sing praise to our great and merciful God!

In the fifth of his meditations on the Psalms, Colin MooreColin Moore, Stranmillis, reflects on God as the deliverer of his people from their enemies.

Psalm 57Psalm 57——A Refuge for the SoulA Refuge for the Soul

Page 16: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

The Evangelical PresbyterianThe Evangelical Presbyterian

1616

The joint congregations of Somerton Road and Crosscollyer Street serve a large densely populated area of the city with several interfaces. The district was greatly blessed by missions of W P Nicholson in the 1920‘s which sustained church work for the next 60 years. Sadly today only the histories remain and we have a younger generation growing up that know little of the Christian faith. Many of the traditional local churches have either closed or are struggling to maintain activities. There have been encouraging signs of a return to normality after the Troubles and the area is now rarely in the news. Cityside Shopping Centre is booming, having doubled its footfall in the last 18 months—due mainly to efforts by commu-nity leaders working together to promote peace. We have been able to play a significant role in this transition through contact with former youth club members now in positions of community leadership, resulting in many opportunities to share the Gospel. The greatest legacy of the troubles is addiction to alcohol and pre-scription tranquiliser drugs which we seek to address along with illegal drugs in The Helping Hand ministry. This has proved fruitful and many now attend church. An area close to Somerton church is largely populated with ‗mixed marriage families‘ and the kids have many problems with very little Christian teaching at home. We have managed to build close relations with many of the young people through our youth clubs. We are grateful for the help we receive from outside our congregations in both the clubs and the annual summer outreach week. Sunday services: morning in Somerton Road and evening in Crosscollyer Street. The joint midweek service meets in Somerton. Junior and a Senior Youth Club: Somerton Road on Thursday evenings with an average combined attendance of 30. We urge them to attend our EPC camps—this year 15 attended and several made profession of faith. Sunday School is struggling with small numbers due to competition from shop-ping centres and TV football and is held in Crosscollyer Street. Mother and Toddlers started over 20 years ago and we now have some second generation mothers attending with their children on Wednesday mornings. The Helping Hand meets on Tuesday nights and Thursdays with a Bible Study in the morning and recreational activity in the afternoon, and food on both occasions.

Give Thanks and Pray for:Give Thanks and Pray for: 1 The wonderful transition towards peace in the Tigers Bay district and pray

for another movement of God‘s Spirit. 2 The great opportunities to witness at both sites and good relations with both

communities and pray we will see conversions. 3 More helpers to assist our ageing and diminishing workers in reaching out to

both neighbourhoods. We are currently severely stretched. 4 Young people that they will stay clear of drugs and be converted. 5 Guidance and finance in our work with those suffering from addiction. 6 Wisdom in managing our resources effectively to serve God in North Belfast.

Rev Robert Beckett Rev Robert Beckett tells the story and asks for prayertells the story and asks for prayer.

Congregations: North Belfast Congregations: North Belfast Congregations: North Belfast

Page 17: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

1717

SepSep--Oct 2011Oct 2011

The Editor will award a Book Token for the winning entry

Across

1 Lord‘s title (15)

8 Box or boat (3)

10 Outcast‘s disease type (7)

11 Weapon (3)

12 Depart (3)

13 River two (5)

14 Head support (4)

15 Moaning (8)

16 Light of the body (3)

17 Type of offering (5)

18 Moabite town laid waste (3)

21 Haymor‘s son (7)

22 Amorite King (5)

24 Created by God that moved (14)

25 These are chosen (3)

26 King who came delicately (4)

28 Large bird (7)

29 God‘s Name (3)

30 Abraham—age-old problem (12)

33 Opening (4)

34 Birds (5)

35 Young goat (3)

Down

2 Heavenly host spectators (9)

3 Angel did this for Jesus (13)

4 Food from the earth (16)

5 Where Shemeber reigned (7)

6 Disciples toiled in this (6)

7 Brought to the sick (13)

9 Guardian (6)

13 Army hid in its meadows (6)

19 In group with Hittites (8)

20 Servant to Elisha (6)

22 Daniel saw in a vision (7)

23 New bottles for this (7)

24 Lame man‘s new action (7)

27 Part of the body (3)

31 Oath (3)

32 Writing aid (3)

Clues by Jim Leckey

1 Please post your entry to the Editor to arrive, week commencing 9 October. (Not before!)

Valid entries must be posted. 1 Mark your envelope ‗Crossword‘. 2 The Editor will select the first correct entry from

the bag as the winner.

