Sunteți pe pagina 1din 24

Pastoral reminiscences The blessings of the new covenant From fear to faith

Page 6 Page 9 Page 12

The Christian & The WORLD


PART 1: The christian & the law
(Page 4)

.50
1
17
20
ER
NT
WI

Phi lippians 1 v 9-11


CONTENTS
The Evangelical Presbyterian is published quarterly by the Presbytery
of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Website
For more information on the Evangelical Presbyterian Church,
including details of our various congregations, please visit our
denominational website at www.epcni.org.uk

Policy
The views expressed are those of the editor and contributors and
are understood to reflect generally the theological position of the
Evangelical Presbyterian Church, unless otherwise stated.
Unsigned articles are by the editor.
03
First word
Articles
The editor is willing to accept articles for publication on the
understanding that the submission of an article does not guarantee
its publication. Contributors should recognise that all articles are also
04
liable to editing and alteration without consultation.
The Christian and the world
No material can be published unless the full name and postal address Part 1: The Christian & the Law
of the contributor is supplied. The preferred method of submission is
electronically as a Word document.

Theme verses 06
Philippians 1:9-11 Pastoral reminiscences
Editor
Andy Hambleton
37a Largy Road,
Crumlin
09
BT29 4RN
The blessings of the new covenant
Jeremiah 31:31-36
Phone: 07828 726130

Sub Editors:
Email: andyhambleton99@gmail.com
12
Marcus Hobson
Jeff Ballantine
From fear to fai th
Heather Watson Habakkuk 3:16-19

Book Reviews
14
Colin Campbell Chi ldren For Christ, Romania
Manager
The Evangelical Book Shop
BELFAST
BT1 6DD
16
Phone 028 9032 0529
Announcements

17
Email: info@evangelicalbookshop.co.uk
Website: www.evangelicalbookshop.co.uk

Subscriptions 2017 From the churches


Collected: 6-00

21
By post inside the UK: 10-00
By post outside the UK: 22-00

Enquiries to the Evangelical Book Shop


Praise & Prayer
Finance
Anyone wishing to help the churchs work may send their gift to the
Finance Committee C/O: 22
Rev J S Roger Book reviews
16 Huntingdale
BALLYCLARE
BT39 9XB 24
The church can benefit from the Gift Aid scheme from taxpayers Best of the blogs
donations. Please ask for details.

Printed by Saxoprint.
Design and layout by Derek Johnston

2
FIRST WORD
It is always a great encouragement to turn to the news
pages of this magazine and to read reports of gospel ministry
taking place in other parts of the world be that missionary
work in far flung countries, reports from summer camps, or
events in one of our congregations. It provides a great fillip to
hear about what God is doing in other places, even as we seek
to serve him in our own vicinity.
Paul and Barnabas had been ministering. Paul and Barnabas

T he closing words of Acts 14 strike a similar note. Paul and


Barnabas return to Antioch in Syria, gather together the
congregation which had sent them out on the first missionary
understood, as must we, that the success of ministry depends
ultimately not on us, but on the sovereign God, using his
people, and opening the right doors.
journey, and declare to the church all that had taken place
through their ministry. As they do so, we notice three Thirdly, gospel ministry is done for Gods purposes.
principles for gospel ministry, which apply in all times Remarkably, this door of faith had been opened up to the
and places. Gentiles!
This great purpose of God had been announced way back in
Firstly, gospel ministry is done in Gods grace. Luke tells us Genesis 12, where God promised Abraham that through his
that Paul and Barnabas sailed to Antioch, where they had offspring, Gods blessing would be enjoyed not only by the
been commended to the grace of God for the work that they biological descendants of Abraham, but indeed that all the
had fulfilled (v26). It is only in the grace of God that any families of the earth would be blessed. Jesus, the offspring of
of us, even the apostle Paul himself, can be involved in the Abraham, is the one through whom Gods blessing will reach
work of ministry. We dont deserve to be involved in it, and to the ends of the earth.
God certainly does not need us to be involved in his work, How does that blessing get to the ends of the earth? It does
because he can do whatever he wants without us. And yet so through Gods people taking this message to the world.
God, in his grace, uses sinful, finite, fallen people like us in his Jesus said to his apostles in Acts chapter 1, you will be my
work. He graciously calls us and equips us and uses us in the witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to
work of ministry. When we remember this truth, it empties the end of the earth.
our ministry of pride, and it will flood it with humility. It is As he gives his missionary report to the church in Antioch, Paul
impossible to be arrogant about what you do to serve God declares that this ancient purpose of God is now being fulfilled,
when you remember that you do so only in his grace. as the gospel of Jesus is taken to the nations, and even the
Gentiles put their trust in the Messiah, and receive
Secondly, gospel ministry is done under Gods sovereignty. Gods blessing.
Gods sovereignty is underlined twice in verse 27. It is
underlined firstly in that Paul and Barnabas describe their This is the same work in which we are involved today; taking
ministry as what God had done with them. Yes, they this same gospel to the nations, announcing to them that
themselves had been the ones who had travelled and through faith in Jesus they too can become a part of Gods
preached. But nonetheless, they acknowledge that over and people, and receive his salvation.
above their own exertions, it was actually God at work. They As we face this unfinished task, lets remember that our
were merely Gods instruments and agents. ministry is always in Gods grace, under Gods sovereignty,
That note of Gods sovereignty is underlined again when and for Gods purposes.
we read that God was the one who opened a door of faith.
God was the one who made it possible for the gospel to
be preached, heard and subsequently believed by those in
Antioch, Lystra, Iconium, and all the other towns in which

3
The Christian & The WORLD
PART 1: The christian & the law

I magine the situation you have been working for your employer
for a number of years and when you interviewed for the job you
made it clear that, as a Christian, you would not be able to work
on Sundays. At the time this wasnt a problem there was no
requirement for Sunday working but things have changed and your
boss has warned you that if you wont change your views, you may
lose your job.

This was exactly the scenario that Celestina Mba found herself
in. Celestina was a care worker in the London Borough of Merton
and had told Merton Council (her employer) before accepting the
job that she was unable to work on Sundays. However, the Council
subsequently changed their policy, requiring Sunday working from
employees as a part of their core hours. Celestina took the Council
to an employment tribunal, claiming constructive dismissal and been given to him by God. Perhaps in Northern Ireland, where many
specifically seeking to clarify legislation on Sunday working. While of our leaders have committed evil acts that have caused deep and
she ultimately lost her case, Celestina won a victory of sorts for lasting pain, we need to be reminded of that truth. They too have
Christians. The Court of Appeal confirmed that Sunday is a Christian been given authority by God and we are therefore subject to the laws
day of rest. that they pass.

Over the next few editions of this magazine, we are going to be But you may be asking, why has God delegated this authority? Paul
thinking about the Christians worldview. And Celestinas case goes on to explain. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but
raises a number of questions for us concerning our first topic the to bad. God has put rulers in place to restrain evil. In his wisdom
relationship between the Christian and the law of the land. Is a God uses even evil and wicked rulers as a channel of his common
Christian required to keep the law? Are there any occasions when it grace, to keep humanity from becoming as evil as it could be. This is
is Biblical to break the law? And to what extent should we seek to a wonderful mercy of God, for as Paul reminds us, rulers are Gods
influence existing and developing legislation? servant for your good. Laws, the governments who create them,
and even the traffic police who enforce them, are all for our good!
Authority does a Christian have to obey the law? This is illustrated by the freedom for our consciences when we obey
As we begin to answer this question, it is important that we the law (v.5) and in Pauls warning that the punishment for breaking
remember that as Christians, we are called to serve God. This is clear the law is both fair and right (v.4). And it extends even to how we
in both the Old Testament (Deut.10:12) and the New (1 Thess.1:9). treat our taxes and rates (v.6-7).
Every aspect of our lives is to be governed by, and submitted to, the
lordship of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. What a challenge that is to our hearts and minds. How we think and
speak about our lawmakers must be shaped by the Bible. The simple
However, Scripture explains that God has delegated authority to truth is that authority does not need to be earned, it has been given.
governments and rulers, who govern us by enacting and enforcing The Christian is to obey the law.
laws. In Romans 13:1-7 the Apostle Paul, writing to a church based
in Rome, tells them Let every person be subject to the governing Disobedience does a Christian always have to obey the law?
authorities. He continues, For there is no authority except from But what happens when the law of the land comes into conflict
God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. This was with the law of God? What about Celestina Mba, or Ashers Baking
Rome. Immorality, dishonesty and evil were rampant. At this point Company, or the many other Christians who face legal challenges
in history the Empire was becoming increasingly intolerant of the because of their faith? Is it ever right for a Christian to disobey
new and rapidly spreading faith of these believers. Yet Paul couldnt the law?
be clearer. The Christians were to obey the Roman authorities. Why?
God had put them in their seat of power. The short answer is yes. While God has delegated authority to
governments and rulers, every human being is ultimately required
As this article is being written, Donald Trump has become President- to obey him. Therefore, when our governments and rulers create or
Elect of the United States of America. That a man with such interpret legislation in a way that asks us to disobey Gods law, we
questionable personal morals could rise to the most powerful must obey our heavenly Father. This was the example of Peter and
position in the world may concern us. And yet Pauls words apply John in Acts 5. Filled with jealousy at the influence of the Apostles
equally to believers in America in 2017. They are to be subject, even as they preached the gospel message, the Jewish authorities had
to Donald Trump. His authority does not need to be earned, it has arrested and imprisoned them, warning them to stop preaching.

