Evangelical Presbyterian

Jan-Feb 2004 75p

Evangelical Presbyterian
Editor:

is published by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Rev. Stephen Atkinson 1 Lord Wardens Dr Bangor, Co Down BT19 1YF (E-mail: sgt.atkinson@ukonline.co.uk)

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CONTENTS
Editorial: A Man of Letters Obituaries EPC Ladies Conference Standing like a Stonewall Building the Church Apologies (1) What are Apologetics A New Day Dawning: All things new (Rev. 21:-5) Books etc. Heavenly Wisdom for Earthly Use On Course with Christiana (1) - Second Thoughts Cover Photo 1 2 3 5 8 11 16 21 23 25

L. Elliott S. Atkinson M. Trimble S. Atkinson S. Atkinson

Winter Blues (Harold Gibson)

Editorial: A Man of Letters

Samuel Rutherford is remembered for many things but is particularly known for his Letters. Like the Psalms of old they are very human, and although uninspired they reveal heavenly spirituality that is of great earthly use. We would do well to immerse ourselves in such sanctified common sense. Dont misunderstand me, I am not discounting the vital need for face to face fellowship, and mouth to ear communication. I am only suggesting the great value in such days as we live of using email or the old snail mail to encourage the saints of God.

If Rutherford could so use the pen in his day, then in a far greater way, we I dont intend here to give a Book should use the modern means of Review of Rutherfords Letters but communicating vital truth, godly rather to stimulate renewed interest in wisdom and scriptural guidance. With similarly encouraging correspondence. all modern conveniences, the modern Letter writing may be an ancient art home has less time than it used to. presently neglected, and yet today With all modern modes of communication is more vibrant and communication there is less real varied than ever. However, it is not conversing. Brethren, this ought not to crass and superficial texting or emailing be. that I desire developed but the godly At the time of writing this Editorial we use of the pen and keyboard. are in the midst of the season of How many of us have known times communicating. It is a good thing to when the receipt of a letter raised our send cards across the miles, or simply spirits? How many of us have received down the road, but it must not end guidance from other Christian friends there. In our Christian lives there through their wisdom put into writing. should be a regular ministry of Perhaps some of us find it easier to communicating encouragement and formulate comment, support and help. encouragement at the computer than Perhaps this could be a new years simply give off the top of the head resolution you might wish to develop comments over the phone. beyond January?
I perceive that God will have us to be deprived of whatsoever we idolise, that he may have his own room. (Rutherfords Letters)
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OBITUARIES
Miss Gretta McConnell Ballyclare With great sadness the Ballyclare Church report the death of Miss Gretta McConnell, on 11 August 2003 after a steady decline in her last months. Despite having Downs Syndrome Gretta lived a full and active life and was greatly loved by her family, friends and church. Her 62 years are surely tribute to the great care and attention shown by so many, but especially by her immediate family. She had a number of interests and was greatly helped in attending the Muckamore Abbey Day Centre for some 40 years. Gretta was held in great affection within the life of the church, delighted in both being teased and teasing everyone else, and is well known for keeping the Bible-Class in proper order! We miss her, but rejoice that she expressed trust in Christ and rested in his promises for salvation. Our sympathies go to her family but especially to her mother, Minnie, who devotedly cared for her in the home and in the last years steadfastly visited her at Rathmena Nursing Home. Stephen Roger
Mrs Mildred Green Blackburn

The sympathy of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church is extended to a former minister of our Omagh Congregation, the Rev. Norman Green on the sudden death of his beloved wife. Mildred was taken home to glory on 21st November 2003 after suffering a severe stroke a fortnight previously. A native of Londonderry, Mildred had been Normans helpmeet in the gospel for 32 years and was very active in her commitment to the needs of the congregation, particularly among the women folk. When Norman answered a call to return to his native Lancashire to begin a work in the Blackburn area, she willingly accompanied him even though she realised the separation which would result from family and friends on this side of the Irish Sea. She was a great encouragement to him at all times, providing hospitality to the many visitors to both church and home as well as proving an able secretary and counsellor. A large congregation, including representatives of the EPC as well as from most of the congregations of the EPCEW, assembled at Farmworth Evangelical Church (kindly granted), to hear Rev Green preach at his wifes funeral from 2Kings 4:8 on the text A great woman, highlighting her Godliness, Helpfulness, Nobleness and Humility. The Rev Paul Davies from Bury St
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Edmunds and Rev Klass de Vries from Alphen in Holland also took part in the service. The earthly remains of Mildred were laid to rest in the nearby Green family plot. Our prayers are with Norman and her sons Samuel, James and Peter as well as with Mildreds parents and family at this time of great loss. We can only trust in the good and far-seeing providence of an all wise God at times like this as well as lean on the everlasting arms.

