JulJul-Aug 2012

The Evangelical Presbyterian

Jul Jul-Aug 2012 1.50

The Sanctity of Marriage A Tale of Two Cities Handling Stress at Work The Compromised Church
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The Evangelical Presbyterian

The Evangelical Presbyterian

is published bi-monthly by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Please visit: www.epcni.org.uk Follow us on

Take Note
The Sanctity of Marriage
The total disregard for the law of God by the UK Coalition Government has become more apparent in recent months as it proposes to redefine marriage. While this has been put out for consultation this is rather disingenuous as some Government ministers have made it plain that marriage will change regardless of the views expressed by society. If thats the case we wonder why time and money has been spent on finding out what people think when their opinions are going to be ignored anyway! John Murray, in his excellent book on Christian ethics, Principles of Conduct reminds us that marriage is a creation ordinance. The fullest revelation we possess on the question of marriage, that by our Lord and the apostle Paul, appeals to Genesis 2.24 as the definitive word of institution. Marriage was instituted by God at creation along with the Sabbath and the ordinance of labour. The Bible teaches and our Confession of Faith underlines that marriage is to be between one man and one woman. We live in days when marriage is seen as outdated and when many leading figures in our society enter into irregular relationships; cohabitation arrangements and civil partnerships. For that reason pressure is put on churches to approve and give equality to same-sex unions. To resist these pressures Christians are vilified as Puritanical or Victorian yet neither the Puritans or Queen Victoria declared that this was wrong, it was God. With over half a million people having signed the Coaltion4Marriage petition, clearly a considerable number of people in our nation hold to the traditional and Biblical view of marriage.

Policy
The views expressed are those of the Editor and Contributors which are understood to reflect the theological position of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Editor
Harold Gibson Stockbridge 2 Barronstown Court DROMORE BT25 1FB hgibson@barronstown.force9.net

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Cover Photograph
Crowds on Curetus Street, ancient Ephesus, named after the Priests of Artemis. Earthquakes after Pauls time necessitated restoration and some change. The famous Celsus Library (centre) is 2nd century. (p 16)
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Take Note: Gods law is perfect. (Psalm

19.7) Men meddle with it at their peril.

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A Tale of Two Cities

The Editor
In this year of notable anniversaries, the birth of Charles Dickens in 1812 is one of those being celebrated. Much has been written about the man and his influence on society through literature. Many of us are familiar with his works, whether through studies at school and college or through film and television adaptations of his writings. The titles that he chose are in themselves intriguing, we think of Great Expectations, Bleak House and A Tale of Two Cities, stories that depict materialism, concern for the disadvantaged and poor and death and resurrection. There is nothing to suggest that he was a Christian though he does quote from Scripture at times and he was close to his sister who was truly and wonderfully converted.1 We borrow the title for this article from one of his wellknown books because it reminds us that the Bible sets before us a story of two cities, the worldly city and the heavenly city. John Bunyan in Pilgrims Progress speaks of the city of destruction and the celestial city. The Worldly City We live in the worldly city, at present. Yet the Bible teaches us that Christians are citizens of another city, we belong to the Kingdom of God. To coin a well-worn phrase, we are IN the world but not OF the world. The apostle John tells us Do not love the world or the things in the world. (1 John 2.15) While we are not to take up a monastic lifestyle Christians are to be seen as different and to be salt and light in society. Living in this present world is a challenge to the church and a temptation to every Christian. Looking for the church in the world today is more likely to result in finding the world in the church. We are reminded of Demas, described by Paul as being in love with this present world and deserting! Christians are in great danger of being seduced by this fallen world. Demas, a faithful and passionate follower of Christ, ends up as a deserter of the faith and his life is a warning to us all. C J Mahaney in his book Worldliness reminds us A love for the world begins in the soul. He continues: Affections grow dim. Excitement lessens for participating in the local church. Eagerness to evangelize starts to wane. Growth in godliness slows to a crawl.2 Worldliness for many is defined by the places we go to, the music we listen to, the way we dress and the possessions we pursue. As Mahaney again points out worldliness does not consist in outward behaviour but the real location of worldliness is internal. Look carefully at 1 John 2.15, worldliness is defined as the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does. Worldliness, according to the Bible, is a heart problem. John Calvin tells us that our hearts are a perpetual factory of idols! Godliness and worldliness are becoming increasingly hard to distinguish in Christian living today yet James tells us that one of the features of religion that is pure and undefiled before God is to keep oneself unstained from the world. (1.27) He adds a little later the warning that friendship with the world is enmity with God.
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How are we to cope living in a world that is hostile to God and to Christianity? We can only do that by maintaining a close walk with Jesus Christ. John Bode puts it so well in his hymn:
O let me feel thee near me: The world is ever near: I see the sights that dazzle, The tempting sounds I hear; My foes are ever near me, Around me and within, But Jesus, draw thou nearer, And shield my soul from sin.

As Mahaney puts it: crowd out worldliness by filling your affections with the cross of Christ. Resist the bait of the world by gazing at the wondrous cross. Dwell where the cries of Calvary are louder than the clamour of the world. Living for Christ in this worldly city is but preparation for dwelling in the heavenly city. For here, we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. (Heb 13.14) The Heavenly City Jesus spoke to his disciples and told them that he was going to prepare a place for them, a house of many mansions. Hebrews speaks of a city whose designer and builder is God. Glorious things are said of this city. (Ps 87.2) Throughout Scripture the promise of heaven and all its glory for all who trust and believe in Jesus is constant. It is a place where righteousness dwells. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. (Ps 46.4) The apostle Paul writes What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him. The prospect of heaven is glorious:
O, the sight of heaven is glorious! Man in righteousness is there. Once the victim, now victorious, Jesus lives in glory fair.

