The Evangelical Presbyterian - July-August 2013

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The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013


IN THIS ISSUE....
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 refect generally the theological position
of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, unless otherwise stated.
Unsigned articles are by the Editor
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 liable to editing and alteration without
consultation. No material can be published unless the full name
and postal address of the contributor is supplied. The preferred
method of submission is electronically as a Word document.
Strapline
Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda est
the Reformed Church is always reforming
Editor
Gareth Burke
33, Onslow Gardens,
BELFAST,
BT6 0AQ
Phone: 07803 282489
Email: gnburke@yahoo.co.uk
Signihcant moments...............................
Man as sin marred him...........................
Whose Faith Follow................................
Summer diary..........................................
The Return of Christ...............................
The 5 Solas..............................................
The Genesis Foundation.........................
Do Not Attempt Resuscitation...............
Book reviews...........................................
Dear Rev .................................................
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Book Reviews
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The Evangelical Presbyterian is published bimonthly by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013
3
F1RST WORD
Life is full of signifcant moments. Such a moment occurred recently when, at the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rev Dr Stafford Carson was elected as Principal of Union Theological College.
For us in the EPC this appointment is of monumental signifcance. Our church came in to being in 1927
as a result of a heresy trial. The heresy trial focussed on the Assembly's College, the forerunner of Union
Theological College. At that time the teaching in Assembly's College was riddled with liberalism of the very
worst kind. But now less than one hundred years later someone has been appointed as principal who prior to
his recent ministry in First Portadown was a professor at Westminster Theological Seminary. Westminster, as
you will be aware, was established through the efforts of Dr Gresham Machen, the founding father of our sister
church,the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Dr Machen came to Belfast prior to the heresy trial and spoke in
support of Revs Hunter and Grier and the campaign which they were leading for Biblical truth and orthodoxy
within the Presbyterian Church. Now the man from Machen's College is Principal of Union College.
Such irony!
How should we respond? Well you might say, 'I don't know anything about that, indeed, I'm not sure what all
the fuss is about. It's nothing to do with me.' This is the evangelical ostrich reaction. Alternatively, in lowered
tones, you could assert to your friends that 'I'm not really sure about it all. Something funny about it'. This is
the reaction of one who refuses to accept the facts and, instead, wants to pour cold water on the whole matter.
What does the Lord expect of us? What response is glorifying to Him and in keeping with the principles of His
Word? Well I think we should rejoice in the appointment. Many of us over the years, in various places, have
greatly profted from Stafford Carson's ministry. Now he is in a position where he will be able to exert a godly
infuence upon those who are studying for the ministry. He will be able in teaching and by example to shape a
generation of candidates who, in time, will minister throughout this island.
Sure our church came into being because of serious doctrinal departure within the faculty of the Presbyterian
college. But it behoves us to rejoice in the advancement of Biblical truth and commitment. The college was
the historical reason for our beginnings but our continuance as a separate denomination is not dependent
upon liberalism being found in the faculty of Union College. And no, I'm not abandoning my commitment to
EPC principles and testimony. Yes, we still do have a 'raison d'tre'. Other issues, such as the ordination of
women, remain signifcant problems for us. But these are matters for another day.
SIGNIFICANT MOMENTS
4
This is the second of four studies in mans four-fold state. Last
time we considered man as God made him, emphasizing the fact
that of all Gods creatures man alone was made in Gods image
(Genesis1:26-28). At the point of his creation everything in this world
was absolutely perfect. In fact God describes everything He made
as very good (Genesis 1:31). What a beautiful situation this was!
Adams relationship with his wife, the animals, his environment and
God were all absolutely fawless. The world has never been more
beautiful than at this moment, nor will it ever be more beautiful again,
until that time when Christ returns and announces at the end of time
Behold, I make all things new (Revelation 21:5).
But then tragedy struck when sin entered the world through
Adam. God had given him the run of the garden with the privilege
of eating anything within it, with just one exception. In order to
remind him that he was a creature subject to the Creator, God set
him a test described for us in Genesis 2:16-17. Adam failed this test
miserably. The devil tempted Eve who took of the forbidden fruit and
then she tempted Adam who partook of it as well. This was the most
tragic day in the history of the world - more tragic by far than Hitlers
declaration of war upon Britain, more tragic than 9/11, more tragic
than any tsunami or earthquake the world has ever seen. Thats
because Adams sin is the root cause of all these evils and all other
evils too (Romans 5:12).
Genesis 3 describes the immediate impact of the fall, and if you
want to understand why the world is at it is you need go no further
than this passage for your answer. Tragically the seeds of Adams
sin are evident everywhere today. All the poisoned fruit that pervades
our society today can be traced right back to the fall. Some years
ago there was correspondence in the Times on the subject: What
is wrong with the world today? One answer was as follows: Dear
Sir, I am, yours faithfully, G.K Chesterton. The problem is with us,
although Adam introduced it. As someone has said: Adam may
have lit the fre, but we have been piling on the fuel ever since". So
lets then consider the subject, man as sin marred him, and you will
probably be able to follow this article better with your Bible open in
front of you. Sin has impacted us along several lines.
a) It has impacted us vertically.
Prior to the fall mans relationship with God was harmonious and
delightful, so much so that God described it as very good (Genesis
1:31). Both Adam and Eve had hearts full of love for God (although
capable of change). They also lived in a perfect environment with
all their needs provided for. In fact their situation was quite literally
heaven on earth. However, their disobedience affected everything,
especially the most important relationship of all - their relationship
with their Maker. After the fall it was severely damaged because
from that time forth both the man and the woman were cast out of
the garden (Genesis 3:24). A holy God who is of purer eyes than
to behold evil felt it necessary to banish them from His presence.
In a sense this was an act of grace because if the man had been
allowed to remain in the garden and eat of the tree of life (a symbol
of eternal life) he would have become permanently fxed, along with
his posterity, in a state of wretchedness. That would have made
salvation impossible. But in the main it was an act of justice. Man
had rebelled and forfeited the blessing and ever since that tragic
day the picture of the cherubim guarding the gateway to Eden is
a symbol of our alienation from God (Genesis 3:24). Thats why
Scripture describes all of us by nature as afar off (Ephesians
2:13). See also Psalm 34:16, Isaiah 59:2 and Ephesians 4:18.