4
In reply Peter and John exclaimed, We must obey God rather than 2. Live consistent Christian lives
men. This is to be our principle. Where we cannot obey a human law
without breaking a divine law, we must obey God rather than men. Living lives that are shaped by the Bible and empowered by the Holy
Spirit may be our most effective witness to the world and positive
Yet in doing so, we must be balanced. In telling his disciples that he is illustration of the gospels power (1 Pet.3:13-17). And when we
sending them out like sheep amongst wolves, Jesus commands them come into conflict with the law of the land, the world will quickly
to be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves (Matt.10:16). spot our inconsistencies. This was illustrated in Celestina Mbas
The Bible is bursting with records of Christians who have gracefully case, where the original High Court judgement had held that as many
and winsomely disobeyed the law of the land. Daniel and his three Christians no longer believed Sunday to be a day of rest, it was not a
friends resolved not to eat the defiled food from Nebuchadnezzars core principle of the Christian faith. How consistent our Christian life
table, and asked for permission to do so (Dan.1:8). David refused is may have an impact on others, and even on how the law is applied.
to harm the Lords anointed and bowed to him, even when Saul
was trying to murder him (1 Sam.24:8-15). Esther graciously asked Similarly, in the case involving Ashers, one aspect of the Court of
permission to approach her husband, King Xerxes (an illegal act), and Appeals judgement was to note that the company was prepared to
seek to overturn the law that would have exterminated Gods people bake Halloween Cakes, which secular legal counsel recognised as
(Esther 4:16, 5:5-8, 7:2-4). We too are to be gracious and winsome if being against Biblical principles. That is not to criticise the company
and when disobedience is required. but we should learn to examine every aspect of our lives. The world
might say, dont sweat the small stuff but they will notice if we
Influence how should a Christian try to influence the law? dont.
As our country becomes increasingly secularised, the laws that our
politicians pass, and how our courts are enforcing them, are making 3. Be ready to stand
life difficult for Christians who want to obey God. So how can we best
influence the law in a way that honours God? In discussing some Ultimately, we must be ready to follow the example of the Apostles
relevant legislation and case-law, we have suggested three practical and obey God rather than men. This is our Christian duty and in
principles below. recent times we have seen the powerful examples of Lilian Ladele,
John Craven and Peter and Hazelmary Bull. Each of these individuals
1. Pray for and honour government stood for God in a work context. Lilian was a registrar who politely
asked to be excused from providing civil partnerships on the ground
The Bible commands us to pray for and honour our government (1 of conscience. John was a street preacher who quoted the Bibles
Tim.2:1-2, 1 Pet.2:17). As we have already discussed, honouring teaching on homosexuality. Peter and Hazelmary ran a B&B and
our leaders affects how we think and speak about them. If we truly refused to allow a homosexual couple to share a room (as was their
believe that the kings heart is in the hand of the Lord (Prov.21:1), policy for all unmarried couples). While legal proceedings have met
we will be asking God to turn it in a direction that honours him. We differing levels of success, God has been honoured in their testimony.
need to examine ourselves in this area. Can we be guilty of moaning
about our leaders more than we pray for them? Pray that God would Of course our most wonderful example is always our Saviour, the
use our government to develop laws that uphold Biblical principles. Lord Jesus Christ. He stood for the honour of his Father when he
The Westminster Confession of Faith highlights our particular duty to cleansed the Temple (John 2:17). His life under the law was so
uphold Christian politicians in prayer (see ch.23.4). consistent that Pilate could ask, What evil has he done? (Mark
15:14). His food was to do the will of him who sent me (John 4:34).
Three areas that need our urgent prayer are: As we seek to influence the law positively for Gods glory, let us fix
our eyes on him, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the
Religious Freedom and the proposed Extremism Disruption Orders joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,
(EDOs). These orders would grant the government a legal form of and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb.12:2).
censorship over extremist groups. While this may sound helpful,
the definition of an extreme group appears wide and could result in
faithful Christian preaching being hindered.

Marriage legislation and the repeated attempts by our Assembly to


redefine marriage. Pray for a positive outcome in the ongoing legal
case involving Ashers Baking Company.

Education, particularly in Scotland. The Scottish Assembly is


pursuing an aggressive agenda of sex education for children as
young as two, which includes encouraging them to explore gender,
feminism, sexuality and queerness. While this does not directly affect
John is a student for the ministry, currently in his
us in NI, it is a worrying development that could influence our own
second year at Reformed Theological College,
politicians.
Belfast. He previously worked for a professional
services firm for 7 years, is married to Claire, and
Dad to Meredith!

5
PASTORAL
REMINISCENCES

BEGINNINGS been held together by Mr George four years I made the round trip of
Bellew who had simultaneously been 100 miles every Sunday afternoon and

Ican now look back with the wisdom elder, treasurer and Sunday School each Thursday afternoon and evening
of hindsight on my pastoral ministry Superintendent for over 50 years. to conduct worship services and do
which was mainly in North Belfast. The Troubles were at their height pastoral visitation.
I began work in Crosscollyer Church as and the church was situated at the I still remember the first time Doreen,
a summer student assistant in 1979 heart of it. Over the years 25% of all who later became my wife, attended
and again in 1980, and was ordained the troubles related deaths in N Ireland Crosscollyer with me. The first words
to pastoral ministry there on 7th (700+) would occur within three miles said to her were, Can you play the
October 1981. I continued as minister of our church door. During my ministry organ? There had not been any
there until the end of 2015 and am still four different peace walls would be musical accompaniment for many
involved in a supporting role. established within 400 yards of our years and Doreen readily filled that
Coming from a rural farming premises. That set the context for the role. Campaigners had closed a
background to inner city Belfast was type of ministerial approach that we short time before my arrival due
a huge cultural shock that required should follow. to the effects of the troubles and
many adjustments. However, I quickly the breakdown in family structures
recognised that there were similarities THE EARLY YEARS resulting mainly from fathers receiving
also, as both communities preferred lengthy prison sentences for terrorist
frank and open discussion of everyday Lots of things beckoned to be done crimes. The Sunday School had one
events. but the manpower to do them was teacher and 3 pupils and there was
The church had been vacant for a severely restricted. In addition, I had a small weekly Good News Club
number of years, had a very small also accepted a call to a small church staffed by CEF. In 1982 soon after our
elderly congregation, and the building at Clintyfallow situated between marriage we began the first youth club
was not in good repair. The work had Dungannon and Aughnacloy. For nearly in our area in an effort to reach with