Entrance into the heavenly city will end the conflicts we face in the worldly city. The battle with sin, the world, the flesh and the devil will be over. Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. (Rev 21.4)There will be no more death, crying, mourning or pain for the former things have passed away. It was the prospect of the glory and the joy that encouraged Jesus to endure the cross and despise its shame. So we too must press on, as citizens of heaven but living as ambassadors for Christ in this present age. John MacArthur writes, I have actually heard Christians say they dont want to go to heaven until they have enjoyed all that the world can deliver. 3 The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2.17) Loving the things of this world and doing the will of God are not compatible. Richard Baxter wrote: A heavenly mind is a joyful mind; this is the nearest and truest way to live a life of comfort. Be careful, do not try to live as a citizen of this world and as a citizen of heaven. Remember Demas. It doesnt work and generally ends in ruin.
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Out of the Shadows, Faith Cook, EP, p 43, Fanny Burnett, Charles Dickens Favourite Sister. Worldliness, edited by C J Mahaney, Crossway, 2008. The Glory of Heaven, John F MacArthur. Christian Focus, 1997

JulJul-Aug 2012

The 7 ChurchesJesus speaks to his church today

Rev 2.18-29The Compromised Church

Rev Gareth Burke, Stranmillis

Herbert is 23 years of age. He has recently started a new job with a firm of financial consultants having graduated two years previously from university with a degree in economics. He is delighted to get the work as he has been in and out of all kinds of jobs over the past two years. The firm has arranged an evening dinner for all the employees followed by entertainment in a well known Belfast club. Herbert, after talking to different men in his church, feels it would be appropriate for him to attend the meal but to withdraw from the gathering whenever the clubbing begins. Cyril, a Christian work colleague, doesnt agree. Theres nothing wrong with staying on, Cyril advises. The world poses no threat to us: we are stronger than the world, and by withdrawing you are conveying the impression that to be a Christian is both boring and unsociable. Cyrils advice, which is widespread throughout evangelicalism at the present time, is nothing new. There were false teachers who had infiltrated the church in Thyatira, who were saying essentially the same thing. Described in Revelation 2. 20 as the teaching of that woman Jezebel the essential message was the same. Dont withdraw from the revelry of the world. Show to the pagans that youre as cool as they are. The Town Thyatira was a town renowned for its trade guilds. Those who worked at the various industries based in the town were expected to belong to a guild and to participate in all the guild activities which involved both the recognition of a pagan god and various forms of sexual immorality. There were wool workers, linen workers, makers of outer garments, dyers, leather workers, tanners, potters, bakers and bronze smiths, Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, who we meet in Philippi (Acts 16) originated from Thyatira. The Church There are some good things happening in the church as can be seen from verse 19: I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience (perseverance), and as for your works the last are more than the first. Here is a church that was active in serving Christ and was making some progress in terms of service and ministry. However, all was not well. The Problem There are those who had infiltrated the church who were teaching error. Instead of encouraging the Lords people to lead holy lives and to keep themselves pure they were suggesting that it was OK to get involved with the trade guilds and to participate in both the idol worship and the sexual waywardness associated with them. The Saviour uses the name Jezebel to refer to these false teachers. Some think that this is a reference to a false prophetess of that name who had come in
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to the church but I think it more likely that Jesus was using this name as a catch all expression to refer to these false teachers. Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab (1 Kings 16.31) and was renowned for her love of the false god Baal. She was also a woman of corrupt disposition. The name Jezebel can be readily applied to those who are suggesting that the believers shouldnt get too worried about involvement with the world. The Future The Saviour has given time to Jezebel and her followers to repent. Failure to listen to Jesus has consequences and, as such, their future will be one of judgement and doom (verse 22 and 23). For those who are faithful to the Lord and continue to serve him whilst remaining apart from the world the Saviour gives a two fold promise. There is the promise of ultimately ruling with Christ at the time of his Second Coming (verses 26 and 27). This truth is somewhat hard to fully grasp but is taught elsewhere in Scripture most notably in 1 Corinthians 6.2. There is also the promise of future glory (verse 28). To receive the morning star (verse 28) is to receive Christ himself for he is so described in Revelation 22.16. Postscript In looking at the different churches that we have considered so far it is interesting to note the different attitude to error that is found in each congregation. For example, Ephesus, whilst loveless, exercises strong discipline. Thyatira, by way of contrast, does not seem to be prepared to discipline these false teachers in their midst. This has led some to suggest that we must not strive to expel error from the church for the desire to have a pure church is unattainable, and, it is therefore pointless to strive after such. Harry Buis states: But despite the evils found in these churches, it is significant that Christ never counsels true believers to leave in order to found a pure church of their own. This is simply to read too much into this passage and to fail to apply the important Reformation principle of comparing Scripture with Scripture to this portion. A casual reading of the Epistles alone shows to us the importance of discipline within the church. (1 Cor 5 ) Dr Mark Ross of Erskine Seminary in a recent edition of TableTalk makes the following apt comment in considering Matthew 18: When lost sheep continue in their rebellion after many patient, persistent appeals, they are at last put out from the church, for the Lords forgiveness is not endless toleration of sin. His glory is not everlasting indulgence. His character of mercy and steadfast love includes His justice, for He will by no means clear the guilty. Church discipline is not something we approach with any sense of ease or joy. It is always painful and distressing. But this passage reminds us that we cannot ignore it as our calling and duty as leaders in Christs church. See again the Saviours attitude to sin in his Church: Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. (Verses 22-23) Solemn words of warning to a compromised church.
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Handling Stress at Work

John Benton
This article first appeared in the March 2012 issue of Evangelicals Now and is reprinted here with their kind permission

