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A plea for family worship

Below are the words of Robert Shaw in his exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith regarding the matter of family worship.

The words are to be found in his exposition of chapter 21, section 6 which reads:
Neither prayer, nor any other part of religious worship, is now, under the gospel, either tied unto, or made more acceptable to, any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed: but God is to be worshipped everywhere in spirit and in truth; as in private families daily, and in secret each one by himself, so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly or wilfully to be neglected or forsaken, when God, by his Word or providence, calleth thereunto.

Robert Shaw says:
Religious worship ought to be performed in private families daily. This is a duty which the light of nature very plainly teaches. And the heathens will rise up in judgment against the prayerless families of professed Christians; for besides their tutelar deities, who were supposed to preside over cities and nations, and who had public honours paid to them in that character, they had their household gods, whom every private family worshipped at home as their immediate guardians and benefactors.

But the light of Scripture gives a more clear discovery of the obligation to this duty. It is recommended by the example of the saints recorded in Scripture; and good examples as really bind us to the duty as express precepts. We find Abraham rearing up altars wherever he came; and his attention to family religion was expressly commended by God, Gen. 18:19. We have the examples of Joshua (24:15); of Job (1:6); and of David, 2 Sam. 6:20. But we have a still more engaging example of family worship on record in Scripture than any of these, even the example of our Saviour himself, who, though he had no house of his own, yet he had a family, Matt. 10:25. Now we find him retiring from the crowd that followed him, and praying with his own family, Luke 9:18: "As he was alone praying, his disciples were with him."

The practice of family worship tends to promote even the temporal prosperity of families; for it is the blessing of God that maketh rich and prosperous; and what more likely way to obtain that blessing, than for a whole family to join in prayer and ask it daily of God? Prov. 3:33. Much more does family worship tend to promote the spiritual and eternal interests of families; while it is also the most effectual means to propagate religion from generation to generation.

On the other hand, the neglect of this duty will bring the curse of God upon families; for "the curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked," Prov. 3:33. How awful is that text, Jer. 10:25: "Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not upon thy name." Let the head of every family, then, adopt the excellent resolution of Joshua: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord".

The woman and the ephah!

The euro currency celebrates 10 years since its introduction on 1st January 2012. To mark the 10th anniversary of its inception the European Central Bank has released a video.

This six minute exercise in propaganda commences with a computer generated image of a woman emerging from a Greek urn before turning into a real life woman. She then proceeds to walks across a series of bridges linking the continent of Europe together. The voice over commentary speaks of the european common heritage, history, shared values and achievements, and that Europe builds bridges and inspires hope.

To watch the video click here 

Quotable Quote!

Robert Dick Wilson [1856 - 1930] was for many years Professor of Semitic Philology and Old Testament Introduction at Princeton Seminary. He learned 45 languages, including Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, as well as all the languages into which the Scriptures had been translated up to 600 AD.

On one occasion he is reported as saying to his students:
Boys, I must admit there are questions that sometimes bother me when I read the Bible. This I can understand because I'm a sinner and my understanding is limited, so I'm not going to charge God with not being clear. I'm going to lay it to my own ignorance. But I will say this: after studying God's Word for over fifty years I have come to the conclusion that no man on earth knows enough to claim there is a single inaccuracy in the original Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.

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A KJV Bible for every School!

In a very surprising but welcome move Michael Gove, the Westminster Education Secretary, is proposing to send out a King James Version of the Scriptures to around 20,000 schools. This proposal may only apply to schools in England and Wales but it is still welcome.

Hardly surprising either to discover that the secular lobby are up in arms about the suggestion. They cry foul continually when no tolerance is shown towards their ungodly ways but as soon as someone shows any degree of support for religion or spiritual things they rise up in opposition. This is rank hypocrisy yet it reminds us that the natural heart is indeed full of enmity towards God, Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be, Romans 8:7.

However, the Daily Mail has this report:

A Bible is a thing of beauty: Gove to send one St James text to every school in move blasted as 'unacceptable waste of money'

To read more click here 

I trust indeed that Mr Gove goes through with his proposal and doesn't give in to the naysayers! 

Remembrance Sunday!

For The Fallen
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.


These words were written by Laurence Binyon. He worked at the British Museum before going to war, having studied at Trinity College, Oxford where he won the Newdigate poetry prize.

His best known poem is 'For The Fallen' written in 1914, most notably the fourth verse which is repeated at remembrance services over the country and adorns numerous war memorials.

The Prime Minister's favourite Bible verses

As part of the celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the Authorised Version, the Prime Minister David Cameron has chosen his favourite Bible verses.

He chose Philippians 4:8,9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Read the whole article here.

If only the Prime Minister actually believed and practiced the teaching of these two verses then society would be the better off under the present coalition government.

These verses would rule out that which is immoral such as the recognition of sodomite marriage that the Prime Minister indicated he was prepared to go ahead with during his conference speech this year.

As is increasingly obvious this Prime Minister says one thing and does something else!