Test your Bible KnowledgeTest your Bible Knowledge--4 4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9

10 11

12

13 14

15 16

17 18

19 20

21 22 23

24

25

26 27 28

29 30 31 32

33 34 35

S1

I S2

T E R I N L A3

W M4

R5

O E A S C6

L A Y

I N N7

A Z8

A R9

E T H A H

N10

E T C I A U11

P R O A R

G T L M R P L

S12

I N I13

M P O S S14

I B L E A

F A A A N15

I L E

W16

F17

I S H E18

R M E N T E

A19

S P20

E V O I E E

S A D21

E22

C E I T P23

U R P L E24

H25

A26

N D27

L H A S P

N O N28

O S T R I L S H29

H

N N A A E A

M30

A R K E T P L31

A C E J32

O N A33

H

A E H O I O H

N Y A34

H I N A D A B A

J35

A S O N S R36

I B S

Ju

l-A

ug

20

11

So

lutio

n

Win

ne

r: Ru

th B

ea

ttie, G

roo

msp

ort

Page 18: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

The Evangelical PresbyterianThe Evangelical Presbyterian

1818

Call it a large town or a small city of 96,000 persons and places such as Bedford, Londonderry or Darlington will be quite familiar to most. Divide those 96,000 persons into say 145 different locations and give them names such as Bure, Drake Hall or Wayland and very few of us will have heard of these places. The 3 names just mentioned are prisons in the UK and form part of the 96,000 total UK prison population. Yes, our prison population equates to the size of a

large town and it is that population spread out throughout 140 different locations that Daylight Christian Prison Trust (DCPT) seeks to reach with the Gospel. Rev Dr John Scott, a former minister in the EPCEW, is the Chief Executive. To date DCPT regularly visits 60 prisons holding chapel services, leading

Bible studies and providing Christian reading material. Outside of prison the work continues as regional directors in partnership with local churches seek to provide practical and spiritual support to ex-offenders after their release. This is a difficult part of the work which I know from my own experience as a volunteer in Canada. Isaiah 61.1 reminds us that man is a captive, brokenhearted and prison bound. Man‘s separation from God because of sin has brought about this condition. Christ‘s finished work wrought in the heart through the work of Holy Spirit brings the liberty and freedom which has been experienced by many bound in earthly prisons. Under Dr Scott‘s leadership DCPT has sought to establish regional prayer and support groups to strengthen the work and encourage more involvement at a local level. One such group meets in Northern Ireland giving support through prayer. They familiarise themselves with the work through discussion ever aware that if the need arose to give support to an ex-offender upon release that they could meet that challenge. So let‘s join together to pray for the work of DPCT as it seeks to carry the Gospel into our prisons and to instruct and teach, strengthen and encourage those who have been born again by the power of the risen Christ released from the power of sin but await their release from prison. The support group meets on the 3rd Monday of the ‗odd‘ months—details below.

Daylight Christian Prison TrustDaylight Christian Prison Trust

Allister Lucas, CrumlinAllister Lucas, Crumlin

Allister and Jean Lucas, Crumlin, host the bi-monthly Prayer and Support Group for Daylight CPF in their home to which all are encouraged to come,