As the recession bites and job insecurity increases, how do we cope? An ICM survey showed that 72% of people enjoy their jobs. Yes, they complain about them, but they also like them. The Bible tells us that work is good because God is a worker and we are made in his image (Genesis 1.26-27). So, being productive in some way, whether it is at home as a mother, in voluntary work or in paid employment, is part of what it is to be a balanced human being. If we have our usefulness curtailed through illness or redundancy, we feel diminished as people. What is Stress? But though work is good, statistics show that stress affects about one in five of the working population. Some say workplace stress is the single biggest cause of illness in the UK. Pressure itself is not bad. It is good to be stretched a little and rise to the challenge. But sometimes pressure becomes too intense. Stress is basically anxiety which results from demands made on us being greater than our resources. Sir Michael Marmots research among civil servants showed that the lower you are in the working hierarchy the higher the risk of heart disease and shorter life. He says that this is because stress is caused by high demands on people who have low control and low support in their jobs. Computers have accelerated the pace of work. Smartphones can mean that your company wants you to be always keeping up with your emails. In a recession, firms cut staff and employees are expected to do the work of two or three. We can think that pressure and stress are products of modern society. But that is not so. Back in a slower age of agriculture and manual labour there were other things to worry about. Would the weather wreck the harvest, etc.? Martha got stressed in offering hospitality (Luke 10.40). Even the Lord Jesus knew what it is to be deeply distressed and troubled (Mark 14.33) as he contemplated what was being asked of him on the night before he would be crucified. So dont think the stresses of modern life are beyond Scriptures ability to address. Signs of too much Stress Long-term or chronic stress can lead to depression and burnout, and can even increase your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. It is important, therefore, to know the danger signals. Physical signs These can include muscular tension, loss of appetite for food or sex, overindulgence in sugar or alcohol, high blood pressure, headaches and continually feeling tired. Emotional Signs We can become angry, impatient and irritable. Or we may lose our confidence, feel victimised and withdraw from people.
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Intellectual Signs We find it difficult to concentrate. Making decisions about even fairly trivial things seems to be impossibly complicated. Spiritual Signs These might include inability to pray or read Scripture, loss of purpose or hope, doubting Gods goodness. In the incident which Luke recounts, it appears Martha is angry with Jesus. Causes of Workplace Stress We can picture ourselves as a spring with weights dangling on the end. The weights are our pressures. We are designed to carry some weights; to extend as we do so and then go back into shape when the weights are re-moved. Life should be a sequence of cycles of extension followed by relaxation. Our problems arise: 1) when the spring becomes weak by being extended for too long; 2) when the weights are too heavy; 3) when help in carrying the weights is removed. Here are four common weights we carry. Change Change moves us out of our comfort zone. It brings us into the unknown and can make us anxious. At work it might be caused by the threat of redundancy or your company being taken over or a new computer system or a line manager who does not make his/her expectations clear. It brings stress. Demands Increasing workload, deadlines and a never-ending to do list can cause stress. We may be given new tasks which are beyond us or for which we have received no training. In some situations we might be able to talk these through with managers. But sometimes it seems impossible to raise the subject of our problems. We feel bullied. We may cover up problems, causing more difficulties and more stress. Driven-ness Self-expectation is one of the primary factors in stress because it is not just another weight. It multiplies the effects of the two preceding weights. Certain types of people experience this driven-ness. These include the superman who misses coffee breaks and rushes around trying to be in two places at once because he/ she thinks they can always work faster; the perfectionist who views anything less than perfect as a failure; the people-pleaser who fears criticism and does not want to let people down. Spiritual Attack We must not forget the spiritual dimension here. Christians are involved in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6.13). Often when we are facing some difficulty, the devil takes the opportunity to have an extra go at us in some way. Ways Forward Jesus didnt value Martha less for her dashing around, but he did spot her need not to get stressed out by his arrival and he tries to calm her down (Luke 10.42). How can we do that practically for ourselves? Respect Gods Patterns of Work and Rest The working week in the UK is three hours longer than the European average. The
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pressure is to work ever longer hours. Resist that. Genesis tells us God made morning and evening. He has given us the day to work and the night to rest. God has given us the weekly Sabbath; a complete day each week away from work. Try to stick to those patterns. The extended spring needs to relax back or it will lose its bounce. Find your Personal Worth in Gods Love Dame Carole Black did research into working people and she writes: For most people, their work is a key determinant of self-worth, identity and standing in the community. Thinking that way, we will put extra pressure on ourselves to perform so as to be esteemed by others. But, Christian, your worth as a person is not first of all dependent on your levels of performance at work. God loves you and values you. Christ died for you. You dont have to prove anything to anyone. You are a child of God. Try to Organise your Work in a Better Way It may not be possible. But it may be. God has given us our minds and we do better when we use them. It may be that a little time at the beginning of work, to think about what needs to be done (write a list?) and then to prioritise what must be done today and what can be left until tomorrow, would really help. Dont fall into putting off the difficult tasks while you just do the tasks you enjoy. Improve Relationships in your Workplace Much stress at work is caused by bad or non-existent relationships between people who work together. Its not a happy place to be. You cannot ask for advice without being sneered at. That only adds to the stress. But where people work as a team, things are different. A 1994 study of social work teams found it was not the intensity of the pressures which determined levels of employee stress, but rather the effectiveness with which teams, led by their managers, coped with these pressures. As Christians we are called to be peacemakers. Are you someone who helps build good relationships in your workplace? Pray about your Working Life Much stress is caused by uncertainty. Will I meet the deadline? Is the company failing? But we have a sovereign God who works all things for our good. Learn to trust him at work. Philippians 4.6-7. Recognise who your Real Boss is We do not work simply for our company or earthly boss. We work for the Lord Jesus Christ who loves us, understands us and is in ultimate control (Colossians 3.23-24). Grasp the Bigger Picture of Work Stress can come if we think our work is pointless. But every honourable work, however humble, needs to be seen as co-operation with God for the transformation of the world he has committed to our care (Genesis 1.28). This applies alike to industry and commerce, to public services and the professions, and to full-time caring or motherhood.
Authors Note: In writing this piece I am indebted to the booklet Managing Workplace Stress Christian Perspective by Dr. Adrian Miles, published by Transform Work UK, and also to the leaflet A brief insight into stress by Beverley Shepherd from Crusade for World Revival.
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Labrador to Savage Island

Reflecting on the Titanic, the heroic efforts to bring the Gospel to its drowning passengers and the opportunities for witness the story still provides, has prompted us to take another look at D P Thompsons

Stories of the Ships of Christ, or Maritime Missionary Adventure throughout the World. They are tales of the sea and of the rivers

