Evangelical Presbyterian

Jul-Aug 2002 50p

Evangelical Presbyterian
Convenor of the Editorial Committee:

is published by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Rev. Stephen Atkinson 1 Lord Wardens Dr Bangor, Co Down BT19 1YF (E-mail: sgt.atkinson@ukonline.co.uk)

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CONTENTS
Editorial Report of Dublin EPC Installation EPC Pulpit: Joshua 1:1-9 AW Pink 50 years on Missionaries in S. Africa (ii) Remembering Former Days - A Review. Narrative on Dublin EPC News from the EPCEW Books etc. Making Progress with Pilgrim (4) - In the Valley S. Roger A. A. Woolsey H. Gibson N. & A. Reid S. G. Craig I. Somerville B. McCully S. Atkinson 1 2 3 9 13 17 20 21 25 29

Front Cover

Stornoway Harbour, Isle of Lewis. (Courtesy of John G Roberts, Gen. Sec. LDOS.)

Jubilations?

As I write this, locally we have been engaged in national celebrations of the Queens Golden Jubilee, and we thank God for the relative peace and prosperity the nation has enjoyed over the last fifty years. Ultimately we can but thank God for living in such a privileged land, and yet we readily acknowledge that privileges bring responsibilities, and it would be fair to say that from the highest office to the lowest subject, the privileges from God over the past fifty years have largely been neglected, spurned, and ignored. Thus it is we find ourselves a nation bereft of societal absolutes, and adrift in a sea of moral confusion. The basic righteousness and the regular absolutes of right and wrong by which a nation is exalted have been inverted, distorted and perverted to the extent that increasingly evil is called good. Perversities, and moral atrocities which would have been headline news 50 years ago, no longer merit attention, and dare anyone claim outrage in this politically correct age!

The Queens Jubilee itself was for many simply an excuse for a party - it didnt matter what was being celebrated so long as you got time off work, and could engage more in Vanity Fairs playground. Against this backdrop it is ironic that the biblical year of Jubilee (Lev 25:11) was a year to cancel debts, liberate slaves and return land to its original owners, and as one commentator remarks, there was a stabilising of society. Far from any stabilising, we have reached this wonderful landmark in Her Majestys reign, and in the nations history, with a greater instability than ever. From local through to national government, we find little that assures us of stability. It behoves us who live undergirded by the privileged bedrock of biblical absolute and enlightened by gospel certainties, to salt this impure earth of ours, that we might truly have cause for jubilations, in these days of Gods grace and favour.
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Report of Dublin EPC Installation

The installation of Rev Andrew Lucas to the Dublin congregation of the EPC took place at 11.30am on the morning of Saturday 18th May 2002, in Perrystown Community Centre with an excellent representation, both from the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Rev Andrew Lucas & Ian Somerville (elder)

The meeting under the chairmanship of the Moderator, Mr John Grier, began with the singing of I greet Thee who my sure Redeemer art. Scripture reading from Joshua 1 was brought by Rev Stephen Atkinson and prayer by Mr Ernest Brown. Dr Ian Somerville then gave a narrative of the events leading up to the call and the prescribed questions were put by the Clerk, and the installation prayer by Rev Jeff Ballantine who had acted as Interim Moderator. Greetings were brought by the Moderator on behalf of Presbytery, and then from Norman & Angela Reid, and Stephen & Sharon Tracey. Greetings were also brought from Rev Samuel Watson who was absent representing Presbytery at the annual meetings of the Congregational Union. A very helpful charge was then brought to both minister & congreation by Rev Andrew Woolsey who spoke of the commissioning of Joshua as recorded in Joshua 1. The meeting was concluded with the singing of Guide me O Thou great Jehovah and the Rev Andrew Lucas then pronounced the benediction. Following the formal time of installation a very informal time of fellowship followed, greatly aided by the most magnificent luncheon provided by our Dublin friends. S. Roger (Clerk of Presbytery)

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EPC Pulpit
Joshua 1:1-9 Moving On in the Midst of Change b

The substance of a sermon preached at the recent induction of Rev. Andrew Lucas in the Dublin congregation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Joshua is one of the books traditionally called Historical. Francis Schaeffer entitled his work on this book, Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History. He points out that biblical history is history with a difference. It is history preaching. The book is prophetic as well as historical. It is announcing Gods word. And that is the key to the flow of biblical history. It is the fact that God has spoken into it. It is the record of Gods word to his people. Bible history is not dry-as-dust volumes for lining shelves it is God speaking, and continuing to speak to us in his Word through all the changing scenes of life.
This is beautifully illustrated for us in the opening verses of Joshua. God had already spoken his word and had it written down by Moses for the guidance of his successor and the people he was to lead. But now God was speaking again. A big change had taken place. Moses had died. Moses! The greatest leader of all time! Things could never be the same again. Thats right. Things would never be the same again. They were never meant to be. There would be change. There would be discontinuity with the past. It was time to move on, and they must be encouraged to do so. The
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encouragement, however, lay in the fact that alongside the discontinuity there were things that would not change Gods presence, Gods word, Gods authority, Gods power, Gods grace. These would remain. There would always be this continuity with the past. And what would remain would be infinitely more important than anything taken away. Progress would not depend on their attitude to what was removed; it would depend on their attitude to the abiding word of God. This was to be the continuing test for the people of Israel and their new leader. God had already prepared Joshua well for this moment: In battle with the Amalekites, he had taught him that victory comes from interceding with God, not merely from military might (Ex.17). On Sinai with Moses, he had learned that Gods work was to be done in Gods way, according to the pattern shown on the mount (Ex. 2431). In confronting rebellion with Moses, he saw that Gods glory is paramount (Ex. 32), and in Moses example following this, he saw that meeting with God, hearing his voice, and knowing his presence is vital to serving God effectively (Ex. 33). He discovered that he must appreciate Gods word, whoever God chooses to speak through (Num. 11:28). In spying out the land, he realized that it is better to be in a minority with God, than to run with a multitude in rebellion (Num. 13). At his ordination, it was impressed upon him again that it is God who chooses, God who appoints, and God
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who equips his servants for his work (Num 27:15-22). Now at his induction to the task he is being assured that Nothing of God dies, when a man of God dies. God may bury his servants, but he continues his work. In this way Gods purposes were continuing to flow for Joshua and the people. God now wants to instruct them and to encourage them to keep moving in the midst of change. So what is God saying to them, and to us, at this time of transition? I. Go Forward in the Purpose of God (vs. 1-4) Gods first word to Joshua was a command to take the next step in the unfolding purpose of God for his chosen people. It was to be a momentous step. This was going to be the biggest thing since the Exodus. They were to enter the promised land Arise, go over this Jordan. What gave rise to this instruction is stated so matter-of-factly. It is a fact. Moses is dead. There is nothing anyone can do about it. It is past. It may be painful, but it is now history. John Calvin says, The people were left like a body with its head lopped off. But as Calvin also emphasises, their confidence was not to be in a leader, but in the unfailing faithfulness of God. Twice we are reminded in these verses that Moses was but a servant of the Lord. He was a great servant, a good servant, but a servant nevertheless.