Tragically there are no exceptions to this alienation (except Christ)
and this barrier is there, separating us from God, whether we realise
it or not. Furthermore, since God Himself has erected it, He alone
can remove it. Adam and Eve foolishly thought they could remove
it by their good works when they made themselves a covering of
aprons (Genesis 3:7), but it was a futile gesture. Ever since then
God resolutely banished them from His presence because His
holiness demanded it. This meant that from that time onward, every
inhabitant of this early world, probably up to the time of the food,
would have witnessed the terrible sight of the cherubim, every time
they looked in the direction of Eden. This was a constant visible
reminder of the alienation sin had introduced. Tragically, the problem
still remains and this is why we preach the Gospel. Those who
believe this glorious message are now brought near (Ephesians
2:13).
b) It has affected us internally (Genesis 3:7,8,10).
We could summarize these verses by focusing on the three verbs -
they knew, they hid, they feared. These verbs describe life in a
fallen world. It all began when Adam and Eve knew that something
was wrong. Sin caused them to experience a whole complex of
emotions that they had never experienced before. In short they
began to feel death within. We know something of that same pain
today through the workings of conscience. Weve all felt it when
weve attempted to do things we know arent right. Conscience
bears witness with the work of the law in our hearts (Romans
2:15), remonstrating with our behaviour. This is one of the ways
God informs us that He is righteous and we are not. Unfortunately,
some folk brazenly suppress this knowledge in unrighteousness
(Romans 1:18), but conscience can still intrude in spite of every
effort to silence it. In fact it usually does so at times when its voice is
least welcome, either when were sick or when death visits our door.
These workings, of which we all know something, prove to us that
God exists and that we are all answerable to him (Romans 1:32).
But like Adam and Eve we too can attempt to hide from God. William
Grimshaw provides us with an example of this. He was a bit of
an eccentric preacher and it was his custom on the Lords Day to
announce a psalm and then go out and gather up various folk from
the pubs while it was being sung. But some became cute and hid.
Thats our natural response to God and his Word. We dont like it
and want to escape from it (John 3:20). And when Christ returns
these attempts to hide from God will reach an unprecedented level,
but it will be all in vain (Revelation 6:16). Just as guilty folk often
hide their faces when facing trial, sin makes us do the same.
Sin also makes us fearful. Thats why Felix trembled when Paul
reminded him of his past (Acts 24:25,26). All these activities of
knowing, hiding and fearing are consequences of the fall and
only belief of the Gospel can remove them.
c) It has affected us morally (Genesis 3:11-13).
Notice that when God questioned both the man and the woman
about their behaviour, neither of them answered Him directly. Both
shifted the blame. The man became evasive and blamed both His
wife and God. The woman too was equally devious and blamed the
serpent. As someone has said Adam blamed Eve. Eve blamed the
serpent and the serpent hadnt got a leg to stand on! Are there not
echoes of this everywhere in society today? Listen to the goings
on in a childrens playground, or even the speeches in the House
of Commons for examples of this. Everyone ends up blaming
everyone else, while believing themselves to be right, so everyone
is right or wrong depending on the way you look at it. Everyone is
right according to their estimation of themselves; everyone is wrong
according to their estimation of others. This Adamic trait of passing
the buck is deeply engraved in our hearts and even as Christians
were not fully delivered from it. Is it not true that when we lose our
keys or our wallet, without thinking we automatically blame someone
else? What's the frst words that come to mind? Are they not "Where
did you put it dear?
d) It has affected us subjectively (Genesis 3:7).
After Adam and Eve sinned their frst actions indicate that they had a
far higher view of themselves than they ought to have had. Sin had
obviously impacted their judgment. They no longer saw things as
they really were, instead they saw them through sin-tinted glasses.
Man in his four-fold state
2. Man as sin marred him - Genesis 3
The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013
5
The point Im making is this: a chasm had developed between what
God thought of them and what they thought God thought about
them.
So instead of repenting and casting themselves on the grace of God
for mercy, they sought to persuade God that they really werent so
bad after all by "sewing fg leafs together". This is man's frst attempt
at salvation by works and it has been the religion of natural man
ever since. Every single religion in the world bar Christianity has this
principle at the heart of it - they teach that you can please God by
building up Brownie points. Listen to the problem that an Islamic
girl had and the advice she was given by her religious advisor. I
am a girl of twenty, and from the age of twelve I have done every sin
you can think of... Alas there is nothing left for me but hell. When I
ask you sincerely, What am I to do to be saved? I have been told
to repent, but the truth is, I cannot repent, as what I have done I
enjoyed doing, although it was sin. How will you advise me what to
do as to be saved from hell?..... Answer; Turn over a new leaf; lead
a righteous life henceforth. This alone will wash away past sins. This
is the only atonement. Sins are washed off, the Koran assures us,
by good deeds, and by those alone. Scripture teaches something
very different, which really works (Titus 3:5-7).
e) It has affected us horizontally (Genesis 3:16b).
Not only did the fall result in Adam and Eve blaming one another
for their sin, a fact Ive already alluded to (Genesis 3:12), it also
wrought havoc in the roles that God had originally laid down for this
couple. Before the fall Eve was willingly submissive to Adam, while
he lovingly ruled over her. This is not spelled out in so many words
in Scripture, but there are hints here and there that there were both
similarities and distinctions in the relationship between the man and
the woman, even before the fall. As regards similarities, both Adam
and Eve were made in Gods image and were given dominion over
the animals and creation. As for differences, God made his covenant
with Adam, not with Eve. Furthermore, Adam, not the woman,
also named the animals. This implies that even in Eden there was
equality of personhood, yet distinction of roles.
After the fall, however, that harmony and respect soon disappeared.
n short, sin introduced confusion. These words are diffcult to
understand but interpreting Scripture with Scripture they probably
mean something like this. As a result of the fall the woman would
now have a desire to control her husband, but it was his duty to
prevent this from happening. Similar language is used in Genesis
4:7 where Moses states that sins desire is unto you, but you must
master it. Interpreting Genesis 3:16 along the same lines this text
would mean that the woman will desire to rule over you, but you
must not allow this to happen. Weve all heard the expression so
and so wears the trousers. This tendency frst appeared at the fall
and only Gods grace and proper attention to scripture teaching can
resolve the problem.
f) It has affected us judicially.