Robert Beckett

EPC Ladies Conference

with Sharon James
Crumlin Evangelical Presbyterian Church was the place to be on Saturday 8th November 2003 for our Ladies Conference. We met at 10am for tea and coffee and the conference ran until 4pm. It was good to see old friends and to make new ones. There was a very encouraging turnout - 154 in total mainly EPC members but there were also ladies from beyond our denomination. You can imagine what the atmosphere was like! Before the conference got underway some of us had a time of prayer with our speaker Mrs Sharon James who is the author of several Christian books geared for women. (My Heart in His Hands, Gods Design for Women and just released, In Trouble and in Joy)
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There were two helpful seminars, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch in between, giving everyone an opportunity to catch up with each other and discuss the mornings programme:

great deal of hard work, particularly by Hazel Moore (Stranmillis) who had the original vision for an EPC Ladies Conference and who headed up the organising committee, made up of ladies from our congregations, who met at different times since September 2002 Seminar 1: Women Helping Women to plan the programme. Many of our - Biblical Womanhood female members were involved Sharon relevantly outlined some of the throughout the day - extending a warm welcome, leading the two sessions, contemporary challenges facing giving book reviews and leading in Christian women, along with some prayer. We were especially thankful for practical ways that the principles of the excellent contribution of the YPA Titus 2 can be appropriately worked choir and for the warm hospitality of out in the life of our Churches. our Crumlin hosts. Seminar 2: Beauty That Fades Personally, I feel that the day was very Beauty That Lasts beneficial, challenging, practical and Sharon looked at 1 Peter 3 and 1 encouraging - sentiments that seem to Timothy 2 and reminded us that purity be echoed by the vast majority of those and reverence are very important in our who attended the conference. Certainly Christian lives and that we should want God answered prayer. Perhaps this will to please God at all times. be the first of many such conferences! This conference was the product of a Lynn Elliott

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Standing like a Stonewall

- Warfaring Wisdom for Spiritual Soldiers Part 2 LIEUTENANT GENERAL THOMAS STONEWALL JACKSON grew up in rural West Virginia. He was orphaned at seven and was cared for by family members. To rise from such humble beginnings to become one of the greatest militarists of all time, and more especially to exhibit exemplary Christian character in such hard times, he would give all glory to God. His life is a testimony to providence and protection, and the manner of his death is a reminder of the importance of readiness in all circumstances. remarked upon when noticed by another general There stands Jackson like a stone-wall. Rally behind the Virginians! Thus he assumed his nickname at the first battle of the civil war. A Military Genius

It takes great wisdom and great restraint to hold back from the normal human urge to meet direct challenges head on. Jacksons wisdom chose rather to endeavour to go around rather than through his opponent. He also brought He was of Scots Irish descent, well on the enemys attack where he wanted taught in the doctrines of grace, faithful it, not where they chose. place ones in his Presbyterian churchmanship and troops in a pre-selected, strong active to do his duty. This duty was to defensive position anchored by cannons see him serve first as an artillery officer with at least one open flank, and in the Mexican War, and later as general manoeuvre the enemy into a situation in the American Civil War. He never where he is obligated to attack. forgot his first duty was to God and he Once when Jacksons line was taking a served to witness in the home, in his furious battering, taunting him into a church and on the field of battle. His response, Jackson ordered his cannons understanding of the sovereignty of to remain silent until Meades infantry God gave him great assurance and courage, even enabling a military stance, attack came into range. Such was his
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control enabling effective use of his weaponry. Let us learn simply that:

Society in the 21st century brings many pressures, and life is extremely busy. We must retain the priority of seeking (i) Tactical defence is controlled first the kingdom. If we are too busy, attack. we are too busy! You should not have By nature the urge is always to confront time for anything else. head on. Greater wisdom from (ii) We should live up to our Scripture calls us to be controlled. A obligations as office-bearers or spiritually defensive position is better members. than a carnal offensive. While there must be mutual respect, we (ii) Cannons should be silent until must also look to those entrusted with they are truly effective. office. While admitting equality in Christians are to be slow to speak, and Christ, in the Lords army Jacksons senior officer also demands a double those verbal cannons need to remain silent until absolutely necessary. Then, honour. Those used to giving orders in life may need to go to the pastor to by grace, they will be most effective. receive orders in the church. A Presbyterian Office-bearer A Godly Christian Jackson was a deacon in his church, and a faithful one at that. The story is His faith was infectious and his whole life a testimony to the converting grace told of one deacons meeting which failed to start on time. By 8.05 Jackson of Christ. His second in command, went out of the church to the house of General Ewell was an agnostic, but throughout the military conflict he one of the non-attending deacons, rapped the door, promptly told him it watched Jackson repeatedly give thanks was 8 past 8. He got the reply, I didnt to God. At the end of the campaign have time to go out tonight. Jackson Ewell said, If thats religion I gotta responded, You shouldnt have time have it. for anything else! How can you put Though brilliant in many respects, aside your obligations in the matter? Jackson exemplified humility. After one He then left abruptly, and the humbled particularly memorable victory in which deacon was soon behind him! he was wounded, and received a letter Although a military general, he looked upon his pastor as his senior officer, and would sometimes go to him to report for orders. Learn further that: (i) We should make Christs church our priority.
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of sympathy and congratulations from Robert E Lee, Jackson responded, General Lee is very kind: but he should give the glory to God I expect to receive far more credit for it than I deserve. Most men will think I had planned it all from the first; but it

was not so I simply took advantage of circumstances as they were presented to me in the Providence of God. I feel that His hand led me: let us give Him all the glory.

trees. So he crossed the river of death and rested where the leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations.