Unsuitable State Education

I was reading through the Core Syllabus  for Religious Education pdf document I found on the Department of Education [DENI] website.

Here is a screen grab:

This document highlights two areas that should concern every born again believer and especially every Free Presbyterian. One has been the case for some time. The other I believe more recent:

1. Religious Education as defined by the four main Churches [Roman Catholic, Church of Ireland, Presbyterian, & Methodist] and filtered through an Equality Impact Assessment is compulsory for every pupil in a state school. 

This means that anything approach the Gospel is flushed out of this syllabus. This is just an anemic, bland excuse for the Truth and a blatant exercise in ecumenism that is being taught to Free Presbyterians!

2. Equally worrying is that Relationships and Sexuality Education [RSE] & Citizenship Education is specifically said to include the teaching of respect for sodomy. By respect we all know they mean acceptance. 

How can this be right? I do not see how it can be right to oppose Sodomy on one hand and on the other live in a day when Free Presbyterians place their children under such teaching. A house divided against itself cannot stand, Matt 12:25. 

This is not the only reason for Christian Education but it certainly is one of them!

New blog!!

A new blog has been commenced by Rev Ian Brown, minister in Londonderry FPC, Clerk of Presbytery and also Convener of the Government & Morals Committee of Presbytery. It is designed to carry statements and articles about events and issues that come within the remit of the Government & Morals Committee of Presbytery. On many occasions statements are released to the press and media about these matters but never carried.

You will find the blog here.

Bookmark it and visit it regularly!

The folly of a Secular & Integrated Education

I have been asked to respond to the premise:

the removal of religious instruction from our school curriculum.

Here is a reply that I have sent:

The Word of God reminds us that there is really nothing new under the sun: The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun, Ecclesiastes 1:9.

This is very true with the realm of education and the place that the Word of God and religious instruction has within it. The present clamour for the removal of religious instruction from education is not a new thing. Dr Henry Cooke, the eminent contender for 'Christian education' in the mid 1800s, within the then Synod of Ulster, argued that any system of education that did not have the Word of God at its core and centre was not worth having. Furthermore, any system that had merely 'Scripture Extracts', acceptable and agreeable to all, was equally rejected by Dr Henry Cooke and the Synod of Ulster. You can read of his views in the biography written by his son in law Prof. Porter, entitled: "The life and Times of Dr Cooke."

Why should the Word of God be deemed so absolutely necessary within education? Consider that:

I. A secular education does not impart true knowledge or 

lead to true fulfillment and satisfaction in life 

Being recent converts to education, the State and secular thinking generally countenances no alternatives. Yet it must be remembered that before the State took on the task of educating children, churches and religious organisations were engaged in the instruction of the young. When kings and parliaments were covering the earth in death and destruction, it was religious groups, particularly Reformed Christians, who were seeking to raise the young with a semblance of education. Many of the universities such as Trinity in Dublin and Queens in Belfast were commenced by Christians.

Secularism may seek, with ever increasing narrow-mindedness, to close down all discussion of the possibility that we are not here by blind chance, the result of random processes, but have been created by God for a purpose.

A system of education that denies this possibility and argues contrariwise is not going to serve well the young people who pass through it. Secularism fears setting down Biblical creationism in the science classroom as an alternative belief about origins. The belief in evolution that lies at the heart of atheistic thinking is just that, a 'belief'. No different from the 'belief' in creation. A 1971 edition of the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin had a very interesting statement in the introduction:
"The fact of evolution is the backbone of biology, and biology is thus in the peculiar position of being a science founded upon a unproven theory - is it then a science or a faith? Belief in the theory of evolution is thus exactly parallel to belief in special creation - both are concepts which believers know to be true but neither, up to the present, have been capable of proof." 

This was written by Dr Leonard Harrison Matthews [1901-1986], a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Protest against Jesus Christ Superstar

A Free Presbyterian protest was held outside the Grand Opera House in Belfast on Saturday afternoon 5th November 2011 against the production entitled: Jesus Christ Superstar. Over 20 people took part in the protest. Other ministers in attendance were Rev. John Woods [John Knox Mem. FPC], Rev. Philip Gardiner [Carrickfergus FPC], Rev. David Priestley [Bangor FPC], Rev. Graham Middleton [Donaghadee FPC], Rev David McLaughlin [Carryduff FPC] and myself.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first production for the stage in Broadway of this opera whose lyrics were written by Tim Rice and the music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. 

Around 400 specially prepared leaflets highlighting the slanderous attack upon the person and work of Jesus Christ contained in this 'rock opera', were distributed to people attending the final day's performance.

After the leaflets were distributed a short service was held following the protest. After the singing of the hymn: I am not ashamed to own my Lord or to defend His cause, Rev. David McLaughlin (Carryduff FPC) led in prayer. I then spoke on John 5:22,23: For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Two opportunities arose during the protest to highlight our concerns to those involved in this production on the Grand Opera House.  One of the show's producers approached Rev. Priestley concerning the reasons behind the protest. When Rev Priestley objected to the content surrounding the portrayal of Christ's relationship with Mary Magdalene this Directer acknowledged that they had removed these scenes and replaced them with scenes from the resurrection. Another conversation took place with the chief Executive  of the Grand Opera House, who also took one of the leaflets.