6
the gospel the numerous kids who to us from Stranmillis. They made into membership some ex-prisoners
hung around the streets and were an immense difference and soon the who had been converted in the Maze
easy recruits for the paramilitaries. Sunday School had expanded to over Prison. North Belfast was very troubled
Mervyn Kelly and Billy Thompson from 60 pupils. With three new teachers for many years with frequent police
Stranmillis church volunteered their and a Superintendent, all from the and army road blocks. Wearing a
help and were vital cogs in our youth Johnston family, we were able to cope. clerical collar was a useful means of
programme for many years. Depending Alex Johnston was soon elected as identification to all warring parties and
on the events of the previous few days an elder and also functioned as our helped to speed my journeys by car.
the state of mind of the young people treasurer, while his wife established
could range from being fairly peaceful the first Mother and Toddlers group SALT AND LIGHT IN THE COMMUNITY
to tense as a guitar string and there in our district. The assistance of the
were many challenging moments. Gilliland family was also crucial as For many years we held a Sunday
The club would continue until 2002 Trevor became the unofficial Sunday evening Coffee Bar for local youth
when I could no longer maintain it as School sweetie man as well as after our evening service and this
well as the youth club in Somerton. It teacher, assisted by several of his was sometimes taken by the Stauros
was a useful bridge into the community daughters. He was later elected to Testimony Band led by Tom Eakin. The
as well as a diversion for the young the eldership. The help of these two band was a means of helping those
people from antisocial activities. Many committed families transformed our recovering from addiction to stand for
personal friendships were forged that witness to the area. In the early years Christ and to re-integrate back into
continue until this day. we also received help in outreach church and society. As the troubles
God providentially provided help from from YPA members who came during subsided it was evident that in our area
the Limestone Youth Training Project the Halloween and Easter breaks to major problems of addiction continued
based in Jennymount Mill, who worked conduct door to door surveys and unabated. Usually men were addicted
on the building for over a year installing youth programmes. to alcohol and women to prescribed
new barge board and guttering. Later we were able to get help from nerve tablets such as Valium and
They also replaced our rusted through student outreach teams from Belfast Librium. Illegal drugs such as cannabis
railings and gates and painted the Bible College and every year we did and ecstasy were also becoming an
building inside and out. It provided a door to door outreach covering both issue. The statutory authorities were
great opportunity to build bridges into sides of the peace line. The teams also not interested in tackling the problem
our community for sharing the gospel, held several missions so in February 1999 with
and we presented each of the staff in the church, led by Many lives were the help of Stauros we
and workers with a Bible as a mark of Rev Dessie Maxwell. transformed by the began the Helping Hand
our appreciation. For much of my early Despite the escalating grace of God, addiction support group.
years I was ploughing and not yet violence between the health restored and God supplied wonderful
sowing as I established credibility in a two communities we
family links helpers in John McClure
re-established.
community which was distrustful always were welcomed and Shirley Steen, and
of everyone. warmly on our visits the work progressed
to the Catholic New Lodge area and from once a fortnight to twice each
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT gospel literature was received gladly. I week. Many lives were transformed by
also received a similar response when the grace of God, health restored and
In my second year as minister the I made many difficult home visits family links re-established. Many are
Sunday School grew to 13 kids but to offer my prayerful sympathy to now integrated into the regular life of
we had only one teacher. It was a catholic families who had loved ones the congregation and many more have
wonderful answer to prayer to receive murdered by loyalist paramilitaries. I died in Christ.
a phone call from the Johnston family visited in prison some of our former
telling me that God was leading youth club members who had been
them to transfer their membership arrested for crime and later received
7
Following the Good Friday peace Road and helped in the establishment and Somerton have always been very
agreement and decommissioning of of the new outreach work through supportive, prayerful and generous in
arms there was little change in the Hope Fellowship. It was a great joy their giving and this has been a great
daily lives of people in our community. to see nearly all of the elderly folks encouragement throughout
For many years it had been largely attending profess faith in Christ in their my ministry.
policed by paramilitary figures who later years. My great desire is that this As we have remained small we are
were moving increasingly into crime. new work should grow and flourish to indebted to other congregations for
To report anything to the police the glory of God in an equally needy their financial and prayerful support
resulted in being branded as a tout district. through the denominational Central
and subsequent harassment. For twelve years I had the privilege Fund.
After more than 30 years of continual of travelling regularly to help in the Above all gratitude must go to our
violence only the older people had ever establishment of both the Presbytery loving heavenly Father who called me
experienced normality. The community of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church to this work and in many wonderful
needed help to move towards in England and Wales and also the ways has sustained us and supplied
becoming a normal society. Christians congregation in Blackburn. It is a all our needs both as a family and a
are called to be both salt and light and delight that both are functioning well. congregation.
this we aspired to do as I also twice represented To Him be all the glory.
we worked with some It was a great joy our denomination at the
paramilitary leaders to see nearly all International Conference
who were committed to of the elderly folks of Christian Churches in
law and order through attending profess faith Holland and in Seoul and
government supervised in Christ in also at the Synod of the
their later years.
transition schemes. Dutch Reformed Church
For several years the (Liberated) in Holland. I
community moved rapidly forward as greatly enjoyed being involved for more
drug dealing, demanding protection than 40 years in our church camps both
money, unlicensed money lending and as camper and leader and benefited
other forms of crime were reported to greatly from them. I believe we should
the police who now were welcomed be rightly proud of the wonderful
into the area. While there has been young people we have in our churches
some slippage in recent months much and their commitment to the reformed
of the progress has been retained and faith. I also, as opportunity afforded,
the relevance of the churches to the gave talks in defence of the reliability
community is being re-established. of the Biblical account of creation,
Through my contacts with other local understanding it as fundamental for
clergy I was able to encourage more the survival of orthodox Christianity.
church involvement in community
affairs, and different initiatives SINCERE APPRECIATION
were made. The clergy and prayer
meetings of the local churches now All my efforts would not have been
meet together on a regular basis for possible without the wholehearted
fellowship and mutual encouragement. support of my wife Doreen and the
understanding of my family. Robert Beckett recently retired
from being minister of the joint
OTHER THINGS We are indebted to Stranmillis YPA
charge of Crosscollyer Street and
and church camps for the fellowship Somerton Road congregations in
For the last twenty years I also they gave to our children. The elders North Belfast.
pastored the congregation at Somerton and congregations at Crosscollyer
8
THE BLESSINGS OF THE NEW COVENANT:
Jeremiah 31:31-36

