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Evangelical Presbyterian

Nov-Dec 2001 50p

Evangelical Presbyterian
Convenor of the Editorial Committee:

is published by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Rev. Stephen Atkinson 1 Lord Wardens Dr Bangor, Co Down BT19 1YF (E-mail: s.atkinson@ukonline.co.uk) UK: Rep. of Ireland and Overseas Evangelical Book Shop 15 College Square East, Belfast, BT1 6DD Honorary General Treasurer Mr. J. R. McCormick 6 Eileen Gardens, Belfast, BT9 6FW. 4.20 6.50

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CONTENTS
Editorial Comment The New Birth - 6 (conclusion) Obituaries The Regions Beyond - Joseph & Helen McCracken (Part 2) Theology kills all known giants - dead. Books etc. Making Progress with Pilgrim S. Atkinson J. Ballantine E C. Brown S. Atkinson 1 3 6 7 11 15 17

Front Cover

St James Park, London Photograph by Stephen Tracey.

Tough on Terrorism
A comment on contemporary comment.
September 11th 2001 is a date which will live in the memory owing to an act of terrorism unparalleled in the modern world. When the planes struck the Twin Towers in New York City, the world was stunned. It was the stuff of movies. We are used to horror, and terror, from the comfort of our armchair. But real terror has struck and stunned, and people say the world will never be the same again.

People have been heading for their Bibles, (particularly curious to see if the book of Revelation is relevant). There is an apparent turning back to church and to prayer. In the midst of the current debate in the USA concerning prayer in state schools, one comment I noted asked, Can we pray in our schools, now? Apparently crime in New York City is radically down. Have people really come to heed this wake up call from God?

perversions. The powerful leaders who promise to eradicate this evil of terrorism have already played fast and loose with it, and while not being unsympathetic (for I have shed those tears along with many), we may say that this is payback time for a world gone soft on wickedness.

The Daily Mail Comment on the day after the horror was right to point out that though the promise is to It would be easy to be cynical and fight, The tragedy is that Western dismissive of this new found religiosity. There is nothing new under democracies too seldom fight. Britain appeases IRA/Sinn Fein. The EU treats the sun. This act of terror is only Gaddafi as a legitimate leader, rather than a different in scale from daily acts of terror around the globe and down the murderous madman. Few are robust enough street. The horror and outrage felt at in challenging the ugly anti-Semitism of Yasser Arafat and his terrorist supporters. the wickedness of this evil is indeed We may indeed add that our Western welcome, but there is little outrage democracies have not always been regularly felt over sin. Sadly, global squeaky clean in their international conviction of sin did not arrive on 11th September. The world still loves police patrols. its gods and winks at its own But why is it easier for us to associate
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terrorism with a turban, and not with a tie? Why are the bin Laden lookalikes now seen as suspect, while others may maintain a campaign of terror under a veneer of respectability.

the age of relativism is over, but I fear the absolute sense of sin will soon fade.

We are delighted also to hear that the outrage has renewed in man the sense of retribution. But why must this man In Northern Ireland we are no strangers be punished, and not reformed? Indeed, to terror, having faced a campaign if he is caught, should we not release against law and order for over thirty him if he simply says his organisation is years; a campaign against liberties our on Cease-Fire. Do we believe in US friends hold so dear. We, more than capital punishment for this atrocity, but most in the world, can truly empathise. not for murdering royalty, security But we do so with a bitter taste in our forces, and blowing up children? mouths, knowing that the campaign Talking tough on terrorism is easy, but against our precious freedom has been as we have seen, acting tough is the funded by elements in New York, difficult thing, particularly in a visible, Washington, and beyond. If the real and even-handed way. enemy is the one who funds the Terrorism is an awful thing, and the terrorism, then who are the terrorists unparalleled terror of recent days attacking Northern Irelands liberties? displays a forgotten condition of man. We, in the Evangelical Presbyterian The human heart is desperately wicked. Church, would delight in a true turning Man is totally depraved; fallen, blind, from sin and wickedness, and a sound and dead in trespasses and sins. sense of the horrific nature of mans Thus it was when Jesus was asked about depravity, but the duplicity of world an act of terrorist butchery by Pilate, he leaders disgusts us. Shocked and stunned the world is, but embarrassed, commented little, except to point out Unless you repent, you will all likewise and electorally endangered its leaders are. So they will chase the turban, rather perish. (Luke 13:3) than the tie. It gets more votes. Comment will continue, and the history We are delighted to see a renewed sense books of next century will comment on what is now deemed a turning point. of right and wrong. Bin Laden was But all people need to realise that their wrong, wasnt he? Or has relativism truly captured our mad age? We do not ultimate end, without repentance, will say he is entitled to his opinion. We do be no different from that of bin Laden. This lesson the world needs to hear. not say that what is right for him, is different from what is right for you and This gospel we must preach. Our talk therefore must also be tough. me. Is the world a different place? I hope that some of that difference is that
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The New Birth