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Jesus Christ Superstar - an utter blasphemy!!!

The 'rock opera' entitled 'Jesus Christ Superstar' is once again coming to the Grand Opera House, Belfast.

The Ulster Operatic Company is staging Jesus Christ Superstar to mark the 40th anniversary of the original stage production on Broadway in 1971. The Grand Opera House's website states:

Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera that highlights the political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus. It is based loosely on the Gospels’ account of the last week of Jesus’ life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem, and ending with the crucifixion.

Jesus Christ Superstar was the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage.

This 'rock opera' is highly questionable, insulting to Christians and ultimately blasphemous to Christ.

Leaving aside the medium of an opera and a rock opera at that, when the name, character and work of our Saviour Jesus Christ is slandered, in the fashion that it is in this opera, we need to raise our objection to it. It would be a dereliction of duty to Christ to remain silent.

If someone slanders the name and character of our best friend we would be so rightly incensed that we would have to show our disgust and opposition to such a thing. In highlighting our opposition to this opera we are showing our disgust at those who slander the name and person of Jesus Christ.

Why Should we Study the Prophetic Scriptures?

This sermon was preached by Rev Wesley Iwrin, Free Presbyterian minister in Rutherglen, Scotland, at a Sovereign Grace Advent Testimony Conference at Brighton on 26th April, 1997.

There are reasons why we should give ourselves to know what God has said concerning the future, but, before we look at those reasons which compel us to give attention to this subject, there are some things which need to be said.

First of all, I want to stress the word ‘study.’ I am not talking about the reading of Prophetic Scriptures. I trust you do read your Bible regularly, day by day. However, it is vitally important, not only to read the Bible, but to study the Bible. You have probably been challenged by many preachers about the necessity of reading the Word of God every day. That is a valuable lesson and a most important thing for the Christian. Every day he should take time to be alone with the Lord, reading His Word to hear the voice of God.

But I want to go a step further than that. I want to impress upon you the importance not only of reading the Word of God, but of studying the words of Holy Scripture.

I have found in not a few cases, superficial views about what the Bible teaches, not only on prophecy, but also on other aspects of truth. It has come about because people have only a limited, or a very superficial, view of the Bible, They have read certain verses in the Bible and are familiar with them but they have not taken time to really think through and study for themselves, with the help of God, what these things really mean. And when views that are contrary to the teaching of Scripture are advanced, they are unable to counter them, because all they have done in the past is simply read the words and never thought what they really mean.

One reason that people do not really know what they believe or what the Bible teaches even on prophetical matters is that they have not taken time to study what God has said.

The Lord Jesus Christ said in John 5:39, ‘Search the Scriptures.’ This is a very fundamental injunction put to us by the Lord. If we are to search the Scriptures, it will demand effort, It will require application of our mental energies to this Book. We will need to make effort. We will have to take time. We should endeavour, under God, to determine what this Book teaches, what these passages really say. It is not just merely running through

The Psalmist said in Psalm 19:9-10, ‘The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold.’ The Bible is worth more than gold.

You will know a little about the various gold rushes that have occurred in the history of this world. Whenever gold was discovered in a particular area, there was a mad rush. Many people wanted to go to that area to be the first to get their hands on the gold. They were diligent. They searched endlessly. They put themselves to great effort to get their hands upon this gold that was to be found in the earth. They worked hard. They worked long hours. They worked with diligence, untiringly, in order to get just a little of this precious substance.

The Word of God is more precious than gold. How you and I should really search after it! How we should determine to get to know this Book! How we should use diligence and effort in order to understand what God has said in this Book. We need to study the Word of God.

Superficial and far-fetched views of prophecy prevail because people have not taken time to study the Scripture. Some really ludicrous and foolish opinions have been propounded because men have just read a verse and thought that it means something, and they have not taken time to study through what the proper teaching of Scripture is on this subject. They have just taken a few words and they have arrived at a wrong conclusion because they have not set themselves to study God’s Holy Word.

Let us then set before you some reasons why we should study the prophetic Scriptures.

Tent Mission in Templepatrick

Antrim, Ballyclare & Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Churches held a joint 60th Anniversary Tent Mission in Templepatrick. The Lord was pleased to bless with many visitors and souls counselled. Rev John Gray, minister in Enniskillen FPC, was the evangelist. 

Here are some photos of taken during the Mission:

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Definition of Hyper-Calvinism

I came across this helpful definition of Hyper-Calvinism:

A Hyper-Calvinist denies one or more of the following points:

1. that the gospel call applies to all who hear;

2. that faith is the duty of every sinner;

3. that the gospel makes any 'offer' of Christ, salvation, or mercy to the non-elect (or denies that the offer of divine mercy is free and universal);

4. that there is such a thing as 'Common Grace';

5. that God has any sort of love for the non-elect.