William J Hoge writing of Jackson (Christ in the Camp p306) said, I am sure Secure in knowledge of the sovereignty that his whole expectation of success of God in all things he rallied his men hangs upon two things which God has with the counsel that the outcome had joined together natural means already been determined by God, and earnestly used, and Gods blessing the bullets would hit or miss at the earnestly sought. That in itself is good Lords command. Understand that: advice for any Christian soldier. Let us use the means and the men, with the (i) The gospel is to be infectious. manner and might of Gods army. Let us seek to advance by earnest prayer People are won more by what we are and diligent labour and may the Lord than by what we say. The sight of us living truly godly lives is something that build his church. infects their life. May there be a holy One final anecdote will suffice to contagion of such! display Jacksons prayerfulness. One of (ii) Humility comes from giving God all glory in everything. Nothing in my hand I bring must ever be our hymn. Aware that I am Only a sinner saved by grace will keep me humble. God will have the glory. We must humbly recognise that. His closing words. Death was with him throughout his life, having lost his mother when aged seven. His first wife died in child-birth, and the child also died. He saw his men die, and ultimately faced death himself with confidence. Injured as a result of friendly fire he lost an arm. But his health further deteriorated bringing him to the edge of glory. In delirium, or maybe in spiritual foresight, his closing words were Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the his majors found him at prayer at midnight. After a half hour had passed the major asked the aide if the general had fallen asleep on his knees. Back came the reply, Oh no; you know the general is an old Presbyterian, and they all make long prayers. The major returned and General Jackson rose from prayer after an hour! Such character demands further study. Below you will find useful starting points. For further reference: Life and Campaigns of Lt. General T.J. (Stonewall) Jackson R.L. Dabney (Sprinkle Publications) Christ in the Camp J. William Jones. (Sprinkle Publications)

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Building the Church - well, some brickwork at least! KNOCK EPC

Patience is a virtue, and the patience of the congregation at Knock has been tried over the past 12 months as they have awaited with eagerness the completion of their new rooms and hall. It all began with the removal and demolition of the old kitchen and prayer room in October 2002. It was indeed an historic occasion to be remembered when we held our last prayer meeting in the old room. (We still have a brick from the old building - well, doesnt the Word speak of her stones as precious?)

Before and After! But now, after a winter of poor weather, a springtime of delays, and a summer of slow internal progress, we have our new facilities comprising: Hall, Kitchen, Toilets, two Stores, Sunday School Room, Youth Room and Ministers Room. We are most grateful to the Crumlin EPC (Mackay Estate) for providing the major funding for this new suite, and grateful to the generosity of the Lords people bringing the remaining debt to a manageable amount. It is our prayer that we will see not simply brick-building, but soul building through the new facilities the Lord has granted to us.
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STRANMILLIS EPC
After much discussion at the Deacons Board over many months, a programme of refurbishment commenced during June 2003. For the next 4 months the congregation joined with Lisburn Road and enjoyed the welcome and fellowship of the Lords people there. Major renovations were carried out to the sanctuary; a new lighting and heating system were installed. The ceiling and windows have been replaced and new entrance doors to the Prayer and Sunday School rooms were fitted. The kitchen has been totally redesigned and equipped with ovens, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. A serving hatch to the minor hall has been a great benefit to the Student Caf. New washrooms, together with disabled facilities have been installed. The appearance of our building has totally changed inside. While such renovations were necessary it is the prayer and hope of the congregation that we may see lives changed and transformed as the work and witness of our church continues in this strategic part of the city. Each Tuesday over 100 students come in for lunch and many useful conversations have taken place. Do remember this important work in your prayers. Special Thanksgiving services were held on 26th October at which the Rev Mark Johnston of Grove Chapel, London was the special preacher. We are thankful for the Lords goodness to us in the past and we look to Him to bless the work and witness of the Gospel in the days ahead.

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BANGOR EPC
After looking for a site for the past eight years, approximately two years ago, David Donnelly, owner of Windsor Caravans, Groomsport, very kindly donated the above site to our Bangor church. The background to that is a story in itself, but the telling of it will have to wait for another occasion. We havent had our troubles to seek in this project and acquiring planning permission also proved exceedingly difficult, in fact we had to make use of Councillors, write to MPs, hire a Barrister and communicate with the Department of the Environment before planning permission was granted! Around the same time Crumlin EPC Mackey Estate very kindly granted us a substantial gift to fund the building of a church. After a protracted period, during which plans were drawn up, and then re-drawn to fit within our budget, building commenced on 1st June 2003. Everything seems to have gone relatively smoothly since then and the building is due to be completed in April 2004, give or take a year or two! Throughout this entire period we have been conscious that "He is the One who goes before you" (Deuteronomy 31:8). The folk in Bangor are profoundly thankful for the Lords goodness towards them and are very excited at the prospect of moving to their new building in the near future. However, we are conscious that a building is merely a means to an end, and we pray that in the days to come, through these developments, the Lord might be pleased to add living stones to that only enduring edifice, his Church (1 Peter 2:5).
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Apologies
Part I - What are Apologetics?
Michael Trimble
Apologetics has been defined as the reasoned defense of the Christian Faith. Are apologetics important? Why should we bother with them? The place of apologetics in the Christian Church has not always been agreed upon.
The Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper is quoted as saying in this struggle apologetics has not advanced as one single step. Robert L Raymond states I believe in the Christian God because I am a Christian by the grace of God and does not rely on an apologetic to make his argument. his own generation. If he does not do this he is not resisting the spirit of the world at all. We live in a world that would deny many of the truths that we profess and we must resist, defending the truth as it is attacked in our own era.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones, talking about apologetics, states What the Bible teaches about such arguments is that they can never create faith, they are useful in a negative sense but they will never lead to faith according to the Scriptures. No one can believe in God without faith, without the inward work of the Holy Spirit that leads to faith. When men and women believe in God by faith the proofs are of value in supporting their faith so they are of Francis Schaeffer states the Christian some help but I doubt if they have any is to resist the spirit of the world. The further value. If you are interested in world spirit does not always take the them you can make use of them in that same form, so the Christian must resist way to strengthen and support your the spirit of the world that it takes in On the other hand C.S Lewis is quoted as saying to be ignorant and simple now, not to be able to meet the enemies on their own ground would be to betray our uneducated brethren who have under God no defense but us against the intellectual attacks of the heathen. Good philosophy must exist if for no other reason than because bad philosophy needs to be answered.
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faith and to show people with whom you are discussing these matters that things render them inexcusable. Reasonable Faith While we can never reason anyone into the Kingdom of Heaven, we can show that our faith is reasonable and not a mere leap in the dark. Apologetics may therefore be used offensively, that is showing the folly of mans wisdom and reasoning, or defensively, defending the historic truth of scripture. Lloyd-Jones further says the Bible does not argue about the existence of God, it declares it. The Bible does not give us any proofs of the existence of God, it assumes it. We will now look at some of what the Bible itself says about mankinds response to the evidence for the existence of God and the truth of the Bible. In Romans Chapter One, the Apostle Paul writes that the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world Gods invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse.