Servants may come and servants may go, but the Master remains in charge of the house. His will is to be done. The servant was not infallible. Actually, the reason Moses died was not from illness or old age; it was unbelief that prevented him from being part of the next phase in his Masters plan. Moses himself told the people this when he ordained Joshua to succeed him (Dt. 31:23).

to you and to your seed, I will give this land. What a moment this was in the history of these people! The instruction they were now receiving was to be the initial step in seeing the fulfilment of a long-looked-for and cherished promise.

All the land was being set before them for the taking Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given to you (v. 3-4). It is interesting to So, Moses is dead. What are they to consider the boundaries of the land do? Stay on the plains of Moab, build delineated in Gods promise (cf. Gen. monuments, and mourn his passing? 15:18; Dt. 1:7; 11:24; Num. 34:1-12). No! They are to move on. They are to It takes in a territory much greater than Arise, (and) go over this Jordan. It was the Israelites ever did tread, which is Gods intention that they should probably to remind us, as one proceed to inherit the land. This was commentator does, that the boundaries of Gods gift to them. Twice in verses 2-3 Gods kindness and the extensiveness of his this is clearly stated. Charles Price is blessing are always so much greater than our right to say that the land was not going to experience. be won so much as received. It was not For example, if we take the New simply that the inhabitants would reluctantly relinquish their territory to a Testament exhortation to know the stronger invader; it was something that breadth, length, depth, and height of the love of God that passes knowledge, was in the gift of God, and he could give it to whoever he willed. That did which of us would claim to have explored more than the edges of that not mean that the children of Israel would have no fighting and no taking love? Again, in the pursuit of personal holiness, how far we come short of to do. They would. But God is perfect conformity to the life of Christ. reminding them that ultimately it was not they who would be victorious, but And again, how slow we are to treat seriously the commission of Jesus to he. take his gospel into enemy territory in Inheriting the land was also something order to dispel the darkness that reigns that God had promised as I said to in the world. This word still speaks to Moses (v.3. cf. Dt. 11:24-25; 34:4). It us today. We too must go forward in had also been promised to others the purpose of God. hundreds of years before. To Abraham and the patriarchs it was said, II. Rely Wholly upon the Power
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of God (v.5)

If your presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here God gave to Joshua the very same that I and your people have found grace in assurance that he gave to Moses when your sight? is it not in that you go with us? he first called him to step out and go to It was at the presence of God that Egypt to deliver his people (Ex. 3:12enemies and obstacles skipped and fled 15). He wants Joshua to know that he before Gods people (cf. Ps. 68:2, 8; is the very same God. He is the 97:5; 114:7; Isa. 64:1). unchanging One, in the midst of all the changes that have overtaken them. God would never fail, and never forsake his servant. What a promise! His power is still the same. It is a What an assurance! He would never power that no human might can leave them at the mercy of any element withstand. That is a lesson that every or person that would seek to detract earthly leader needs to learn. them from Gods will and purpose, and Remember how God taught it to oppose them in their walk with him, or Nebuchadnezzar? He sent him out to in their work for him. A similar graze with the cattle, until he was assurance is given to us by Jesus prepared to acknowledge that Gods himself in the great commission: Go dominion is an everlasting dominion, therefore and, lo, I am with you always. and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he does according to This promise given to Joshua is also his will in the army of heaven, and among the quoted by the writer to the Hebrews in inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his the very practical context of avoiding hand, or say to him, What are you covetousness and practicing Christian doing (Dan. 4:34-35). This is the God contentment: Let your manner of life be who was sending Joshua forward the without covetousness, and be content with such God of all power. And this is the God things as you have, because he has said, I will who is sending us forward today. never leave you, nor forsake you. So that we Listen to what he says, All power is given may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I to me, in heaven and in earth. Go therefore will not fear what man can do to me (Heb. (Matt. 28:18-20). 13:5-6). Gods presence was to be a precious token of his power to Joshua. As I was with Moses, he assures him, so will I be with you. This reinforces and gives strength to everything else God said. This is what Moses treasured most of all. In his intercession for Israel after the debacle of the golden calf, he cried,
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Men will do many things to you as you seek to go forward in the service of the Lord, but with God standing by you, and his power working within you, a thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand. III. Adhere Fully to the Word of

God (vs. 6-9) The final summary emphasis in Gods message to Joshua is that he should hold to the word of God with all his heart and not turn from it to the right or to the left. To do so requires strength and courage. Three times in this context Joshua is told to be strong and courageous (vs. 6,7,9). If we are to adhere to Gods word and follow his bidding we need strength beyond our own resources. Neither Joshua, nor we, nor any man, is able to do Gods will apart from Gods enabling. The command carries the promise of enabling with it. It was when Jesus committed himself again to doing the will of his Father as he prayed in Gethsemane that there appeared to him an angel strengthening him. It is Jesus who reminds us, Without me, you can do nothing. We are also told, with Joshua, where that strength is to be found. The promises we have already considered are reiterated in verse nine. We are to be strong, and of good courage; we are not to be afraid, nor dismayed. Why? For the Lord your God is with you whithersoever you go. He will strengthen us to stay close to his word. To hold to the word of God also requires care and diligence. In verse seven, Joshua is to observe (or, be careful) to do according to all the law which Moses commanded him. Careful and diligent attention was to be given to all that God had revealed, and

this care and diligence was to be expressed in several ways, as verse eight makes clear. For example, he was to be careful and diligent in talking about it. It was not to depart out of his mouth. He was to proclaim and teach Gods word to the people. He was to remind them of it constantly. God had promised to Moses that he would raise up someone in whose mouth he would put his word, and who would tell the people everything that he had commanded (Dt. 18:18). This word undoubtedly points to the work of Christ, but it has a primary reference to the ministry of Joshua. He was to preach the word of God, and only the word of God. He was not to add, subtract, alter, or edit it in any way in order to accommodate anyone. Joshua was also to be careful and diligent in thinking about Gods word. He was to meditate in it day and night. This is Gods rule and guide for the lives of his people: constantly to meditate in his word, to study it, to dwell upon it, to mull over it, even to mutter it continually to themselves. In the thick of contests, sportsmen can be seen muttering to themselves, talking to themselves in order to encourage themselves in the test. Christians should do likewise in order to encourage themselves in the Lord. Gods word is not something in which we are only to exercise our minds; it is designed to direct our wills and to shape our lives. Therefore, like
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Joshua, we are not only to proclaim it and to think about it, we are to be careful and diligent to do all that is commanded. We are to obey it. As ministers we have not finished with the word of God when we have preached it, and as people we are not finished with Gods word when we have heard it. We will not go forward with God if we are merely preachers and hearers of the word. We must do it also.

forsaken us - with wisdom, dignity and success.