Police ban Bible from 'Christian' café

Police in Lancashire have threatened the owner of a 'Christian' café with arrest and told him that he should stop displaying Bible verses on a TV screen because it is offensive and a crime.

Jamie Murray is the owner of the Salt & Light Coffee House in Blackpool. Police told him that displaying the Bible verses was a breach of Section 5 of the Public Order Act.

See Daily Mail report

See the  Christian Institute's response which highlights that Mr Murray is not breaking the law at all and is perfectly entitled to display verses from the Word of God. 

Bring back the cane!!!!

So says 49% of parents and 19% of pupils in a recent survey according to the Daily Mail

Growing disquiet within the Church of Ireland over minister's civil partnership

It has taken a while but a number of ministers within the Church of Ireland are objecting to the civil partnership arrangement that a fellow minister has entered into to.

Ten Church of Ireland ministers have issued a joint statement to the Portadown Times.

In what are hardly the strongest of words they say this civil partnership has given rise to 'hurt and sadness' within their respective congregations.

To read the full story click here

For some background to this story click here

The acceptance of sodomy is a mark of departure from God. It is expressly stated in the Word of God that the sin of sodomy is an abomination to God. yet despite this clear testimony in both Old and New Testaments we have churches and so-called Christians justifying and excusing this sin.

It is often argued that someone's sexual orientation is fixed like the colour of their skin or their gender. To oppose sodomy in some circles is liken to racism or sexism.

There is a world of difference between skin colour or any other non-moral difference that exists between people in this world and that which the Bible classes as sin. Sin is a moral choice for which we are accountable before God. Sin is the breaking of God's law by either failing to adhere to the standard that God requires or actively transgressing God's commandments.

Sodomy stems from the sinful nature mankind developed at the Fall. The committing of this sin has always brought the judgement of God upon it down through the ages.

Thankfully there is redemption from this sin. There were those in the Church at Corinth who had been delivered from this sin, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11:Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Tom Elliott & Danny Kennedy to be disciplined by Orange Order for attending funeral Mass

The BBC are reporting that both Tom Elliott and Danny Kennedy are to face disciplinary proceedings because of their attendance at the Roman Catholic funeral Mass held for Ronan Kerr, the PSNI officer shot dead by republicans.

Read the full report here

It will be very interesting to watch how far this goes within the Orange Order. It is one thing to register a complaint and request disciplinary proceedings to commence, it is another thing altogether for it actually to happen.

I would be surprised, but nonetheless delighted, if it is successful!

Newtownabbey Borough Council Subsidising Ecumenism

It transpires, as a result of a Freedom of Information request submitted to Newtownabbey Borough Council, that the ecumenical venture, C.A.N., mentioned in a previous post, and of which the new Greater Glengormley Churches Community Forum is a part, is being subsidised in part by the local Council.

In the region of £50,000 has so far been given to this ecumenical venture. This is not including Council facilities that have been put at its disposal:

1. £6,780 was given to Williamson Consulting during the consultation phase. A focus group meeting was also held at the Council owned Mossley Mill.

2. £42,500 was given to Macaulay Associates during the delivery phase. Four steering group meetings were held at Mossley Mill, plus a training session and a further three focus group meetings leading to the setting up of the Churches' Forum. The booking fee of £250 for the hire of the room to launch the Greater Glengormley Churches Community Forum was also waived.

It will be interesting to discover how much of this £50,000 comes from ratepayers in the Borough and whether the Council would be so accommodating to Protestant evangelical groups who might want to use Council premises for the furtherance of their objectives!

Free Presbyterian response to Rev David Latimer's attendance at the Sinn Fein conference

This letter by Rev Ian Brown, minister of Londonderry FPC & Clerk of Presbytery was sent to the Newsletter, Belfast Telegraph & Londonderry Sentinel. 

I find it most bizarre to note that Rev. David Latimer has constantly resorted to the line, “I’m not a politician, but a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” in an effort to defend his performance at the recent Sinn Fein conference.

A quick check of the New Testament will reveal that ministers of the Gospel of Christ told the truth, issued robust challenges and did not airbrush the iniquities of their audiences, but rather confronted them with a clear call to repentance.

Peter, in preaching to a crowd of Jewish worshippers on the day of Pentecost, directly charged them with killing Christ “by their wicked hands” and proceeded to urge them to repent of their sin (Acts 2:23, 38).

Stephen, in what proved to be his final sermon, accused his hearers of being “betrayers and murderers” – the latest in a long line of men who persecuted and killed the true prophets of God (Acts 7:51-53).

Paul, invited to address Felix, delivered such a pointed message to that Roman leader that as he “reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come,” Felix trembled (Acts 24:25).

Regrettably, Rev. Latimer displayed little of the characteristics of a minister of the Gospel of Christ when he made his appearance at the Sinn Fein conference.