C hapter 7 of the Westminster Confession of Faith is


entitled Gods covenant with man. It begins as follows:
The distance between God and the creature is so great, that
Sinai, the people responded by saying: All that the LORD has
said we will do, and be obedient (Exodus 24:7).
However, it soon became clear that they were anything but
although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him sincere, because no sooner had Moses gone up the mountain
as their Creator, yet they could never have any fruition of to commune with God, than the people managed to persuade
him as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary Aaron to make a golden calf (Exodus 32). Tragically, their
condescension on Gods part, which He has been pleased future history was really no better and is best summarised
to express by way of covenant. In laymans language, the in the words of Isaiah 65:2: I have stretched out my hand all
Confession is saying that there is a great chasm between the day long to a rebellious people. Such was the sinfulness of
creature and the Creator (Isaiah 55:8). And if that creature/ this nation that after they split in two in the time of Solomon,
Creator distinction isnt wide enough already, sin has widened not one good king ruled over the Northern tribes. As a result
it further (Isaiah 59:2). In fact, this gap is so wide that it the children of Israel were carried away into captivity by
can only be bridged by God Himself, and He has graciously Assyria in 740 BC for their sin. The children of Judah fared
condescended to do this by way of covenant. The history of a little better, because there were some good kings among
the covenant is really the history of the bible, and Gods word them, but sadly they too learned nothing from their Northern
will make little sense to you unless you see this common counterparts and went astray as well. In the time of Jeremiah
thread running throughout its entire contents, from Genesis to the cup of their iniquity was full, so to speak. The curses of
Revelation. the covenant were about to be poured out upon the covenant
The bible describes God entering into several covenants people, and the instrument God used to mete out His judgment
with man. The first one is the so-called covenant of works was Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. He carried them away
with Adam, described in Genesis chapter 2. Adam broke that into captivity in several transportations around 587 BC. It was
covenant when he partook of the forbidden fruit, but God had at that point, at a time when the sound of soldiers voices and
already planned the covenant of grace, which He intimated the clash of soldiers swords could be heard outside the city,
in the first gospel promise (Genesis 3:15). After that, there that Jeremiah received this revelation from God (Jeremiah
followed a whole series of covenants, each one building on 31:31-36). In this article we consider the six blessings of the
the previous one. Scripture records Gods covenant with Noah new covenant, which are all fulfilled in Christ.
(Genesis 9), with Abraham (Genesis 17), with Moses (Exodus
24), with David (2 Samuel 7), culminating in the new covenant 1) Reconciliation
described in Jeremiah chapter 31, which the New Testament
applies to Christ. In verse 31 God promised to unite His people: I will make a
When God entered into covenant with the nation of Israel at new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of
9
Judah. These two nations had been separated from the time why even those who have never heard the commandments
of Solomon onwards, but God now promised to unite them know the difference between right and wrong. But in the new
as one. Ezekiel predicted the same reunion in Ezekiel 37:15- birth God writes this law anew on our hearts, so that we are
17 using the imagery of two sticks becoming one. All of this created afresh in His image. Through sanctification, this image
is fulfilled in the church, as Hebrews chapter 8 reminds us. of God becomes progressively clearer as we work out our
The commentator PE Hughes puts it well: The promise of salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13).
the reunion of Israel and Judah was symbolical of the healing Then when we die, all traces of sin will disappear forever and
of every human breach and the reconciliation of all nations we will become absolutely perfect (Hebrews 12:23). The basis
and persons in Christ. Thats why Paul could say of believers: of this great change is the finished work of Christ and the
For as the body is one and has many members, but all the gift of the Spirit which He purchased for us.
members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also Many people are into renewal today. Folk are constantly
is Christ. For by one Spirit we are all baptised into one body, trying to improve their minds, their bodies and their homes.
whether we are Jews or Gentiles, bond or free; and have Bookshops are full of self-help books which teach you how to
all been made to drink of one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). pass exams, increase your self-esteem, cope with worry, make
This union already exists among Gods people, although it is money and have a happy marriage. Tummy tucks, nose jobs,
also capable of being undermined or promoted, hence the teeth whiteners and hair transplants are all big business!
command to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace Many TV programmes also focus on home improvements.
(Ephesians 4:3). Fellow believer, this means that as a lover of God can do something far more radical than any of these
the new covenant, you ought to be at one with your fellow things - He can change your very nature. Compare what God
Christians, as far as that is possible. Sadly, the church is still by can do with our state by nature (Jeremiah 17:1).
schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed. And the more
I live in this world, the more I look forward to that day when 3) Instruction
Gods people will be perfect and of one mind in everything.
But perhaps you are an unbeliever and do not belong to this In verse 34 God promises to teach His people: No more shall
privileged group! What about your future? Because we are all every man teach his neighbour, and every man his brother
gregarious creatures, we dont like being left out. Its part saying, know the LORD, for they shall all know me, from
of our humanity, after all, to belong to something. May I the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD.
therefore attract you to the only group worth belonging to? This does not mean that there is no place for teachers in the
It is described beautifully in Hebrews chapter 12:22-24: But New Testament economy, because Ephesians 4:11 teaches
you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, otherwise: And he Himself gave some to be apostles,
the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, some prophets; some evangelists; and some pastors and
to the general assembly of the firstborn who are registered in teachers. What Jeremiah means is this: in the Old Testament
heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made economy God taught His people indirectly through prophets,
perfect, to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. You too intermediaries and priests. A prophet would receive a message
can belong to this group through repentance and faith in Jesus! from God and then convey it to the people. An intermediary
such as Moses would go up the Mount and receive Gods law.
2) Regeneration An appointed priest would perform the necessary functions
to procure pardon. In other words, every blessing was enjoyed
In verse 33 God promises to renew His people: I will put My indirectly. The people wouldnt dare approach God directly,
law in their minds, and write it on their hearts. At Sinai the law otherwise they would die. Tuition could only come through
of God was written on tablets of stone; in the new covenant Gods appointed messengers and in Gods appointed way.
God writes it upon the fleshly tables of our hearts. Its the Everything is very different today. In this era, in addition to the
difference between a cold external code and a warm internal teachers that God gives His church, we can open our bibles, ask
motive. The old covenant brought condemnation because for the help of the Spirit and enjoy personal illumination: You
mankind couldnt do what the law demanded. However, what have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things...
the law could not do, God the Son was able to do (Romans 8:3). The anointing which you have received of Him abides in you,
Thats because in the New Covenant God provides what He and you need not that anyone teach you (1 John 2;20,27). We
requires; the desire and ability to do His will. learn directly, whereas those in the old dispensation learned
This is the same law that God wrote on Adams heart prior to indirectly. Matthew Henry explains: All shall know Me, all
the fall when He pronounced him very good (Genesis 1:31). shall be welcome to the knowledge of God and shall have the
Tragically, as a consequence of the fall, this handiwork of God means of that knowledge; His way shall be known upon earth,
has been almost obliterated. Fallen man has now the work of whereas for many ages, in Judah only was God known. Many
the law, written on his heart (Romans 2:15), which explains more shall know God than did in the Old Testament times,
10
which among the Gentiles were times of ignorance, the true Howell Harris met George Whitefield for the first time, he
God being to them an unknown God. The things of God shall in asked him a very strange question. He asked him: Do you
gospel times be made more plain and intelligible, and level to know that your sins are forgiven? He didnt assume that
the capacities of the meanest, than they were while Moses had because he preached his sins were forgiven. The two ought to
a veil upon his face. go together, but dont necessarily. In the Apostles Creed we
What a blessing it is to be taught by God! Pastor John McArthur proclaim I believe in the forgiveness of sins. This blessing can
once had a row with an atheistic professor. In typical blunt only come to us through the New Covenant.
fashion he said: You know nothing about anything that
matters, you dont know where youve come from, where you 6) Preservation
are going, why you are here, how to have a good relationship
with your wife, how to have peace in your soul, how to In verse 35-36 God promises to preserve His people: Thus
cope with problems, and I have the answer to all of those says the LORD, who gives the sun for a light by day, The
things! People today thirst after knowledge, but what sort ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night, who
of knowledge are you seeking? Is it of any lasting value? You disturbs the sea, and its waves roar (the Lord of hosts is His
can know God and discover the answers to the questions that name): If those ordinances depart from before Me, says the
really matter through studying the bible, in dependence upon LORD, then the seed of Israel shall also cease from being a
the Holy Spirit. nation before Me forever. Jeremiah reminds us here of some
fixed laws of nature - the sun that shines by day, the moon
4) Union that shines by night and the tidal system. Hes talking about
certain aspects of Gods providential activity which never
In verse 33 God promises to be the God of His people: I will change and which we all take for granted. Day after day God
be their God and they shall be My people. The great King of makes His sun to rise on the evil and the good (Matthew
kings and Lord of lords says that He is willing to save us. He 5:45). The same is true of the moon and the stars at night.
is willing to bring us into the number. He promises to meet As for the waves of the sea, God says: thus far you shall come
all our needs for time and eternity, but there is a condition and no further (Job 38:11). These natural activities fall out as a
to be met on our part. We have to repent and believe the result of His fixed decree, but heres the point: these activities
gospel (Mark 1:15), although amazingly God also provides will cease, but Gods covenant mercies towards His people will
what He demands. Thats why Ephraim [v.18] prayed in never cease. As verse 3 of this chapter states I have loved you
this very chapter: Restore me, and I will return, for you are with an everlasting love. Geerhardus Vos elaborates further:
the LORD my God. When we comply with these demands, The best proof that God will never cease to love us is the fact
everything changes entirely (2 Corinthians 5:17). Scripture that He never began.
teaches that we are saved by faith alone, but saving faith In closing, note well that all these blessings only come to
is never alone (Ephesians 2:8-10). And there is nothing more us through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Reconciliation
noble or satisfying in all the world than being caught up in this - Galatians 3:28; Regeneration - Galatians 4:1; Instruction -
relationship. As Augustine said: God has made us for Himself Matthew 11:29; Union - 1 Timothy 2:5; Pardon - Ephesians
and we cannot find our rest until we find our rest in Him. Are 1:7; and Preservation - Jude 24. Hallelujah, what a Saviour!
you caught up in the bundle of life with the Lord our God?
Who is your God/god? Is it someone or something that you
have conjured up in your own mind, or is it the God of the bible?
If this God is for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31),
but cursed is the man who trusts in man (Jeremiah 17:5).