Part 6 by Jeff Ballantine

- The Change Illustrated In the important matter of The Change, the scripture not only spells out factually the "marks of grace", it also provides illustrations of the change wrought in the lives of certain individuals. that the law of the jungle was prevailing he said Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing? (John 7:51).

This courageous stand against the most important religious assembly of his day almost certainly made him a Nicodemus marked men thereafter! How different Two later incidents in his life indicate he was from the man we encounter in that a very definite change had taken John 3! There he visited our Lord by place after his interview with Christ. night, possibly so as not to be seen by In John 7 we are told that the men; now he nailed his colours firmly Pharisees sent out certain officers to to the mast! What made the apprehend Christ (John 7:32), but difference? He was born again! these temple guards failed to bring Him back because the manner in Another incident recorded later in which Christ spoke quite John's gospel illustrates further the overwhelmed them. No man ever spoke transformation that had taken place. like this man. (John 7:46). Nicodemus joined Joseph of Arimathaea in the burial of Jesus When the Pharisees heard this report (John 19:39). This readiness to there was an uproar and their anger confess Christ publicly is surely a was such that they described the mark of grace, for our Lord said crowds who followed Christ as Therefore whoever confesses me before men, unlettered rabble (John 7:49). At that him will I also confess before my Father who point Nicodemus, a member of the is in heaven. But whoever denies me before Sanhedrin, could take no more and he men, him I will also deny before my Father came to Christ's defence! Realising who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33).
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The Philippian Jailor

which our Lord pronounced as blessed (Matthew 5:7). Out of love to Initially the condition in which we God and his new found brethren he find this man was anything but also provided hospitality for them encouraging. He had no love for the (Acts 16:34), an activity which will people of God as is evident from the vindicate him on judgment day way in which he treated Paul and Silas. (Matthew 25:37-40). Putting these men in an inner prison and making their feet fast in stocks The word was also spoken to all his was a merciless and ruthless act (Luke house (Acts 16:32), pointing to a new 16:23), and Paul remembered his stay concern for his nearest and dearest. here for many a day (1 Thessalonians He even got baptized along with his 2:2). household and since it was unlikely that there was a tank in either his Moreover, this man had obviously no house or the jail, both the mode and concern for the things of God for he subjects of this baptism suggest that slept through what is perhaps the he might even have become a good most amazing "praise service" ever! Presbyterian! Truly a radical change (Acts 16:27). Nor had he any fear of had been wrought! meeting God, otherwise he would never have considered taking his own life (Acts 16:27). Tragically, he feared The Dying Thief the Roman authorities to whom he would have had to answer, more than Here was a man on the point of death, the God into whose presence he was in fact his life was slowly but surely carelessly rushing. ebbing away. His physical and mental However, an earthquake and a sermon condition was anything but conducive to seeking the Lord because he was by the blessing of God wrought a great change, bringing this man to the presently undergoing the horrors of crucifixion. Nor had he any merit of point where he cried out Sirs, what his own to plead, in fact his guilt was must I do to be saved?, to which Paul established from his own mouth we gave that most straightforward of answers Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, receive the due reward of our deeds (Luke 23:41). Perhaps the words which seem and you will be saved, you and your to seal this man's fate are those household (Acts 16:30-31). recorded by Matthew. He tells us that What a different man he was after while hanging on the cross this thief trusting in Christ! In his washing of joined the other one in reviling the his prisoners' wounds (Acts16:33), he Saviour. became as merciful as he was Yet he was born again in an instant previously merciless, a condition
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and even though he probably lived less than an hour the marks of grace were clearly discernible in his life! 1. A new view of himself.

Previously he had no sense of guilt otherwise he wouldn't have cursed Christ, but now he confessed that he deserved to be condemned and that his judgment was just (Luke 23:40-41). Someone who experienced the new The Spirit had obviously been at work birth once said "either the world has (John 16:8-9). changed or I have changed". The hymnwriter expressed it thus: 2. A new view of God. A few minutes earlier he had no fear of God, a characteristic of our native depravity (Romans 3:18). Now, however, he had a radical change of mind because he rebuked the other thief for his failure to fear God, Do you not even fear God? (Luke23:40). Miraculously he had become a recipient of that fear of God which is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 7:1).