As you read the account of Adam and Eve in the garden before the
fall the atmosphere is one of favour, peace, harmony and tranquillity.
But after the fall the language changes entirely. There are now
strong notes of reproof, anger, curse and displeasure, and judgment
becomes a prominent theme. Here are four examples of the way
God has left readily identifable marks of His displeasure in certain
areas of our existence.
1) He has judged our environment (Genesis 3:17,18). Gardeners
have to weed, nature is red in tooth and claw, earthquakes
and tsunamis are not uncommon. Scientists may explain these
phenomena in terms of the second law of thermodynamics, and I
dont deny the reality of that law, but why are these laws the way
they are? Answer: the fall. The fact is this: creation is out of joint and
we all know it (Romans 8:22).
2) He has judged the reproductive process (Genesis 3:16). Someone
once said that there was absolutely nothing in Scripture that could be
proven to be true. How foolish. Here is something that is undeniable
- the pains of childbirth. If I met such a person I would prefer to quote
Proverbs 30:33 and then offer to prove the truthfulness of it !
3) He has judged the ordinance of work (Genesis 3:17). Prior to the
Jeff Ballantine, a native of Co. Tyrone,
has been a minister of the Evangelical
Presbyterian Church for almost 25
years. He is currently ministering
in Groomsport, Co. Down having
previously served in the Lisburn Road
congregation.
fall work was a delight for Adam. Its interesting to note that the very
frst thing God did for Adam in the garden was to give him a job.
Work was a suitable occupation for a perfect man, but after the fall
things were different. There is still the promise of success you shall
eat of the herb of the feld", but now the word "toil has entered the
equation. In other words work had became burdensome because of
the fall. We even feel the arrows of the Almighty in our daily labour.
Thats why we look forward to our holidays! Nor would there be any
deodorant industry but for the fall! (Genesis 3:19).
4) He has judged our bodily constitutions too (Genesis 2:17). Adam
didnt die immediately, but he did suffer spiritual death the moment
he sinned. We see this in his separation from God, but soon the
seeds of death also became apparent in his body. From that
moment he began to age and eventually he died (Genesis 5:5). But
for the fall there wouldnt be any funeral industry either and were
all heading in the same direction. We can exercise all we like, diet
all we like, live as healthily as we like, and I dont disagree with any
of these things, but what Job said will be true of all of us unless the
Lord returns frst (Job 17:14). "One out of one dies.
g) It has affected us universally.
What was true for Adam is also true for us (Genesis 5:3). His
children inherited his guilt and depravity and the same thing has
happened ever since throughout successive generations. Thats
why we read the constant refrain in Genesis 5: and he died....
Paul put it like this in 1 Corinthians 15:22: In Adam all die. And
the full signifcance of this death is absolutely staggering. Not only
does it include an immediate felt awareness of death, spiritual death
and eventual physical death, it fnds its furthermost reach in what
Scripture calls the second death (Revelation 20:12-15). This is our
portion unless we can fnd a way of escape.
But the good news is this where sin abounds, grace can much more
abound (Romans 5:20). If death came through the one, life can
also come through another One (Romans 5:17-19). Ive occasionally
heard folk get angry because Scripture teaches that God condemns
us for the sin of Adam. Of course long before they ever heard of
Adam they had sinned personally, so theyre doubly doomed in
any case. But the upside of Gods perfect covenantal arrangement
is this. Because we are judged for anothers sin, we can also be
saved by anothers righteousness, whereas if God judged us on our
own merits we would all be doomed. So praise God for his wisdom
in administrating the human race along these lines. As Thomas
Goodwin put it: In Gods sight there are two men, Adam and Christ,
and these two men have all other men hanging at their girdle
strings. But which girdle strings are you hanging on to? Through
Christ all these problems are presently being rectifed and one day
they will be resolved completely.
Notice how Christ can and will resolve all of these problems:
The vertical problem (Romans 5:1).
The internal problem (Philippians 4:6,7).
The moral problem (Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 3:10).
The subjective problem (1 Corinthians 15:9,10).
The horizontal problem (Ephesians 2:14).
The judicial problem (Romans 8:1).
The universal problem (1 Corinthians 15:22).
Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15).
The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013
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The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013
Whose faith follow
A short series on the founding fathers of the EPC
W J McDowell
W J McDowell was patently gifted with a clear mind,
keen insight and epigrammatic expression. Illustrating
the longevity of Methuselah, he said: Take a soldier at
the Battle of Hastings in 1066 - he would be still alive!
Hearing one of his colleagues singing to himself the hymn,
Where will you spend eternity?, he said, You cant spend
it!
He was born in 1905 in North Belfast and attended
Currie Primary School, Limestone Road, overlapping with
George Bellew and Joe McCracken - later well-known in
IEC. After leaving school he was a storekeeper in Robert
Craig Engineering, Great Georges Street. The family were
local Presbyterians.
Colporteur
He was converted in 1921 at the frst W P Nicholson
mission (1921-23). The events of 1927 engaged him
and he became a foundation member of Crosscollyer
Street which formed 1927-28. In January 1929 Council
expressed the desirability of sending a colporteur into
those districts of Ireland where the word of God is not
being proclaimed. The Irish Evangelical called for prayer
... in particular that the Lord may prepare the person to be
sent forth. The outcome was that Council recognised Mr
McDowells call to Christian service and appointed him as
its colporteur in February 1929. He laboured for six years
in Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim,
Limerick and Monaghan - and in his six home counties.
A 1930 report said: A colporteur needs three GsGrace,
Grit, and Gumption; also two PsPrayerfulness and
Patience. Ask the Lord to give me these. And in 1934,
Human nature is much the same in every district. One
meets Obstinates, Pliables, and Talkatives very often in
the course of this work.
The death of James Gillespie and the departure of Charles
Hunter and Joseph McCracken to Edinburgh as students
for the ministry in 1932, followed by a reduction in our
ministers in 1933, made the shortage of pulpit supply
acute and from 1933 Council kept Mr McDowell nearer
Belfast to help with preaching, visitation, Bible Classes
and the Evangelical Book Shop.