and lakes of the great African continent from the mid 18th to early 20th centuries. The achievements of these Christian mariners was indeed great. Labrador A mission to the Eskimos (as the Inuit were then known) of Labrador was the vision of John Christian Ehrhardt, a Dutch sailor. Three London merchants provided a ship and Ehrhardt, with four Moravian missionaries set sail in the Hope from London in 1752. Ehrhardt and others were murdered by the Eskimos and the project abandoned, but Jens Haven of Saxony felt Gods call to take it up again. After preparation in Greenland he sailed, with seven others, from London in 1771 in the Jersey Packet. Under Gods good hand a series of mission stations were opened, supplied by annual visits of the Packet. In succeeding years other ships took over, the most famous being The Harmony, a name borne by five ships in all. Later came the three Harmony II vessels and only the last was a steamship. In 1892 the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen sent a hospital ship from Yarmouth to the fishermen and coastal communities on the 1,000 mile long coast of Labrador-Newfoundland. The ship was the famous Albert and on board was Wilfred T Grenfell, Doctor and master mariner. The Albert took 19 days in reaching St Johns, Newfoundland, having nearly run into her first iceberg in heavy fog a few days before. The crew found St Johns on fire and so began Grenfells mission. He treated 900 patients in his first summer and many professed Christ through attending the services in the Alberts on -board Church. He founded orphanages, hospitals and schools along the coast and on his death in 1940 the Newfoundland government commemorated his lifes work with the issue of a special postage stamp. Labrador He was also knighted. Terra del Fuego Savage Island T del F In 1850 Captain Allen Gardiner, under the auspices of the South American Missionary Society, led a group of seven pioneer missionaries who disembarked at Picton Island off the southern point of the American continent. Their burden was to reach the mainland native population. The Society was to send a vessel with provisions but it was unable to procure one with the result that the pioneers died one by one of starvation. In a letter found after his death Gardiner pleaded that the work should continue from a base in the Falkland islands. This plan was put into effect using the nearby Keppel Island but soon after a settlement was made in Terra del Fuego in 1859 the missionaries were murdered during a Lords Day evening service. Ten years later, a missionary group which included Gardiners only son, established the work which grew year by year. Considerable transformation of life took place through the Gospel. To be continued
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A Voice from the PastGilbert Tennant

Son of thunder, Servant of God

The Editor

Gilbert Tenant was born in Co Armagh on 5 February 1703, the eldest son of William Tennant. In 1717 the family emigrated to Pennsylvania. Gilbert was educated at home by his father, a Presbyterian minister, and by all accounts he was a clever pupil, well grounded in the classics and Hebrew. He later studied at Yale and received his Master of Arts in 1725. He was licensed as a preacher of the Gospel but remained in his first church for a short time. In 1727 his father established what became known as The Log College, a theological school that was to play an influential part in training young men for the ministry, many of whom were mightily used by God in the first Great Awakening in America. Gilbert had helped his father build the log cabin. The influence of the Log College cannot be underestimated. For Archibald Alexander and those who joined with him, it was an important symbol in the first American Presbyterian Seminary established in 1812 in Princeton, New Jersey. Tribute was paid at the centennial of the Seminary in 1912 by John Grier Hibben who said at the back of Princeton Seminary was Princeton College and back of Princeton College was the Log College, and back of the Log College, the school house on the hills of Scotland and of Ulster in Ireland.1 Gilbert Tennant moved to New Brunswick having accepted a call to a congregation in that town. He was a gifted evangelistic preacher, described by George Whitefield as an eminent Dissenting minister! Whitefield records in his Journals: God, I find has been pleased greatly to own his labours. Revival was sweeping through the area at this period and again Whitefield records for us something of the power of the Gospel. I went to the meeting house to hear Mr. Gilbert Tennant preach, and never before heard such a searching sermon. He convinced me more and more that we can preach the Gospel of Christ no further than we have experienced the power of it in our own hearts. Being deeply convicted of sin, by Gods Holy Spirit, at his first conversion, he has learned experimentally to dissect the heart of a natural man. Hypocrites must either soon be converted or enraged at his preaching. He is a son of thunder, and does not fear the faces of men. With revival continuing in the colony the demand for ministers to serve resulted in the choice of Log College graduates. The New Brunswick Presbytery had power to license its own ministers but this met with opposition resulting in a ruling by the Synod requiring graduates of other than university colleges to be examined before a license to preach could be granted. This was a blow to the Log College. Gilbert Tennant responded by preaching a sermon entitled The Danger of an Unconverted Ministry. This inevitably led to division and much bitterness yet Tennant was a man of strong conviction and zealous for truth and in 1758 was instrumental in healing the division between the Philadelphia and New York Presbyteries. He died on 23 July 1764, and for many is remembered as a fearless son of thunder and a faithful servant of God.
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Princeton Seminary, Vol.1, David B. Calhoun, Banner of Truth, 1994.

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CONNIE and PHILIP...

Two pillows, two sleeping bags and a quilt in case were cold! announced Connie, dropping a heap of bedding at the tent door. Philip had unrolled the camping mats and together they laid out their beds for the night, complete with toys, books and torches. It might only be the bottom of the garden, but it was still exciting to camp out on their own. Dad had shown Philip how to use the camping stove and now they carefully warmed up milk to make hot chocolate for supper. They were just finishing and had tucked the milk and chocolate tin under the flysheet when Dad came out to read and pray with them. Sleep tight, you two, he finished. Now, last trip to the bathroom, then I dont want to hear a sound until morning! There was plenty of sound, of course. Everyone knows it is impossible to settle down in a tent without lots of wriggling and wrestling, laughing and losing things! But eventually brother and sister fell asleep, cosy in their sleeping bags. Philip sat up suddenly, knowing something had wakened him, but not sure what. Connie had heard it too and, silently, they moved together to unzip the tent door. Philip went first and the pounding of his heart gave way to a silent intake of breath as he gazed at the moonlit scene. Look, Connie, he whispered. Its beautiful! A bright half-moon flooded the lawn with light, showing up each buttercup and daisy, petals closed in the cool night air. For a moment he forgot about the mysterious noise as he feasted his eyes on the countless stars above.
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GO CAMPING
Then Connie stifled a giggle, tugged his sleeve and pointed. An amazed grin spread across Philips face as he too saw what had disturbed their sleep. A short distance from where they stood, a hedgehog had pushed over the chocolate tin at the edge of the tent. Now it snuffled softly as it gorged on a pile of powder, spilled on the damp grass. The children watched in silence. Oh, that was the sweetest thing ever, breathed Connie when their four-legged friend had finally moved off and disappeared into the shadows under the compost heap. I know, agreed Philip. I wish Mum could have been here. You know how she loves nature. And it seemed sort of magical with the moon and all. Well have to tell her in the morning. And you know what shell say, added Connie. Isnt God wonderful! Yes, God is wonderful, thought Philip to himself as they lay again inside their sleeping bags. The breathing beside him told him Connie was fast asleep, but his heart was too full to sleep. He felt very small and yet very safe as he thought about the vast and beautiful world that God had made. God made the stars and the hedgehog, he told himself, but he loves me even more than any of them. He pulled his sleeping bag over his head and hummed a tune from church:

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to you, How great you are, how great you are

Isnt God Wonderful!