5) Pardon

In verse 34 God promises to forgive His people: I will forgive


their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more. All our
lack of conformity unto and transgressions of Gods law
can be pardoned through the New Covenant. God promises
to wipe the slate clean and to remove our guilt. The devil may Jeff Ballantine, a native of Co. Tyrone, has been a
still condemn us, conscience may condemn us, others may minister of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church
for 25 years. He is currently ministering in
condemn us, we may even condemn ourselves, and there is a
Groomsport, Co. Down, having previously served
certain truth in all of these verdicts, but God says I will cast
in the Lisburn Road congregation.
all your sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19). When
11
FROM FEAR
TO FAITH
HABAKKUK 3:16-19

D r. Martyn Lloyd-Jones published a series of sermons on


Habakkuk in the 1950s with the title From fear to faith (a book
still in print today). We see what an apt title that is as we come to the
prophet Habakkuk wasnt some sort of superhuman; this affected
him physically. He understood it clearly enough, and was afraid. Fear
affects us. Even the Apostle Paul preaching in Corinth said I was with
end of Habakkuk. you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.
Habakkuk had come to the Lord with his questions. He couldnt So Habakkuk took God at his word and it deeply affected him. But
understand why Judah was in such a mess, and he cried out to what does he do in this situation? The first thing were told here is
God because of it. And the Lord responded. He gave his word to that he rested or he waited patiently (v.16). He waited to see these
Habakkuk; he told him what he was going to do, how he would raise things unfold. He knew it was in the Lords hands. There was nothing
up the ruthless Chaldeans against Judah, and how they would take to do but to wait for the Lord; he knew that the day would come
possession of the land. That was what was coming. when their enemies would be overwhelmed.
So, whats the end of the story? How are things resolved? Habakkuk couldnt do anything about the Babylonians, but he
We come to these last verses, 3v16-19. Where do we go in times continued to wait upon the Lord and to hope in him. It wasnt just
which make us afraid? Where is solid lasting joy to be found? What resignation, but continuing to look to God.
hope do we have for the future? Habakkuk has an answer at the end The book of Lamentations written not long after this, lamenting the
of the book. These final verses are words of profound faith in God. fall of Jerusalem, reminds us, It is good that one should hope and
wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
1. TREMBLING WITH FEAR (v. 16) We can rest assured of the purposes of God. His purposes dont fail,
his ways dont change, we can rest in him. Habakkuk learned to wait
Fear does strange things to us, doesnt it? The heart is pounding, on the Lord, to rest in Him.
the stomach is churning, perhaps your palms are sweating. It has
an effect upon us. Habakkuk describes fears very real effect upon 2. REJOICING STILL (v. 17-18)
him. Hes afraid in such a way as to be left physically and emotionally
drained. My body trembled, my lips quivered at the voice, rottenness The prospects awaiting Habakkuk and the land of Judah are fearful.
entered my bones. Fear left him feeling weak and exhausted. The land was about to be overwhelmed; it would be a time of want
What has left him so afraid? It is what hes heard: When I heard, and great difficulty. He sums it up in these memorable words of verse
my body trembled; my lips quivered at the voice. This revelation of 17. Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines;
what God is going to do has a great effect upon him. Hes vividly though the labour of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food;
anticipating what is to come. This is bad news; its real. though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in
The Babylonian troops were coming with all their strength, power, the stalls....
and ruthlessness. And Habakkuk knew that Judah would be given up, This was a time of no harvest. And it wasnt just a case of what if
taken captive, the land ransacked. He was certain of that because this happened - he believed it certainly would happen when the
this is what God had promised would happen. It had been promised Babylonians came and took over the land. What would be left? The
long ago in Gods law given to Moses (Deut. 28:33, 36-7). This was things that Palestine grew so abundantly the choicest of foods, the
what would happen if Gods people were not faithful, if they went fig trees, the vines, the olives, the produce they enjoyed so much -
away from his ways, that another nation would come and take them gone. Not only choice foods, but necessary foods as well no bread,
captive. They would be taken away from that beloved, Promised Land no milk, no meat. No herd left, the fields not producing anything. The
where they lived. Now God had revealed to Habakkuk how this would land that they loved devastated. The cupboards bare and empty.
come to pass in his day. Remember that God created this world and he provided for man. Out
Habakkuk was afraid. He believed Gods word and he trembled. The of Gods goodness there is an abundance in creation to be enjoyed.

12
The Psalms rejoice in Gods goodness Psalm 65 says: You visit strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 2 v. 1). Christ is our
the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full sufficient help, we can turn again to him, we can renew our strength
of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. And in him.
Habakkuk was there in Judah, in the Promised Land, the land that Habakkuk knows that in faith he can look to the Lord for strength.
flowed with milk and honey - but how different verse 17 is to that. And then he takes a promise from Psalm 18 he will make my feet
This was a hard thing to bear for Habakkuk. We cant always explain like deers feet, and he will make me walk on my high hills. What a
times of hardship, and we have to be careful how we interpret events, way for Habakkuk to end this book on the heights.
but in this particular situation Habakkuk knew it had happened He thinks of how a deer can move swiftly over the rugged mountains,
because of the sins of Judah. It was Gods chastening. This was a time get up into the high places nimbly. Israel is a place which has rugged
of sorrow. mountains. And the Lord promises that his people will ride upon the
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD. Heres the turning point. At this difficult heights, they will take possession of the land; it will be theirs. Those
time when the things he might ordinarily enjoy werent there high places shall belong to them.
Habakkuk can still rejoice in the Lord. In the midst of everything there Habakkuk knows how God will give him strength and take him above
is something which isnt taken away from him - he still knows joy in and beyond what he expects. Not in his own strength will the heights
the God of his salvation. be his but in the Lords. He will make my feet like deers feet... God
This isnt just a stoical spirit, a readiness to bear things, but a will be with him all the way, he will triumph in the end, hell walk on
genuine joy in the Lord. This is finding joy in knowing our great God, high places.
in knowing his love for us, in knowing his grace towards us, knowing What high places will we walk on? What heights will be ours? You
that he doesnt change. Habakkuk knew the Lord as the God of my might say this is just poetry - were down-to-earth people, were not
salvation. He knew the Lord and trusted Him. going to be walking on the heights.
Habakkuk knew the Lord as a God who is gracious, as a God who But the gospel promises us triumph.
saves, a God who is faithful. As we look at chapter 3 as a whole we Paul says hes reaching forwards, pressing towards the mark for
are reminded of Gods mighty power, his great acts in the past, how what, Paul? For the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil.3 v.14), to
he went forth for the salvation of his people, how he had delivered be in heaven at last, to reach glory.
them in the past from their enemies. God was faithful in saving his Whatever we may have to face along the way there is triumph at the
people; Habakkuk knew that. end. We are more than conquerors through him who loved us... If we
Whatever was going on around him, he could depend upon Gods belong to Christ, thats how were described - well reach the end of
grace. What it is to know God as our God, to know his gracious smile, the road. Theres triumph to come.
the God of our salvation! We can know that assuredly in Jesus Christ Habakkuk was full of questions. He could ask Whats going on
that in Him we are reconciled to God, at peace with God. around me? Why so much wickedness, why so much injustice?
We have so much to rejoice in in Christ: the abundance of the love of We can ask those questions too - we live in a fallen, corrupt, sinful
God towards us in him, a love that passes understanding; each and world. Thats why Christ had to go to the cross our sins have to
every sin blotted out in Christs precious blood; guilt removed; the be dealt with. But Christ rose again triumphant. So we dont have to
assurance of him keeping us by his mighty power; the loving care of end Habakkuk with the afflictions that he was experiencing we can
our Father in heaven; knowing the almighty only true and living God have the great hope in God that he held onto through it all.
as our God. Such a great God is concerned for us. Lets be quick to The just shall live by faith Habakkuk exemplified that, didnt he?
rejoice in the God of our salvation! He lived by faith not by sight. In spite of what was happening in the
world around him, he knew and trusted the Lord, he knew him as the
3. WALKING ON THE HEIGHTS (v. 19) God of my salvation.