has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ. (2Cor. 4:4) and it is into this environment, an environment of men who choose to ignore what may be known about God and of men blinded by the devil, that we must seek to proclaim the truth about God. Peter tells us to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (1Peter 3:15) and Luke opens his gospel with the words that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. In this series I do not propose to use so -called classical apologetics and traditional philosophical arguments but rather to follow through a line of argument moving from the general revelation of creation to the specific revelation of Scripture and then finally the personal revelation of God in Jesus Christ. But before doing this I think it would be useful to look at how our current secular world view has developed. It is important to know the world view of those with whom we seek to share the Gospel in order to communicate properly.

Consider the Apostle Paul speaking to the Jews in Thessalonica (Acts 17). He enters the synagogue and for his Jewish audience starts with the Scriptures explaining about Christ. However, later Here we read that Gods power and nature are shown in part by the creation when he moves on to Athens and itself but that men choose to suppress meets a pagan culture his approach is different. He starts with a discussion this truth. However, it is not just the wickedness of man that suppresses this about their style of worship and even truth. Paul states that the god of this age use a quotation from one of their
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secular poets to help make his argument. For a more detailed discussion about the development of the western postmodern world view and how it has permeated science, art and religion I would advise you to turn to the writings of Francis Schaeffer.

us a basis for our knowing. They also explain our experience of the conflict between good and evil that we see in the world around us. Facts according to the World

But what of the world? What does the We now turn to compare the Christian postmodern world view state? As an example consider the writing of Jaques world view with the postmodern Monod, a molecular biologist and secular world view. The Christian Noble Prize winner. He writes of the worldview can be summarized in beginning of all things that chance Hebrews 1:1-3. alone is the source of every innovation of all creation. Pure chance, blind and In the past God spoke to our forefathers free, it is the only conceivable through the prophets at many times and in hypothesis. Man must wake out of his various ways but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed dreams, wake to total solitude and heir of all things and through whom he made fundamental isolation; a world that is deaf to his music, indifferent to his the universe. The Son is the radiance of Gods glory and the exact representation of his hopes, his sufferings or his crimes. being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he provided purification for sins Jaques Monods world has no God. he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty Man is therefore alone in the universe. There is no direction in his life and no in heaven. morality. How has this worldview developed? Facts according to the Word
God is real. God is personal and can be known. God has spoken to man. He made and sustains the Universe. He is moral and has provided for the moral needs of his creation. Sin and guilt are real. God has provided for our guilt.

These verses in Hebrews give us an explanation of where we come from and where our destiny lies. They give

Rene Descarte (1596-1650) resolved to accept only that which he could not doubt. After much thought he decided that the only thing he could not doubt was his own existence hence his famous statement I think, therefore I am. In reality all he could really say was I think, therefore I think that I am, because he could not even prove this. Successive thinkers have continued in this spirit. David Hume (1711-1776) is viewed as the father of modern scepticism. He came to doubt even the principle of cause and effect
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that we would take for granted. Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) decided that reason deceives us only too often therefore whatever I feel to be right is right. George Frederick Hegel (17701831) challenged rules of logic, which state that if a proposition (the thesis) is true then its opposite (antithesis) must be false, as incorrect. Hegel viewed things as a synthesis between the two positions and developed the form of thought known as dialectics. Jean Paul Sartre (1905-1980) viewed truth in terms of a significant or ultimate experience or an authenticating act by which someone would define their existence. It didnt matter what the act was. It was making the choice that was important. Frederick Nietzsche (1844-1900) sought to ignore the influence of all outside authority to establish his own values - power for itself beyond good and evil. Following these lines of thought we discover the background to the contemporary situation of modern man having difficulty knowing if anything is true; all becomes relative and there is no absolute truth. If we follow the train of thought from Descarte onwards we find that everything but our own existence is to be doubted. The observations of cause and effect on which we base most of our sciences are dubious. We have a society that turns to feelings rather than fact and is prepared to abandon the principles of logical argument and build a world view with no external reference points.
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But you may say this is all simply philosophy. It is all highbrow. This is not really what people in science think. Questions demanding Answers However, let me quote from a lecture given by Cambridge Professor Richard Dawkins and Stephen Pinker, Professor of Psychology at the Massachusetts Institute of Psychology. Dawkins asks Am I right to think that the feeling I have that I am a single entity who makes decisions and loves and hates and has political views and things is a kind of illusion that has come about because natural selection finds it expedient to create that illusion? Pinker answers that the fact that the brain ultimately controls the body that has to be in one place at one time may impose the need for some kind of circuit that co-ordinates different agendas of the different parts of the brain to ensure that the whole body goes in one direction. So again even modern science views reality and the possibility of knowing as just an illusion, and is left with the question of how can we know anything for certain. Another question that modern man has to answer is why is there is something rather than nothing? We have two alternatives: the Christian world view is that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth; whereas for postmodern man, Jacques Monod says all is chance or as Richard Dawkins claims evolution is the only game in town.