Wake up, sleepy-head! called Connie five hours later, pulling down his sleeping bag. Its morning! I told Mum all about the hedgehog and, guess what she said- Isnt God wonderful!

Read more about Connie and Philip next time.

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Church News
ObituaryDr Irene Thompson, Richhill
Dr Irene Thompson, the oldest member of our Richhill Congregation died on Wednesday, 2 May at 2.20 pm, in Belvedere Nursing Home Lurgan, after a prolonged period of illness. Her funeral service took place in Richhill on Friday, 4 May at 2.00 pm. Dr Thompson was in her 96th year. She had served her Lord with distinction for many, many years. Her connection with EPC began in Botanic Avenue, but in more recent times she was a faithful member of Richhill. Although unable to be at worship due to her advanced years Dr Thompson continued to take a keen interest in our congregational life and remained prayerfully and practically involved in the Lords work at a congregational, denominational and worldwide level. Irene was loved by her fellow church members, many of whom benefitted greatly from her wisdom and sanctified common sense. A true Christian lady she displayed an indisputable love for her Lord a genuine love for her fellow believers and a deep concern for the lost. Christ lived in Irene and Irene lived for Christ! Although never married this humble, gracious, authentically godly woman was a mother in the Lord to many. She has run her raceshe has finished her courseshe is now with Christ in glory. We in Richhill will miss her so much. We thank God for every remembrance of her and commend her grieving loved ones to the Lords tender care and keeping. BE

Dr Edwin Kerr, CBE,1926-2012

Dr Kerr went to be with the Lord on 12 May 2012. He came into connection with the Irish Evangelical Church through the Young Peoples Bible Class which met from 1941 at Lisburn Road and Botanic Avenue. It was there that he received his initial grounding in the reformed faith. Edwin and Gertrude were foundation members of our Finaghy congregation which held its first services in 1946. They moved to the mainland in 1952 where Edwin followed a distinguished career in Education in Birmingham, Manchester and Paisley. On retirement they returned to Northern Ireland and were members of Knock from 2000 until their move to Galgorm, Ballymena in 2007. Dr Kerr did a great deal for the Church, denominationally and in a representative capacity. Council ran a Speakers Training Class from 1947 -1952. Edwin was one of the teachers, lecturing on Sheol, Hades and Gehenna in 1952. From 1950 he was leader of the new Pathfinders for Boys until his move to England in 1952. He also led the Boys Camps 1950-53, 1955-56. The IEC were members of the International Conference of Christian Churches 1949-1959 and Dr Kerr represented us at the Third Plenary Congress, 1954, held in a large tent in the grounds of Faith Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, where the theme was The Historic Christian Faith. He also addressed the Tuesday evening Youth Rally at the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland in May 1956 about IEC youth work. He was Secretary of the British Evangelical Council for a number of years in the 1950s. We give thanks for Dr Kerrs life and for his contribution to the work of the Kingdom. We extend our deepest sympathy to Gertrude and to the family.
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Presbytery Day Conference

S1 M2 T3 W4 T5 F6

Jul 2012: Pray for

The Inters Camp which began on Friday The Junior Camp, just started yesterday Christian Inst leading Sanctity of Marriage The Richhill congregation. Please obtain the information from the article on page 22. Colin Campbell, New Book Shop Manager Senior Camp beginning tomorrow Samuel and Valerie Watson at the beginning of the changes retirement brings Our Queen that she will know saving grace The ongoing Crumlin vacancy which enters its fifth year in August 2012.

The annual Presbytery Day Conference was held at Belfast Bible College S7 on Saturday 28 April 2012. The guest S8 speaker was Pastor Achille Blaize who took as his theme Josiahs Reformation. M9 Rev Gareth Burke conducted proceedings and presented an overview of his year as Moderator before handing over to Mr David Watson, Moderator for 2012-13. Mr Watson preached a stirring sermon from Psalm 50.

T10 Deliverance from every form of worldliness W11 The safety of our missionaries in Nigeria T12 More reading of Christian books among us F13 FEBA and other Christian broadcasters

A number of younger folk from the S14 The new Peruvian governing Board at Colegio Spanish outreach team outlined the S15 Beach Missions around our coasts planned programme for their July visit. M16 ACTSpoint of sale/ inventory computerisation Do continue to pray for this outreach. At the afternoon session Rev Barry Galbraith brought greetings from the W18 The Spain outreach team leaving Saturday Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland. T19 The witness of Churches, Schools, Hospitals Again, all enjoyed a good day of F20 Increased premises facilities in Omagh. fellowship and Bible teaching.
Photograph: Shaun McFall S21 The blessing of pages 12-13 to our children S22 Grace to not to live for ourselves but for Christ M23 Freedom from any undesirable incidents at the Olympic Games 25 July-12 August and individual Christians in India. T17 The spiritual usefulness of this Magazine

Juniors Leader

30 June-7 July Michael Crawford Heather Watson Dunluce School, Bushmills

Summer Camps

T24 Spiritual and numerical growth among us. W25 Greater community response at Groomsport T26 The ministry of the Bible Women in S Africa F27 God to soon call men into the Ministry S28 A good conclusion to the Spain outreach S29 All who minister the Word each Lords Day The progress of the Gospel in traditionally M30 resistant areas of the world. T31 The planning of the Student work at Stranmillis

Inters 29 June-6 July Leader Shaun Gaston Moyallon Centre, Portadown Seniors 7-14 July Leader: Rev Robert Beckett Old Presbytery Youth Hostel Rathdrum, Co Wicklow Please obtain the Camps Prayer Diary and use it every day of the Camps.