Minister
There was growing pressure from congregations to see
him in the ministry and in March 1935 Council accepted
him as a student. He was ordained on 8 June 1939 in
Ballyclare where he was minister until his retirement
in 1980. But it was only during his last three years
that Ballyclare was a single charge. Concurrently with
Ballyclare he was minister of Slate Hill 1939-42, Somerton
Road 1942-53, Jocelyn Avenue 1953-66 and Knock 1966-
77. There were also two brief spells as Interim Moderator.
In 1941 he married Sadie Rothwell, who worked with the
Knock congregation. The Lord blessed his systematic
preaching at Ballyclare and the congregation outgrew its
building. It was replaced in 1970 and supplemented by a
suite of halls in 1978.
Camper and Provider for Youth
Around 1925 Willie McDowell, George Bellew, Joe
McCracken and others bought a bell-tent. They used to
camp in the Carrickfergus area from Saturday afternoon
until 5.00 am on Monday morning. George remembered
Willie and Joe wrestling through grass, nettles and
bushes. Another friend said that Willie spent most of his
time studying. This planted the idea for our own church
camps and provided some experience. Jim Grier and
Willie McDowell were the frst leaders, 1939-1941. And
they used the Carrickfergus tent. Mr and Mrs McDowell
continued to visits Boys and Girls Camps for many years.
In September 1941 he led a committee to select Sunday
School lessons. He was also a major contributor to our
7
The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013
own 34-lesson Evangelical Lesson Book in use during
the 1950s and 60s. A 1935 motion to commence a Young
Peoples Association did not proceed but it revived in
1965. In April 1966 Mr McDowell proposed a basis for
a YPA, and Council appointed a committee of young
people from several congregations. He wrote in November
1965 on Biblical Teenagers: Joseph, Daniel and friends -
teenage squares!
Writer
A number of Mr McDowells articles appeared as booklets,
usually re-produced from the Irish Evangelical or the Bible
League Quarterly. Their titles indicate his intellectual and
doctrinal capacity. Among them were, Calvinism is not
an Excuse for Carelessness (Macedonian Cry, 1939),
Have we a Reliable Bible? (1949), which arose from the
Grammar School Syllabus debate of that year, Is Bodily
Healing in the Atonement? (1953), Should the Murderer be
put to death? (1961), The Virgin Birth of our Lord (1966),
The Baffing Mystery of the Godhead (1967), Sixty Years
of Evangelical Witness (1988), a summary of our history
and The Incomparable Book (BoT 1988). With The Day
that is Different he was runner-up in a LDOS Competition
in 1991. He was also joint editor with Rev W J Grier of The
Evangel, the churchs evangelistic pamphlet of the 1930s
and 40s.
And he contributed 349 articles to the magazine! Only the
editor did more! Many of them were one-offs but he did
the Meditating on the Word series - Lords Prayer, Joseph
(10), Elijah (14), Elisha (20) and David (20). Many of his
titles were engaging: Limping or Following, Was the Lord
Jesus Christ a Christian?, Money, Money, Money. He
assisted the editor during his illness in 1949-50.
Servant of EPC
He loved the church and was always happy to work
within its borders. He was diligent, effcient, concise and
delivered on time. In 1944 he became the Free Church
Foreign Missions representative and in 1945 was our frst
Foreign Missions delegate to the Free Church Assembly.
He tutored students and, for Councils Speakers Training
Class (1947-52), he drew up the frst nine-month course
of eighteen lectures with focus on the Westminster
Confession. He delivered six of the lectures and continued
in the ensuing sessions. He represented the church at
international synods and was a BEC council member
for about a decade. He was chairman of Council seven
times, clerk of Council for ffteen years in three spells and
correspondence clerk for fve years. With W A Sampson
he drafted and produced the 1964 form of government
- the Red Book. And he served as a trustee of the
Evangelical Book Shop for 24 years.
At our 30th anniversary in 1957 he spoke on Our Witness
in the Present and stated forthrightly that more regular
attendance at all the means of grace and more zeal for
the Lords cause was a pressing necessity. His report of
the 40th used the title These Forty Years - ...these forty
years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou has
lacked nothing. (Deut 2.7) It was a context that looked
backward and forward with thankfulness and confdence.
Mrs McDowell became ill on 28 January 1980, the eve of
her husbands retirement services at Ballyclare. She died
on 7 February. Mr McDowell died after a short illness on 2
December 1991. He was a meek, self-effacing man, ready
to defer to others and to bestow the honour upon them.
In mission, youth-development, administration, writing,
teaching and preaching his contribution to the church was
massive. He played a vital role in the hard years. He had
over 52 years in the ministry and sealed his bond with the
church with a substantial gift from his estate. May God
give us a W J McDowell in every generation.
Ernest Brown of Knock is well known
throughout the EPC. For many years
he represented the church on the
International Missions Board of the Free
Church of Scotland. Ernest is also the
historian of the EPC and is a recognised
authority on the 1927 Heresy Trial. Here
he continues his series on the founding
fathers of our church.
In April 1966 Mr McDowell
proposed a basis for a YPA,
and Council appointed a
committee of young people
from several congregations.
8
The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013
Crosscollyer
Holiday Bible Club
19 23 August
Omagh
Holiday Bible Club
19 23 August
Ballyclare
Holiday Bible Club
19 23 August
Junior Camp
Dunluce School
Bushmills
29 June - 6 July
Somerton Road
Teen Outreach
19 23 August
Groomsport
Holiday Bible Club
22 - 26 July
Knock Outreach
Team
5 - 9 August
(See May/June magazine
for full details)
Inters Camp
M
oyallon Centre
Craigavon
28 June - 5 July
Crumlin Holiday
Bible Club
19 23 August
Omagh
Witness at
Omagh Show
6 July
Spain Outreach
Team
Almunecar, Spain
20 - 29 July
Senior Camp
Carrigart Centre
Donegal
6 13 July
9
North Belfast (Crosscollyer/Somerton)
David Burke has been appointed as
Community Evangelist to work with
the Somerton road congregation in
outreach and evangelism
Continue to pray for the North Belfast
session as they endeavour to appoint a
church planter as detailed in the
Mar/Apr magazine
The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013
Finaghy
Holiday Bible Club
26 30 August
Ballyclare
Young Peoples
Outreach Night
Friday 30th August
Stranmillis
Holiday Bible Club
26 to 30 August
Any comments,
thoughts or responses
on any of the articles in
this or past issues?