A story is told that during the American Civil War, a woman called Mama Bickerdyke worked amongst the Union troops, bringing comfort and help to wounded and dying men. On one occasion she was ministering to a man who was held in low esteem by his fellow soldiers. One accosted her with the words, Why waste time on trash like When we adhere completely to the that? Mama Bickerdyke straightened word of God, we are told that we will herself, and replied, Because when theres be prosperous and have good success (vs. 7, any creature around here so miserable that 8). This word was also spoken of the theres nobody to care for him, he still has two work of Another. At the beginning of friends. One is God, and the other is me. the servant song that particularly dwells on the suffering and death of Jesus, we On this special occasion in the life of have the words, Behold, my servant shall this congregation, let us arise and go over our Jordans. Let us pledge deal prudently (Isa. 52:13). The ourselves anew to go forward with meaning is the same. The Hebrew God, to preach and live his word in term implies both wise action and successful outcome. In other words, it this community, that in time to come is as we adhere to Gods word that we needy perishing sinners will be able to will be enabled to do what God wants say that here they found two friends. us to do, and we will see accomplished One was a Saviour God in Jesus Christ; the end that God has in view. It is the and the other, the fellowship of his people in this place, who placarded way the Master went, should not the him forth. servant tread it still? In this way the flow of Gods purposes It is when we go forward in Gods purpose, rely wholly on Gods power, in the life of the congregation will continue. and adhere fully to Gods word, that we can engage in Gods service - even the most mundane piece of service, and even when everyone else has

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A W PINK, 50 YEARS ON
By

Photo: AW Pink

Harold Gibson
When the death of Arthur W Pink took place on the 15th July 1952 few people then could have imagined the extent of the influence he was to have upon the Christian world in the years to follow. He lived for the last 12 years of his life in the Outer Hebrides. 50 years ago it was remote and Pinks circle of friends and acquaintances were small in number. Yet in the years to follow his name would be held in high esteem and regard among a multitude of Christians across the world.

There is a wide difference of opinion among Christians today as to the value of a study of his life. Many regard him as an eccentric while others see a spiritual quality reflected in his life marking him out as a unique servant of God, one who was used in the service of the kingdom of God long after he had departed this life. His ministry had taken him around the world having preached in Britain, America and Australia, but it is not this aspect of his life that we want to consider, but

rather the legacy that he left to the Christian Church. His later life was given over with all diligence and zeal to the work of editing a magazine called Studies in the Scriptures. The circulation of this monthly magazine seldom exceeded 1,000 copies, yet the articles taken from its pages have led to well over 50 books being published and sold in hundreds of thousands around the world.
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THE BOOKS. The Written Ministry. Perhaps the best known is The Sovereignty of God. This book has been in circulation since 1918. The revised British edition has been in circulation since 1961. The opening words of chapter 1 asks Who is regulating affairs on this earth today God or the Devil? Countless Christians can pay tribute to this excellent work for sorting out this important doctrine in their Christian life. Rev W J Grier in his little volume, The Best Books, published in 1968, speaks of it as A simple, clear and forthright expression of this great truth. It is without doubt a book that has had a profound influence on many Christians.

The Attributes of God, The foundation of all true knowledge of God must be a clear mental apprehension of His perfections as revealed in Holy Scripture. An unknown God can neither be trusted, served nor worshipped. Many other books, including works on Genesis and Exodus, The Sermon on the Mount and a massive work on Hebrews, show something of his ability and authority as a teacher of the Word of God.

THE LETTERS. The Pastoral Ministry.

Although the door to an active ministry was closed, Pink never lost the pastors heart: he was able to carry on a pastoral Writing in the November 2001 issue of ministry to a considerable number of people scattered around the world Evangelical Times, Peter Hulland through his correspondence. The tells how this book changed him and had a lasting effect on his life. He says readers of The Studies became his congregation and he gladly kept in Pink taught me truths that have become a touch with them by letter. In one week sure foundation for my life, for the absolute alone he speaks of sending no less than supremacy of God is of great practical importance. The present UK publishers 46 letters, all hand written! report sales of almost 178,000 copies of Pink sought to give guidance and this book! counsel on many matters that were Another important work was his Life causing concern and difficulty to the Lords people. His letters included of Elijah. This is a book that addresses the needs of the present age. topics such as, Reading, Marriage, the Sabbath and Guidance to mention a Pinks expository ministry stood for biblical truth and he applies the word to few. His letters reveal a great depth of spiritual wisdom and he showed a great our contemporary age. understanding and compassion for his His writings were doctrinal and correspondents as he sought to devotional. He states in the preface to minister to them in their particular
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circumstances. He would often close Pink was serious about Scripture his letters with the words, Yours by and its authority. Divine Mercy, Arthur W Pink, your pastor. He had little time for those given over to a superficial view of the Bible. Only too well aware that he could increase THE LESSONS. the circulation of the magazine by An example for us. devoting pages to the signs of the times The primary lesson that Pink sought he was to write, .it is not our aim to tickle the ear, but to search the conscience; not to teach was Godly living to pander to the sensation-monger, but to feed characterised by a devotion to the Christs hungry sheep, not to please empty Scriptures. professors, but to make Gods children more His concern in all of his labours was to and more out of love with themselves. promote the glory of God and holiness Pink lived in total dependence upon of life. God. Writing what was to be his last He was aware that while many people annual letter to his readers he was able read the Bible not all read it for the to say, As we review this somewhat lengthy same purpose. He once wrote, ministry, we cannot but marvel at the sovereign and abounding grace of God which has Some read it to satisfy their literary pride. In supported and sustained .., During certain circles it has become both the respectable the whole of these thirty years we have never and popular thing to obtain a general been in debt a penny, and have paid every bill acquaintance with the Bible simply because it within forty-eight hours of its reception. is regarded as an educational defect to be ignorant of them. But in all this there is no He quoted from Hudson Taylor, Gods thought of God, no yearning for spiritual work done in Gods way, will never lack edification, and therefore no real benefit to the Gods supplies. soul. He was ever thankful to God for Pink was devoted to Scripture and to bringing them to live in Lewis where he the serious and profitable study of the enjoyed the peace and quiet of island Book. It was his joy and delight and, as life. He regarded it as a mark of the his days on earth drew to a close it Lords favour as he pursued his studies became even more sweet and precious away from the madding crowds of the to him. He was taken up totally with cities. the Scriptures and his last words that He loved the Lords day and counted it were heard showed what was on his mind as he entered glory, The Scriptures a blessing to be amongst a community that held the Sabbath in reverence, explain themselves.
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though his inability to formally identify himself with the people of God cannot be understood or defended.

Life of A W Pink by Iain H Murray, details his life and ministry. The Banner of Truth Trust 1981. (Currently out of print.) We can look back upon a useful and yet 2. Letters of A W Pink unusual servant of God and give thanks During the period 1924-1951, Banner of for the sound Christian literature that he Truth Trust, 1978. has left to the church, for its blessings in these last fifty years and pray that his Photograph of A W Pink, courtesy of The work and labour may continue to bear Banner of Truth Trust. fruit for generations yet to come. BIBLIOGRAPHY.