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The Evangelical Presbyterian

Aug 2012: Pray for

W1 T2 F3 S4 S5 M6 T7 W8 T9 John and Julia Grier as they get used to retirement and their new ways of service. The children who attend Holiday Bible Clubs around our Churches, mostly in August. Ways to maximise the Magazine distribution Gospel opportunities at the Olympics Our spiritual benefit from the Lords Table Ongoing community peace in north Belfast

Omagh Ordination

On 27 May 2012, a very warm Sunday evening, the Omagh church was full to The vacancy just beginning at Finaghy, the witness the ordination and installation Session and Interim Moderator of Mr Kenneth Condy as a ruling elder Revival in the church that will result in wide- in the congregation.
Our Church that it will remain uncompromised spread conversions in our communities

F10 Ministers and families holiday times S11 S12 M13 T14 W15 T16 F17

Rev Andrew Lucas welcomed everyone present and led the opening part Planning and erection of the building at Knock of the service. The Presbytery Commission, Rev Jeff Ballantine, Rev Church visitors during the holiday season Stephen Roger and Mr. John Grier Personal boldness in seeking and taking carried out the act of ordination. Mr. opportunities to communicate the Gospel. Roger preached the sermon taking as Help for all engaged in outreach at Ballyclare his text Acts 20.28. The assessor eldThe further development of EPCEW ers, Mr David Woolsey and Mr Trevor Relief from the financial constraints which Gilliland also took part.
limit the potential of Dumisani A Biblical perspective on all our employment issues, always rendering service to the Lord

At the conclusion of the service all were invited to stay for supper, kindly provided by the ladies of Omagh and Our children and young people who have ably assisted by some of the men. S18 heard or are hearing the Gospel at Camp We give thanks to God for this S19 Careful hearing of the Word and response to it milestone in the life of the congregation and commend Kenneth and the M20 The cases the Christian Institute is fighting. Omagh fellowship to the prayers of the T21 Renewed commitment from us all to live in wider church.
increasing readiness for the Christs Coming W22 Colegio san Andrs, Lima95th Anniversary T23 Introducing ACTSthe new brochure F24 Indian Christians facing growing inflation S25 Effectiveness of Sessions and Diaconates S26 Grace to love one another as God loves us M27 Our Prayer Meetings and the Spirits help T28 The progressive influence of our Book Shop W29 SS teachers preparing for the new term T30 Presbytery meetings resuming in September F31 The resumption of our youth programmes Photograph: Derek Johnston

Curetes Street, Ancient Ephesus

This was one of the main streets of Ephesus. There were shops, fountains and monuments on both sides. Spanning the first century there were terraced houses on the slopes to the left of the picture (slope houses) where wealthy Ephesians lived. Perhaps these were among those to which Paul referred: ...and taught you publicly and from house to house. (Acts 20.20)

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JulJul-Aug 2012

Christopher Sandamas

Rev Samuel Watson Retires

After 35 years in the ministry of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Rev Samuel Watson retired at the end of June 2012. His final sermons were preached on 10 June in Finaghy where he had been minister for the last 25 years. His subjects were Pauls farewell to the elders in Ephesus from Acts 20 and the Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6. Both services were marked by good attendances and a supper held in Rev Watsons honour at the close of the evening service provided a suitable opportunity for the Session to lead fitting tributes to all his work in Finaghy. Particular emphasis was laid on the outstanding quality of Rev Watsons preaching, his pastoral and administrative gifts and diligence in all things. Presentations to Rev and Mrs Watson were made and, in response, Rev Watson thanked the officebearers and congregation for all their support throughout his time there. We take this opportunity to add our thanks to Rev Watson for his lifetime of service in both Crumlin and Finaghy, not forgetting his contribution as Interim-Moderator in other places, and to Presbytery, where he served faithfully as Clerk for many years. We wish him and Mrs Watson every blessing in retirement. Mervyn Langtry
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The Evangelical Presbyterian

Spiritual DisciplinesSpeech (Part 1)

Michael Trimble, Stranmillis
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. (Plato) Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. (Abraham Lincoln)

So wrote two wise men from the past. What does our speech say about us, about our walk with God? Think about the past week; have you said anything that you regret? What was it and why do you regret it? Did you hear anything that you wish you had not heard? Genesis The first speech we read of in Scripture is in Genesis 1 as God calls creation into being. Genesis also records that man is made in the image of God and surely our ability to use speech is one aspect of that image. Yet, instead of creative good, our speech is rather more destructive - Verbal cyanide, as Kent Hughes describes it in his Disciplines of a Godly Man. He lists gossip, innuendo, flattery, criticism, and diminishment of others as common patterns. Isaiah Isaiah realised the sinfulness of his speech before God. Woe to me! I cried. I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty (Isaiah 6.5). James James is just as blunt: If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. (James 1.26). Worthless religion that is the state of our faith if we cannot discipline our tongues. James gives further advice; Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger...We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.... All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.... With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in Gods likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers this should not be. Can both fresh and salt water flow from the same spring? Jesus Jesus cuts to the heart of the matter: For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give an account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12. 34-37). Our speech reflects our hearts and so often it condemns us.
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JulJul-Aug 2012

Psalm 138Extraordinary Faith

Colin Moore, Stranmillis
We need a broken heart to mourn our own sins, but a whole heart to praise the Lords perfections. (Charles H Spurgeon)

The focus of this Psalm of David is fundamentally on Davids extraordinary faith exercised throughout many varied circumstances of his life. As you read through it you cannot help be caught up with Davids passion, thankfulness and unwavering faith in the great and awesome God of heaven. Three areas in particular jump out at us from this Psalm. 1 Davids Expression of Praise (1(1-3) I will praise you with my whole heart. David sets out his intentions right at the very start of this Psalm of praise. No half measures here. David wants to fully enter into the praise of God and so he desires all of himself to be fully applied to this worthy goal of glorifying God. Mind, body, soul and strength are all employed with the view to expressing praise to his creator and sustainer. Yes there were many other gods around in Davids day but Davids focused intention was on bringing worship and devotion to the one and only true and living God. David makes sure that God comes first in his life. God alone is given the proper place in his life. David worships God in a way that will bring honour and glory to his precious name by entering into the praise and worship of God in his holy temple. 2 Davids Extension of Praise (4-5) There were many kings on earth in Davids day but very few, if any, were ascribing the glory and honour that were due unto Jehovah God. David broke this mould as is clearly evident throughout the whole Psalm. We also see Davids desire for the other kings to join with him and acknowledge the one and only true and Holy God. How is it with us? Do we really desire to see all those people God has placed us in close proximity with coming into a personal relationship with Jesus? Are we praying for every opportunity to reach out to them with the love of God in the strength of God? Are we really making the most of every opportunity may God grant us the grace to be more faithful to him in this regard. 3 Davids Explanation for Praise (5 -8) David understands only too well how high, holy and separate God is and yet he also knows that God sees and comprehends everything about him. This encourages David to further reach out to God and acknowledge his care and attention of all the details of his life. David is filled with praise that the sovereign God of all the universe should regard his lowly position. David also has a strong sense of the justice and mercy of God and he is encouraged to know that God will judge the proud and arrogant of heart in His own time and way.
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The Evangelical Presbyterian