Why now write to the
letters page or email the
editor:
gnburke@yahoo.co.uk
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10
The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013
The Return of Christ
Part 4 - The Great Apostasy
Many years ago, while on holiday in Italy with my father, I had
the opportunity to visit Pompeii. Those who have visited there
will recall a wonderful mosaic doormat picturing a chained dog
and bearing the words Cave Canem beware of the dog. The
dog looks most vicious and unfriendly but the chain would have
brought some reassurance to any callers to the house as they
would have realised that the dog was being restrained. This
is exactly the same imagery that we fnd in Revelation 20. The
devil is being portrayed as being like a chained dog. He remains
vicious and cruel and able to roam about with considerable
freedom but he is chained. Christ, in His frst coming, has bound
him. This binding is for a particular purpose - that he should
deceive the nations no more(verse 3). Right now, in this period
of the last days, the Gospel is going forth not just to the Jews, to
Israel, but to the nations. Satan is bound in terms of his ability to
keep the nations in darkness and rebellion. However, the same
verse teaches that, just before the return of Christ, Satan must
be released for a little while (verse 3).
During this period, just prior to Christs return, when Satan is
loosed the Antichrist will arise and the people of God will pass
through a time of serious persecution and trouble. Coinciding
with these events there will be another trial for the church - a trial
which Gods people will experience not because of opposition
from without but because of the subtle activity of Satan within the
church. This event one of the particular signs is known as
the Great Apostasy.
As we try to come to terms with what the Great Apostasy is we
will ask a series of questions which, hopefully, will give us a clear
understanding of what this event is,
What is Apostasy?
Whilst there will be a signifcant falling away before Christ returns
we must acknowledge that there have always been apostates
within the church from the beginning. An apostate is someone
who professes to be a follower of Christ but who, after a period
of time, falls away from their outward profession and turns
aside from the church and from the things of God. We know, of
course, that it is impossible to fall away from Christ if a true work
of grace has been wrought in our hearts - John 10:28 & 29. But
we also know that there are men and women who claim to be
followers of Jesus but who do not persevere to the end and are
ultimately seen to be false professors. Jesus reminds us of such
people in the parable of the soils where the seed that falls on the
stony ground and the seed that falls among the thorns represent
those who claim to be followers of Jesus but who through time
wither and fade and die (Mark 4:1 to 20). Judas, one of the
Twelve, is probably the most notable example of someone who
apostasises.
What is the Great Apostasy?
It is clear from Matthew 24 (verses 5,10 and 11)that before Jesus
comes there will be a signifcant falling away. 2 Thessalonians
2:3 is probably the clearest passage in this regard. Here Paul
is trying to reassure believers who are troubled that they have
missed out on the Parousia. During the course of his pastoral
counsel to them he mentions that there are certain things
that will occur before Jesus comes one of which is the falling
away(verse 3).
Later in the same passage he goes on to speak about the Man
of Sin or the Antichrist further reminding us of the close proximity
between his rise, a time of great tribulation for the church and the
Great Apostasy.
How can you recognise an apostate?
From our human perspective it is very diffcult to recognise an
apostate. t is even more diffcult to discern whether someone
who has fallen away is an apostate or a backslider. Would
you or I have been successful in sussing out Judas if we had
been following him around with the other disciples and Jesus?
Perhaps John 12 gives us a clue as to one of the things that
might be considered the mark of the apostate. Here, in this
beautiful passage, Mary of Bethany is anointing Jesus in
preparation for his burial. Its an act of extravagant love and
devotion on Marys part. However Judas is incensed by what
he observes. Rather than being moved by Marys devotion he
is alarmed at what he considers to be extravagant waste. He
does not see the inner, spiritual signifcance of what is happening
but is preoccupied with the outward. Apostates are those who
move about in church circles, use our vocabulary and give
the impression of active involvement in kingdom work. Yet,
often that involvement is quite churchy - a preoccupation with
structures and church business rather than with deeper spiritual
issues. The comment of Martyn Lloyd Jones On Hebrews 6:
4 6 is relevant at this point:
What we are told about these people is not that they
are regenerate, not that they are justifed, not that they are
reconciled to God; but that they have had certain experiences
which have brought them into the Church and made them think,
and made everyone else think, that they were truly Christian.
They had claimed to believe the truth; they had had some
remarkable experiences in the realm of the Church together with
others, some indeed may have had some of the miraculous gifts.
But all this does not necessarily prove that a man is a Christian,
that he is regenerate.
How are we to respond to apostasy?
Often a consideration of these themes has an adverse affect
on the true people of God. Genuine believers are concerned
about their relationship with Christ, and those who are in danger
of falling away remain careless and unmoved. How can I be
sure that am a genuine believer? More signifcantly, in relation
to our studies in the Return of Christ, how do I know that I will
be able to stand when Satan is unbound? This counsel might
seem rather pedestrian and unsensational but there are really
two things you need to do as you consider the Great Apostasy.
Firstly, you must keep close to Christ, His people and His Word
what our forefathers would have called the diligent use of the
means of grace. Daily nurture of our souls is vital. Regular
meeting with Gods people is essential. Secondly, bathe in
the promises of Gods Word. Consider John10: 28 & 29 and
Philippians 1:6. Meditate on Judes doxology. Remember A W
Pink. On entering a shop in Stornoway he is reputed to have
been asked: How are you keeping, Mr Pink?. His reply: Its
God who does the keeping.
'Now to Him who is able to keep you from
stumbling, and to present you faultless before
the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
to God our Saviour, Who alone is wise, be
glory and majesty, dominion and power, both
now and forever. Amen'
11
The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013
A return to the Bible was central to the Reformation
but is Scripture Alone still relevant today? Is this
something that is worth giving time and thought to? Let
us consider the society we live in and think of those
who utterly reject the Bible, those who say they are
Christians but doubt the Bible, those who believe in
present prophetical utterances that contradict the Bible,
those who are guided by tradition, those who have
lapsed into traditionalism, and those who believe in, but
ignore the practical teaching of the Bible, and it leaves
us with little option but to answer these questions with a
resounding Yes!