1. The

EPC at Balmoral Show 2002

For three days in May the denomination took a small stand alongside our Evangelical Bookshop at the Balmoral Show. While the Bookshop has had a presence at the show for over 60 years, the church has only occasionally joined in the witness. On this our anniverary year we thought it appropriate to be present to give out literature on our origins and distinctives, as well as engage with the man in the street (or on the farm!) in spiritual conversation and the giving of gospel tracts. While always difficult to man a stall
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throughout three long days, with busy ministers and a limited number of helpers, those who were able to give a few hours to this form of outreach were unaminous in their assessment of the worth of the witness. We ordinarily never get this kind of opportunity to speak to the public throughout our normal course of church work. The Church Extension Committee would like to express their appreciation to all who helped out, and to the Christian public in attendance at the show who encouraged us in our labours.

The Beyond Regions Beyond The Regions Norman and Angela Reid
Part 2: New Spheres of Service
Go South

(Missionaries in South Africa since 1998)

For many years Angela and I had supported Christian work in the Republic of Ireland. Our Church had no work there during my early ministry but in the early years of the Irish Evangelical Church, our colporteurs, including Rev W J McDowell visited the border counties of the Republic with Christian Literature. Indeed, many of our foundation members originated there. It was not my desire to work there, as I was happy in my Belfast churches. However, when my cousin, Rev Sidney Garland, completed his theological training I encouraged him to think about the needs of the South. He examined the possibility but felt no sense of call in that direction. At that time the Lord made clear to me that He was calling me to this task and that it was for me to go to Dublin and explore the possibilities of a new work on behalf of our church. I remember while praying about the matter in the study one day in December 1977 being overwhelmed with the presence of the Lord. I shared my convictions with the other ministers and with Presbytery and though there were no plans to begin a work in Dublin, Presbytery voted to send me to explore the situation. we spent a very happy and fruitful time with Chris and Helen Robinson who welcomed us and taught us much about the local situation. In their church we were involved in door-to-door visitation, open air preaching and group Bible study.

After consultation with other churches and Christian Workers it was our intention to settle in Tallaght, a new town of 70,000 people without any evangelical witness, on the south west of Dublin. But unable to find a suitable house or school there, we chose nearby Beginnings in Dublin Templeogue instead. We sensed the Grace Baptist Church was the only providence of God in the house we Reformed work in Dublin we knew of found that was later to prove so suitable and we were invited to join it for a year for the Lord's work. After six months in to become acquainted with the situation. the city centre with Grace Church we This decision proved to be a wise one as began to visit the homes in Templeogue.
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Those were exciting days. Our first Bible Study meeting will always remain in our minds. With the help of a good Christian friend from Galway, Paddy Howard, we visited about 1000 homes in the immediate vicinity of our house. We gave invitations to our first Bible Study at all those homes. Our hopes were high. That day Paddy asked Angela if she had enough food for supper. She replied in a matter of fact way, I've got a tin of biscuits! He laughed and said, We have given 1000 invitations and all you have is one tin of biscuits! Woman where is your faith? However, the tin of biscuits was to prove more than sufficient. Only one new person cameNancy OConnor and she later told us she was converted that night. She had found our invitation lying on her doormat. She kept returning with other members of her family and relatives and the Bible Study group began to grow. Today, more than 20 years later, half the congregation is still related to her! She did not remain with us long as she and her family went to USA. But she was a key person, introducing us to many who were hungry for the Word of God. Our children used to watch for Nancy's arrival for our weekly Bible Study as she always brought sweets. Rachel referred to her as Nancy Yum-Yum!

converts in America and Australia. One man even started a church in Australia! He was a Dubliner who had been disillusioned with Catholicism and had joined the Mormons. We spent some nights witnessing to him just as he was about to emigrate but we put him in touch with some believers in Australia where he came to know the Lord. We only discovered this many years later. In our visitation we had many encounters with families who had joined Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses having been disillusioned with the faith of their fathers. These encounters sometimes resulted in debates with high-ranking officials in these cults, but we were happy to welcome into our fellowship a number whom they had led astray.

When the numbers were small, losing new believers for whatever reason was a big problem. I discussed it with Chris Robinson who had experienced the same thing and I have never forgotten what he said: When God is building a new work He is very particular about the foundation stones. You must leave the choice to Him. Those words were to comfort us more than once. We discovered that evangelism and church planting was not the same thing. The Lord is pleased to save all kinds of people, but He handpicks the foundation stones for a In those early days of church planting new church. The Lord was faithful. we battled with many disappointments. When someone left, we were to discover People would come to the meetings, get that He would send us someone new, converted, begin to grow and then... often within a month. This enabled us move away, usually for an not to live in fear of people leaving. understandable reason such as employment or emigration. Soon we had Teams from our churches in Northern
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Ireland helped us greatly. Each summer young people from our churches came and our home became open house for these groups who joined us for door -to-door evangelistic outreach. Dr Jack Miller's OPC Church in Philadelphia also sent us willing workers for our summer teams and Operation Mobilisation added an international dimension to our concept of the church by supplying us with young people who loved the Lord and desired to introduce others to Him. However, those early days were a time of sowing and we saw little by way of harvest. But our own children enjoyed great privileges in the midst of all this summer activity. They grew up seeing that Christianity was a living vibrant thing, fulfilling the needs of youth and satisfying the inquiring mind. These enthusiastic young people became role models for them and it would never have entered their minds that Christianity might only be relevant to older people. Mission Church As the mid-week Bible study continued to develop during 1979, we decided that the time had come to begin meeting publicly as a church body on the Lord' s Day. So on the first Sunday of 1980, though only five adults were committed to the Church, we decided to form ourselves into a Mission Church of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. We met in a large downstairs room of our house known as the extension. The work continued to grow. By 1990 almost all the rooms in our house were

in use on Sunday mornings for Sunday School classes and creche. The numbers became too large to go on meeting in a private house so we moved to the nearby Perrystown Community Centre. Perrystown In May 1990 the mission church became a regular congregation with the election of two new elders and the call and installation of the missionary as minister. Evangelism was done now with the help of the elders and members of the congregation rather than the summer teams. The new elders made a great difference to the work. What a joy it was to have two men and their wives with whom we could share the responsibilities. After our move to Perrystown in 1990 we began to plan to have our own building. We started a building fund and made good progress. However, despite several attempts to secure a property, escalating prices defeated us. This was a great disappointment. The young people of the congregation proved a great encouragement. We had always placed great importance on building Christian families and so it was a joy to watch them grow in Christ from their early years. We saw most of them develop into mature adult believers and this was one of the most satisfying experiences of our time in Dublin. Moving On. It was always our hope to minister in Dublin until the church had its own meeting place. However, we were aware
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that it was probably not wise for a church planter to remain indefinitely with the congregation he had planted. This would make it difficult for the leadership to pass to someone else. Yet our lives had become bound up with the people whom we loved and were privileged to serve for 20 years. But the Lord was showing us that as Moses gave way to Joshua, we too must move on the work was not ours but the Lord's and there were needs elsewhere to which He was calling us.