The God of Roller Coasters and Satellites

John Barron, Ballyclare
Having settled into the year 2012 we have the unsettling thought of knowing that the world as we know it will soon end. Yes, analogue terrestrial TV will soon be switched off. By October the last of the UK's TV regions will pull the plug on 80+ years of analogue TV. While we are, on occasion, critical of some of the content, most of us will watch TV for news, information or entertainment at some point each week. Many have already made the digital switch. Some however, will cling on until pushed! On my daily commute I pass through an area that will only be able to receive digital TV via satellite or cable once the switch has been flicked. This has led to a noticeable increase in the number of visible satellite dishes but it also got me thinking... John Devine, from what I knew of him, wouldn't really have been one for engaging in a conversation about God ... but then again, he was my A-Level physics teacher and when one struggles with physics as I did, certainly in the early terms of his class, one clearly doesn't like to build too close a relationship with the teacher. Mr Devine (or JD as we called him... although never to his face) was the Nemesis of many a mathematically-challenged school child. Not only was he a tall, imposing man, he had a squint. What's bad about that you might ask? Well, JD had a habit of working through calculations on the board and then choosing an unwilling victim to answer some seemingly pertinent question. Unfortunately, I sat beside another boy called John in class. So, when JD shouted, John expecting an answer to his impossible question, it was difficult to tell with the squint which one of us should break into the necessary cold sweat! Despite an unforgettable two years of classroom anxiety, I now realise JD was a good teacher (he's long retired now). Two of the most memorable things he taught me were that, the number of people on a roller coaster has absolutely nothing to do with whether it will be able to safely do a loop-the-loop and; how we can point a small dish, seemingly into empty space in the sky, and receive 100's of television and radio channels. Those with satellite TV will probably take for granted that it keeps working but behind the scenes this involves a continual process of periodic corrections. The mathematics involved in keeping a satellite in a fixed point relative to the surface of the earth, somewhere about 22,400 miles out in space, are more than a little challenging. JD's physics class doesn't even compare. We, at best, can only approximate the right answer to keep it where we will.

Fg = G

MsMe r2

v = 2

r T

Fc = Ms

v2 r

The three mathematical equations around this article go some way to explaining how this is achieved but they describe only a very simple scenario. Even with more complex computer analysis, mathematical models can only account for the effects of a small number (relatively speaking) of celestial bodies. So many factors have to be taken into account; the level radiation emitted from sun; the orbit
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JulJul-Aug 2012

of the moon; the passing of a meteor and so much more. Our collective mathematical ability and advancement in computing is not able to accurately calculate all the forces that will allow us to put the satellite in a perfect, perpetual, geosynchronous orbit. So we're left with a compromise... keep fixing it. God, on the other hand, doesn't have this problem. He holds countless bodies in perfect position, not only in our own galaxy but, throughout the entire universe. God speaks to Job (38.4-7) Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! To what is its foundation fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone. When the morning stars sang together; And all the sons of God shouted for joy? (NKJV). Not only does God keep the earth in orbit, he can do as he wills with it. He can make the earth stand still (Joshua 10.13). He can turn it back a little bit too (2 Kings 20.8-11). God is in full control of everything He has created. Awesome! Despite my traumatic A-Level physics classes JD did leave a lasting legacy. He taught me to think of God when I see a satellite dish (or ride a roller coaster). He taught me that God is in control. He taught me that none of life's complexities are too complicated to bring to God. So, next time you switch on your favourite satellite channel, offer a quick thank you to the men and women who keep the satellites in place to bring you your programs. Then sit back in awe at the almighty God who holds countless satellites by the power of his word in perpetual orbit.

The Evangelical Book ShopOur New Manager

Colin Campbell spent his formative years in the Reformed Presbyterian Church under the ministry of Prof Edward Donnelly and was converted in his mid teens through sound expository preaching and reading Christian literature. He attended Ballyclare High School before leaving Northern Ireland to study English Literature and Religious Studies at the University of Wales, where he was President of the Christian Union. Upon graduation, Colin returned to Northern Ireland and spent five years in logistics before joining Evangelical Book Shop, where he has worked for almost ten years. He considers this to be his calling and is excited about serving Christ in his new role as Manager. During this time he has also completed a BA in Theological Studies through Highland Theological College. Colin met his wife, Bethan, at university before she trained as a nurse at Queen's University, Belfast. She then worked in the Royal Victoria Hospital and currently works as a health visitor in the South Eastern Trust. They live in Belfast with their four children: James (13), Ewan (10), Daniel (7) and Callum (5) and are members of Stranmillis Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Colin's hobbies include watching football, rugby and cricket, playing five-aside football, walking, reading and spending time with his family. We wish him every blessing from God as he takes up his new role. Please pray for him.
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The Evangelical Presbyterian

Congregations: Richhill
Trinity EPC is located in Sleepy Valley, Richhill, Co Armagh. Although a number of our people live in Richhill village, others come from further afield. We are a small congregation, even by EPC standards. We currently have 25-30 folk at morning worship (11:30 am) and 10-16 people in the evening (6:30 pm). We are not an aging congregation. Our average age is decreasing. We are a family friendly congregation and we are a congregation in transition. Over the past year or so a number of our long standing members left us but we thank God for regular visitors, a number of new families and increasing productive contacts with people in the village. Our recent additions have integrated well and seem very much at home. They are a real source of blessing and encouragement. We dont have our own Session but we are very thankful for and to our 3 very diligent assessor elders. We are blessed with a bright modern meeting house and hall. Ours may well be the cleanest premises in EPC because we meet once a month to thoroughly clean them. The preaching and living of Gods Word, for Gods glory, are all important to us. We see our work on 3 main levels:

teaching and developing the found reaching and DV winning the lost helping the needy Our church life reflects these very important emphases. We have a successful mother and toddler group which has been running over the 30 or so year life of our congregation. Our weekly outreach takes place on Wednesdays. We talk to people, give out literature and tracts (we published a tract on suicide) and offer a counselling service. We are usually well received. We meet on Wednesday evenings, at 8:00 pm, for Bible Study and prayer. A handout is provided the previous Lords Day to enable our people to prepare for each study. We have an all-age Sunday school with 4 children currently attending the junior class and up to 13 young people and adults at the senior class. There is a preaching box which the minister encourages us to use. On the first Lords Day of the month we not only meet for communion but have our Back to Back Services to encourage fellowship and enable more of our people to be at two services. We meet at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm with a packed lunch in between. The 3rd week in August is Holiday Bible Club time. In recent years this has ended with a BBQ thats open to the community. This event has been well attended by the local people, as has our Family Carol Service each December. Although we have no childrens work, at present, we are aiming to recommence in September. We are also considering the possibility of starting a youth club. We face many challenges but our constant aim is to please the Lord in all that we doto become increasingly effective in his serviceto keep him at the centre of our worship, work and witnessto know more of the Holy Spirits presence and powerto be a bright, brilliant, consistent Gospel light to make disciples and thereby fulfil the Great Commission.
Please pray with us and for us that our vision will be realised!
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Price discounts available from