Lastly, we see how the prophet has confidence in God for all that is
to come. He had all his questions; he was filled with great fear about
what lay ahead of Judah, but now in verse 19, the end of the book, his
faith and dependence upon God come through. How can Habakkuk
keep going when theres adversity ahead?
The LORD God is my strength. The word for strength which is used
here is one which is often used to speak of having great power or
wealth, great resources at your disposal. When Habakkuk looks to
the Lord, he realises that there he finds the resources of heaven.
Hes not strong, he was shaking like a leaf in verse 16, but the Lord is Marcus Hobson has been minister of the Finaghy
EPC congregation since May 2014, having previously
my strength: he knows he can depend and rely on him.
served as an assistant in Durham Presbyterian
The Apostle Paul knew Timothy well, knew his weakness, knew the
Church. He is married to Alison, and they have one
things that he would be facing how does he encourage him? Be son, Edward.
13
orphanage in Arad, Romania. She shared with them her need
Children For Christ, Romania of good childrens materials and visuals to use in her Sunday
school. She also shared her desire to train others to teach
boys and girls effectively in Sunday schools and clubs.
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said,
Let the little children come to Me Harry and Wilma felt burdened to help Vio. Soon it became
clear that their call from God was to leave home and family
We live in a country where we can meet freely and openly for and move to Romania. Wilma met the children from Vios
Sunday school, childrens clubs and youth meetings. Do we Sunday school and was present when they prayed for a place
ever stop and thank God for the blessing that is? to have a camp of their own. Wilma went with Vio to the
CEF European training centre to train fully in all aspects of
Unfortunately, today, in many countries, persecution of childrens ministry, whilst Harry stayed in Scotland to sort out
Christians is an all too familiar story because of Communist practical matters. They looked for a site for a camp and God
(or other) oppressive rule; Christians worship in secret and are provided one in the beautiful mountain village of Varfurile,
in fear of arrest or worse. This was the reality of life for Vio - two hours from Arad. The charity, Copii Pentru Cristos
a Christian convert during Communist rule in Romania. (Children For Christ) had begun!

During Communist rule, Vio had a huge desire to let children With the donation of an old portacabin from Scotland, the
know they had a hope for their life through trusting in Jesus. first camp took place in 1993. Varfurile became Harry and
It was her desire to reach children with the gospel and she did Wilmas home whilst Vios home in Arad became the head
this at risk of being caught and arrested. One day, she was office. They are non-denominational and hold monthly
driving a group of children to a location where they planned training for leaders, (new leaders, experienced leaders,
to share a time of praise, prayer and learning more about home Bible club leaders camp leaders etc). All their teaching,
Jesus. However, police stopped her car. She said she was memory verses and childrens choruses are totally Bible
bringing the children to a party and was free to go! Later, based. They run 9 summer and 2 winter camps, aid shops,
the children prayed. They prayed that Communism would and design and print Bible materials for the Bible clubs,
fall so they would be free to worship God. That very winter, Sunday schools and summer camps. By training Sunday
in a neighbouring town of Timisoara, the uprising began and school and Bible club teachers, Gods word has been taught
by Christmas, Communism had fallen. On hearing this, the clearly and effectively throughout western and southern
children believed it was their prayers to their almighty God Romania. Some of the children who have come up through
that contributed to the fall of Communism; its hard to argue camp are now missionaries in poorer areas of Romania. Vio,
against that faith! Harry, Wilma and Casi (who has worked with CFC for twenty
years) have often said, God has blessed CFC more than we
During September 1991, two Scottish CEF workers (Harry could possibly ask or imagine.
and Wilma) met Vio during a humanitarian aid visit to an

14
A big part of our support is the sending
In 2013, sadly Harry passed away. He of an aid lorry once a year to Romania
had been in charge of all the building filled with good quality clothing, shoes,
work at camp, and the final stage (a cuddly toys etc. People have really taken
sports hall and childrens home) was to this part of the ministry and we are
only partially begun. Wilma and Vio very thankful that we are never short of
didnt think it would be possible to finish aid. However, our biggest need is that
the building. However, God did! He sent we do not have somewhere to sort and
a skilled team of builders who finished store the aid here in NI. We have been
the work in 3 months! In 2014 the using our houses and garages but do
childrens home, Casa Harry, opened and not have one location. This poses many
the house parents Paul and Christina logistical problems when it comes to
and the house mum Neli look after 8 finalising the aid for the lorry. Perhaps
children age from 3 to 13. you know of someone who has dry, secure storage thats
accessible for an articulated lorry, or a site where a portacabin
I first visited CFC in 2006. The role of a visitor at camp is to could be placed? This really is an essential and urgent matter
encourage and support the leaders through practical help and I would be glad if anyone could let me know of a suitable
such as cleaning, washing dishes, sorting aid or painting, as provision. If so please get in touch via email.
well as spending time with the children and being part of the
leaders devotional meetings each day. The Romanians do all With the freedom we have to reach and teach children so
the childrens Bible teaching and it is amazing to watch and openly here in NI, I encourage you this year to continue to
learn from them. I have been humbled, spiritually challenged prayerfully support those in your church and local area to
and hugely blessed by being part of CFC. The workers always faithfully, accurately and wholeheartedly teach children
give us a warm welcome and they radiate Gods love in a truly the only way of salvation. Praise God for the faith of little
inspiring way. The full-time workers face many challenges, children! May the little children continue to come to Him
and so in 2008, some of us in Northern Ireland decided to both here and throughout the world.
form a support committee for the charity, with the help
of established trustees in Scotland and England. We are For more information visit www.childrenforchrist.co.uk or
delighted to host CFC workers for deputation visits (most Facebook Children For Christ UK.
recently in 2016 when Vio, Wilma and Paul visited the Knock
and Finaghy EPC churches). We primarily encourage others to
pray for CFC, and update folks on the work. We also organise Judith Taggart
fundraisers and visit Romania whenever possible.

15
ANNOUNCEMENTS

SHAFTESBURY SQUARE
REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
(Dublin Road, Belfast)

SHAFTESBURY REFORMED CONFERENCE


Theological Study Conference 2017
Wednesday, 15 February 2017
The Christian Church: Its Mission in a
Post-Christian Culture
REFORMATION THEN AND NOW
1-3 March 2017 Marking the 500th anniversary of the
Kings Park Conference Centre, Northampton beginning of the Reformation
How should the church respond to the rapidly increasing
hostility it faces in the Western world? What should we do Speakers:
when public discourse, government, education and the
media try to eradicate all Christian influence? Do we seek to Rev. Gareth Burke
engage and transform, just maintain a faithful presence, or (Stranmillis Evangelical Presbyterian Church)
perhaps withdraw and preserve our faith communities? will consider the life and work of Martin Luther
Speakers: David Green, Chris Bennett, Paul Helm,
Lee Gatiss, John Stevens & David M cKay
Prof. David McKay
(Shaftesbury Square Reformed Presbyterian Church)
The conference brings together pastors, church leaders, will consider the relevance for today of the principles
theological students and others who wish to respond of the Reformation
biblically and theologically to one of the pressing issues of
our day. Come and join the discussion the conference is
open to both men and women.
Everybody very welcome!
For m ore information and to book online:
http://bit.ly/2d3GRZx or phone 07989 773043.
A HEART FOR GOD AND A HEART FOR PEOPLE
IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

16
FROM THE CHURCHES

Knock HBC
Many of our churches held Holiday Bible Clubs last summer. the children have begun to attend our Friday Club Childrens
In this article Julie Johnston reflects on the Knock EPC Youth Meeting which has known great blessing.
Outreach, 1-5 August 2016. In the evenings the Teen Club had about a dozen young
people enjoying a photo challenge, a Bake Off competition
It always amazes me to think how real the Bible is. Despite and a challenge night, concluding each evening considering
being written over 2000 years ago it has all the help and who Jesus was from the four different angles of each of the
guidance we need for every aspect of our lives today. It is four Gospels. It was challenging for all to hear such clear
relevant in the lives of our young children as they face the presentations of Jesus as King, Servant, Son of Man and Son
challenges of growing up. of God; listening was good.

Young and old, God has made us emotional beings. Children The week ended with a well attended Family Fun Night on the
know what it is like to be scared and feel left out, to struggle Friday, and a full house at the Family Thanksgiving Service on
with anger and guilt and to deal with peer relationships. At the Sunday evening. On the Sunday night we considered from
the Inside Out Holiday Bible Club this summer in Knock EPC the Psalms how the Lord knew King David inside out, and
we considered the topic of our emotions. Using the characters how, when disgusted with his own sin, he cried out to God for
from the Blockbuster Inside Out movie we looked at what forgiveness, and only then did he know true joy.
the Bible has to say about our feelings of sadness, disgust,
fear, anger and joy. We considered the life of Jepthath, Ruth, We are indebted to our team who worked tirelessly
Samuel, Peter and the conversion of Matthew. It was a joy organising craft, playing football in the rain, planning quizzes,
to teach the children Create in me a clean heart... and for competitions, stories and talks, and for the hard work in the
them to learn they can Cast their burdens upon the Lord. kitchen. The fellowship in the team, who came from a number
They learned about that real true joy that we can only have in of our congregations, was a blessing. We are thankful to
Christ when our sins are forgiven. our Lord for His faithfulness. We pray that God would use
this work to see children, young people and their families
We are thankful to God for the 60 children who attended saved. We are excited as we consider next years outreach
each day (80 over the course of the week) and how they week. Perhaps you would like to join our team; look out for
listened and behaved really well. The minibus and games the flyers in your church in the New Year or contact us at
were incident free. Many children asked for Bibles and nine knockepc@gmail.com.
were delivered into non Christian homes. A good number of

17
FROM THE CHURCHES

Bingham Academy
When I think of Bingham Academy in
Ethiopia, I think of a bag of mixed nuts!
I think about a hive of 24/7 activity;
about deep, genuine love; about open
communication between staff and
students; about hardship and harmony in a compact and
intimate environment.