His rebuke of his companion Do you not even fear God? was really an attempt to witness to him! His native carelessness, both for his own soul and the souls of others had disappeared! He was a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), hence our Lord's promise, Today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43).

Heaven above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green; Something lives in every hue Christless eyes have never seen.

The new birth is indeed the most radical transformation that can ever take place in the life of any individual. Regeneration is a mighty and powerful change wrought in the soul by the efficacious working of the Holy Spirit, wherein a vital principle, a new habit, the law of God, and a divine nature, are put into and framed in the heart, enabling it to act holily and pleasingly 3. A new view of Christ to God, and to grow up therein to eternal This is entirely in accordance with the glory... There is a change, a creation, that Spirit's working (John 16:14). He which was not is brought into being acknowledged Christ's sinlessness, His Charnock (The New Birth, p92): Lordship, His Kingship and His The gospel is indeed the power of God power to save (Luke 23:41). John unto salvation (Romans 1:16). May it Calvin, commenting on his dying words, Lord remember me when you come be the "power of God" unto each reader personally for the alternative is too into your kingdom, said: "I know not horrible to contemplate. that since the creation of the world there ever was a more remarkable and You must be born again. (John 3:7). striking example of faith". 4. A new view of others.
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OBITUARIES
Mr Tom Hoey Ballyclare Mr Tom Hoey passed into the immediate presence of his Saviour on the morning of Monday 30th April having been taken ill during the early evening of the previous day. He had been out to church that Sunday morning. Born, brought up and still living in Mallusk, Tom was one of 12 children and had a number of strong interests including nature, science, football, motor vehicles, reading and music! He was a man of tender humour and little fuss. He had served faithfully as a deacon in the Ballyclare church and continued, despite his great age, to be greatly concerned for its advance. Tom took great interest in Gods Word and was very faithful at Prayer Meeting where perhaps we most acutely miss him. Gods dealings left Tom Hoey a most gracious man who took particular interest in the children of the church. Our sympathies are, of course, with Mrs Hoey who, with Gods grace, has done so well since Mr Hoeys death, but also with Elizabeth, Catharine and John, their children, and their respective families. We mourn his loss but rejoice that we knew him and that Tom is with Jesus which is far better. S. Roger Mrs Rose Weir Omagh

On Wednesday 5th September Mrs Margaret Rose Weir, a faithful member of the Omagh congregation, was called into the immediate presence of the Saviour she so dearly loved. Rose, who was born on the 6th April 1944, married John Weir on the 25th May 1966. John later joined the R.U.C., but whilst carrying out his duties was seriously injured by a terrorist bomb in 1977. Thereafter Rose lovingly nursed John, despite her own ill health, until John passed away in December of last year. We give thanks to God for Roses life and the great graciousness that she displayed throughout her own illness. We extend our deepest sympathy to her children Desmond, Sandra, Derrick and Alison and it is our prayer that the Lord would comfort them in their time of need. Psalm 116:15. A. Lucas
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Joseph and Helen McCracken Part 2


Missionaries to South Africa 1944-1974
Both Rev Joseph McCracken and his wife Helen have favoured us greatly by providing reflections on their life and times from the perspective of their retirement years. From a speech at the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the Ministry in 1985 we have Mr McCrackens Reminiscences of a Veteran Missionary; in July 1990, on the occasion of her 80th birthday, Mrs McCracken read a paper, Looking BackWith Gratitude. Leading with Mrs McCracken we seek to integrate the other sources in presenting Part 2.

From 1908-1943 the key figure in our missionary effort in South Africa was Rev Alexander Dewar. He was the only missionary in the congregations scattered throughout the 20,000 square miles of the Transkei and Ciskei areas. Principal Clement Graham, in his tribute to the life of Joseph McCracken in 1988, neatly ties the Dewar and McCracken ministries together: Those interested in coincidence will be intrigued to learn that the day the Foreign Missions Committee met to consider Alexander Dewar's appeal for a colleague was the very day he died, and one year to the day after, Joseph McCracken was inducted as a missionary to South Africa. That induction was on 10 August 1944. We pick up the McCracken accounts at this point.