The third question that postmodern man has to deal with is the question of moral conduct. If all is chance and we cannot have any means of knowing objective truth then how do we determine what is right? American Supreme Court Justice, Oliver Wendle Holmes is quoted as saying truth is the majority vote of the nation that could lick all others. Francis Schaeffer terms this the rule of the 51%, that is, what is right is that which is deemed to be right by the majority of the population. This is a very unsatisfactory answer. We remember that Hitler was elected democratically with the support of the German people. Would that have meant that if by greater military might the Nazis won the Second World War, that their policies with regard to the extermination of the Jews, gypsies and the mentally infirm would have been right? If we follow Darwinian natural selection to its logical conclusions it must influence our morality. Peter Singer, the Australian ethicist, does just this in his books, such as Rethinking Life and Death. He rejects the inherent value of human life, disputes the value of man over non-human species, favours abortion and suggests that infanticide up to the age of 28 days may be beneficial for society. This is what we must conclude if there is no God and no external source of morality. But even other enthusiastic supporters of evolution cannot stomach this particular conclusion. Richard Dawkins in his book The Selfish Gene states we must teach our children

altruism for we cannot expect it to be part of their biological nature. But if it is not part of their nature why must we teach it? He realises, as indeed most of us do, that there is that which can be properly called right and wrong; we know it instinctively. We know that if someone cuts in front of us in a queue where we have been waiting that it is not fair. We are disappointed when a sports person cheats. We know it is not right. The very fact that people are prepared to compare moral teaching of different cultures and state that one is of a higher morality than the other implies that there must be some absolute to which they should attain. For those seeking a fuller discussion of this topic I would direct them to CS Lewis Mere Christianity and the section entitled Right and Wrong as a clue to the meaning of the Universe. Conclusion: Three questions for the post-modern man How can you be sure of anything you believe if there is no objective truth and no certainty of knowing? Why is there something rather than nothing in the universe? How can you have a meaningful morality without God? (to be continued).

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The closing chapters of Scripture with all their mystery reveal to us some of the most glorious themes concerning the believers future, and yet also some of the most awful matters concerning those who remain without Christ. In these articles we turn our attention to that - New Day Dawning.

All things new!

(Revelation Chapter 21:1-5)
by

Rev Stephen Atkinson

The last words of anyone are of critical importance. The closing verses of the revealed Word of God are of paramount importance and uniquely bring to our attention consummation realities. We live in a world which is too often taken up with the insignificant and superficial, and even believers are often taken up with the petty and the transient. The final chapters of the Word would transport us to a place of wonder, love and praise as we are led to consider the closure of this age and the arrival of the new day dawning. It is in the understanding of final and ultimate realities that the Christian finds a present comfort in trial. We are called to fix our eyes on those unseen things. As we turn to Revelation 21, we need to recognise a major shift of emphasis from chapter 20 to 21. At the end of chapter 20 we are brought starkly to the throne of judgement. The Judgement is Gods final, fixed and righteous execution of his justice, both in pouring out eternal wrath upon sin and the sinner, and also in the giving out positive reward for those who by grace, clothed in Christ, are truly worthy of it.
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The fixed and righteous paying back and giving out is just and deserved. Just as hell is deserved, so also heaven is deserved by the merit of Another. Those who are purchased by Christ are given rights. Heaven is a gift of God to those who turn from sin to Christ. This is a glorious thing, and it is ours! It is graced, but it is ours! There is a right to the tree of life. There is a right to this inheritance. There is a right to glory.

Now we know that this right is only by the grace and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is only by that divine gift of faith in him that we are saved. But if we truly come to him in faith, if we truly believe on him for salvation, if we truly rely on his finished work on Calvary, then by the fruit of his work he has earned for us, his beloved Bride, the right of entry. Now this is an important concept for the saint to know assuredly, and it is also a glorious gospel truth for the unsaved sinner to contemplate. It is because he became sin for us that in him we become the righteous of God; it is because of this gospel truth that we solemnly persuade men, we passionately call you to trust in Christ, we urge you, we implore you, to be reconciled to God. Hell and eternal punishment is a deserved reward. But the gospel gloriously speaks of another deserved reward, as the impotent sinner is graced to believe and be saved, to believe and enjoy eternal life.