South Africa

After six months we resumed the work in Dublin. However the Mission Board approached us about returning to Dumisani. So at the beginning of 1999 with heavy hearts, but with the conviction of faith we said goodbye to our family and to the people in Dublin and set out to begin another new sphere of service. As a family it was a difficult time for us. The home base was being broken up. As parents we were no longer there for the children to return to which was difficult for both them and We had always had an interest in the missionary work in South Africa, as Rev us. Jonathan was in Ukraine with IFES, and Mrs. Joseph McCracken were close Rachel in Spain with OM, and Miriam friends of our family. During our time in alone had to take charge of the family Dublin we had taught one day a month home. They were each enthusiastic about our new venture and fully at The Irish Bible School in Tipperary supported us even though we were and had much enjoyed that work. We knew of a similar work in South Africa, causing upheaval in all their lives. Dumisani Theological Institute, and we Stephen was at a difficult stage in his education yet he was willing to come offered to fill a vacancy there for six months in 1997. It was a total change in with us and to complete his education abroad. Looking back, we know that it ministry. After 28 years of working was only the Lord's help that brought us alone, I was now part of a three-man team ministry. Suddenly every decision through the transition. was by consultation and agreement! It The work in Dumisani over the past took a bit of getting used to! That six months opened our eyes to a whole new three years has been most rewarding and blessed by God but space does not strategic opportunity. Someone once permit me to go into detail here. The said, It is more important to train a soulhardest part has been the separation winner than to win a soul. Here in this poorest province of South Africa there from loved ones, especially for Angela, and for myself, coping with the intense was a strategic work that needed to be summer heat. As in any situation there done. Here were men with a desire to preach but no training. Here were men, are joys and disappointments yet in this new sphere of service we have again and some of whom were already serving again proved the faithfulness of our large congregations but had little God. knowledge of the Word of God.
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Remembering Former Days

In this EPC anniversary year we wish to bring to mind the former days by reprinting some articles from the very first issues of this magazine. The battle for truth remains. This article was first printed in The Irish Evangelical in May 1932.

A REVIEW
BY DR S.G. CRAIG OF ASSEMBLYS COLLEGE TEXT-BOOK FOR 1932-1933 The Authority of the Bible, by Prof C H Dodd, is the prescribed book in the English Bible Class in Assemblys College for 1932-1933. This review of Prof Dodds book appeared in the Princeton Theological Review of July 1929, and is from the pen of the Editor of Christianity Today, Dr S G Craig, of Philadelphia. that it is unprofitable to discuss it (p.35).

It may be readily admitted that if the critical views of the Old and New Testaments which underlie and which give content to this volume have been established we can no longer look upon the Bible as the Christian Church of all ages has regarded it. In that case it may This volume The Authority of the be questionable whether it is proper to Bible, by C H Dodd, the successor to speak of the Bible as having Professor James Moffatt in Oxford is authority; but if we are to continue to written on the assumption that use such language we will have to water scientific discovery and historical it down to some such representation as criticism have rendered untenable the that of our author, viz., that the historical view of the authority of the religious authority of the Bible comes Bible. So confident is he that the home to us primarily in inducing in us a historical view of the authority of the religious attitude and outlook and that Bible unfairly referred to as the the religious authority of the Bible is dictation theory has broken down the authority of experts in the that he does not deem it even worthy of knowledge of God, masters in the art of discussion. Any attempt to confront living; the authority of the religious this theory of inspiration with the actual genius. But what if these critical facts which meet us in the study of the views have no sound basis in fact? That biblical documents leads at once to such we believe to be the case and hence it patent confusion and contradictions seems to us that it is men like Professor
page 17

Dodd, not the rank and file of Christians, who fail to do justice to the Bible in the interest of a theory about the Bible.

that the Bible is the Word of God, but only infallible rule of faith and practice, it has also apparently been written without any real appreciation of what it is about the Bible that gives it its How far Professor Dodds view of the supreme value. Otherwise it would not Bible departs from that of the Christian contain the following representative Church is indicated by the following: passage: The old view of the infallibility of the Bible The Bible has suffered from being treated too broke down under the successive attacks of much as a source of information. The scientific discovery and of historical criticism. traditional theory valued it as giving It long ago became clear that in claiming for authoritative information, in the form of the Bible accuracy in matters of science and dogma, upon matters known only by special history its apologists had chosen a hopeless revelation. The critical method has too often position to defend. Much more important is issued in treating it as a collection of the fact that in matters of faith and morals an information for the antiquary. Its place as a unprejudiced mind must needs recognise many whole is rather with the masterpieces of poetry, things in the Bible which could not possibly be drama and philosophy, that is, the literature accepted by Christian people in anything which does not so much impart information approaching their clear and natural but stirs the deeper levels of personality As meaning It is high time to assert God touches us in all great literature, wherein unambiguously that the Bible contains a good is the precious life-blood of a master-spirit, so deal which if it is taken out of a temporary He touches us supremely in the literature of the historical context and given general and Bible, because of the intrinsic sublimity of its permanent validity is simply pernicious. The writings (pp.295-296). old dogmatic view of the Bible, therefore, is not only open to attack from the standpoint of The Bible does indeed contain much science and historical criticism, but if taken that ranks as great and inspiring seriously it becomes a danger to religion and literature; but it is not this that gives it public morals. A revision of this view is its supreme place in the hearts of men. therefore an imperative necessity (p.13). Significant as it is from this point of view, it is not this that keeps it in the It is hardly too much to say that this front rank of best sellers age after volume is a somewhat elaborate age. It is the information it contains attempt, not to defend, but to explain that gives it its supreme value, more away the authority of the Bible. Not particularly the fact that it contains the only has this volume been written record of those great acts of under the mistaken impression that redemption that God has wrought for scientific discovery and historical the salvation of men acts of criticism have disposed of the notion
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redemption which had their origin before the first book of the Bible was written but which have their culmination in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Moreover the Bible contains not only the record of the great facts that lie at the basis of our holy religion but it gives us an authoritative interpretation of these facts.

Bible were merely great literature we would not need to concern ourselves greatly about matters of Biblical criticism; but when we realise the extent to which Christianity rests on a factual basis it is obvious that matters of Biblical criticism may spell life or death for the Christian religion.

No doubt many affirm that their Christianity is independent of any and Deny the reality of those facts and we all critical views of the Bible but it will can have no Christianity; give those always be found that what they call facts no interpretation and they will not Christianity is something other than yield us Christianity; give them an that of Christ and His apostles and interpretation other than the Bible gives which has found expression more or them, and they will yield us something less perfectly in the great creeds of other than Christianity; it takes both the Christendom. facts recorded in the Bible and the interpretation of the facts given in the Bible to give us Christianity. If the
(Let us remind ourselves of the Standards of Presbyterian Churches, Ed.)