Next Prayer Meeting for Daylight CPTNext Prayer Meeting for Daylight CPT

Monday 19 September 2011—8.00 pm

129 Meadowlands ANTRIM BT41 4EY (Opposite Junction 1 Retail) 028 9442 8631

Page 19: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

1919

SepSep--Oct 2011Oct 2011

This June I spent eight most enjoyable days as the guest of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. My visit began with an overnight stay in the home of Mark and Fiona Johnston in Philadelphia after which I made my way to the Sandy Cove Christian Conference Centre, North East Maryland, the venue for the OPC Assembly. Perhaps the most effective way in which I can share with you in this article what kind of experience I had is by answering a number of questions which others have put to me about this visit, Why did you go?Why did you go? The purpose of my visit was to represent the EPC at the General Assembly of the OPC. The OPC was established as a separate denomination on 11 June 1936 and, as such, this year saw their 75th Anniversary celebrations . As well as holding a regular General Assembly they were eager to emphasise what the Lord had done for them over the past 75 years. Our church has had a long relationship with the OPC. Dr Gresham Machen, their founding father, had lectured Rev W J Grier at Princeton Seminary and had paid a most significant visit to Northern Ireland just prior to the heresy trial of 1927. During this visit Dr Machen had addressed numerous gatherings on behalf of the Presbyterian Bible Standards League and had spoken supportively of Mr Hunter, Mr Grier and the others who were troubled by the false teaching of Professor Davey. How were you received?How were you received? I have to say that the presence of a fraternal delegate from the EPC was very well received by the OPC friends. They knew about our church , appreciated the parallels between our two histories and were genuinely touched that we had made the effort to send someone. Was it not very expensive?Was it not very expensive? Normally we send a letter of greeting to the OPC Assembly. This was the first time that someone has actually gone in person. It cost just under £500 to get me there which means that our relationship with the OPC has so far cost us around £6.25 per year. Did you know anyone there?Did you know anyone there? The conference organiser had arranged for me to share a room with an OPC Elder from Philadelphia and also one of their Ministers from Maine—Rev Stephen Tracey! It was good to renew fellowship with Stephen and to hear of his ministry in Rockport. He was able to advise me on many matters from dress code to vocabulary. I also met with some folks like Matthew Holst and Chad van Dixhoorn who have strong EPCEW connections. Folks were very friendly and quite a few asked for Sid and Jean Garland who they knew from Westminster Seminary days. Indeed somebody had been on an outreach team to Finaghy about 30 years ago and asked me if I knew a young man called Mervyn Langtry!

The OPC at 75The OPC at 75 Rev Gareth BurkeRev Gareth BurkeRev Gareth Burke,, Moderator, reflects on his recent visit to

the OPC General Assembly.

Page 20: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

The Evangelical PresbyterianThe Evangelical Presbyterian

2020

Was it a holiday?Was it a holiday? No. A very pleasant experience in excellent surroundings but proceedings commenced at 8.30am and ran through to around 5.00pm each day. Every evening there was a most interesting presentation on Home Missions or Foreign Missions or on some other aspect of OPC work or witness. I had opportunity to address the Assembly, was present at all the sessions, and attended two meetings of their Ecumenicity and Inter Church Relations Committee.

What were the highlights?What were the highlights? Difficult to say but the Moderator, Danny Olinger, preached a powerful sermon on The Church of the Broken Heart. Dr Tony Curto of Greenville Seminary also preached most effectively from Isaiah 6—a stirring missionary challenge. Is the OPC like the EPC?Is the OPC like the EPC? Yes and No!. Yes, in the sense that their history is similar to our own. They seceded from a large Presbyterian Church over issues of doctrinal compromise and error. They have the same subordinate standards as we have and they are small—much larger than us but in the context of the USA considered to be small. They differ from us in a number of ways. It seems to me that they are a much more self-consciously Reformed church than we are. It was not uncommon around the meal table for terms such as ‗covenantal‘, ‗confessional‘ and ‗Presbyterian‘ to be used regularly. The worship service on the Lord‘s Day was much more liturgical than anything we would know within our church. What were the encouragements and the challenges you faced?What were the encouragements and the challenges you faced? I was encouraged to see the mission - mindedness of the OPC. At one point someone stated that 2010 had not been a good year for the OPC as only four new churches had been established! I was distressed to discover that relations between the OPC and PCA (Presbyterian Church in America) were at a very low ebb. I was challenged by the following question put to me at one of the Inter Church Relations Committee meetings: ―We assume that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland from which you seceded is now a liberal and compromised body just like the PCUSA?‖ ―Well, no‖, I replied, ―the PCI is in in a better place doctrinally today than in 1927‖. ―How can you justify your separate existence?‖ was the response. There then followed a short treatise on the subject of women‘s ordination.