JulJul-Aug 2012

Evangelical Book Shop

Belfast

Book Reviews

Engaging with Martyn LloydLloyd-JonesThe Life and Legacy of the Doctor16.99 12.75 Edited: Andrew Atherstone-David Ceri Jones. IVP Apollos, Large PB, 370 pages. 31 years after the death of Martyn Lloyd-Jones his legacy continues to influence the evangelical world. These essays from a range of authors seek to bring his life and thought to a new generation of evangelicals. In 11 well researched chapters ML-J is analysed on the major topics of Revival, Roman Catholicism, Karl Barth, Preaching, Ministerial Training. Other chapters cover his views on Fundamentalism, Pentecostalism and the Anglican secession crisis. He was one of the 20th centurys great Christian leaders, and in this book we meet him, warts and all, yet one whom God so powerfully used in the recovery of expository preaching and Gospel truth. Opinion is divided on the subjects raised and more in-depth reviews can be read elsewhere, Peter Lewis in Evangelicals Now and Iain Murray in The Banner of Truth, (June 2012 issues). A Bibliography, Lloyd-Jones and his writings, and an index complete the book. An important volume that should be on your books to read list this year! Editor Loving the Way Jesus Loves Phil Ryken, Inter-Varsity Press, 2012, 224 pages, Paperback. 8:99 6.75 Rykens latest book looks at 1st Corinthians 13 often called the Bibles Love Chapter. It asserts that the same lessons need to be learnt by Christians in 2012. Seeing that we fail to love the way Chapter 13 demands, Ryken, through stories from Christs life, points us to one who did love perfectly according to the chapters criteria. This refreshing look at the love of Christ should fill the reader with gratitude and amazement that loveless sinners should be shown such grace. Ryken encourages Christians to imitate Christs love, and thus fulfil 1st Corinthians 13, by using the tools God has equipped us with. The book is filled with interesting stories and is written in an easy, conversational style. It includes a study guide to explore. I recommend it highly. Christopher Doherty Pastoring the Pastor 7.99 5.99 Tim Cooper-Kelvin Gardiner, Christian Focus, Trade PB, 208 pages. I couldnt put this down! It's in the form of a fictitious collection of emails, mainly between a new young pastor and his older and wiser uncle with a lifetime in the ministry. Dan arrives at his first church, confident to the point of arrogance, having memorised Church Growth in Four Easy Steps. We follow him through his inevitable disillusionment when his flock dont share his vision for change to everything they hold dear, to the humbling realisation that God can use their pastors weakness to show his glory in his church. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes heart-wrenching, with many unforgettable characters, the story touches on vital issues familiar in most churches, and Uncle Eldons guidance is rich in scriptural wisdom. It will help you see your Minister and your church through a different lensevery church member (and Minister) should read it! Julia Grier
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The Evangelical Book Shop

15 College Square East BELFAST BT1 6DD
info@evangelicalbookshop.co.uk 028 9032 0529 www.evangelicalbookshop.co.uk

Manager: John Grier

Every One A Winner Jonathan Carswell & Emma Newrick 6.99 special 1.50
The ideal book for ministry during the European Cup & Olympics: a collection of true stories about sportsmen and women past and present, including cricketer Henry Olonga, sports presenter Dan Walker, rugby legend Jason Robinson and runner Eric Liddell, each one showing how Jesus changes lives.

Defending Inerrancy Norman Geisler & William Roach 13.99 9.99 Affirming the Accuracy of Scripture for a New Generation A defence of the traditional understanding of inerrancy for a new generation of Christians, dealing specifically with recent challenges.

Francis Schaeffer

Mostyn Roberts (EP Bitesize Biographies)

5.99

Schaeffer was one of the five most important Evangelical leaders of the second half of the 20th century. This is a brief but excellent summary of his life and ideas.

The Holy Spirit

Geoff Thomas

14.99 11.50

Geoff Thomas follows the scriptural revelation of the Spirit from Genesis to Pentecost to today; it will help believers to know how much the Spirit of God loves them, and will help them to love the Spirit with all their heartsand with Him, the whole Triune God.

Preaching in the Holy Spirit

Al Martin

6.99 4.95

This short but invaluable book is a prophetic call to reliance on God in the very act of proclaiming His Word. Every preacher should read it!

The Mysteries of God

Maurice Roberts

5.50

The author investigates twelve of the great mysteries of the Bible, including the mystery of God, the gospel, Christs glorious indwelling, and the last things.

Churches, Revolutions And Empires Ian J Shaw 1789 to 1914 A clear, well arranged and up-to-date history. The Shorter Catechism Activity Book Marianne Ross

19.99 14.99 8.99 6.75

With word searches, crossword puzzles and codes, this book helps children explore the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Highly recommended by the children it was tested on!

At The Mercy Of Kings Proverbs: Wisdom that Works

Linda Finlayson HB Raymond C Ortlund Jr

5.99 4.50 20.99 15.99

The story of Queen Mary of Orange. A good account of the life of King Williams wife. This latest addition to the 'Preaching the Word' series applies a biblical worldview on money, sex, power and all else to the routines of everyday life. Scholarly but practical.

Prayer - A Biblical Perspective

Eric Alexander

5.75 4.25 32.99 24.50

For all who want to live nearer to God and to be refreshed in their communion with him.

A New Testament Biblical Theology HB G K Beale

A leading NT scholar explores the unfolding of the OT in the New. Beale co-edited the essays, Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (39.99 23.99) His own book has been eagerly awaited. Highly recommended by a galaxy of scholars!
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