So in one sense this passage simply speaks of the declaration of justice, namely acquittal for the saved; but it is so much more. It tells us of a reward for obedience. The Lords great purposes are being unfolded as he presents to us, in symbol form and with the limits of our finite language, the wonders of eternal blessedness and bliss. Well let us endeavour to make some progress of thought. I want us first to consider what John saw, then what he heard, and move to some final brief application. 1. WHAT DID JOHN SEE? And I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. (Rev.21:1) (a) A new heaven and a new earth.

The book of Haggai prophesies a shaking of the heavens and the earth. 2 Peter speaks of the destruction by fire, and the melting of the elements. The book of Hebrews takes up the Remember that High Priestly Prayer of prophecy of Haggai and elaborates by our Lord - Father I want those you have speaking of created things being shaken given me to be with me where I am and to see to leave that unshakeable kingdom. my glory (John 17:24). Will the Father answer that prayer of the Son? - most It would appear then that there is a assuredly, and here is the revelation of burning up, but not a complete that answer in Revelation 21. We have annihilation. Earth and sky have fled from his presence. We read of earth in before us the positive results of that its present form passing away. There is work of Christ, the work the Father had given him to do. He also is to see no sea, which in scripture is a symbol of restless unceasing wickedness and a and be satisfied. barrier of separation.
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Hendriksen writes, Out of the great conflagration a new universe has been born.

Jerusalem, a dressed bride.

Do we need to say that these all represent the same thing? It is not a So in this new creation, it is not as the physical city, but the object of divine first, ex nihilo, out of nothing, but rather affection and grace. It is his holy a purifying, by burning up of all the people. It is his church of both Old and results of the Fall. All aspects of the New Testament times. It is the Bride of curse, of sin, of unrighteousness, of Christ. suffering, of pain, every trace of sin and its consequences, and its wages, this is In chapter 20:9 we are shown the all shaken and burned, to the leaving of enemies of God marching against that little camp of Gods people. While it something gloriously new. was referred to as a city he loves, yet In previous chapters of Revelation the there was a sense of smallness when harlot has been dealt with, the dragon, described as a camp. But here there is the beast, the raging sea, and the no opposition. Here is a glorious sight nations, out of which came the beast. of a descending city shining with the Now all this is past, and there is peace, glory of God. a new divine peace, and centre stage enjoying this peace is the City of God. The origin of this city is heaven. It comes from heaven. Our new birth is There are two different words for new. of heavenly origin. Our life here is lived Something can be brand new, as with as a stranger and a pilgrim. Our home the first creation out of nothing. But is heaven. Our descent in this here the word means new in quality; revelation is as a heavenly creation, gloriously, radically changed. To Gods re-creation. Our dress is illustrate this, remember that Jesus was perfectly beautiful, and appropriate, as placed in a new tomb. That did not the Bride of Christ. She has made mean that it had just been cut, but that herself ready for that time of perfect it had not yet been used as a restingcommunion. place. It was a new tomb. The new 2. WHAT DID JOHN HEAR? heavens and the new earth are not entirely alien, but radically, through And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, burning, changed to be a home of Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, righteousness. and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them Then I, John, saw the holy city, new and be their God. And God will wipe away Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from every tear from their eyes; there shall be no God, prepared as a bride adorned for her more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there husband. (Rev. 21:2) shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. (Rev 21:3,4) (b) The Holy City, the New
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Because of that perfection of the saints, and that shaking, and that purifying, and since all things foul have been dealt with, there is that readiness for man to be with his God in perfect harmonious communion. Now we know in part, and see in part, and commune in part. But here in this glorious revealed truth from the One whose words are trustworthy and true, God tabernacles, and dwells eternally. He will live with them. They will be his people. He will be with them. He will wipe every tear. Notice that there is a progression of intimacy in each of those sentences. This perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and so there will be no more death or mourning. The fruit of the Fall has been dealt with in the shaking of the heavens and earth, and so there is no more crying or pain. Though weeping has endured for a night, yet joy has come in the morning.

Hebrews, as we have said, speaks of it as unshakeable. All these things are wonderful to contemplate, and greatly comforting to the suffering pilgrim believer. In the midst of much wickedness and unrighteousness and impurity here is something to truly look forward to - a home without impurity, without anything wicked. Furthermore, our sinning lives are ended, and our whole being will be perfectly pure and holy. That is a difficult thing to comprehend, but something great to look forward to; that is, never again to sin against God, never again to think, say or do something that is a transgression of the divine and perfect law of God; never again to sin against your neighbour; never again to be sinned against.

Those shakeable things are gone forever, and refined in divine fire, purity remains. Such is our new home. There is no sea of unrest or any form of turbulence. There is nothing which This Winter life will give way to eternal presently causes stress and anxiety. Springtime, not by our normal gradual Peace, perfect peace is our eternal seasonal change, but by that creative reward, and a Sabbath rest for the word of God making all things new. people of God. Then he who sat on the throne said, Behold I (b) Communion with God will be make all things new. (Rev. 21:5) perfect. (a) Our eternal home is pure and unshakeable. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, (that is, all sinners saved by grace to be With Gods execution of justice there is the Bride of Christ), is now ready for the Wedding and for that a home for his saved people. Peter writes of it as a home of righteousness. consummation of communion with God. Our Lord speaks of it as a house of many mansions or dwelling places. While each phrase is wonderful, there is
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an increasing intimacy culminating in the phrase God himself shall be with them. We are told of his living with us, his being with us, and furthermore, his wiping away the tears. Dwelling, or tabernacling, brings to mind the wilderness years. Living is much more permanent. But that third phrase is so close - simply God being with us. This is more than Paradise regained. This is more than the Lord God walking in the Garden in the cool of the day. This is God Himself being with us.