What are your lasting impressions?What are your lasting impressions? I met with many delightful and sincere Christian people who showed me great kindness and who had a prayerful interest in the work of the EPC. Jack Sawyer, the convenor of the Inter Church Relations Committee, made a great effort to ensure that I felt at home among these American brothers. On my flight home my mind was filled with thoughts about denominations, heresy, division, mission and heaven. Won‘t it be great to be together with all of the Lord‘s people in one place forever? No need for fraternal delegates

Confident of Better Things is an anthology of essays commemorating 75 years of The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. They are grouped under five categories: History, Theology, Christian Education, Mission of the Church, Ecumenicity. Available through Evangelical Book Shop.

Page 21: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

2121

SepSep--Oct 2011Oct 2011 Price discounts

available from Evangelical Book Shop

Belfast

Every Word Counts Every Word Counts £8.99 £7.75 Tom Barnes, Evangelical Press, Paperback, 164 pages. The author‘s aim is that the book would be a call to treasure God's Word in the face of growing criticisms of traditional evangelical views of Scripture from within evangelical ranks. He has written in a non-technical way, that it might be accessible to a wide readership, but other writings on the subject are referenced with guidance. Barnes starts by affirming the value of the Scriptures, and how crucial they are to our spiritual well-being. He particularly expounds this in relation to the unfolding of God's plan of redemption throughout Scripture, emphasising that we cannot divorce how we respond to God and how we respond to his Word. He then looks at the Bible‘s self-attestation that it is from God, first through the words of Jesus, and also through the Bible as a whole. The middle section of the book, ―This is the only Word of God‖, looks at the Biblical and extra-Biblical evidence that the canon of Scripture is complete and closed. The remainder of the book considers the authority and inerrancy of the Scriptures. The Word of God is both our ultimate authority and is completely true. This is a helpful, practical book. In encouraging us to treasure God's Word, Barnes recognises that our response will affect our Christian lives—it is not simply a matter for scholarly debate in theological colleges. If we treasure God's Word we will listen to it, trust it, rely on it, obey it and desire to share it. Stephen Woolsey

Smooth Stones Taken from Ancient BrooksSmooth Stones Taken from Ancient Brooks £5.75 £4.60

Selections from the writings of Thomas Brooks C H Spurgeon, Banner of Truth, Paperback, 197 pages. Brooks is one of the easiest Puritans to read and a favourite of Spurgeon. He commented: ―There is a clear, silvery, refreshing sound in the name ‗Brooks‘, and as is the name such is the man.‖ This selection of pithy sayings presents Christian truth in a warm and lucid way that will add to your daily devotions. If you have not read any Puritan writers so far, this little volume is a good introduction to the wealth of Christian literature available to us today. The Editor

Everyday ChurchEveryday Church——Mission by being good neighbours £9.99 £7.99 Tim Chester & Steve Timms, IVP, Paperback, 197 pages. The authors ask: ―How can Christians infiltrate an increasingly hostile world and silence the opposition?‖ Recognising that Christians are an increasingly marginalised community this book will challenge us to rethink our mission strategy and evangelistic endeavours. Not everything that is suggested in the book will be met with enthusiastic approval but if we are to continue to reach out to people who will no longer come through our church doors it may be worthwhile to consider the options. The decline in church attendance nationally is alarming and the decline in many of our congregations needs to be addressed urgently by local Sessions. This book might just stimulate thought and prayerful action. The Editor