Church
My husband's predecessor, the Rev. Alexander Dewar, had died about 18 months before our arrival, and with no proper supervision we found the work in a chaotic state. Had it not been for Zakobe Taho, later one of our

Ministers, I doubt if there would have been anything to come to. Rumours were rampant that nothing more would be heard from Scotland, but Mr Taho assured the people that Scotland would not forsake them and thus encouraged them to have patience and stand together. When we arrived he acted as our interpreter, providing help and advice alongside that of the Misses Ross and Erskine Until the arrival of Dr Andrews and the Rev. H. Sliep in 1948 we covered the area as best we could. Much tighteningup in terms of finance and discipline had to be done. The Sustentation was six pence per member per month, but by the time it and plate collections (usually made up of halfpennies) reached the Deacons' Court it was greatly diminished, as the deacons were using it for things like oil, candles, and door locks. We introduced Sustentation Fund books and Collection Sheets, so that everything had to be entered and handed in at the Deacons' Court where expenses were dealt with. Deacons were requested to ring the Church bells half
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an hour before the service, not an hour after they were due to start; walking in and out of services at will was reduced to a minimum. The missionary was determined to have the Lord's work done in the Lord's way as he saw it, and while it took years of effort it paid dividends. But in spite of many shortcomings there was love and warmth shown everywhere we went. Our 22 Transkei and Ciskei churches were very scattered. During our early days there were only three solid church buildings, one in each districtPirie, Burnshill and the Transkei. But in the ensuing years the different missionaries have erected many more, so that today nearly all our 60-odd congregations have suitable buildings in which to worship. Mr McCracken tells us that during his years of service he supervised the building and renovating of thirteen churches. But he adds, As I look back I can say of a truth, had it not been for the work carried on by Helen among the women and girls it would have been a poor show indeed, as this has proved to be a very important aspect of the work. New life came into the work with the arrival of Campbell and Ruby Andrews and Huite and Helen Sliep in 1948. It was then that the area was divided into three districts, each with its own SessionTranskei, and the two Ciskei districts of Pirie and Burnshill. At that time we moved across to Burnshill, working there for twenty years. Dr Andrews laboured in neighbouring Pirie, preaching the Word, healing the sick and building churches. Mr Sliep's
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work was different and difficult as his congregations were far-flung from each other in the Transkei. We returned to Pirie for another ten years on Dr Andrews' return to Australian in 1965.

Education
The schools were started and operated by the churches and missions, the missionary acting as manager Mr McCracken tells us I was manager of 12 schools which involved a lot of work but it gave me the opportunity of appointing Christian teachers and it gave me much influence in these districts. The teachers salaries had to be paid out of mission funds and that was a strain on the finance of our small mission; but the manager adds in typical, pointed style, the Government was very generous in giving me 2/6 per annum for each school! A few years later education was taken over entirely by the Government and many of the schools started by the Free Church now have modern buildings with thousands of children attending. Some of the teachers appointed at that time have been the backbone of the church work since, serving as interpreters and in other capacities. Some of the men became elders. In later years we held weekly Bible Classes for boys in Knox, Mdisa, Mxaxo, Rankin, Tyusha, Dyafta and Pirie and awarded cups and prizes for examination success. This work afforded me great pleasure.

The People
We found many very fine people in the mission, men and women truly born

again of the Spirit, lovers of the Word and keepers of His day. The people were poor and down-trodden then, many attending church in rags and mostly bare-foot; they relied mainly on the little piece of land allocated to each kraal on which to grow their mealies, beans, and pumpkin, but with frequent droughts they were often on the verge of starvation. They depended also on a few animalscows, sheep and hens trading-in wool and eggs for tea and sugar. Only a small proportion of children attended school. Some men went to work in the mines but there was nothing at all for women and girls apart from domestic service, if they happened to live near a town. With all their poverty they were a wonderfully happy, contented peopleall much in the same boat. So long as they had their families, their little huts, the sunshine, mealies, beans, and clothes they were satisfied. Throughout the years thousands throughout the districts have professed faith in Christ. Most were admitted to membership after spending about six months in the candidates' class in preparation for examination by the Session. These conversions brought joy to our hearts, but the occasions when men and women sought and found mercy openly in a service will never be forgotten. I remember one woman, dressed in all the regalia of heathenism, who remained seated after the service. When the missionary spoke to her, she said, "Im a great sinner and Im going down to hell". After having the way of