Westminster Confession of Faith: (sections from) Chapter 1 - Of the Holy Scripture. IV: The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.

X: The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees and 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.
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New ministry in Dublin EPC

(Narrative delivered at the Installation Service, 18th May 2002) Today is an important day in the history of Perrystown Evangelical Presbyterian church in Dublin. In this month in 1990 many of you gathered in the main hall of this building to see this church move from being a mission church to full congregational status. On that day, 26th May, about 130 saw Rev Norman Reid installed as Minister and Pat Brown and myself as elders. This was some 12 years after Mr Reid had come down to Dublin to set up the Mission church using his home in Willington Ave. as a base. We got used to the idea of having Rev Reid around as our minister and never thought that he would be moving on. We probably feared the worst in 1997 when Norman went on a 6-month sabbatical visit to Dumisani Bible School, S. Africa, that it was only a matter of time before he would feel the call to make this a permanent move. This happened in October 1998 when he resigned from the Dublin church. On two occasions in the recent past we were near to acquiring a minister but both calls received set backs and were ultimately not sustained. After the disappointment of the second call not being accepted last May we had to endure a deep sense of despair. It was at this darkest hour that our assessor elder (Ernest Brown) gave us new strength and kept the congregation together in the belief that God was working out his plan and purpose for us, even though we were being sorely tested. During November and December of last year we had the privilege of hearing Rev Andrew Lucas preach and a special warmth and empathy was felt towards him by the congregation.

So it was that in January this year we had a congregational meeting to vote on Rev Lucas and it was a delight to record that we had a unanimous vote to issue the call. This is the beginning of what we hope will be a new era in the history of this church. We are also grateful to Rev During the last few years we have had to Andrew Woolsey who gave us much cope with many crises, notably the encouragement and regular ministry in resignation of our other elder Pat Brown January and February of this year and in April 2000. It was a difficult time but gave us a sense of normality. we enjoyed a regular supply of preachers from within the EPC and others from Now, having been four years in the the Dublin area, who gave us the wilderness it is a wonderful feeling for us spiritual food we needed. During this to have the prospect of regular preaching time we had the support and guidance of and ministerial continuity. We would the Rev Stephen Tracey as Interim value your prayerful interest in this new Moderator (Oct. 1998 to July 2001) and ministry. more recently from Rev Jeff Ballantine.
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News from the EPCEW

(Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England & Wales)

Bill McCully
This article was first delivered at the recent EPC Annual Reports evening, when Rev Bill McCully was guest speaker and gave a report on East Hull Presbyterian Church. Mr McCully also challenged us all to some radical thinking on proclaiming the gospel in this generation. I find it hard to believe that it is almost three years since I left you all to go and work in darkest Yorkshire. In many ways it seems just like yesterday. Perhaps it seems such a short time to some here this evening as well, as you still remember clearly the dread that filled you when you heard it was me who was coming to preach on Sunday. It is strange the things that you remember! I have been asked to speak about outreach and its problems as we have encountered them in Hull. Before I can speak of these things it is necessary that I give you a brief history of East Hull Presbyterian Church. Brief History of East Hull Presbyterian Church The church building is situated behind a Bookmakers, 336 Holderness Road, Hull, and can only be reached by walking or driving down an alley that leads to some garages and if it wasn't for the sign over the entrance to the alley you wouldn't know it was there. by a small industrial building and no one had any inkling that God had it marked to become a place of worship.

In 1981 several families left the United Reformed Church because they could no longer sit under its liberal ministry. It was not an easy decision for them and they struggled with it for several years, a dilemma that was brought to a head when their young children began We meet in a small rectangular to comment on error being preached. building, that seats 40 comfortably, Thus they left and formed East Hull unimpressive to look upon, but the fact Presbyterian Church, meeting initially that it exists is an evidence of the in a room in Churchill House and then providence of God. Twenty years ago purchasing and refitting the present it did not exist. The spot was occupied building.
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The present membership is 14 and the average Lord's day attendance is 24 in the morning and 20 in the evening - not a huge number to show for 20 years of existence. The congregation longs to see the church grow and have applied themselves in that direction. Like other Christians they pray that God would bring an increase. They look to see him blessing such work as they can do door to door visitation once a week in the surrounding area, preaching in the centre of Hull, children's work on a Friday evening and personal invitation to neighbours and friends. They have also produced two audio cassettes with an evangelical message for distribution. So you can see that although it is a small church the people are not hiding behind the walls of the building. They are not unconcerned about the lost. They have a genuine desire to see the kingdom of God extended. Yet for all their work, little seems to be happening. Why is this? Well before I address this, let me just say that ultimately it is the Lord who will build his church and that growth of any sort is to be acknowledged as coming from his hand. I do believe that we, as God's people, have a responsibility also in this matter; a responsibility to make the gospel known, and to do this we need to be sure that we are communicating it in a way that is easily understand. I want to speak of difficulties that I have seen with regard to the outreach of the church and these concern those
page 22

outside the church and those within. Difficulties outside the church East Hull Presbyterian Church has a desire to reach the lost for Christ and it does apply itself to this task. We are not sitting back and resting on our laurels, not closing the doors of our church and forgetting the desperate need of the lost. We have applied prayer and time and effort into trying to reach the lost, fully aware that we have a responsibility to take the gospel into the world. From the things that we do we have not yet very much to encourage us and far too much to discourage. You will have experienced these difficulties as well. There is the general apathy to things of God, and in particular to Christianity. This has been our experience in the city centre and on the doors. Seldom is interest shown and often there is anger; the door being slammed in your face, being cursed as you preach, but mostly it is indifference. Why is there this reaction? What human reason can there be other than acknowledging that they are spiritually dead and at enmity with God. In Hull the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Mormons are very active. People are sick of being preached at, wary of opening their doors. They no longer want their space to be invaded. They have no time for religion of any hue. Door stickers are sold that state quite clearly that this household does not want Double-glazing salesmen, Insurance salesmen,