From the earliest times reliance on the Word of God
has been challenged. Since our frst parents were
told by Gods arch enemy, Ye shall not surely die,
(Genesis 3:4), there have been constant attempts to
erode this foundation of our faith. Every generation of
Christians will face this challenge which will manifest
itself in various ways.
We can gain an understanding of why Scripture Alone
is so foundational to our faith by examining where the
Bible came from, what it contains, and why it was given.
1) The contents of the Bible came from our Triune
God. Paul advised the young minister Timothy, All
scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy
3:16). Inspiration of God is a single Greek word
theopneustos meaning God-breathed, so the
scriptures are divinely inspired, or inspired by God.
2 Peter 1:21 elaborates, For the prophecy came not in
old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake
as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
2) The Bible was written over 1500 years by more
than 40 authors these authors came from different
backgrounds and lived in three different continents
(Asia, Africa and Europe). The Bible contains 66
separate books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the
New Testament. The Bible starts in Eden, tells of the
Fall, tells of the coming Messiah, then gives a synopsis
of Jesus life on earth - His virgin birth, His ministry, His
death, His resurrection and ends with the prophecy of
His return!
3) Presbyterian Creed states, the supreme judge by
which all controversies of religion are to be determined,
and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient
writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to
be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest,
can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the
Scripture. (WCF 1:X) Presbyterians also believe that
the Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe
Robert Campbell, who has recently
completed his theological studies at the
Whitefeld College of the Bible, has a
particular interest in Irish Presbyterian and
Reformation Church History. Currently
residng in Londonderry with his wife and
young son, he also heads up the Twelve
Stones Media Company. Throughout the
past year he has preached in a number of
EPC congregations.
concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.
(Shorter Catechism Q&A 3)
Does an acceptance of Sola Scriptura or Scripture
Alone mean we should not use creeds? The simple
answer is No. It is important to remember that creeds
are public documents and generally have been in use
over a long period of time, some for many centuries.
These documents have been studied and debated in
the light of scripture by the best theological minds and
have stood the test of time. AA Hodge states, The real
question is not, as often pretended, between the Word
of God and the creed of man, but between the tried and
proved faith of the collective body of Gods people, and
the private judgement and the unassisted wisdom of
the repudiator of creeds. (Hodge, 1869, p2)
The Reformers insistence on Sola Scriptura brought
the church frmly back to a position of adherence to
scripture as the fnal authority. t is good to recall what
has taken place in the past...it is even more important
to grasp the relevance and benefts that a reliance on
Sola Scriptura would bring to our lives, our community
and our government.
Next we will look at Sola Gratia/Grace Alone.
Bibliography
Hodge, Archibald Alexander. The Confession of Faith.
1983. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1869.
Westminster Confession of Faith. 1647.
The 5 Solas
Sola Scriptura
12
THE GENESIS FOUNDATION
There is much in church and society in the UK today to
cause alarm. Our once dominant Christian culture has
been greatly eroded and is barely visible at many levels.
Often there is a clearly discernible disdain for Christian
beliefs and increasing attacks on Christian values by
the media and government. The result is that many of
our traditional Christian norms of society are close to
meltdown. Recently the focus has been on the meaning
of marriage and how it is defned, while in the past there
have been signifcant changes in legislation concerning
sexuality and Sunday trading. There is repeated ongoing
pressure regarding euthanasia, abortion and genetic
engineering. Most of Britain can no longer be regarded as
Christian.
The biblical basis for traditional Christian understanding
of these things is derived foundationally from Genesis.
Historically Genesis has been the main target for liberal
theologians as well as atheists and infdels who recognise
its crucial importance for the credibility of Christian faith.
The same kind of battles continue today.
Interestingly many of the same kind of issues were
around in New Testament times and Jesus repeatedly
refers back to Genesis to support his case in his regular
debates with the Pharisees and Sadducees. Genesis is
the most frequently quoted book in the NT with over 200
references, more than half of which are related to chapters
1-11. In every case Genesis is treated as absolutely
historical, true and reliable. It is impossible for one to
reject the authority and historicity of Genesis without
undermining and repudiating the credibility of Jesus and
the whole Bible (2Tim.3:16). Sadly many professing
Christians including ministers no longer regard Genesis as
historical, accurate or authoritative and even in evangelical
circles there are attempts to distort its teaching through a
variety of approaches.
Robert Beckett has served for many years
as the minister of Crosscollyer/Somerton
Road EPC. He has throughout his ministry
been very active in engaging with those who
have been caught up in the civil unrest that
has characterised North Belfast and has
a particular heart for those wrestling with
various addictions. Within EPC circles he
is well known, not least as the leader of the
Senior Camp. He is often sought after as a
lecturer on Creation and Origins.
None of these have as their starting point problems of
interpretation due to other passages of scripture. Instead
they are based on the unjustifed assumption that the
fndings of science are more reliable than the teachings of
the Bible and therefore interpretation of the Bible must be
changed to accommodate this. Few people realise that the
view that the sun rotated round the earth held stubbornly
by the church and overthrown by Galileo in 1619 had been
the predominant scientifc axiom for nearly 1500 years.
The churchs view had been determined by science and
its interpretation of scripture adjusted for it. The historic
battle damaged the credibility of the church immensely.
Understandings of science are always relative, and thus
subject to revision. Recent misunderstandings of junk
DNA and vestigial organs make the point. They should
never, like scripture, be regarded as absolute truth.
The early chapters of Genesis provide foundational
teaching on the nature of God and man and how each are
intended to relate to the other. They focus on the origin
of the universe and its inhabitants and how God wanted
society to be organised e.g. the family, work ethic and
the Sabbath day. They explain why our world today is
characterised by imperfection, evil, death and suffering.
They chart the disclosure of Gods plan of redemption
which is the golden chain linking together the other 65
books of the Bible.
Genesis is arguably the most important book ever written.
If it was left out of the Bible much of what is left would be
incomprehensible. It tells us who we are, why we exist and
what we are here for. Everyone needs to read it carefully
and thoughtfully for it is foundational to the Christian faith.
In subsequent articles we will deal with some of the major
issues taught in Genesis and consider how they interface
smoothly with science as it is correctly understood.