salvation explained to her and being asked where her sins were now, she joyfully exclaimed, "I see it; they're on Jesus". She and others lived to prove the reality of their faith by their changed lives. Furloughs In all we had six furloughs. During the first one I conducted over 300 meetings, showing slides and films and giving lectures. At the same time I collected, through the meetings, over 1,000 for the building of the Macleod Memorial Church. The second furlough saw me across the Atlantic, representing the Assembly at the Reformed Ecumenical Synod at Grand Rapids, while the Foreign Missions' Board appointed me to preach in Detroit and Canada. The sermon I preached in Toronto was worth 10,000 dollars, which represents the sum of money willed to our work here by one present at that meeting Mrs Sarah Shields. Principal Graham gives us a rare furlough insight: In the home Church Joseph McCracken is remembered as one of the most exciting missionaries to work on home-leave. Who before him had ever brought the living, moving African scene to our Church Halls? Slides and commentaries we had known for some timebut movies with the missionary reproducing the grunts of heathen dancers, this was really innovative."

Retirement Years
Referring to his travels Rev McCracken remarked, During my missionary service I've travelled over half a million
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miles without any serious accidents. Surely this was the hand of God. However, ill health demanded his retirement in 1976, but it did not hinder him from preaching most Sabbaths for many years after. On Saturday 29 October 1983 a new church, The McCracken Church, was opened in Geju in the Burnshill District where Rev and Mrs McCracken had worked for many years. Rev McCracken opened the church with a key handed to him by one of the old elders, and led the congregation in prayer. Later, Mrs McCracken unveiled a memorial plaque incorporating a photograph of the McCrackens with this inscription: This church is called the McCracken church in gratitude for the many years of devoted service to the Lord among the people of this district by Rev Joseph and Mrs Helen McCracken. To God be the glory. At his last service on 7 June 1987 Rev McCracken preached on the Ascension and participated in the Lords Supper. Then, after a painful and distressing illness of nearly five months duration, he entered the Lords immediate presence on Friday 13 Nov. 1987. He requested that death notices should conclude with words from Rev 22:3-4, His servants shall see him: and they shall see his face. His grave and that of his predecessor, Rev Alexander Dewar, lie side by side in King Williams Town cemetery. Mrs Helen McCracken, now in her 92nd year, lives in a Nursing Home in King Williams Town. As September 2001 draws to a
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close she is poorly, but better than she was earlier in the month. She speaks openly of her desire to see the Saviour face to face. Joseph and Helens daughter, Anne Uys, lives in Cape Town but comes to spend time with her mother as circumstances permit. Annes son Trevor and his wife are to emigrate to the UK in November 2001, and plan to live in Kent. Principal Graham concluded his tribute: we stand and salute the memory of an indefatigable workman for Christ, a fearless soldier, a brave pioneer. The end of an era is come. Rev McCrackens friend and colleague, Rev W J McDowell, wrote: He was a true Christian, a firm believer in salvation by grace alone, preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. The Lord gave him a natural buoyancy of Spirit that enabled him to persevere in face of opposition and indifference. And of Mrs McCracken he added, During the last weeks of his last sufferings she was daily at the hospital suffering distress because of his great sufferings. Mrs McCracken sums up much in saying: We had our fair share of disappointments and opposition, and we made many mistakes. But right to the end of his life the missionary said he had no regrets in answering God's call to Africa, and given his time over again, the choice would be the same. We leave the last word to Rev McCracken himself as he concluded his Reminiscences: "I'll bless the hand that guided, I'll bless the heart that planned, When throned where glory dwelleth In Immanuel's land."

Theology kills all known giants - dead!


A plea for theo-logic. by Stephen Atkinson
The good guys always win, at least in the childrens story book, and isnt David and Goliath a good childrens story. We all know that it is the story of a young shepherd boy defeating a giant. It is a story about David and the Philistines. It is about sling against sword. Or is it? I do hope Sunday School teachers and preachers have a more mature, and biblically sound approach to this important narrative. Actually it is not a lesson proving that size doesnt matter. It is about God and Goliath. Even David knows that, if we listen to what he says. But first let us briefly paint the scene. The background to the God versus Goliath battle is a failed king and a faithless people. They looked upon a hopeless situation having no solution. Goliath faced them, measuring nine and a half feet tall. His armour weighed nine stone, and the head of his spear was a stone weight in itself. Who is this guy? Well, according to David he is just an uncircumcised Philistine defying the armies of the living God. In Davids day, that was quite a novel perspective. Yet the secret of successful giant killing in our day is facing similar events with a similar mind. What is the striking difference between David, and Saul, and the rest of his men? David Payne comments, David injects the first theological note into the situation. Ralph Davis concurs, Doesnt having a living God make a difference in all this?, and he carries on, Israel thought the Philistines invulnerable, for David he was only uncircumcised. It was theo-logic that won the battle before the sides actually engaged. The perspective of David was not sling versus sword, but God versus Goliath. And it is a perspective we need to reclaim in a day of abundant failed religious leadership, and pervasive faithlessness in the pew.
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TEACH THEOLOGY. How shall we face the many giants and taunting Goliaths around us? Shall the church simply cower and whimper, hiding in the clefts in the rock? Have we admitted defeat, believing that since the Lords return is so near, its all downhill from here? That pessimism might arise from a certain view of eschatology, but whatever our view of kingdom growth or otherwise, we must not lose our view of God and his God-ness!