Not a single Bible reference. Not a solitary challenge. Rather, in a simpering, self-promoting performance, he chose to confer what is likely to be the most inappropriate word of congratulation we will hear in our lifetime, before revising history in such a way that would fill the most ardent republicans with pride - and further riddle their victims with pain.

Instead of parking himself in news bulletins and talk shows in a futile effort to explain statements he never should have uttered, or to repeat his pitch for a bigger platform from which he wishes to lead this country in a ‘Day of Hope and Transformation,’ Mr Latimer would spend his time more profitably if he took soundings from the true victims in our country and tried to understand the rawness of their wounds. He would then be far less likely to allow himself to be cast in the role of a propagandist for unrepentant terrorists.

Sadly, in David Latimer, Max Clifford has a viable rival. But Jesus Christ does not have a reliable minister.

Rev. Ian Brown
Londonderry Free Presbyterian Church

Why the Free Presbyterian Church won't be taking part in Greater Glengormley Churches' Community Forum

On 12th August past I received, by an email, an invitation to attend the inaugural meeting of the Greater Glengormley Churches Community Forum. This meeting was to be held in Mossley Mill on Monday evening, 22nd August at 6.30pm.

Background

This proposed Forum is part of a wider grouping/organisation which has taken the acrostic C.A.N. as part of their title. C.A.N. stands for Carrickfergus, Antrim and Newtownabbey. It is a Peace Partnership Faith Communities Programme, developed in consultation with local faith based organisations under the subtitle: Connecting Faith and Community.

It is stated that this venture, which the Forum seems to be but one aspect of, is part of the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland. This Peace III programme is partly funded by the European Union to the tune of €225 million, with further national contributions of €108 million through its Structural Funds programme. That brings the total to €333 million. 

This Peace III programme covers the period 2007-2013. The previous programme, Peace II, ran from 2000-2006, with €425 million funding.

This invitation was extended by Macaulay Associates Network who have been appointed by the CAN Peace III Partnership to deliver the programme.

Progress

This Forum has originated out of a series of focus groups, conducted between March and June of this year, involving representatives of local churches, and supported by Glengormley Clergy Fellowship. The listed participants of these focus groups include: 

Carnmoney & New Mossley Presbyterian Churches; 

Carnmoney Church of Ireland; 

St Marys & St Bernards Roman Catholic Churches; 

Glengormley Methodist Church & 

Glenabbey Fellowship.

The Forum is to be led by lay church members in the Greater Glengormley area, and will maintain regular communication with the Glengormley Clergy Fellowship.

A representative Steering Group was set up at the meeting on 20th June 2011. During July and August 2011 the Steering Group has been meeting to develop a strategy and action plan for the next two years.

It is envisaged that the Forum will move around the local churches when it meets. 

The sanitising of Sinn Fein continues apace

Martin McGuinness has been described as: one of the great leaders of modern time, by a Presbyterian minister speaking at Sinn Fein's annual conference in Belfast.

Addressing delegates in the Waterfront Hall, Rev David Latimer from First Derry Presbyterian Church said differing religious and political beliefs should no longer be a source of suspicion.

He becomes another in a long line of politicians, clergy, etc who are engaged in sanitising Sinn Fein.

To read a full report click here

What saith the Scriptures is the reaction of a born again believer to comments like this? Does the Scriptures support describing a self confessed terrorist in this fashion? 

1. The sixth commandment states: Thou shalt not kill, Ex 20:13. A man who supports, condones and excuses murder in the name of a politial objective is acting contrary to the law of God. 

2. Murder is one of the things that God hates: These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren, Prov 6:16-19.

3. The murderer is worthy of death: Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man, Gen 9:6.

In describing McGuinness in the fashion that he has David Latimer is therefore not acting according to the teaching of the Word of God. A different spirit evidently motivates him. 

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A new type of 'Christian School'

Evangelical church application to set up new free school where it will teach creationism is approved

This is the headline from an article in the Daily Mail outlining the initial approval of a new Free School in England

Read the whole article here 

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Is the Pope the final Antichrist?

Many, without much thought of the teaching of the Scriptures, believe that the Pope is the final Antichrist.

Here are some reasons set out by Benjamin Wills Newton as to why the system of Roman Catholicism is not the Antichrist referred to in Revelation chapter 13.

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Quotable Quote!

The fact of evolution is the backbone of biology, and biology is thus in the peculiar position of being a science founded upon a unproven theory - is it then a science or a faith? Belief in the theory of evolution is thus exactly parallel to belief in special creation - both are concepts which believers know to be true but neither, up to the present, have been capable of proof.

Source: Origin of Species by Charles Darwin published in 1971 by J.M. Dent & Sons. The quote is taken from page xi of the Introduction to this edition written Dr Leonard Harrison Matthews [1901-1986], Fellow of the Royal Society.

Repost -

This article was originally posted on 3rd June 2010. It bears repeating in the light of the present media focus on Greece and the Euro.