I first went to teach Geography at Bingham in January 2013.


Bingham has become a dear place to me over these past 4
years. A lot has happened since then. I met my husband at
Bingham. I led Binghams first International Geography field
trip (to the Seychelles Islands). I oversaw the school proms
pirate-themed set preparation one year, which included
building a ship the size of a building. I taught alongside
my in-laws for a year, and had the opportunity to attend
professional development workshops in Zimbabwe and
England.

Who goes to Bingham?

1. Missionary kids: perhaps their family has lived in Ethiopia


all their lives or perhaps they have just arrived in Addis Ababa.
Bingham was set up to support missionaries across the One of the biggest things I have learnt is to be more
country with the provision of education. vulnerable, open and relational about my faith as a teacher.
Binghams environment encourages approachable teaching
2. Many others: if you are exclusively an Ethiopian citizen, you styles. Often we are told to keep faith and school subjects
are required to follow the Ethiopian school curriculum, which separate when teaching in Northern Irelands schoolsor
is not an option at Bingham. Anyone holding another passport to keep discussions about faith for Scripture Union time. At
may enroll at Bingham in its Cambridge curriculum. Many Bingham we have freedom to express ourselves as believers
children of returning Ethiopian diaspora and of African Union within our profession. This is a great privilege.
delegates attend the school; their parents appreciate the
schools relatively affordable fees and strong moral backbone. Such an open environment means that we have to be ready
both professionally and personally to be accountable to
The diversity of Binghams students fills me with wonder our students. Some students have had Christianity in their
at Gods creativity. It could be assumed that Bingham school day since the age of 4 and, as I taught secondary and
students are Christian, but not all would say that they sixth-form classes, I was faced with senior students feeling
desire a relationship with Jesus. So for me the challenge like they were done hearing about Jesus. These situations
is to remain approachable as I try to help students discern required a lot of listening and at times it felt like we were
between culture and real dependence upon Jesus (we need getting nowhere. I also try to stay in contact with students
this discernment in Northern Ireland, too). Some students beyond their time at Bingham. This time of exploration and
communicate quite frankly that they dont know Jesus and questioning can sometimes soften them and make them a
are smothered by Christianity at Bingham. Others are little more reflective about past conversations.
happily going through the motions. Others still are shining
testimonies of Jesus Christ. Prayer for Bingham:
1. Bingham is a melting pot of cultures and denominations.
The teachers are often over-worked and have the pressure

18
FROM THE CHURCHES

of delivering Western-standard education in an environment


that often makes this difficult (especially when it comes to
internet access). Times of reflection are needed to re-focus
on ones mission/ministry due to the busy timetables in this
24/7 community. Pray for the challenges that teachers at BA
face with pressured workloads and the emotional burdens
they carry for students.

2. Bingham needs long-term teachers to help with the


continuity of the learning processeven teachers who
will commit to 5 years. Many only stay for 2 years, which
is unsettling for students, causes inefficiencies within the
school, and brings a huge human resource burden upon the
administration.

As I begin a new chapter of life as a full-time mother in Addis


Ababa, I am thankful that I am still able to dip in and out of
this community and use the gifts God has given me to reach
out to young people and encourage Bingham staff as they
provide high-quality Christian education that equips students
to impact the world for Gods glory.

Jenni Ray, Stranmillis

19
FROM THE CHURCHES

Office Bearers Half Day of Prayer


The Office-bearers half day of prayer was held on Saturday 12
November 2016 in Finaghy church. As normal, it was presided over
by the Moderator who introduced the time of prayer with a brief
devotional based on Psalm 81v11b. We heard from each of our
congregations in turn of conversions and of struggles, of blessings
and disappointments. We were able to call on God for His blessing
in a variety of areas but specially pleading that the contacts made
in congregations would be translated into conversions. Oh that God
the Holy Spirit would hear our weak prayers and answer abundantly.

The Clerk of Presbytery with the Moderator

Presbytery Day Conference

Belfast Bible College


Saturday 22 April 2017
Guest speaker: Prof. Bob Akroyd, Edinburgh
Installation of new Moderator and presentation of annual reports

New elder for Stranmillis


At the evening service on Sunday 20th November a Commission of
Presbytery consisting of Rev Robert Beckett, Rev Andrew Lucas and Mr
Trevor Gilliland visited Stranmillis for the installation of Mr David Gordon
as an elder in the congregation. David had been recently elected by the
congregation and, having been interviewed by the Presbytery commission,
was found to have the necessary gifts for the carrying out of this important
office in Christs Church.
The service was initially conducted by Rev Gareth Burke who interviewed
David concerning his conversion and his thoughts on entering into eldership.
Harold Gibson gave a short narrative, Trevor Gilliland put the required
questions, Rev Andrew Lucas prayed and Rev Robert Beckett preached a
suitable sermon on 1 Peter5 v1 11 entitled Shepherding Gods Flock
which can be heard on the Stranmillis website (www.atstranmillis.com).
Please pray for the Session of Stranmillis Gareth Burke, Harold Gibson,
David Gordon, Mervyn Kelly and Colin Moore as we seek to give good
spiritual direction to the congregation at a time of change and development
in the life of the church.

20
FROM THE CHURCHES

ll
Calling a
!
Campers .
o r y o u r diary..
Dates f
Junior Camp Reunion
Saturday 18 February, Ballyclare
Senior Camp Reunion
Thank God for our ministers and office-
Friday 10 Sunday 12 February, Ganaway
bearers and for their prayerful and practical
Activity Centre, Millisle concern for the flock. Pray that more people
(Inter Camp reunion to be arranged) would want to attend mid-week prayer
Booking forms and more details available in your church or on the meetings and that these times would be
church website at www.epcni.org.uk
blessed by God.

Praise God for the encouragement of


Farewell for Trevor conversions in several of our congregations.
Pray for growth and steadfastness for those
During the Autumn we were sad to say farewell to Trevor new in the faith and ask that God would use
Kane and family, but thankful to God for the opportunity the testimony of changed lives to
for ministry which has opened up elsewhere. Trevor has challenge others.
been called by Dumfries Free Church of Scotland to provide
Resident Supply. Over the next few months, Trevor plans Pray for young people growing up in the
to apply to the Free Church of Scotland and meet any church. Pray that they would hear the voice
requirements of the Board of Ministry; following that of the Good Shepherd and follow Him.
process, it is expected that he will be called as minister to the
congregation. We give thanks for this opportunity for Trevor Give thanks for the work of Bingham
and Suzanne to put their gifts to use, and we pray that in Academy, Ethiopia, and for the Christian
the coming months the Kane family, and the congregation teaching and example it provides. Praise
at Dumfries Free Church, will know Gods rich blessing upon God for the faith of many of the children and
them as they enter into this exciting new chapter. ask that students who are not yet His would
not harden their hearts. Pray that staff would
know the joy of the Lord as their strength and
would seek daily wisdom from Him.

Pray for a return to good health for Rev Billy


Elliot and for the needs of the church in
Richhill in his absence. Thank God for Trevor
Kanes time there and pray for Trevor and his
family as he takes up his new position
in Dumfries.

Ask God to bless any in our church family


who have health problems. May they know
His all-sufficient grace in difficult times.
Thank God for the medical resources and
expertise readily available in our country.