not to fill heads with cold distant doctrine, but warm experiential theology. We hear from Davids mouth not simply a few doctrinal watchwords, but an earthed and applied theo-logic: Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy...?

Where did David learn this, but in the crucible of hostile situations? He fought bear and lion. He knew the Lords grace and help. He walked with God. He lived by faith, not in fear. He daily beheld the goodness of God, Sometimes we approach things from a and appreciated the excellencies which moral perspective. We see gross we are called to declare. immorality all around, and the standards of right living even within Certainly the church today has faced, the church continuing to slide and is facing many hostile situations. downwards. So we face this Goliath The response however is often to join with a moral code. We preach, Do ranks with the enemy, or at least to this. Do that. This is wrong. That is endeavour to curry favour with the wrong. While it is right that we teach enemy, instead of holy engagement. and preach the law and the standards So we see the attempts to win the of Gods holiness, we shall not defeat world with the world. We see what this immoral Goliath with moralistic can be described as fairground preaching. religion. We see a worldly methodology, instead of an otherSometimes we approach things from a worldly theology! philosophical perspective. We state the logical reasoning behind what is Imagine a school bully terrorising the right and wrong. We argue that it school. But one young boy stands up makes sense to do this, and go this to him. And why? - well, his father is way, not that. But we simply give out the headmaster. Should the church warnings like the advice on cigarette not similarly stand up to Goliath, packets, that are read, but not heeded. since our Father is the Headmaster? When facing such Goliaths what we need to return to, and restore in ministry, and testimony, is an approach that is theological. This is
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Like David, we see our older brothers running scared. Established, historic churches are running scared of the enemy. Kingly officials are

sitting in their tents, sitting on their and Grier for that matter? hands. But let us not lose heart, or follow suit. Instead, teach theology. It Read and heed history, and teach theology. How important are those kills giants, - dead! documents in the making concerning But also we should learn to the history of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church! And when they HEED HISTORY are produced, make sure they are given the attention they deserve. David not only had theology to undergird his seemingly ludicrous To buy the book and permit it to actions, he also had history on his adorn your bookshelf may be a nice side. He recalled recent history, (his momento of 75 years history, but it deliverance from bear and lion), and will not kill giants in your life, or in also the history of the people of Israel. our pagan society unless we learn the It is important to heed history. lessons from history, and engage once Why is so much of Gods inspired Word history? Why should he devote so much of his one book to the life history of one people? He would have them, and us, learn over millennia, that He is a Sovereign Protector, and a Gracious Saviour. again in understanding and living out applied theology. ENGAGE THE ENEMY.

David didnt take Sauls armour because it was not proven. He chose his previous methods of sling and stone, as they were proven. Thus, History will also teach us theology. he engaged the enemy. But was it to When Paul took on the wise of show what a mighty warrior David Athens he taught theology, but also was, and that he really was suited for gave them a history lesson. When the the role of future king? Rather, it was early church faced intense to show that there is a God in Israel. persecution, and the Lord himself authored letters to the churches Similarly in our day, God is defied and (Revelation 2&3), He taught theology disgraced. But surely weve lost the and reminded them of history. Note zeal over this disgrace. Surely weve how often in those letters he says, I lost the concern to display truly that am the..., and I know. the Lord omnipotent reigns. Maybe we want to show our own reign. Furthermore, what is the historical Maybe we want to build our kingdom? background to the church writing its Maybe we want to show that we really creeds? Consider how Luther faced are suited to have our name on the the Giant Pope? What was the church roll book, and be our own methodology used by Whitefield, or king? Or is there true zeal for the Spurgeon, or Lloyd Jones - or Hunter
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Lords house consuming us? Perhaps simply in cowering down before so many Goliaths we have forgotten there is a God in Israel?