The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013
13
The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013
Do Not Attempt Resuscitation
A time to be born and a time to die
What does it mean when a medical team record DNAR in a
patients notes? DNAR stands for do not attempt resuscitation,
but this phrase in itself needs explained. Within medical practice
the term resuscitation refers to a variety of techniques used
in the setting of severe illness with risk of immediate death. For
example, it may describe the vigorous transfusion of blood to
a patient with severe bleeding. In the setting of DNAR orders
it refers to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). These are
techniques used when a patient effectively has no detectable
pulse or blood pressure. Such situations may occur when the
heart is not beating due to chaotic abnormal electrical activity
(ventricular fbrillation), when the heart has stopped beating
and is without electrical activity (asystole) or when the heart
has electrical activity but without mechanical effect (known
as pulseless electrical activity or PEA). t is the frst of these,
ventricular fbrillation, that may respond to an electrical shock -
the defbrillation beloved of television medical dramas. This is
also the situation most likely to respond to therapy - the others
often arise in the setting of severe systemic illness where the
bodys physiology may be too disturbed to recover despite
interventions from the medical team.
The basic elements of CPR are airway management, assistance
with breathing, and support of the circulation (often referred to as
the ABC of resuscitation). In doing this the cardiac arrest team
may place a tube in the airway, breath for the patient using a bag
and valve system and perform chest compressions to provide a
limited cardiac output - the aim is to deliver enough oxygenated
blood to the brain and heart muscle to prevent irreversible
damage while attempts are made to reverse the problem that
has lead to the cardiac arrest and so restore circulation. Chest
compressions and ventilation in themselves do not restart the
heart: they merely buy time for the doctors to fnd the cause
and attempt to fx it. A major risk is that not enough oxygenated
blood reaches the brain and hypoxic brain injury occurs. The
patient may then be left with severe neurological disability after
an otherwise successful resuscitation attempt. Other potential
adverse effects of CPR include fractured ribs, chest wall burns
from poor defbrillation and airway trauma. The chances of a
successful response to CPR fall off dramatically the longer the
heart has been stopped. This is why the cardiac arrest teams are
fast-bleeped to attend collapsed patients. If CPR is to be done,
it must be done without delay; there is no time for deliberation.
Therefore the presumption is made that, unless otherwise stated,
all patients are for a resuscitation attempt in the event of cardiac
arrest.
The survival rate after cardiorespiratory arrest and CPR is
relatively low. n fgures quoted by the Resuscitation Council
(UK) where CPR is performed for cardiorespiratory arrest which
occurs in hospital, the chances of surviving to discharge are at
best about 15-20%. Where cardiac arrest occurs out of hospital,
the survival rate is lower, at best 5-10%. Even if the patient
survives to discharge they may not have a full neurological
Michael Trimble is a Belfast based
hospital doctor. He is involved in teaching
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
and has an interest in medical ethics. He
is a member of Stranmillis Evangelical
Presbyterian Church.
recovery and may still be suffering from the underlying disease
that lead to their cardiac arrest. A DNAR decision does not mean
withholding other medical interventions.
So, why may a doctor decide that a DNAR order is
appropriate?
Put simply there are two main components to this decision:
Firstly, does the patient wish it? And, would it do any good?
Does the patient want it?
In UK law, if a patient does not consent to a treatment it is
unlawful to administer it - even if withholding the treatment
results in harm. Just as a surgeon cannot force a patient to
undergo an operation against their will so a physician cannot
deliver CPR if a patient has stated that they would not want it -
this is the sort of situation covered by advanced directives.
The technical term for such patient choice is autonomy. If
a patient is unable to speak for themselves due to coma or
confusion then doctors will try to gauge what their view would
have been by talking to their next of kin. It should be noted that
whilst a patient may decline any treatment which is offered,
autonomy does not mean that they can demand a treatment that
doctors feel would be without beneft.
Would it do any good?
This is often a much harder question to answer. The desire to do
good (benefcence) is balanced with the desire to avoid harm.
The immediate goal of CPR is the restoration of cardiac out-put.
Thus there may be a technically good result from an attempted
resuscitation but if the patient has a diagnosis of advanced
cancer or severe heart failure they may still be in the process
of dying or in pain and so their perception of what constitutes a
good outcome may be different. For some this perception may
be coloured by fear of death. Others will be of the view that their
ultimate good, like the apostle Paul, is to depart and be with
Christ.
How does this t within a Christian worIdview?
As Christians we are committed to the principle of sanctity of life.
We hold that it is wrong to take the life of another human. But
we also believe that God is sovereign. Within his plan there is
a time to live and a time to die. Modern medicine can offer help
and support that earlier generations could only dream of. But we
must use these techniques wisely. CPR can save lives but it can
only do so in limited circumstances. It is often possible to predict
when it is likely to offer no beneft and in these situations it would
be wrong to attempt resuscitation - or to expect it.
14
The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013
Silent Witnesses RRP: 14-50 Our Price 10-75
Author: Garry J. Williams
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Published: 2013
240 pages
In this excellent volume, Garry Williams gives brief, yet thorough, biographical sketches of some of the most important
events and fgures in church history as he seeks to apply the lessons of the past to the present. There are chapters
on Augustine of Hippo, the Council of Chalcedon, Martin Luther, William Tyndale, Nicholas Ridley, John Calvin, Anne
Bradstreet, John Owen, Jonathan Edwards and John Laing.
The purpose of the book is to provide a primer in theology, life, and the church from Christians of the past for Christians
of the present. It also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of some of our spiritual heroes of the past, as well
as the power of the printed page. The written works of these fgures still inform and instruct the modern church as
much, or in some cases even more, than they did in ages past, and a reading of Silent Witnesses will no doubt aid our
understanding of our evangelical heritage and bring us closer to the generations of dead Christians with whom we are
spiritually united in Christ.
The book concludes with a chapter on how we may come to a distinctly Christian view of history by balancing a healthy
suspicion of ourselves (and our potentially biased version of history) on one hand, while on the other, recognising that it is
possible to come to a Gods-eye view of the world as we see how past events only cohere in the light of the Person and
Work of Christ.
Dr. Williams is the Director of the John Owen Centre at London Theological Seminary and Visiting Professor of Historical
Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia.