The debt problems that Greece and other Europeans nations are facing have sparked off considerable discussion about whether the Euro will survive or not. Part of this is due to the scepticism of Germany towards bailing out lesser performing European countries. Their hard won economic strength is at stake because of the failings of these other countries. To the extent that it is being reported that secretly Germany has begun to re-print the Deutsche Mark.

Greece is of interest to Bible believers and readers of the prophetic Scriptures.

As I have listened to various news reports over these past weeks about the problems facing the Euro currency I have been made to think about some things that the book of Daniel has to say about the state of south-eastern European nations immediately prior to the coming of the Lord Jesus.
Daniel ch 8 emphasises the importance of keeping our eye upon the countries of south-eastern Europe and particularly Greece.
Daniel ch 8 is dealing with the time immediately prior to the return of the Saviour. The same period of time is in view in both chapter 7 and 8, cf. v17 … Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision; v19 Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be; v23 And in the latter time of their kingdom.

This chapter cannot be dealing with Antiochus Epiphanes as some claim. He may fulfill some points but he certainly does not fit into the timeframe outlined in these verses. It is clearly yet future.

The ' little horn' is mentioned in both ch 7 & 8. Dan 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them anotherlittle horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things;
Dan ch 8:9: And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.
Daniel ch 7 outlines the activity that this 'little horn' engages in:
[1] He subdues three of the ten horns, v20;
[2] He will speak against the most high, v25;
[3] He will persecute (wear out) the saints, v25;
[4] He will seek to change times and laws, v25;
[5] He will continue to do for 3 1/2 years, v25;
[6] Upon his destruction God gives the kingdom to His people, v26.

This description ' little horn' is a title for Antichrist. Additional activity is also attributed to him in ch 8. In this chapter Daniel teaches us that Antichrist's destruction will not be by human means, cf. ch 8:25 but he shall be broken without hand. The Lord will personally destroy him at His coming.

The interesting point to observe is where he originates from. We know from ch 7:8 that he will arise from among the ten horns. In ch 8 it is even more specific. He will arise out of one of the four divisions of the old Grecian Empire.

The ‘ he goat’ represents Greece, cf. ch 8:8,21,22. The Grecian kingdom was divided into four after Alexander’s death. History records this. The four divisions generally speaking were:
[1] Egypt;
[2] Syria;
[3] Thrace (Southeastern Bulgaria, northeastern Greece and the northwestern part of Turkey);
[4] Greece.

The Biblical doctrine of Separation Part 5

The substance of five sermons preached in Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church on the distinctive of being a sanctified, separated Church. 

An audio recording can be listened to on the Church's Sermonaudio site. 

Part 1 - Introduction

Part 2 - The Christian is to be separate in their Affections

Part 3 - The Christian is to be separate in their Appearance

Part 4 - The Christian is to be separate in their Associations

Part 5

The Christian is to be separate in their Associations cont'd

There is one further important area of life where this principle of separation is to be seen.

The Christian is to practice separation in the area of Ecclesiastical Separation. The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster is a separatist denomination. By saying that we mean that we will have no fellowship with other denominations that are either liberal or modernistic or both in their theology or denominations that are involved in the ecumenical movement.

The word 'Free' in the title of our denomination was selected by our founding fathers all those years ago to reflect this very point. Separated unto the Gospel, the little booklet published and distributed by our North American churches, [available online here] has the following to say about this point: 

The Free in our name refers to our total dissociation from the major Presbyterian denominations of the world, which have largely repudiated the historical Christian faith. We have no affiliation with the World Council of Churches or any of its international, national, or local organizations. Thus Free speaks of our liberty to stand without compromise for Christ in a day of apostasy.

Many evangelicals have stayed in apostate churches. Others have separated but have not made any strong protest against the betrayal of the gospel by apostates and by the compromise of those evangelicals who have put denominational loyalty before obedience to the biblical command to separate. We view our freedom as liberty to stand resolutely for Christ, to defend the gospel, to oppose apostasy and compromise, and to urge God’s people to cease all fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. For us freedom is freedom to be holy, observing both personal and ecclesiastical separation unto the Lord.

Where has Harold Camping gone wrong?

The substance of a sermon preached in Newtownabbey FPC and available on the Church's Sermonaudio page

According to Harold Camping the Secret Rapture was supposed to take place on Saturday 21st May at 6 pm across the world.

Harold Camping for those who don't know of him by now is the President of Family Radio. This is a California based radio station group that has more than 150 outlets in the United States.

Camping is now known virtually the world over as the man who predicted that 'Judgment Day', as he described it, would take place on 21st May 2011. He had been announcing for sometime that Jesus Christ would then return to this world, that the righteous would be raptured up to heaven. He estimated that around 200 million people would be raptured, or about 3% of the world's population. There would subsequently follow five months of fire, brimstone and plagues, with millions of people dying each day. This would culminate five months later, on 21st Oct 2011, with the end of the world.

Camping arrived at this date by applying numerology to his interpretations of the Bible. Ten of thousands, and most likely hundreds of thousands, of US dollars where spent on a countrywide advertising campaign to warn of this Judgment Day. Followers sold their homes and used their money to spread the word. People had their vehicles liveried with this message to warn the masses.