The theological perspective of David shames many of us. Yet how privileged we are to have a greater history to heed, and a more thorough well of theology to drink from. The Enough of the faithlessness and fear history to which I refer is gospel that marks others. Enough of worldly history. The theology, the gospel methodology. Enough of spanking theology concerning a Greater Son of new armour, that is not proven. Let us David who took on a Greater Goliath engage with the tried and tested old on a hill called the Place of the Skull. methods. Let us engage the enemy by One wonders whether the name was heeding history and asking for the given after the skull of Goliath was ancient paths. Let us engage the taken there near to Jerusalem to enemy with a fresh sight of God; a remind the people to heed history. theo-logical perspective. To this day stands Golgotha hill and When the preacher preaches that an empty tomb to remind us that we foolish message of the gospel, a single are more than conquerors through stone of the Word aimed under God, him, and whatever giants we may face causes hardened giants to fall down as a church corporate, or in our before the Lord. When the Lords individual lives, the Enemy was people return to walking by faith, and Engaged and defeated. living with a right sense of the sovereignty of God, we will know that Conclusion. the Lord holds in holy derision If you are a servant of Christ, then nations and governments who take have your mind filled with theos, their stand against the Lord and his being taught theo-logic. Heed the real anointed. history of the world, in particular the Ralph Davis is right to say, What Lords hand upon his precious matters is not whether you have the children. Engage the enemy every day, best weapons, but whether you have conscious that the God who delivers the real God. We must display our from bear and lion will deliver you, belief that we have, else we slip into and ultimately will present you the error of Saul and his men! faultless before his throne.
Zeal without doctrine is like a sword in the hands of a luna c. John Calvin. The rst thing the Bible does is to make a man take a serious view of life. D. Mar n Lloyd-Jones
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Books etc.
Be sure what you believe, prevalent which he calls, Sheer optimism. Our faith must have Jesus The Christian Faith Simply Explained. Christ for its object. by Joe Nesom. Much of the book is extremely well Evangelical Press written and most helpful. However the chapter on Baptism will diminish 176 pages, 7.95 the books usefulness for those who Reviewed by S. Atkinson hold to a paedo-baptist position. To baptise a baby only leads to a false assurance Joe Nesom has successfully given us a of salvation. (p.125) Really? systematic theology for beginners. His writing is careful but not too complex. I must add by way of balance that There are discussion questions at the this presbyterians heart was warmed end of each chapter which would be by a plea for more psalm singing! helpful as a basis for group study. May it be used to create a greater thinking church - who may later read I must admit to being immediately caught when, in his introduction, he Berkhof and Dabney! stated, Christians must become thinkers. He got a further Amen from this Salvation Exposed, reviewer when writing in chapter 1, by Peter Jeffrey. Much of what is sold in Christian bookshops is either not very helpful, or so full Evangelical Press of bad doctrine as to be virtually useless. But 126 pages, 29.50 (pack of 10) the Bible never fails. Reviewed by S. Atkinson In his chapter on the Incarnation he makes a swipe at the impoverished With bold warnings on the front practices of some:- The failure of our cover, The contents of this book may anti-doctrinal age has even caused some seriously transform your life, this is people to think of Christmas as a time to an excellent little summary of gospel bake a cake and sing Happy Birthday, dear truth to hand out to friends and Jesus, Happy birthday to you. Such an family. Essential biblical truths are set approach reveals a less than satisfactory out clearly and soundly, with many understanding of what Christmas means. I easy-to-understand illustrations. think that is quite a gracious This reviewer suggests having several understatement. copies to hand to give away. Justification is helpfully explained in chapter 11, Innocent before God. He wisely exposes a false view of faith so
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Can we pray for revival?

flaw which led to man-centred, manfabricated revivalism. He is refreshing by Brian Edwards in that he roots his theology of revival Evangelical Press in the Old Testament. In this I see a healthy antidote to a perhaps 224 pages, 7.95 unconscious Marcionite spirit in much Reviewed by S. Atkinson of todays church. In our laudable attempt to magnify the work of God under Sometimes revival can be considered the new covenant, we overlook too often just in a romantic way that uncritically how much was experienced in the views the happenings simply as the old. (p.49) way God works, instead of first considering the way God works and He also gives a note of caution concerning our mantra-like praying examining suggested revivals in the for revival, arguing that some of the light of that. In other words do we passages we use in such prayer have a theology to discern what meetings are misapplied. revival really is, or do we like to simply read revival history? The book will not find agreement among all, yet it is not meant to be If the theology of revival is lacking, and I believe in some circles it is, then argumentative. Rather it is a much needed piece of Biblical instruction on this book ably fills the vacuum. It is written from a theological perspective an important subject. Though it is produced in a popular format, it is not rather than a historical. Events, a casual read. It requires and deserves experiences and happenings are all brought to the touchstone of biblical serious attention particularly from those in leadership, but also among all doctrine. the saints of God who long for days He exposes Finneyism, and shows the