What Happens When I Die RRP: 4-99 Our Price: 3-75
Author: Marcus Nodder
Publisher: Good Book Company
Published: 2013
98 pages
Marcus Nodders little book is the third title in a series published by the Good Book Company called Questions Christians
Ask. This new series seeks to answer some of the simplest yet most fundamental questions a Christian will ask. What
Happens When I Die? is a very good introduction to the fundamental issue of what happens to us in death. It is a short
but interesting book in which the author tackles some important themes in relation to death and the afterlife such as,
should we have cremation or burial, are there rewards in heaven, will we recognise loved ones in heaven, what is the
soul, and will our souls sleep until the fnal resurrection or will we depart to be with Christ immediately?
This book is highly recommended with one caveat being that the authors answer to the question of whether we should
have burial or cremation may be a little controversial. He does make the point that however we feel about this, the body
must be treated with respect after death and not as if there will never be a use for it again.
Young Christians or new believers would beneft most from this book, as it does not offer an exhaustive treatment of its
subject, but does provide some clear Bible answers to some diffcult issues. t is short and not in the least intimidating:
pass it round your youth groups!
15
The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013
A Neglected Grace RRP: 6-99 Our Price: 5-49
Author: Jason Helopoulos
Publisher: Christian Focus Publications
Published: 2013
126 pages
This is a timely reminder to a generation of Christian parents of the importance of family worship in the home. The book
can be divided into three main sections: chapters 1-3 deal with the why, chapters 4-7 with the how, and chapters 8-9 with
the encouragement to persevere. Chapter 1 does the ground work explaining who we are and what we are doing as we
worship. Then chapters 2 and 3 set out the biblical case for worship in the home as well as some practical reasons for
why this is best practice.

Chapters 4-7 deal with how we can develop a culture and routine of family worship, and much helpful advice is given in
these chapters. We are encouraged not to substitute reading Gods word for reading moral stories or childrens books, not
to underestimate our children and to trust in the power of the word of God. Responsive readings are suggested as a way
of involving the whole family and the memorisation of scripture and catechism are also encouraged.

It is also suggested that the manner in which we worship is important and it should always be conducted regularly and
in a consistent manner, and in an atmosphere that is conducive to reverence and joy. Helopolous also suggests that
we should engage in prayer and singing, giving particular attention to the singing of Psalms. Then he encourages us to
conduct it at the same time in the same place so that a routine is developed that makes it easier to persevere if we are
fnding it diffcult.

Chapters 8-9 deliver the motivational speech. By this time we know why we should engage in family worship and a
framework for how we might do so has been established. Now, we need to focus on the task. Chapter 8 deals with
common objections and excuses we often fnd for not worshipping in the home, and the fnal chapter implores us to 'Just
Do It!
This book is an important book for parents who need help and encouragement to establish regular family worship in the
home. As Richard D Phillips says,
If your family is not worshipping together in the home, this may be the most important book you read this year.
Saving Eutychus RRP: 9-99 Our Price: 7-50 How Prayer Impacts Lives RRP: 7-99 Our Price: 5-99
Weakness is the Way RRP:7-99 Our Price:5-99 Lets Study Colossians and Philemon RRP: 7-75 Our Price: 5-99
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Meet the Author with
David Robertson
Subject: The Dawkins Letters
Venue: Evangelical Bookshop
Date: Saturday 24th August
Time: 2:30-3:30pm
16
Dear Rev
Appreciated your thoughts on Cynthias employment she
managed to get the job with the Care Home and although
Im pretty uneasy with some aspects of it shes liking it
fine. Last Sabbath she wasnt able to go to church because
she had to work and, to be honest, I was not a happy man.
Imagine. A Christian working on the Sabbath. I gave her
the works! Standard stuff. The importance of the Fourth
Commandment and the need to spend the Lords Day in
worship and the Word. I told her about Dan Walker and
Euan Murray and Eric Liddell she had never heard of any
of them! It didnt go that well. Indeed it led to a bit of
strain in our relationship. She thought that I was lecturing
her and said I needed to free up a little she didnt want
to talk theology on every date. Should I be worried? Maybe
shes a spiritual lightweight what do you think?
As for working on the Sabbath she argued that it was a
work of necessity and mercy. The residents of the Home
needed to be cared for every day of the week - that was
her main excuse. Ive heard all that works of necessity
and mercy nonsense before. My friend, Oliphant Smith,
who works in the BP garage, thats what he says. Serving
diesel is a work of necessity and mercy.. Nonsense.
Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy (Exodus 20: 8 to
11), thats what I think. And yes I call it the Sabbath. Im
not going to water it down to Sunday the Bible calls it
Sabbath.
What do you think? Are we compatible? Should I be
worried? Does Cynthia sound Ok to you?
Hope youre doing well
Herbert
Dear Herbert
Take it easy! Cynthia is right. You need to
relax a little. Yes spiritual conversation is very
important but every date doesnt need to be
a heavy doctrinal discussion. These issues that
gcu ruisc urc sigricurt but it's ck tc tuIk
about other things lighter things like the
current state of the coalition government and
t/c sigricurcc c t/c Buruck Obuwu visitll
I dont like to come on too strong, Herbert,
but gcu'rc vrcrg. T/c BibIc spcuks ubcut
vcrks c rcccssitg urd wcrcg. Ok t/c cxuct
words may not be used but in Matthew 12 we
see Jesus defending his hungry disciples eating
(a work of necessity) and we see him healing
u sick wur [u vcrk c wcrcg}. Bct/ c t/csc
things occurred on the Sabbath. So Cynthia is
not breaking the Sabbath by looking after the
frail and needy on a Sunday. Pity that she
cant get to one service, though thats just not
always possible.
You will have noticed that I used Sunday. Its
rct ir t/c BibIc -truc. PcrscruIIg prccr
the designation Lords Day (Rev 1:10) for the
rst dug c t/c vcck but ir ccwwuricutirg
vit/ urccrvcrtcd wcr urd vcwcr rd it
better to use Sunday. I dont think Im toning
things down. The reality is that they just
dont understand what I mean when I talk
about the Sabbath or the Lords Day. Try it
Herbert. Next time one of these chaps from
a call centre phones and suggests hell call
you back at a more convenient time, you say
please dont contact me on the Sabbath. I
guarantee he wont have a clue what youre
talking about.
Sorry Herbert but my sympathies are really
with Cynthia.
When are we going to meet her?
You must call
The Rev
The Evangelical Presbyterian JUL-AUG 2013

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