However, 21st May has come and gone and there has been no evident rapture and no subsequent plagues etc falling upon the world. The explanation given as to why we did not see it happening is really very clear according to Camping. The coming of Christ was spiritual and that is why no one else has seen it. Camping has said: We didn't see any difference but God brought Judgment Day to bear upon the whole world. The whole world is under Judgment Day and it will continue right up until Oct. 21, 2011 and by that time the whole world will be destroyed.

So, in other words, even though Harold Camping was evidently so wrong, he was actually still right. We just don't see it, because.... well you and I just aren't Harold Camping.

However, it is worthwhile to ask: where has Harold Camping gone wrong?

The Biblical doctrine of Separation Part 4

The substance of five sermons preached in Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church on the distinctive of being a sanctified, separated Church. 

An audio recording can be listened to on the Church's Sermonaudio site. 

Part 1 - Introduction

Part 2 - The Christian is to be separate in their Affections

Part 3 - The Christian is to be separate in their Appearance

Part 4

The Christian is to be separate in their Associations 

In Numbers 6:6,7 All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body. He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head, the Nazarite was never to come into contact with the dead as part of his Nazarite vow. This requirement will illustrate the wider principle of separation as applied to our associations.

John the Baptist is the Nazarite in the Scriptures who emphasises this particular aspect. Among a number of things peculiar to John the Baptist was those whom he refused to associate himself with. He distanced himself from the dead religion of the Scribes and Pharisees, calling them a generation of vipers. He was the voice of one on his own crying in the wilderness, Matthew 3:3.

He had more effect upon the people of the day than all the Scribes and Pharisees. Separation is not a lessening of influence but rather a strengthening of it. It gives the witness a divine power which is absolutely necessary to accomplish anything for God.

What is in view in obeying this principle is not isolation from a world of perishing sinners. We are in the world but not of the world. This is the opposite of what Rome practices with her monasteries and nunneries where people attempt to shut themselves away from the world around them and only succeed in troubling themselves with even greater temptation. Martin Luther said that he broke the seventh commandment more often in the monastery than he did outside it!

It is not isolation from the world with need but separation from defiling associations is what the Lord would have us to practice. This principle brings us to consider the unequal yoke, 2 Corinthains 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers… Believers are not to yoke themselves together with unbelievers under any circumstances. To do so will give delight to the devil, dishonour the Lord and dampen our zeal and devotion to Christ. We ignore this precept at our peril.

This applies to a number of areas in our lives:

A compelling argument for marriage!

Today the Daily Mail is reporting the findings of a survey which highlights the value of marriage.

Sadly society is going to have to learn the hard way that Bible morality is not only pleasing to God but good for humankind. 

The Biblical doctrine of Separation Part 3

The substance of five sermons preached in Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church on the distinctive of being a sanctified, separated Church. 

An audio recording can be listened to on the Church's Sermonaudio site.

Part 1 - Introduction

Part 2 - The Christian is to be separate in their Affections

Part 3

The Christian is to be separate in their Appearance

In Numbers 6:5 All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow, the Nazarite was never to shave their head along as they had taken this Nazarite vow. This requirement will illustrate the wider principle of separation as applied to our appearance.

The Christian's appearance must not be that which is associated with a sinful or a worldly style of living. In the Scriptures we read of styles of dress and appearance that are particularly associated with different things:
[1] There is a style of dress and appearance that is associated with sorrow and mourning. We read of people wearing sackcloth and ashes.
[2] There is the dress of the widow. Tamar put her widow’s garments off from her, Genesis 38:14.
[3] There is the dress of the harlot, Proverbs 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
[4] You have the appearance of Jezebel where she painted her face or her eyes as the margin says, 2 Kings 9:30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.

The Scriptures that we are to flee all appearance of evil. This will apply to the manner of our appearance. 1 Peter 3:3,4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. That which is to interest the Christian more is not the vanity of the outward appearance but godliness in the heart. It is not outward paint and powder, it is inward grace and holiness.

The desire of a Christian should never be to draw attention to themselves by what they wear or how little they wear. Rather it should always be to have people pointed towards Christ, who they see in us.

We live in a day when this is the spirit of the age. It is a case of people dressing to draw attention to themselves, with short hemlines and low necklines. This is not how a Christian is to live. Neither are we to draw attention to themselves for being dowdy, or frumpy.

Rather we are to adorn the gospel by our appearance and show to the world that we have put on Christ. The Christian by their life is to draw attention to the spiritual and not the physical. This is what is of primary important to a born again believer.

The Biblical doctrine of Separation Part 2

The substance of a number of sermons preached in Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church on the distinctive of being a sanctified, separated Church. 

An audio recording can be listened to on the Church's Sermonaudio site.

Part 1 - Introduction

Part 2

The Christian is to be separate in their Affections 

In Numbers 6:3,4: He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk; the Nazarite was commanded not to partake of wine or strong drink. This requirement placed upon the Nazarite will illustrate and emphasise the wider principle of separation being applied to all our affections.