CHURCH NEWS
New Church Planter for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England & Wales. Rev Tim Horn and wife Sarah are moving to Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and beginning the process of planting a new church for the EPCEW. They would appreciate any contacts names/ addresses/ phone numbers / e-mails of anyone in that area who might be interested in learning more about the new work, and perhaps joining them. Contact details: Rev & Mrs Tim Horn 2 Jersey Ave Cheltenham GL52 2SZ 01242 512 252 timandsarah@horn24.fsworld.co.uk
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making progress with pilgrim


(- for pilgrims of all ages)
Jesus taught in parables. He used many pictures to teach deep truths. It is a good principle. When John Bunyan wrote Pilgrims Progress he used the same idea. He presented a parable, of someone going though life, learning about Salvation, the Christian Life, and the Characters you might meet along the pathway. Have you ever read Pilgrims Progress? It a good book for pilgrims of all ages to read and read again. The story begins with a man clothed in rags standing by a path with a book in his hand, and a heavy burden on his back. He is distressed concerning what is going to happen to the city he lives in. He is shown a scroll which tells him to Flee from the wrath to come. He is helped in that flight by a person called Evangelist who shows him a gate, which he shall get to if he follows the light. Unfortunately his family does not share his concern. They think he is mad. So he must go alone. Yet he is not alone for long. He meets many people, and learns many things - good and bad - from their words and actions. As soon as he leaves the city, two men follow him called Obstinate and Pliable. He will not go far before he bumps into Worldly Wiseman. He will be helped by Interpreter, and encouraged by Faithful and Hopeful. He will face Giant Despair and Doubting Castle. He will do battle with a dragon called Apollyon in the Valley of Humility. But the Delectable Mountains, Beulah Land,and finally the Celestial City await him as he makes his pilgrims progress. We too are in that picture. All our good deeds are nothing but filthy rags in the sight of God? By nature we are sinners living in a city of Destruction, and we too must flee from the wrath to come. Whether your family or friends come with you, you must leave and run towards the gate following the light. Gods Word is a light to our path, and Jesus Christ is the Gate. We are to enter through Him and be saved. If you are a Christian you know you will meet various trials along the way. You will meet various persons who will try to lead you astray. But you will also have helpers and friends who want to reach heaven as well. So will you run to Christ, and will you then make progress with pilgrim?

Evangelical Book Shop


15 College Square East, Belfast, BT1 6DD E-mail: shop@evanbooks-belfast.fsnet.co.uk Tel. 028 9032 0529 Fax 028 9043 8330 Manager: John Grier
Three designs are available in cellophane packs of ten identical cards @ 2.99. (Robin in snow/Holly wreath on red front door/Candle decorated with holly.) 1.00 from receipts of each pack will be donated to Africa Christian Textbooks to help circulate books to colleges in Nigeria under the direction of Rev Dr Sidney Garland. Many other Christmas cards and calendars available. Daily readings CH Spurgeon Morning and Evening. (Black or burgundy) rrp 12.99 Devotional readings reprinted in a soft feelgold edged edition. Chequebook of the Bank of Faith. (Burgundy or blue) rrp 9.99 R C Sproul Walking with Jesus Hardback daily readings from Luke with comments from a renowned American theologian. rrp 14.99

Charity Christmas cards for A.C.T.S

GIFT IDEAS

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Douglas Wilson Exhortations A Call to Maturity in Worship rrp 9.99 A hardback book of 225 pages giving calls to worship which are helpful in preparation for worship for all Christians. Biographies John Stott: a Global Ministry by Timothy Dudley Smith, 2nd (final) volume. Real Lives by Dorothy J Carswell. Thirteen brief biographies recounting changed lives.

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When God Steps In by Victor Maxwell rrp 7.99 Sale 5.99 The story of Acre Gospel Mission is told by the former Acre missionary whose previous biographies include that of Bill Woods.

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