Book ReviewsBook Reviews

Page 22: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

The Evangelical PresbyterianThe Evangelical Presbyterian

2222

Ever since the 1920s, when evangelical literature was scarce in the UK, the trustees of the Evangelical Bookshop have exercised an influential Gospel ministry throughout our islands. Bibles and reformed literature have been sold from their College Square East building for 85 years. Originally built in 1810 as part of a row of houses, the building was purchased in the 1940s, and held in trust for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. In order for the bookshop to continue to serve the Church and her mission in the world, after all this time, refurbishment was necessary! During the early months of 2011 the first floor was rewired, decorated and carpeted, and the toilets refurbished. This enabled a small shop to operate from there in July while the main shop floor was gutted. Customers will notice some new aspects – and some are more technical safety measures, happily out of sight. Extensive renewal of the shop included: construction of a new room for the much-loved second hand section; rewiring, including new heating, lighting and safety systems; new walls and décor including a new carpet and ceiling; a new counter and some shelving; a security shutter and burglar alarm system, and most noticeably, a new shop front and external doors. The building now conforms to modern standards of access, health and safety, and as a bright modern shop, is fit to serve the Lord‘s people in the second decade of the twenty first century. Computer systems are being replaced, and debit/credit card facilities upgraded. We hope to have e-sales operating by the end of the year. The trustees and manager are profoundly grateful to the Presbytery and other generous donors for enabling all of this work to be done. We also wish to thank the volunteer teams who shifted over 200 heavy boxes of books out of, and back into, the shop. Please pray for the continued usefulness of the shop and the ministry of its staff. Do recommend us to others and benefit personally from the wealth of resources available today.

The Evangelical Book ShopThe Evangelical Book Shop John Grier, Manager, gives us his thoughts on the 2011 refurbishment.

Page 23: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

2323

SepSep--Oct 2011Oct 2011

SPECIAL BIBLE OFFER - buy any Crossway ESV Bible over £15 and receive a free ESV Thinline Bible as well!

1 Kings - Reformed Expository Commentary Phil Ryken £26.99 £19.99 Dynasties, fractured kingdoms, money, sex, power, prophecies of coming hardships... Phil Ryken brings out the key themes of 1 Kings and illustrates how they come together

in their focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Hardback)

How The Gospel Brings Us All The Way Home Derek Thomas £11.99 £8.99 Exploring Romans 8 (Hardback) From "no condemnation" (v1) to "no separation" (v39) the chapter is an overview of the Christian life.

Going for Growth - Learning from Peter Ken Clarke £8.99 £6.75 Bishop of Kilmore—local author "Powerful insights into the life of Peter will warm your heart, challenge your soul and fix your eyes on Jesus. Essential reading for every Christian who wants to grow." Wallace Benn

ENOUGH Helen Roseveare £2.99 £2.50 Her readable new book sets out how every believer in every culture can know the full-ness of Christ.

A W TOZER Boxed Set No.2 £27.99 £19.99 Six paperbacks, new edition: God's Pursuit of Man, Faith Beyond Reason, The Price of Neglect, We Travel an Appointed Way, Who Put Jesus on the Cross? Jesus is Victor!

The Gospel Commission Michael Horton £12.99 £10.50 Recovering God's Strategy for Making Disciples (Hardback) This book outlines that what we need in our Churches is not a plethora of programmes but a renewed understanding of, and commitment to, the Great Commission.

Preaching the Word Series: 1-2 Thessalonians James H Grant Jr £14.50 £17.99 The Hope of Salvation (Hardback) Twenty-five sermons deliver careful exposition and urge us to live in the light of Christ‘s second coming.

One Lord, One Plan, One People Rodger Crooks £8.50 £6.80 The author shows how the Bible is not a collection of random stories, but that all its 66 books focus on Jesus, the one Lord who is the terminal point of God‘s promises.

Born of God Dr Martyn £17.50 £14.00 Sermons from John Chapter Lloyd-Jones Sermons from the 1960s published for the first time.

15 College Square East BELFAST BT1 6DD [email protected] 028 9032 0529

The Evangelical Book ShopThe Evangelical Book Shop

Manager: John GrierManager: John Grier

Page 24: The Evangelical Presbyterian - September-October 2011

Evangelical Book ShopEvangelical Book Shop

Reburbishment—The Official Opening Saturday 13 August 2011

Printed by Edenderry Print Ltd Unit 6 Agnes Street Industrial Estate BELFAST BT13 1GB