Sanctification/separation is applicable to our spiritual affections. Because we are fallen, sinful, creatures, we have fallen, sinful, lusts and desires. These are the inclinations of a depraved heart. The root of sin is still present in us. The child of God must seek to crush and crucify those sinful lusts and affections as described in 1 John 2:16; Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. We are to think and act differently to when we were unconverted, Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. The true child of God is to be different and will be.

The Christian is to set their affections upon those things which are heavenly, Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God; and that which is upright and holy, Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The following and satisfying of carnal, fleshly affections and appetites have no place in the life of a true believer and will hinder our service to God. It will dampen our ardour for Christ. If worldly, sinful things predominate in our lives we will be nothing and do nothing for God.

The only 'cure' for Sodomy!

Protesters picket NI 'gay cure' event

Read the full report on the BBC news website

The only 'cure' for sodomy is the one administered by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. An example of this 'cure' are those who made up part of the membership of the Church at Corinth during the days of the Apostle Paul. 

In writing to that Church, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul speaks of those who practiced the sin of sodomy and how they had been 'cured', 1 Corinthians 6:9-11:
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Such 'were some of you' [past tense] Paul states. This change or 'cure', to use the term employed in this media report, came about by the power of the Holy Spirit washing and cleansing the individual. It was not the only sin that had been previously practised by those converted to Christ in Corinth under the preaching of the Apostle Paul, but it was certainly one of those mentioned. 

As with any sin there is only one means of obtaining a 'cure'. It is to received a new nature inclined to holiness and obedience to God's Moral law through coming to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. 

No psychological treatment will ever effect what only the power of God can bring about. 

PS. I'm sure the Church of Ireland are in a pickle about the bad press they will be receiving by having this conference in their premises. They will be doing all thy can to distant themselves from it!

The Biblical doctrine of Separation Part 1

The substance of a number of sermons preached in Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church on the distinctive of being a sanctified, separated Church. 

An audio recording can be listened to on the Church's Sermonaudio site.

Holiness of life is another name for sanctification. Sanctification is the work of God's Holy Spirit within a genuine believer whereby they are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness, Shorter Catechism No. 35.

This Biblical distinctive deals with old fashioned holiness of life which has always been the feature of orthodox Christianity. We believe not in entire sanctification but progressive sanctification.

Sanctification always accompanies justification. This is the purpose of redemption, Ephesians 5:26: That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. This is the work of the Spirit, 1 Peter 1:2: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

We can go as far as to say that if sanctification is not taking place in a person's life there is no evidence for claiming salvation. Whom Christ saves, the Spirit sanctifies!

This inward work of sanctification leads to outward separation from the world. The apostle John wrote in 1 John 2:15,16: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

The remembered heroes of Ulster's Troubles

It is very good to see the tribute to the UDR [Ulster Defence Regiment] which is carried in today's Belfast Newsletter.

The newspaper also carries the inspiring story of Eric Glass who fought off a cowardly gang of IRA terrorists who sought to murder him. A truly modern day hero!

In many ways he is one of the fortunate ones, in that he is alive. In total 197 UDR soldiers were killed as active servicemen. Another 61 members were killed after they had left the UDR.

When you see those whose trade has been murder and mayhem propped up in high governmental office you are forced to ask yourself the question: what was the point of it all? It seems they have died in vain.

Pageviews for May

Here is a breakdown of page views for the blog during the month of May

The wretchedness of our system of Government

If anything displays the utter wretchedness of the immoral system of government that is in place in this Province it is the news today that Mary McArdle who was part of the IRA gang who ambushed Magistrate Tom Travers and his family as they left Mass in south Belfast in April 1984 and killed his 22 year old daughter has become a special advisor to the new Culture minister.

Belfast Telegraph - Murder link aide to remain in Job.
Belfast Newsletter - Appointment of Sinn Fein Advisor provokes anger

In one way it is hardly surprising when it is remembered that the Culture minister herself is a convicted terrorist. A system that rewards terrorists with early release and elevates them to rule over the innocent who they have terrorised in nothing short of being a wicked system of government.

Anyone who props up this wicked system of government must surely hang their head in shame.

It is worthwhile remembering what Romans 13:1-7 has to say about those who hold office in civil government:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Abortion Statistics for England & Wales

The 1967 Abortion Act came into effect on 27 April 1968. Since then, over seven million unborn children have been killed through registered abortion in Britain. This figure does not include abortions which may be caused by birth control drugs and devices. Nor does it include the number of embryos destroyed or discarded during and after in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). [Source - Society for the Protection of unborn children]

Here are some harrowing statistics from the Office of National Statistics for abortion in England & Wales since the Abortion Act was introduced.

To read the full report click here

Report summary for 2010:

The overall trend in Abortion is upward:

In relation to age the report says:

Overall statistics since 1968:

What does the Scriptures say about abortion? [Previous post on this blog]