or religious callers and will not open the door to country. Now we may smile and say them. that he did, but the point is, these folks were coming into the church and the Added to this, many believe the idea church wasn't reaching them at their that all roads lead to God. One lady, point of need. who brings her children to the Friday club told Anne last Friday evening that We use a language that is unknown to she was a very spiritual person: she had the unchurched, and that tends to prayer stones in her bag, two Buddha's alienate them, turn them off; an in her living room and was conscious unknown tongue that needs to be that there was a God. interpreted; a language that is all too familiar to us with terms such as Add to this the fact that there is little justification and sanctification. These basic knowledge of biblical truth. One are terms that for the sake of our can no longer assume that children have visitors need clarification, if we want to heard the story of David and Goliath or reach them with the gospel. The gospel that adults know anything of the Easter must be comprehensible to them. Now story. I mention again that I am fully aware that it is the work of God's Spirit to All these things indicate that the gulf between the believer and the unbeliever apply the gospel effectively to the heart, but we should do all within our power is very great indeed. to remove any unnecessary hindrances. Difficulties within the church In summary we need to make our These things include matters that we are teaching relevant and we should, as discussing at present in Hull. The much as we are able within the outreach of a church is not only the constraints of scripture, our historic work that is done outside the church perspective and the cultural context in building, but also and just as which we live, adjust our worship so importantly, if not more so, within the that the unchurched can understand church. what is going on. This is not an easy process. We have, on a few occasions, had visitors come in to our services with At a recent Bible study we discussed little or no knowledge of church life. Paul's principle of accommodation: They have not stayed long, and there were various reasons for this. One said 1 Cor.9:19-22 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, he enjoyed the preaching but the that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the singing really got him down. Another Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the said he couldn't understand what was Jews; to them that are under the law, as under being said; while another said he the law, that I might gain them that are under thought he had come into a foreign the law; 21 To them that are without law, as
page 23

without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. It is not only our terminology that we need to consider in our attempts to reach the lost, but also our attitude to others who dont comply with our particular code of conduct. For example, when we pray that the Lord would bring people in and he answers that prayer, in this day and age it is more than likely that those who come will have no church background and therefore no knowledge about how to behave. Their language might well contain the odd spicy word; their clothes might well stink of tobacco. Their dress sense might well not fit in with ours:- one lassie came to us wearing a mini skirt and that caused a stir. Our attitude needs to be looked at, but this is not a new problem. At the time of founding of the church in the time of Acts, attitudes had to be looked at as well, when Samaritans began to be converted, when the heathen started to believe. If the church was to be true to the gospel, the people had to review their attitude and attune it to the

message that all were one in Christ. CONCLUSION Where are we going from here? In our outreach in Hull, all that has been mentioned will, with the Lord's help continue, but we are looking at other ways as well. We are in the process of buying the garage next to the church in order to expand the building and give ourselves another hall. We do this because we want to be able to open up the building more to the community mother and toddler groups, coffee mornings for the elderly, a place of meeting for some of the refugees that live in the area round about, a club for teenagers, a Sunday school, and anything else we find that will be useful in reaching people. We are also planing to run a course to introduce Christianity (Christianity Explored/Explained). We are also in the process of producing Evangelistic audio tapes in several Arab languages and one for teenagers. So the work goes on, but it is always God who brings the increase.

At the time of going to press we hear that the Planners have indicated their intention to release the planning certificate permitting the building of the new church to be situated at Groomsport. By the time you read this we hope the diggers will be on site! We thank God for this answer to the prayers of His people, and further pray for a swift erection of a building to the glory of God.
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News from Bangor EPC

Books etc.
Through Many Dangers encouraged to continue to pray for those who seem to have no interest in (The story of John Newton) the gospel. In the case of John Brian H Edwards Newton the persistent prayers of a Evangelical Press godly mother were answered in the salvation of her wayward son and in 320 pages 7.95 his entering upon the gospel ministry, Reviewer: Joe Hutton long after she had gone to her reward. This is an excellent and enlarged From a life of the greatest of evil, version of a book first published in John Newton by the amazing grace of 1975. God is transformed into a loving husband, a faithful friend and Mr. Edwards is to be greatly commended for the manner in which counsellor and a wise, caring and godly pastor, who spent his life in the the book is written. It is a gripping service of God and the care of Gods story, which once started the reader will not want to put down. The book people. gives a great insight into the life of I would heartily commend the book John Newton, before and after his to young and old alike as an excellent conversion. read that will do you good. We see him as a rebel sinner having John Newtons specific request for his been brought up under the influence own epitaph sums it up very well. of the gospel; a sailor, a slave and then a slave trader. It shows how God in John Newton his providence deals with him, and Clerk preserves the lives as well as the souls Once An Indel and liber ne, of those who place their trust in him. a servant of slaves in Africa, It is a very challenging book and stirs the heart to want to do more for God was, and shows also the dreadful times in by the rich mercy of our Lord and which this servant lived. The life of a Saviour sailor in those days was harsh in the Jesus Christ, extreme. The reader will marvel at the preserved, restored, pardoned, many dangers through which Mr. and appointed to preach the faith Newton passed and be amazed at the grace of God in saving the vilest he had long laboured to destroy. offender. A Family Well-Ordered It gives hope, in that you are
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Cotton Mather Soli Deo Gloria 53 pages 2.75 Reviewer: Stephen Atkinson First printed in 1699, this booklet contains material still most relevant and important. What is the state of the family today? How are we guiding those tender shoots? I was immediately struck by a comment on the first page: families are the nurseries of all societies. What a disorderly, weed infested garden our society is, because this nursery has been neglected. The booklet is helpfully split into two parts: Duties of Parents to their Children. and Duties of Children to their Parents. While it is easy for parents to go on a guilt trip, the children do not get off easily. Curses upon unruly children are set forth in no uncertain terms. Furthermore, in days when responsibilities towards the senior members of the family are being neglected, a quote from Luther sounds so contemporary. It was a sad saying of Luther that one father will more willingly maintain ten sons than ten sons will maintain one father. (p.39) Christian teachers will also take great comfort from the importance given to education, and it will encourage struggling teachers to see the privilege and opportunity for the gospel that teaching affords. Easily read; not so easily practiced. The Local Church - a Living Body
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John Keith Davies Evangelical Press 271 pages 8.95 Reviewer: Samuel Watson The pastoral ministry of Dr J K Davies spanned 37 years and included the planting of four churches and involvement with the Grace Baptist Assembly, Grace Publications and Grace Magazine. His aim in this book is to address the need for a comprehensive statement of the New Testament doctrine of the local church. I hope that it is not to splutter about not agreeing with everything (Geoff Thomas in the Foreword) to point out that the view and understanding of an Independent adult immersionist in this area is somewhat different to a Presbyterian paedobaptist. Nevertheless, this is a useful study of the life, membership, leadership and mission of the local church. Well written and easily read, it is anything but simplistic and superficial. It provides a most stimulating and thought-provoking read and its study cannot fail to be rewarding. As the author says the best place for authentic Christianity to be seen is within local churches made up of godly people faithfully serving the Lord and therefore to understand what a local church should be and to put that understanding into practice can do nothing but good and bring great honour to the Lord our God. The Preachers of Scotland:
from the Sixth to the Nineteenth

The Preachers of Scotland:

from the Sixth to the Nineteenth Century

William G Blaikie Banner of Truth 349 pages 10.95 Reviewer: Jeff Ballantine Dont judge a book by its cover! The rather dull and drab picture of Scottish field preaching in an earlier day which covers this volume belies the material inside which is excellent. If you enjoy reading Church history and desire to learn more about the men whom God has used in Scotland over the centuries, youll enjoy this volume. Some of the preachers considered here include Knox, Welch, Melville, Henderson, Rutherford, Cameron, Boston, the Erskines, and Chalmers, to name but a few. Blaikie summarizes the lives of these great preachers, peppers his narrative with many memorable anecdotes from their ministries and in some cases quotes from their sermons. Spurgeon described this work as A valuable volume. He went on to say: There need be no fear of failure in the pulpit so long as the gospel is faithfully preached; but ministers who think that they must ever be telling some new tiding may here see that nothing is so attractive as the old, old story of Jesus and his love.