The Fall brought so many negatives to us, but now they are overturned. (d) He makes all things new. When he looked on his creation he saw that it was good. With the Fall there was the onset of wickedness, and in Genesis 6 we read that the Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth. Yet his purpose in Christ was ever to crush the serpent, and make all things new in Christ.

It is again something wonderful to contemplate that while nothing is beyond the Lords comprehension, yet this work is not yet done. What he is to do is known to him, and yet not done by him. If he looked upon his first work and saw it as good, it will be the same with this new creation. While Gods glory is beyond any increase, yet the revelation of that glory to his creation is yet to be, and is yet to be When we are changed to glory our eyes met with the Hallelujahs of praise to his may yet be symbolically wet from our mercy and grace. This too will meet his approving eye. weary pilgrimage, but now the pain is ended, and our heavenly Father shows Believer, is this not a stimulus to us this by wiping our tears, and saying wholesome thinking? Does this not fill No more... Im here... The former you with an inexpressible and glorious things have passed away. joy? Are you not given grace to rejoice though for a little while you have to (c) Sin and suffering is ended suffer grief? forever. But how wonderful is that fourth phrase concerning wiping the tears! Think of a parent wiping a childs tears. Something has happened to cause a child to cry. The cause of the tears is now over but the wetness remains, and so a parent will wipe the tear, and why? - to show that it is at an end. The father or mother will say, No more tears now, Im here. How much grief we live with. How much pain and crying, whether by mourning the loss of a loved one, the pain of disease and sickness, or the crying with a broken heart and mind. This is all at an end. No more!
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And he said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful (Rev. 21:5).

Books etc.
The Guide - Christian Comfort
Roger Ellsworth Evangelical Press 240 pages 7.00 Reviewer: Billy Elliott Christian Comfort is the sixth volume in The Guide; EPs topical, straight forward, web linked series and is an excellent resource for those blue days when you or someone else is in need of encouragement. The book covers 22 areas where Gods comfort is required in a warm, pastoral, practical but most importantly Biblical fashion. Scripture teaches and Christian experience confirms that (for a wide variety of different reasons) every Christian hurts and every Christian cries - that every Christian faces troubles and trials and so every Christian needs comfort - sometimes! But where is this necessary comfort to be found? Roger Ellsworth answers this question very clearly, helpfully and comfortingly by showing how the believers greatest encouragement comes from the fount of all comfort, our gracious and comforting God. The immediate means of comfort may be family, friends, fellow believers etc. but the ultimate source is God and we must never forget it. On the basis of this comforting truth the author encourages believers, especially during the most difficult passages of their lives, to look to their God in heaven to meet all their needs upon earth. And those who know Gods compassionate, loving care are challenged to bring His encouragement and comfort to others in their time of need. Here, then, is a book that can be read and reread and referred to time and time again with immense benefit and great blessing. Verdict: an excellent book! Buy it for yourself and it will do your soul a power of good. Buy it for others and they will be for ever in your debt.

Arent they lovely when theyre asleep?

Ann Benton Christian Focus 125 pages 2.99 Reviewer: Wendy Atkinson Ann Benton was involved in running parent craft classes in local schools. Her classes were greatly appreciated, and grateful parents would often ask her where she got her wisdom. She replied that Actually, its from the Bible. The natural progression seemed to be to put her wisdom into print; to
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expand to the audience out there, spiritual health check. It exposes much desperate for sound guidance on raising shallow thinking about Christ's children. Kingdom that is abroad in our day and generation. I like the way the author The product was this book, and it is has divided it into 13 chapters, each a certainly a little gem. It deals with six separate parable and yet the book has a key concepts: accept, beware, unity linking each of the parables in communicate, discipline, evaluate and different ways, one with the other. Also fear the Lord. I was wondering if she the discussion questions at the end might get around to completing the make it a useful tool for discussion alphabet! groups and would be very beneficial to She deals with the issues in a matter-of- leaders of young peoples groups. I highly recommend this book to all who fact, no-holds-barred, manner and are earnest about Christ's Kingdom and encourages us to see our children for what they are: little sinners. Only with want to be part of its growth. this right starting point can we What is a True Calvinist manage our children appropriately, recognising that each one is an Philip Graham Ryken individual and precious in Gods sight. 32 pages 2.50 I would highly recommend this book to What is a Reformed Church parents of children of all ages (it is never too late!) Those who are new Stephen Smallman parents can have the advantage of applying all this wisdom from the start! 28 pages 2.50

Turning your world upside down

Richard D Phillips Presbyterian & Reformed 230 pages 7.95 Reviewer: Derek Johnston

Basics of the Reformed Faith Series

Kingdom priorities in the parables of Jesus

Presbyterian & Reformed Reviewer: Stephen Atkinson This looks like being a very interesting and important series of booklets. The first title rightly condemns that Calvinism which when divorced from warm piety makes people ornery, narrow and uncharitable. Rather he points out that the True Calvinist ought to be the most outstanding Christian - not narrow and unkind, but grounded in Gods grace and therefore generous of spirit. His chapters deal

This is indeed a book well worth reading. Rarely does one read a book and be able to concur so fully with what the author says. The book has a very apt title. If we read this book and are not shaken by it then we need a
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with A God-centred Mind, A Pentitent Spirit, A Grateful Heart, A Submissive Will, A Holy Life, and A Glorious Purpose. It is a small booklet with a mightily important message. The second booklet identifies some characteristics of a Reformed church, and while the comments are brief they nonetheless would form a very useful

starting point for a Bible Study, or perhaps it would be a useful guidebook for those coming from another ecclesiastical background, or no background at all. Simply, yet not simplistically, our position, practice and polity are faithfully presented.