21
BOOK REVIEWS
Title: Do More Better
RRP: 7-99 Our Price: 6-50
Author: Tim Challies
Publisher: Cruciform Press
Published: 2015
Pages: 120

This recent publication from Tim


Pray for safety and happiness at each of Challies is a short but excellent
the camp reunions and for spiritual benefit introduction to the subject of
for the children who attend. Pray that busy productivity. Challies is not some
leaders would be walking with the Lord. kind of productivity guru! He is a busy church leader, blogger,
author, husband and father with many responsibilities to
pack into each day. Before he started to write books, he was
Praise God for how He is working in
involved in IT, and because of this background, he has some
Romania, especially through the work of
unique insights into how we can maintain productivity in
Children For Christ. Ask Him to provide
todays high-tech age. This book reflects what he has found
for the needs of Vio, Wilma and the other
most helpful in this area, it is personal in that it is written
fulltime workers and pray that many from experience and it is practical in that Challies wants his
children would come to know Jesus as their readers to consider how they may integrate his advice into
Saviour and Lord. Give thanks for Judith their busy lives.
and those who support the work from NI Laying the foundation, the author states that our main
and pray that a suitable storage facility will preoccupation should be to glorify God in all that we do.
become available here. In order to achieve this, he addresses common obstacles
to productivity, the reasons why we should strive for
Thank God for progress towards a new productivity, tools that help us get things done and the
church building for Stranmillis. Thank Him benefit of weekly routines, before concluding the book with
also for the recent missionary weekend, a section called 20 Tips to Increase Your Productivity which
is extremely helpful. Among the advice listed are tips such
praying that in all our congregations our
as turn notifications off, dont send unnecessary e-mails
eyes and hearts and hands would be open
because they will invite unnecessary and unwanted replies,
to the needs of the world.
dont leave e-mail open but set aside designated times for
this, create a not-to-do list on the basis that it is easy to
Thank God for a faithful EPC witness in
write a To Do list of things we need or would like to achieve,
North Belfast over many years and for each while neglecting to consider things that we ought not to be
one brought into the kingdom of God. Pray doing. Challies believes we should focus on these areas too so
for Christians to be rooted and built up in that we make a conscious effort to avoid sin in advance. He
Christ and for families and communities to suggests that we make ourselves accountable to someone
be transformed by the gospel. Ask for God who can check in with us every now and again to make sure
given wisdom for those who oversee the we are following this advice and calls us to appropriate levels
work in both Somerton and Crosscollyer. of rest and exercise.
This is such a helpful little book which punches well above
its weight! It challenges us to be diligent in carrying out our
duties in family life, church life, business and in our social
lives. It is under-pinned by a solid grasp of what the Bible says
on these issues. It is a short but important book, the reading
of which may be one of the best uses of your time in weeks!

Colin Campbell
22
Title: A heavenly conference Mary is commended for her diligence in seeking Christ.
between Christ and Mary Christ is never far from the seeking soul and we should be
Author: Richard Sibbes comforted that Christ loves us before we love him. He also
Publisher: Banner of Truth calls us before we call him. There is a beautiful quotation in
Published: Reprinted 2015 the books introduction:
Pages: 167
Blessed is that man or woman that hath an interest in him
This paperback is one of the many who is the Father of Jesus Christ by eternal generation, and of
in the Banner of Truths series of all believers in Christ by adoption and regeneration; in which
Puritan Paperbacks. It deals with inheritance and portion, that thou mayest have a share.
the encounter Mary Magdalene had with the risen Christ on
the first Easter morning. It originally formed part of the Works The breadth of the book prohibits me from a detailed
of Richard Sibbes Volume 6, also available from the Banner. overview, but issues covered include Communion with Christ,
For those who have profited from Sibbes work The Bruised Christ our brother, Christs ascension and ours, Christs Father
Reed, this book is in a similar vein. Warm hearted, practical, and ours, and Christs God and ours. One is struck by how our
pastoral, it points us to Christ and Christ alone. relationship is defined by a sweet familial bond to uphold and
support the despondent Christian in their struggles but not
The focus of the book is the text to my Father and your to give hope to false professors. There is a clear absence in
Father, to my God and your God. John 20:17. Sibbes believes modern evangelical preaching about making our calling and
that this is the most fundamental comfort that we have. For election sure and to give a reason for the hope that is within
from this, that God is our God, cometh all that we have that is us. Sibbes addresses that need for balance beautifully and
good in nature and grace. Whatsoever is comfortable cometh there is no trace of cheap grace in this work. A quote below
from this spring, that God in Christ is our God, our reconciled outlines this and bears repeating.
God. What comfort it must have been to Mary that morning
to hear these words. For all the caricatures of the Puritans, It is a good plea to God, Lord I know not what to say; my
some of the sweetest and loveliest writings ever about Christ sins are more than the hairs of my head. Satan layeth hard to
come from the Puritans. Christian are called to live as joyful, me. I cannot answer one of a thousand. I confess all my sins.
thankful, cheerful and rejoicing people in the light of Christ. It Hear me, and hear thy Son, for my sake. He is now at thy right
is no wonder that Sibbes was called The Sweet Dropper. hand, and pleadeth for me.

This work comes to 167 pages on one text. Such is the rigour These words are as relevant now in the demands of life in
and learning of the Puritans that they can write at length 2017 as they were in 1654. There is nothing new under the
but winsomely and with great benefit. It is in essence a sun. I commend this work to you as a beautiful, pastoral, pithy
treatment of our union with Christ. This doctrine can often be but practical treatment of our union with Christ.
neglected but it drives at the heart of daily Christian living and
cannot help but undergird our assurance. If this work has an Will Gibson
overriding objective it is to help believers enjoy the comfort
that comes from knowing that Jesus God and Father is our
God and Father too. By adoption, we have the most amazing
elder brother, who is also our Saviour and Lord. When we are
united to Christ we know we share the secure standing of
our firstborn brother before God our Father. Michael Reeves
in his foreword to this book states that Sibbes exudes an
irresistible delight in Christ. He also states that Sibbes moves
from dead orthodoxy to captivating people with the inward
beauty and glory of Christ. Sibbes, like the Catechism, seeks
the glory of God.

23
Best of the Blogs
A selection of online blogs and articles to challenge and
encourage you in your walk with God and his people

Why Church Membership Matters (Michael J. Schout) Confessing The Creed: I Believe (Donny Friederichsen)
www.reformedfellowship.net/why-church-membership- http://www.alliancenet.org/christward/confessing-the-creed-
matters i-believe
Its not a salvation issue, the saying goes, so why do The Apostles Creed is a 2,000 year old confession of the
Reformed churches make such a big deal about becoming a basic contours of the Christian faith. From the earliest
church member? Isnt it just a piece of paper? Cant I get all beginnings of the New Testament Church, the Church began
the same benefits of the church without joining it? Are you articulating a pattern of sound words (2 Tim 1:13) of what
saying a person cant be a Christian unless he or she becomes Christians believe.
a church member? What about the people who worship
regularly, participate consistently, and serve willingly, but Confession and Orthodoxy: Covenantal Thinking
arent technically members? Is it really that big of a deal? (Tim Bertolet)

Why do we exist? (Mark Johnston) www.placefortruth.org/blog/confession-and-orthodoxy-


covenantal-thinking
www.placefortruth.org/blog/why-do-we-exist
When I was in seminary, our apologetics professor regularly
It was a stroke of theological genius on the part of the reminded us that all of Gods relationships with humanity
Westminster divines to begin this wonderful little document are covenant relationships. The covenant ungirds every facet
by asking What is mans chief end? and then supplying the of our existence as humans. Not only has the truth of this
answer, Mans chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him affected me since then, but also I remember it well because
forever. I missed a question on the final exam wherein we were
asked to cite from memory chapter seven section one of the
What God does with your sin (Tim Challies) Westminster Confession. With that in mind, lets look at an
www.challies.com/articles/what-god-does-with-your-sin overview of the Confessions chapter on the covenant.

God comforts us not only with descriptions of what he


does with our sin, but also with vivid illustrations. Are you
distressed by what youve done? Do you hear whispers that
you have sinned beyond Gods desire or ability to forgive? Let
these illustrations comfort you. Listen tono, see!all that
God does with your sin.

Seven principles for angry parents disciplining angry


children (Kevin De Young)

https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/
kevindeyoung/2016/09/15/seven-principles-for-angry-
parents-disciplining-angry-children/

I hate to admit that the title of this blog post too often
describes my household. I never (or at least it seems that
way to me) lose my temper with my wife, my staff, or my
congregation. But sadly, I too often feel (and act?) like that
little Anger guy from Inside Out when it comes to my kids. Too
many frustrated sighs and raised voices and sharp tones (and
thats just from the parents!).

24

S-ar putea să vă placă și