John White Eagle Publishing 288 pages 5.99 Reviewer: Ian Atkinson (aged 12) This book is the sixth and last part of a fantasy series. I hadnt read the others but I liked this one so much my dad bought the rest of the set! I like C S Lewis and the Narnia tales and this is similar though it is a bit easier to read. There are interesting characters and adventures to follow. At the very start the main characters are at their home in Canada, and they travel to Anthropos through their old television sets. After confronting a seven -headed ogre, being stuck in darkness, and getting tracked down by Lord Lunacys followers, they finally make it to the point where Gaal defeats the Dark Lord Lunacy. Lord Lunacy is like the devil, and has evil dwarves called Matmon. Our friends also have Vulcanus as their Guide. Gaal is always with them though they cant see him. Through the adventures we learn things about God, and how to live for him on our travels, and to trust him when we cant see him. Gaals defeat of Lord Lunacy shows the Lords victory over Satan.

Forget Harry Potter. Read The Dark Scotland has a "goodly heritage" and this Lords Demise. is an excellent place to read about it. The Dark Lords Demise
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The GUIDE - to the Bible Book by Book Roger Ellsworth Evangelical Press 432 pages

8.00

The GUIDE - to Ecclesiastes Gordon Keddie Evangelical Press 348 pages

Certainly they cannot be charged with being simplistic when the Ecclesiastes Guide is almost 350 pages! What an important book of Scripture is Ecclesiastes for our day, yet how little known it is, and its relevance poorly understood? There is an uncommon plainness about this Guide. Commenting on Ecclesiastes Chapter 1 there are headings like: Fact 1 - Some day you will die. Fact 2 - Where is there any satisfaction? Fact 3 - Whats really new anymore? Punchy headlines are all around us in our world today, and this common method is used to good effect. There are many helpful quotations from good authors both contemporary and of former days. The Guide on the Bible, though necessarily brief, is a useful one volume resource. Rightfully Christ-centred, Old Testament parallels and anticipations of Christ are clearly shown. There is also a brief comment on the inter-testamental period.

7.00

The GUIDE - to Colossians & Philemon Michael Bentley Evangelical Press 208 pages 6.00 Reviewer: Stephen Atkinson These Guides from Evangelical Press are a most worthy addition to your bookshelf. They both fill a gap and present a whole new experience of Bible instruction. There is a link to their own website where questions may be asked and answered by men of experience.

These three volumes are a refreshing start to a series that should have an The gap I perceive they fill concerns the serious student of the Bible who is impact. Contemporary, relevant, plain not wishing for a preaching material and practical, for personal edification, or group study ( - questions for commentary. I consider them userdiscussion are included), they are most friendly without being simplistic - a useful and most welcome. good healthy balance.

Justification is by faith, but knowledge of the Bible comes by works.

Charles Simeon

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making progress with pilgrim

(for pilgrims of all ages)

- (4) IN THE VALLEY (John Bunyan presented the world with a wonderful picture of Christian experience in The Pilgrims Progress. We continue to retell some of the main parts of the story.)

Every day brings new experiences; some good, some bad, but all really for our good. In the story of Pilgrims Progress we find Christian going through many things. Some of those things bring him much joy, but other experiences bring pain, anxiety and sorrow. He had a particularly difficult time when he was brought into two valleys, one after the other. The first valley is called the Valley of Humility. Here he meets Apollyon who attacks him with fiery darts, but he protects himself with the shield. And when he is later knocked to the ground he reaches for his sword and thrusts it at the enemy. The enemy flies away. Certain things in life knock us down and make us feel very low. It is important that we use the armour God has given (Ephesians 6). We have different kinds of defensive protective armour including the Shield of Faith, and we also have the offensive Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Resist the devil and he will flee. Christian carries on, and finds himself in a deeper valley called the Valley of the Shadow of Death. He notices two deep ditches on either side. One is very deep where the blind have led the blind for ages. The other is a filthy quagmire where the lustful have fallen. We are told that King David once fell in here. The safe path is down the middle between the two ditches. There will be times when our Christian life is difficult and dangerous. We must take great care with our walk. Though there are times when we can make quick progress, there are other times when we can only walk. And when we walk through the valley of the shadow we are to remember that shadows simply mean that something is blocking the light, not that the light is gone completely. God is always there. His light never goes out. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me. Your rod and your staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4).

Evangelical Book Shop

15 College Square East, Belfast, BT1 6DD E-mail: shop@evanbooks-belfast.fsnet.co.uk Tel. 028 9032 0529 Fax 028 9043 8330 Manager: John Grier
Bringing the Gospel to Covenant Children - Joel R Beeke 1.50
The author who visited Crumlin EPC in March 2002 provides detailed guidelines on how parents should use prayer,family worship, teaching, conversation and mentoring to evangelise children. Most balanced and useful.

Holiness - Joel R Beeke 1.25 to 95p

This booklet shows that holiness is primarily a matter of relationships, that its power lies in the Holy Spirit within the believer and that its fruit is of supreme importance for the progress of all true Christianity.

Reprints
Robert Trail: Justification Vindicated 3.75 to 2.80 Patrick Fairbairn: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus 13.95 to 10.50 Thomas Boston: Crook in the Lot 4.99 to 3.75 John Murray: Free Offer of the Gospel 1.25 to 95p J C Ryle: Call to Prayer 1.25 to 95p

The Message Bible - Eugene H Peterson H/B 29.99 to 22.50

The Message does for us what JB Phillips did for a previous generation. It gives stimulating, vivid and dynamic insights into the Scriptures with much scholarship and is highly accessible to the general reader. Bible readers should always use it for study in conjunction with a strict equivalence translation like the New King James Version. The whole Bible is published in July 2002.

Today's New International New Testament P/B 2.95

This is an updated gender-inclusive NIV. The project is fatally flawed and poorly executed (see Hebrews 2:17 where our Saviour is said to be made like His brothers and sisters in all things in a passage referring to exclusively male priests!) A full review in 29 pages is at www.cbmw.org Not recommended.

Clones - Clowns of Technology? - Gareth Jones 12.99

This detailed account of the technique and ethics of cloning is useful but should be read critically.

Revival Man, the Jack Troup story - George Mitchell 5.99 to 4.50

The story of a leading Scottish evangelist who was superintendent of the Tent Hall, Glasgow.