ENERGISE YOUR LIFE Overcoming fatigue and

stress

DWIGHT L CARLSON
270 pages Christian Focus 7.99

Practical advice on a contemporary issue.

The pace of life, and the disappointments of living in a fallen world; the unreasonable expectations of self and others, and the traumas of a weary pilgrimage can cause spiritual and physical damage. While many books have been written on the subject some can fall into traps of over-simplifying or overspiritualising. This book does neither, but from a spiritual perspective and from his medical expertise, and furthermore from painful personal experience, the author identifies problem areas, and gives invaluable advice for coping, and overcoming lifes stressors. Sometimes I feel like an expert on the subject. I have experienced burn out in my late teens, a major depression in mid-life, a brother who was martyred as a medical missionary, and a daughter told she was going to die of leukemia... I do not claim to have all the answers, but I have learned many lessons along the way.

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He identifies energy drainers, opens up the question of overload, and underactivity. Practical issues such as anger and perceptions, personal finances and life events are handled sensitively and sensibly. He gives us the advice of a doctor without an overabundance of medical wisdom. He gives us the advice of a Christian without ignoring matters of the body. It may sound like a self-help book. It is - but not in a crass and superficial way. The author has learned through life, and he imparts that learning. On the positive front he suggests certain things such as taking control, pruning, keeping a reserve, and living in the present. He draws attention to the fact that in the Nazi concentration camp when all else was taken from a prisoner the last bit of freedom he or she had was to choose ones attitude in a given set of circumstances. The crucial ingredient to survival was hope. The Scriptures would obviously advise us to think in a hope-full manner, in all circumstances, and to view such circumstances as coming from a Sovereign God who is truly working all things for good. The author would thus cause us to stop and consider the present moment. Taking our Lords command not to be anxious about tomorrow, he comments, We dont have tomorrow. Our lives may be snuffed out before it ever arrives. The past is gone. It is just a memory that cannot be relived or, in fact, changed. We only have today... so we should make the most of it... It could be argued that this advice is simply the power of positive thinking. Well it is, but it is positive thinking clothed in scriptural warrant. As Christians we should enjoy such a positive view of every moment of life given by our gracious God until he calls us home. (Also by the same author - Why do Christians shoot their wounded? - Helping, not hurting, those with emotional difficulties.)
Our bodies are uniquely and wonderfully made. The instant a threat is perceived the entire body goes into action to protect itself against harm and maintain its equilibrium. This is called the adaptive response. Hormones are released and the nervous system activated. As adrenalin is pumped into the blood stream, alertness occurs, the metabolic rate is increased, and decreased awareness of pain occurs. Our blood clots more quickly in case we are injured. This is a marvellous adaptation of our bodies for such circumstances. Our bodies shift into working overtime resulting in The Classic Stress Syndrome. This is what happens if a lion is stalking us. Assuming we get away unscathed the body would quickly return to its normal healthy estate. But what happens if there are repeated life-threatening occurrences or, for that matter, low level but chronic stresses? Typically our bodies would shift into The Sickness Syndrome. Numerous changes would take place throughout the body with devastating consequences. (Energise your life p.19)
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(John Bunyan presented the world with a wonderful picture of Christian experience in The Pilgrims Progress. Not so well known is Part II concerning Christiana, Pilgrims wife. We plan here to retell some of the main parts of the story.)

PILGRIMS PROGRESS PART II

- (1) Second Thoughts Christiana lived in the City of Destruction. She remembered the day her husband left on his journey. She wondered had he ever reached the Celestial City he spoke of. She remembered how she treated him when he became a pilgrim. She began to have second thoughts. Maybe someday I will also become a pilgrim. That night she had a dream. She saw two evil people standing by her bed saying they had to stop her from following her husband. She also saw a scroll with a long list of her sins. She woke up in a sweat. In the morning she heard a knock at the door. Christiana, my name is Secret. I know you want to follow the pilgrim path. The King wants you to know that you too are invited... and the children also. Here is a letter from him. She shared all this with her children and they all began to prepare for the journey. If you know the story of Pilgrims Progress you will remember how Christians wife laughed at him and thought he was mad when he became concerned about his sin and became a pilgrim on the Kings Highway. Now she has realised he was right. What is the difference? - She has had second thoughts. It is good to think again; particularly to think again about your sin, and how the devil would not want any of us to follow Christ. But it is also wonderful that the Lord invites us graciously, again and again. We are called upon to consider what path we are on, who we are serving, what we are living for. Perhaps you need some second thoughts? Perhaps you have turned away when others have come to Christ, and you have thought them mad? Think again! Listen again to the invitation of Jesus to come to him. Let the children journey too! Are you On Course with Christiana?

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