The Evangelical Presbyterian is published bi-monthly by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
The views expressed in this magazine are those of the Editor and Contributors which are understood to reflect the theological position of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
The Evangelical Presbyterian is published bi-monthly by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
The views expressed in this magazine are those of the Editor and Contributors which are understood to reflect the theological position of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
The Evangelical Presbyterian is published bi-monthly by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
The views expressed in this magazine are those of the Editor and Contributors which are understood to reflect the theological position of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
The Evangelical Presbyterian is published bi-monthly by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
The views expressed in this magazine are those of the Editor and Contributors which are understood to reflect the theological position of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
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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 ................................................. Page 3 Page 4 Page 6 Page 8 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 16 Subscriptions 2013 Collected 9.00 By post within the UK 11.50 By post outside the UK 16.00 Enquiries to the Evangelical Book Shop Finance Anyone wishing to help the churchs work may send their gift to the Finance Committee C/O: Rev J S Roger 16 Huntingdale BALLYCLARE BT39 9XB The church can beneft from the Gift Aid scheme from taxpayers' donations. Please ask for details. Printed by JC Print Ltd. Email info@jcprint.net Design and Layout by Derek Johnston Book Reviews Colin Campbell Manager The Evangelical Book Shop BELFAST BT1 6DD Phone 028 9032 0529 Email: info@evangelicalbookshop.co.uk Website: www.evangelicalbookshop.co.uk 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 6 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 Dont forget to visit our new website: www.epcni.org.uk N E W ! 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 NEW TITLES! 15 College Square East BELFAST BT1 6DD Tel: 028 9032 0529 E Mail: info@evangelicalbookshop.co.uk Website: www.evangelicalbookshop.co.uk Manager: Colin Campbell The Evangelical Bookshop G R E A T P R I C E S ! NEW TITLES! 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